Summer vacation is over, and college campuses are finally opening back for the fall–this back-to-school era means you’re probably looking for new outfits outside of the shirts on your bedroom floor. Or, perhaps, you’re thinking of selling a new collection for your youthful apparel brand. Whatever the occasion, we’ve got your back–here are some of the essential clothes you’ll need for your casual campus outfits this semester.
- Tops
Whether you’re feeling the fall breeze in America or enduring the rains of Singapore, long sleeves and denim are all the rage this season. Prioritize more neutral colors for your tops–greys, creams, and matted blues or reds are especially popular here. Flannels are always on the table, but try out these other fits to sell (or wear) on campus:
a. Long-sleeved Crewnecks
A sweatshirt, a light-sleeve tee, or a sweater, whichever you choose will look as warm as it feels. The classic crewneck hugs around your collar, protecting you from the weather while emphasizing the coziness of this natural fit.
For designers, you can also choose to print graphics on the chest portion of the outfit. A popular way to go about it is to add a pocket with a small logo tucked over it, though you can also print patterns along the neckline or at the center just below the neck. While a little expensive, embroidery is especially effective for these types of shirts.
b. Oversized
A nice alternative to the somewhat stuffy and constricting long sleeve is an oversized shirt. Enough fabric to fight off the weather, enough space to rush from class to class. You can get them with long and short sleeves, different collars and stitches, and various cotton blends. If your area or classroom gets chilly, get a thick one at a GSM higher than 250.
For designers, these shirts offer a lot of space to work with for graphics, but also a lot of sagging and potential wrinkles when worn. Keep that in mind if you plan to print anything detailed. To contour the shape of your graphic, you can use direct-to-film, or experiment with puff printing to give a unique look to your shirt.
c. Acid washes
Acidwashes use muriatic acid and bleach to fade out a little color from fabric and give a worn-down look to it. It’s become especially popular in recent years and has a nice, down-to-earth tune. These shirts draw in the eyes immediately and can be paired with more plain shorts or jeans to complete the final outfit.
When printing on acid washes, be careful about the colors or designs you choose. Vibrant shades tend to clash with the general look and feel of this fit. Consider using simple, screen-printed logo designs for your purposes here.
d. Sweatshirts
Really emphasizing the casual here, sweatshirts are mostly known in the athletic scene, but they’re also a nice top to throw on when hitting the books in a library or cafe. You can use them as a normal top or a collared shirt underneath to add a bit of volume to your look.
Designers will want to stick to plain logos or font-based patterns at the front of the sweatshirt. These fabrics are made for activity and laidback hobbies, so they’re not well-suited for more ambitious prints.
2. Bottoms
Trouser options are nothing too fancy, but dependable in all manners of situations. Skip out the torn trousers if you’re looking for comfort in your casual campus outfit–here are a few other suggestions.
a. Jeans
A good pair of denim will always be in season. They’re warm, usually very stretchy, and convenient for whatever college occasion you find yourself in. If you’re a brand owner and/or designer, consider using patches or embroidery to further elevate your collection this season.
b. Shorts
Though not the best option for colder regions, Asian countries might appreciate a thick pair of shorts for this semester. Get something with inner linings to keep yourself more comfortable during long classes, and pair it with a heavy jacket to emphasize a top-heavy silhouette.
Printing graphics on shorts is usually limited to the lower hem area, where you can stitch or print new designs by the calf. Stick to simple patterns, a logo, or a few catchy phrases to keep your shorts neutral and flexible for different occasions.
3. Outerwear
A good jacket or coat can really add a lot of complexity to any outfit on campus. If you’re selling them, you’ll also find they can have interesting variations and functions to experiment with. Let’s focus on three for now.
a. Varsity Jackets
Varsity jackets have been around since the 1860s, and they’ve always been synonymous with a deep pride associated with going to a certain university. Nowadays, they’ve become an all-time favorite commemorative outfit or gift, and one of the best pieces in casual campus outfits.
Despite their associations with colleges and schools, varsity jackets aren’t restricted to school settings alone. Designers are free to print any sort of graphics at the back of a varsity jacket, though brushstroke font designs (like the ones you’ll see in ballgames) are standard.
Embroidery or patchwork looks especially grand on varsity jackets, though DTF printing can be a cheaper alternative in a pinch.
b. Hoodies
Casual campus outfits without hoodies are like a bird without wings. These jackets have come in clutch on many occasions, especially in late-night gatherings or study sessions when you can’t be bothered to wear any decent tops for the evening. Sportier and more athletic versions tend to be a bit top-heavy in their silhouette, while looser and more relaxed ones have a softer look to them.
Like varsity jackets, most hoodies have their patterns or graphics printed on the back. Top-heavy hoodies may still have enough space for a simple print on the front.
c. Windbreaker
Highly valued in the sports scene, windbreakers are a bit of an underdog piece in the average casual campus outfit wardrobe. They’ve been around since the 1960s and are characterized by their protective exterior and breezy interior, making them perfect for braving brisker weather in the fall or during the coming winter months in Asia.
However, as windbreakers tend to crease quite a bit, defined shapes and detailed prints aren’t recommended in this field. If you’re a designer, stick to simple geometrical shapes or repetitive patterns (like camo or water) to follow the flow of the fabric. Any logos can be printed on the back.
