Schools, PTAs, booster clubs, and local businesses in the Charleston area can use branded apparel and promotional products to build community and raise funds during the back-to-school season. Key items include youth tees, hoodies, tech accessories, and custom online stores. Order by Aug. 19, 2026, for Labor Day delivery.
We apologize for breaking this somber summertime news: back-to-school season is here. Even though it feels like we’re still in the middle of summer, parents are already thinking about what they need to get kids ready for a new school year in the Charleston area.
If it feels like back-to-school season arrives earlier each year, you’re not wrong. Once a two-week flurry of filling your cart with jeans, pencils, and an array of colorful folders, back-to-school shopping season now runs throughout the summer and even into the fall.
According to Mountain Research’s 2026 Back-to-School Trends analysis, back-to-school retail sales are projected to hit more than $85 billion in 2026 – a 3.3% year-over-year increase. It’s a market several businesses and organizations can tap for added revenue in late summer and early fall.
In particular, the back-to-school season is a focus for schools, PTAs, booster clubs, universities, and organizations that cater to students and their families.
Here are 3 ways your school or organization can jump to the head of the class with branded apparel and promotional products:
1. What branded apparel works best for back to school?
Stick to the classics. There’s a reason so many people have drawers full of T-shirts and closet hooks full of hoodies. Make sure you have those staples in your list of school spirit merch, PTA fundraiser prizes, or college orientation goodie bags.
We love brands Gildan, NextLevel and Bella+Canvas for hoodies, sweatpants, long- and short-sleeved shirts. Plus, these brands offer youth sizes perfect for elementary schools and youth sports teams.
This Gildan hoodie comes in a ton of fun colors. Plus, this particular fabric blend is durable, reduces pilling, and creates a smooth printing surface so your design pops. Try these cotton youth long-sleeve shirts from NextLevel with rib knit crewneck and cuffs. Or grab a youth cotton NextLevel short-sleeve shirt available in more than 20 colors. Bella+Canvas offers a super soft youth triblend short-sleeve shirt in 19 colors.
Sport-Tek is another favorite for performance T-shirts. These particular Sport-Tek shirts come in youth sizes and are lightweight and breathable. Colors and logos are locked in to prevent fading, making these shirts an excellent choice at an affordable price point.
Perfect for sports teams and high school students who like to live in sweatpants, Gildan has youth heavy blend sweatpants with a covered elastic waistband and no drawcord. Or choose from nine sweatpant color options in adult sizes S-3XL.
Beat the heat with youth and adult mesh shorts from Augusta Sportswear. Youth sizes are available in 13 colors and have a moisture-wicking knit lining. This mesh short style is also available in adult sizes S-4XL.
These are excellent choices for branded garments. You can choose from a ton of on-brand colors and they print well. Plus, we always have these staple garments in stock so turnaround times are quick.
2. What are some must-have tech items for back to school in 2026?
Technology is part of every student’s life. Kindergarteners use iPads, middle schoolers are assigned their own Chromebooks, and college students rely on laptops more than textbooks.
Keeping devices charged, protected, and organized is a daily struggle. It’s a smart move to add your brand or logo to power banks, laptop sleeves, and other accessories. These items stick around and get used.
Like this tech organizer pouch with a zipper closure, mesh pockets, and sewn-in elastic bands. This pouch is perfect for keeping cables, chargers, and flash drives organized in a backpack.
Another great tech product is this desktop cable organizer designed to eliminate electronic clutter. Four dedicated cable clips securely hold various cord sizes and the metal plate base sits securely on any desk or table.
We love this practical and clever journal cover with a built-in phone stand. Refill with a standard size writing pad and the cover includes one large pocket and two card slots.
Keep those ID badges and secure access cards close – while displaying your school or team colors – with this woven lanyard.
Lastly, check out this cool new gadget we just branded for the College of Charleston: a slim card with tracking technology. The size of a credit card, it slips into your wallet or clips onto a keychain, backpack or luggage. And it works with both Apple and Android devices. Perfect for college students to track their belongings. Or parents can track their college students. The students might not love that idea, but parents are happy!
3. How does a custom online spirit store work?
Create a limited-time store for a PTA fundraiser or limited edition merchandise. Or leave your spirit store up throughout the school year so families can get logo’d apparel or items whenever they want.
If you’re a current customer, connect with your designated sales representative to set up your custom online store. Or reach out to our team.
The next step is easy: Simply decide which apparel items you want to offer. We’ll set up your store with six products for a $50 fee (add more products for an additional fee). You can sell promotional items in your custom online store, but those must be paid for in advance.
Custom online stores make ordering branded shirts, hoodies, or jackets for your PTA, school, or team as easy as A-B-C! You don’t have to:
- Guess at sizes
- Collect payment
- Calculate taxes
- Manage store inventory
And that’s how you win at 2026 back-to-school branded apparel and promotional items.
Now, let’s tackle a few common questions about ordering and logistics.
How far in advance do I need to order? Our typical turnaround time is 12-15 business days and rush services may be available for an added fee. Back-to-school season is one of our busy times so we recommend ordering as soon as possible. If you have a Labor Day deadline, order by Aug. 19, 2026, to ensure on-time delivery.
Is there a minimum order quantity? We do not have minimums for embroidery. We also have print methods to accommodate just a few pieces.
Can I see a proof before placing my order? Our standard production timeline includes a virtual proof after order placement. We provide proof after the order is placed to ensure that we can get the product on order and keep the 12-15 business day timeline. If you’d like your artwork done prior to placing the order, we can do that with the art fee paid in full. Please note that this may increase your production timeline.
Do you have sample items I can see before I make a decision? Yes, you can stop by our showroom at 1758 Ashley River Road in Charleston. We keep a number of items in our showroom so you can touch, feel, and try on apparel before you buy. Our team members can walk you through the options so you get the best pieces for your budget.
Do you offer delivery? Yes! We offer free local delivery on orders of 72+ pieces or orders of more than $700. Or you can pay a delivery fee of $25. We deliver to commercial addresses within 10 miles of our showroom at 1758 Ashley River Road in Charleston. Receive your items within 3 business days of order completion. Please note, you must have a card on file and payment will be processed prior to delivery.
Be sure to place your order by Aug. 19, 2026, for Labor Day delivery. Request a quote online to get started.
Last updated Aug. 1, 2026