Custom Middle School PE Shirts and Gym Uniform Apparel

Custom middle school PE shirts ordered through a school shop cost less than what most districts charge families for a generic gym shirt because the margin goes back to the PE department or student activity fund. Students order their own size before the year begins, shirts arrive at home, and the first gym class starts without the usual size-sorting chaos. Here is the most practical setup for PE departments at any school size.

Middle School PE Shirts vs Gym Uniforms: What the Catalog Covers

The terminology varies by district but the intent is the same:

PE shirts are the top layer: a custom t-shirt or performance tee with the school name and "Physical Education" or "PE" or the school mascot. This is the main product in this catalog.

Gym uniforms can mean just the shirt or a full set (shirt plus shorts). This catalog includes both custom shirts and custom athletic shorts, so a two-piece PE uniform set is possible. See the athletic wear guide for the shorts options.

Full formal PE uniforms with specific regulatory requirements (numbered jerseys, specific fit specs, team sets with identical cuts) may need a specialized uniform supplier. The shirts and shorts in this catalog cover the majority of middle school PE programs that simply need a consistent-looking garment in school colors.

Best Fabric and Style for Middle School PE Shirts

PE shirts take more abuse than any other school shirt. Students wear them through double-period gym days, field days, running units, and wrestling or tumbling mats. The fabric needs to last.

Moisture-wicking performance tee (Sport-Tek Men's or Ladies' Moisture-Wicking Tee): the strongest choice for PE. Polyester blend that pulls sweat away from skin, dries fast between periods, holds color through hundreds of washes. Available in youth and adult sizes to cover all grade levels.

Youth Athletic Moisture-Wicking Performance Tee (Sport-Tek): specifically sized for middle school students. Smaller proportions in the youth cut fit 6th-8th graders better than adult smalls.

Cotton tee: fine for schools in cool climates or where PE is mostly classroom-based for part of the year. Lower cost per shirt, which lowers the order price and makes it more accessible for families. However, cotton holds sweat and takes longer to dry than performance fabric.

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

How PE Departments Set Up a School Apparel Shop

The most common setup for a PE shirt program:

1. PE director creates a free shop at Bear Grips Pro Shops with one or two shirt designs (one for students, one for PE staff or coaches).
2. A form goes home with families at the beginning of the year with the shop URL and a QR code. Families order their child's size and color preference before school starts.
3. Shirts ship directly to the family address. First gym class: everyone has a shirt.
4. The shop stays open all year. New students, lost shirts, and size changes are handled without a re-order event.

Revenue math for a PE department:

School size	Families buying	Shirts/student	Margin	Annual earnings
400 students	320 (80%)	1	$8	$2,560
600 students	480 (80%)	1	$8	$3,840

That money can go to PE equipment, field day funding, or athletic program costs. The shop earns it passively once the link is shared.

Middle School PE Shirt Design Ideas That Work for Every Grade

PE shirt designs need to be simple enough for 6th graders to feel comfortable wearing and specific enough to identify the school at a glance:

• School name + "Physical Education" or "PE": the most common layout. Bold school name on the front, PE underneath. Clean and readable from across the gym.
• Mascot-based design: the school mascot in an athletic pose on the chest. "Eagles PE" or "Bulldogs Athletics." Works especially well for schools with strong mascot recognition.
• Number system: each student gets a number on the back corresponding to their gym locker number. Helps attendance and provides individual accountability. Ask families to note their student's locker number at checkout.
• Grade color system: 6th grade gets red, 7th grade gets navy, 8th grade gets gray. Same school design, different shirt colors by grade. Makes grade level immediately visible during multi-grade gym periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students order their own PE shirt size through the school shop?

Yes. Set up the shop and share the link with families. Each student or parent selects their size at checkout. Shirts ship directly to the home address.

What is the best fabric for a middle school gym shirt?

A moisture-wicking polyester performance tee is the standard choice for PE. It handles sweat, dries fast between classes, and holds up through repeated washing.

Can I get PE shirts in youth and adult sizes from the same design?

Yes. Add both youth and adult size options to your shop under the same design. One ordering link covers all sizes from youth small through adult 3XL.

How do I handle replacement PE shirts for students who lose theirs mid-year?

Keep the shop open year-round. Families visit the link, order a replacement, and the shirt arrives at home in about a week. No re-order events needed.