Fall is when NYC schools, teams and organizations lock in the branded apparel they’ll wear all winter. Staff hoodies for the cold months, warmups for winter sports, beanies for spirit days, quarter-zips for the front office: if you want it before the holidays, now is the time to plan.
Here’s a simple guide to what to order, who’s ordering, and how to get it done on time, from a Brooklyn team that has been outfitting New York schools since 1984.
Why fall is the right time to order branded apparel
Three things make October the sweet spot:
- Production takes time. Design approval, sizing and production all need room, and schedules fill up fast before the holidays. Ordering now gives you space to get it right.
- Winter sports start soon. Basketball, wrestling and indoor track teams need uniforms and warmups before the season, not halfway through it.
- December is busy. Staff appreciation gifts, winter concerts and holiday events all land in the same few weeks.
Tip: ask your rep for the current order-by date for December delivery. It depends on the item and quantity.
The fall and winter branded apparel lineup
These are the pieces schools and organizations reach for when the weather turns:
- Hoodies and crewnecks. The everyday favorite for students, staff and spirit days. Easy to wear, easy to love.
- Quarter-zips. A polished option for administrators, front office staff and coaches.
- Beanies and knit hats. Low cost, high visibility, and perfect for spirit days, giveaways and outdoor duty.
- Jackets and outerwear. For coaches, security and anyone working outside through the winter.
- Long-sleeve tees. A simple layering piece that works for teams, clubs and events.
See more cold weather options on our Cold Weather page, or browse the full branded apparel lineup.
Who’s ordering branded apparel this season
Branded apparel isn’t just for students. This time of year, orders come from:
- School staff and administrators who want warm, matching gear for the winter months
- Winter sports teams getting ready for the season (see our custom sports wear)
- PTAs and booster clubs running spirit wear fundraisers
- Clubs and student groups that want their own identity
- Local businesses and organizations outfitting staff or sponsoring a local team
Getting your branding right
Great branded apparel starts with a few simple choices:
- Start with a clean logo file. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG or a high-resolution PDF) print and stitch best. If your logo is older or blurry, we can help clean it up.
- Match your colors. Share your school or brand colors so every piece looks consistent across hoodies, hats and jackets.
- Choose embroidery or print. Embroidery gives hats, quarter-zips and jackets a durable, premium look. Screen printing is ideal for bold designs on hoodies and tees in larger quantities. We’ll recommend the best method for each piece.
- Keep small placements simple. A clean logo on the chest or a hat reads better than a detailed design shrunk down.
A simple order timeline for December delivery
- This week: pick your pieces, gather rough sizes and send your logo.
- Early October: review your mockup and quote.
- Mid October: confirm final sizes and approve so production can start.
- November: production and delivery, ahead of winter break.
Exact timing depends on the item and quantity, so confirm the order-by date with your rep.
Frequently asked questions
What is branded apparel? Branded apparel is clothing customized with your logo, name or colors, such as hoodies, quarter-zips, hats and jackets. Schools, teams and businesses use it for staff, students, events and fundraising.
How far ahead should we order for the holidays? The earlier the better. Starting in October leaves time for approvals and production before December. Your rep can give you the current order-by date.
Do you work with schools outside Brooklyn? Yes. We’re based in Brooklyn and work with schools, teams and organizations across New York City.
Get started
Send us your logo and a rough idea of what you need, and we’ll put together a mockup and a quote. Request a quote or browse our catalog for the full lineup.
Branded apparel, made for NYC schools by a Brooklyn team since 1984.
