Recreational Gymnastics Class Shirts: Session, Group, and Level Tees

Class shirts are the smallest, most predictable revenue driver in a rec gymnastics shop. Every session, every level, every group gets its own version of the same tee with the level name printed on the front or sleeve. Parents buy them automatically because they want their kid to have the class shirt that matches the group photo. The math is simple: 200 enrolled kids, 60 percent buy the class shirt, 120 tees a session, $12 margin each, $1,440 per session in tees alone.

How to organize class shirts by level

Three layouts that work:

• Same tee, different sleeve print: the gym tee with the level name (Tots, Pre-K, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) printed on the sleeve in matching ink
• Same tee, different color: each level gets a different tee color (pink for Tots, purple for Pre-K, etc.) with the same chest logo
• Same tee, different back design: standard logo on front, big level name across the back of the tee

Option 1 (sleeve print) is the most flexible. Adds and removes levels without re-designing every season.

Class tee designs that work

• Front chest: gym logo, 3-4 inches wide
• Sleeve: level name or class number
• Back center (optional): gymnast first name or "GYMNAST" across the shoulders
• Bottom tag (optional): session start year and term (Fall 26, Spring 27)

Class shirts that mention the year build collectibility. Parents save the tees and stack them in the closet as the kid moves up.

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When to introduce class shirts

The cleanest timing: launch class shirts at week 2 of each session. Reasons:

• Week 1 is chaos. Parents are figuring out drop-off, kids are crying, nobody is buying merch.
• By week 2, parents have settled and want to lock in the gymnast identity
• Class photos happen around week 4-5. Class shirts arrive in time to be worn in the photo.

Performance vs cotton for class shirts

For Tots through Beginner: cotton wins. Softer hand, gentler on young skin, parents prefer the feel. The kid wears it before class over a leotard or sweats off the floor.

For Intermediate through Advanced: performance wicking wins. These kids actually sweat in their pre-class warmup, especially in conditioning blocks. The Sport-Tek wicking tee ($23.86) holds up.

Class shirt revenue math

Gym size	Enrolled kids	Class shirt buy rate	Sessions per year	Annual class shirt revenue
Small studio	80	50%	4	$1,920 (160 tees x $12 margin)
Mid-size gym	200	60%	4	$5,760
Large facility	500	65%	6	$23,400

Class shirts alone often pay the rec gym apparel program for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to commit to one tee design for the whole year?

No. Each session can launch its own design. Add and remove products any time, change goes live the same day.

Can each level have a different color tee with the same logo?

Yes. The same logo prints onto multiple base tee colors at no extra setup.

What size range do you offer for kid tees?

Youth XS through YXL, plus adult unisex S-3XL for older recreational athletes.

How fast do class tees arrive after order?

About one week from order to delivery in the US.