Back to School Graphic Tees

School clothes have a harder job than any other part of a child's wardrobe. Five days a week, thirty-six weeks a year, plus playground surfaces that are designed to be non-slip and are therefore extremely good at removing fabric from knees and elbows.

What survives a semester

The failure points are the neck rib and the shoulder seam, both of which give out from repeated pulling on and off for gym. A taped shoulder seam and a properly set rib collar are the two features worth checking on any school tee. For the print, what matters is whether the ink is in the fabric or sitting on top of it: a direct-to-garment or screen print fades slowly, while a heat transfer peels at the corners by midterm.

How many to buy

Five is the number that lets you wash once a week without running short. Buying seven is not much better and buying three guarantees a mid-week emergency wash. Order at the start of August rather than the last week of summer break, when stock in the common sizes has usually gone.

Back to school tees: common questions

Are graphic tees allowed at school?

It depends entirely on the school. Many elementary schools allow them daily; others have a dress code that restricts graphics. Check your policy before buying a set.

How many should I buy?

Five per size covers a week between washes comfortably.

When should I order?

Early August. Common sizes thin out in the final two weeks of summer break.

Will they last the whole year?

The garment will. Growth usually ends its life before wear does, particularly between five and eight.

How should I label them?

A printed iron-on label on the inside hem works better than writing on the neck label, since these tees have a tear-away label rather than a sewn-in tag.