• by Tracy Stearns
  • Jul 17, 2025

What Makes a Spirit Shirt Sell Out? Design Tips That Work

Why Some Spirit Shirts Sell Out Fast—and Others Don’t
Ever seen a spirit shirt disappear faster than pizza at a pep rally? There’s a reason why some designs take off—and others sit in boxes. The good news? There is a formula for creating must-have school apparel.

At Running Threads, we’ve seen what works (and what flops). Here’s how you can design spirit shirts that fly off the shelves—and into the stands.

5 Design Tips That Drive Sales
💡 These tried-and-true tips consistently lead to higher sales and school spirit:

  1. Use bold school colors – Represent your team loud and proud.

  2. Create slogans students love – Think inside jokes, rally cries, or class mottos.

  3. Keep it clean and modern – Simple, stylish designs win over all ages.

  4. Front + back printing – Maximize space for logos, names, or quotes.

  5. Choose comfy shirt styles – Soft fabric and good fit matter more than you think.

Want help with the design? We’ve got your back—and your front.

Who’s Wearing Your Shirt?
Before you design, think about your audience:

  • Students want style and humor.

  • Parents want a keepsake.

  • Teams want a unified look.

  • Clubs want identity and recognition.

🎤 Pro Tip: Run a quick student poll or let a few reps vote on designs. Involvement builds hype—and more sales!

And when it comes to production, screen printing is your best bet—it keeps colors bold and designs crisp, wash after wash.

Why Great Spirit Shirts Matter
The right shirt does more than raise money. It boosts:

  • Unity – Everyone wearing the same shirt? That’s community.

  • Pride – It’s an easy way to show support.

  • Visibility – Your school’s brand spreads far and wide.

One of our recent partner schools sold out of their homecoming shirts in 3 days—then came back for a second round.

Let’s Make Your Next Shirt a Hit
We’re not just printers—we’re design strategists. From slogans to shirt styles, we’ll help you create a spirit shirt that sells and inspires.

👉 Ready to design something that stands out—and sells out?

←  Back to Custom Apparel