{"id":8524,"date":"2026-05-04T15:04:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluecotton.com\/blog\/?p=8524"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:04:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:04:04","slug":"best-custom-t-shirts-for-schools-and-nonprofits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluecotton.com\/blog\/garment\/best-custom-t-shirts-for-schools-and-nonprofits\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Custom T-Shirts for Schools and Nonprofits"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a group leader, PTO coordinator, or fundraising organizer, you\u2019re already juggling a lot of organizational responsibilities; picking a T-shirt should be the least of your worries. Not to mention the fact that you\u2019re working with budgets and deadlines you didn\u2019t set, which means you need to make sure the quality is right and that the shirts fit everyone involved \u2014 the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

So let\u2019s go over the shirts that have been consistent winners for schools and nonprofit groups, taking into consideration budget, sizes, and colors.<\/span><\/p>\n

At a Glance<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nGildan 5000 Heavy Cotton<\/b><\/td>\nJerzees 29M Heavyweight Blend<\/b><\/td>\nGildan 8000 Dryblend 50\/50<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Material<\/b><\/td>\n5.3 oz, 100% pre-shrunk cotton<\/span><\/td>\n5.6 oz, 50\/50 cotton\/polyester blend<\/span><\/td>\n5.6 oz, 50\/50 cotton\/polyester blend<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colors<\/b><\/td>\n65<\/span><\/td>\n43<\/span><\/td>\n31<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sizes<\/b><\/td>\nYXS \u2013 Adult 5XL<\/span><\/td>\nYXS \u2013 Adult 5XL<\/span><\/td>\nYXS \u2013 Adult 5XL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fit<\/b><\/td>\nClassic, unisex<\/span><\/td>\nClassic, unisex<\/span><\/td>\nClassic, unisex<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best For<\/b><\/td>\nSchool spirit days, pep events, greek life, fundraisers, teacher & staff appreciation<\/span><\/td>\nGreek life events, teacher & staff appreciation<\/span><\/td>\nSummer camp, youth groups, active groups<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Price per Shirt (50 pieces)<\/b><\/td>\n$7.60<\/span><\/td>\n$8.48<\/span><\/td>\n$8.19<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Best for School Spirit Days and Pep Events<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top pick: <\/b>Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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Few shirts in our catalog get as much love as the Gildan 5000. The fabric is 5.3 oz., pre-shrunk 100% cotton (though some colors use a cotton\/poly blend), so it holds up well through the wash. The double-needle stitching on the neckline, sleeves, and hem adds durability, and the shoulder-to-shoulder taping gives it a clean look that works well for screen printing your school’s logo or mascot. It\u2019s priced at $7.60 per shirt when buying 50 shirts, and it\u2019s a genuinely comfortable shirt that students will actually want to wear again after the event.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s available in both youth and adult sizes, which is exactly what you need when you’re outfitting students, teachers, and staff in matching apparel. And for spirit days and pep rallies, the 65-color range means you can almost certainly land on your exact school color.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for Sorority and Fraternity Events<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top Picks: <\/b>Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Jerzees 29M Heavyweight Blend Tee<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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Greek life events tend to mean big orders, specific colors, and a need for something that photographs well. Both the Gildan 5000 and the Jerzees 29M deliver on all three.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jerzees 29M is a 50\/50 cotton\/polyester blend that comes in 43 colors and comes at a great price point: $8.48 each when ordering 50 shirts. The seamless body construction gives it a wider print area (a really nice feature when your design has a lot of detail). It also has shoulder-to-shoulder taping for a smooth, polished finish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sizes run from Youth XS through Adult 5XL, so it works equally well for co-ed chapters and large event orders with a wide mix of people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for Nonprofit Fundraiser Shirts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top pick: <\/b>Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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When the goal is to raise money and maximize what goes back to your cause, the shirt itself needs to be as cost-effective as possible while still being something people are genuinely happy to receive.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gildan 5000 hits that balance well. It’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that consistently nails comfort and long-lasting quality. At this price point, it’s one of the best options for nonprofit fundraising where the shirt itself is part of what you’re selling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for Summer Camp and Youth Group Tees<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top pick: <\/b>Gildan 8000 DryBlend 50\/50 Tee<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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Summer camp shirts have a hard job. They need to survive outdoor activities, multiple wash cycles, and kids who are hard on their clothes. The Gildan 8000 DryBlend is built for exactly that.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s a 5.6 oz., 50% cotton\/50% polyester blend with moisture-wicking properties, which helps keep campers comfortable during active days. The fabric is pre-shrunk, so parents won’t find themselves with a shirt two sizes smaller after the first wash. It\u2019s priced at $8.19\/shirt when ordering 50, it comes in 31 colors and sizes up through 5XL, and the DryBlend fabric holds its color well over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 8000\u2019s moisture-wicking also comes in handy for any outdoor youth event, whether that’s a mission trip, a sports camp, or a week at a retreat center where the air conditioning isn’t exactly reliable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Shirts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top picks: <\/b>Jerzees 29M Heavyweight Blend Tee<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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A large team of staff naturally includes people of all shapes and sizes. Of course, you\u2019d want each of them to feel appreciated while wearing a shirt that fits comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both the Jerzees 29M and the Gildan 5000 offer that full range from Youth XS to Adult 5XL. They both have a classic fit that works well across different body types, and the large color selection means more than likely you\u2019ll find one that matches your school color without compromising.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Look For in a Good Shirt for Schools and Nonprofits<\/span><\/h2>\n