Let’s be real. Back to school hits fast, especially when you're managing work, carpools, and kids who suddenly want to wear nothing but football gear. One minute you’re checking a school supply list, the next you’re Googling if a Jaguars hoodie is acceptable for picture day. Sound familiar? This checklist is built for you.
Whether you’ve got a kindergartner who insists on a Cowboys backpack or a middle schooler obsessed with his Dolphins Hawaiian shirt, this is your stress free, time saving guide to NFL back to school shopping. Every item on this list is made to keep your mornings smoother, your kids happier, and your weekends filled with football.
When school starts, most kids want clothes they feel good in. When they're also football fans? They want to rep their team. So let’s start with daily wear that blends comfort, team pride, and easy wash cycles.
Go with two or three breathable NFL T-shirts in a cotton poly blend. These can be rotated through the week and layered under zip hoodies when the weather cools. Add one soft hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt with their favorite team’s logo, ideal for bus stop mornings or chilly classrooms. Then round out the set with one or two pairs of logo joggers or athletic shorts. These pair well with everything and stand up to gym class, recess, and after school hangouts.
Want something that pops more? Try an NFL Hawaiian shirt. More and more schools allow them as casual wear, and they're a hit for spirit days or school events. Our NFL Hawaiian Shirts are wrinkle resistant and picture day approved. You won’t find these prints in box stores, and that’s what makes them fun.
When kids feel connected to their gear, they’re more likely to take care of it. That’s why NFL themed backpacks and supplies aren’t just fun, they’re practical.
Start with a well made NFL backpack. Look for one with reinforced stitching, padded straps, and enough compartments for books, folders, snacks, and a Chromebook. Team logos on the outside, of course, help it stand out in the hallway. For younger grades, mascots or bold color combos work better than subtle logos. Middle schoolers usually lean toward vintage or minimalist NFL branding.
Match the bag with smaller items: a lunchbox or thermos in their team colors, NFL sticker sets for folders, and pencil pouches with player numbers or logos. These details make even standard school gear feel exciting. Want extra tips on how to choose the right backpack by age? You can check trusted parent resources like Parents.com or NFL.com.
Fall weather means layers. One minute it’s 80 degrees, and the next your kid is freezing in a drafty classroom. NFL gear can help them manage it without asking the teacher to crank the thermostat.
Long sleeve tees in soft blends are a staple. They work under T-shirts or can be worn solo with jeans or joggers. Add a zip up hoodie in their team’s colors for that extra layer that’s easy to throw on. Look for designs with embroidered logos or small chest prints, they’re more durable and less likely to fade in the wash.
Don’t sleep on accessories. NFL beanies, fingerless gloves, and scarves come in handy during early morning bus waits or late fall recess. And for kids who walk to school, a light NFL branded windbreaker adds that perfect outer layer without being bulky. Bonus: Most options now are machine washable.
Every school has at least one spirit week or “Favorite Team Friday.” So let’s make sure your kid is ready without panic shopping the night before.
Start with a classic oversized jersey. Whether it's a real team player or a fun custom version, it can be layered with a long sleeve shirt underneath or worn solo when it's warm. Add socks with their team mascot, a few face stickers, and you’ve got a ready to go look that wins every spirit contest.
Some families go a step further with matching looks. Whether it’s siblings in the same color palette or cousins wearing complementary Hawaiian shirts, these outfits are social media gold. Browse our collection of NFL Family Outfits to see what combinations work without going overboard.
Subtle more your kid’s thing? A navy flannel over a white tee still works if those are your team’s shades. Spirit wear should be fun and flexible, not forced.
Shoes are where many kids start expressing personal style. Luckily, there are simple ways to sneak in some team pride here too.
Younger kids love Velcro sneakers with color blocked NFL details. Middle and high schoolers might lean into bold laces, high top styles, or vintage inspired designs that echo their favorite team’s look. Add NFL themed socks (available in both bold and neutral styles), and their outfit has personality without breaking dress code.
Don’t forget hats. Whether it’s a classic cap, a beanie, or even a bucket hat for sunny days, headwear is an easy way to show off team loyalty. And for those rainy school mornings? A waterproof poncho or umbrella with their team’s logo adds fun to the most boring walks.
We all know kids can destroy clothes. That’s why it’s important to buy gear that doesn’t fall apart after one wash. Especially when it’s something they love and wear every week.
Stick with cotton poly blends. They resist shrinking, dry faster, and don’t wrinkle like 100 percent cotton. Look for reinforced stitching at the shoulders and hems. Avoid items with thick vinyl logos that crack, softer embedded prints or stitched emblems always last longer.
Everything in our NFL Back to School collection is parent tested and kid approved. It survives recess, art class, lunchtime spills, and the occasional forgotten laundry day. Plus, many of the shirts and hoodies double as weekend wear.
Some kids want more than just a team logo. They want something that feels theirs, and personalized NFL gear is a game changer.
From name printed jerseys to shirts with your kid’s favorite number or a nickname, these custom items help kids express who they are. Maybe it’s a shirt that says “Future QB1” or one that honors their favorite wide receiver. Or maybe it’s just a cool faded logo in a vintage wash that looks more streetwear than uniform.
Our shop lets you build custom looks with just a few clicks. And trust us, these are the shirts that kids won’t want to take off. Perfect for picture day, first day of school, or even football birthday parties.
Here’s your go to checklist:
2 to 3 breathable NFL T-shirts
1 comfortable hoodie or sweatshirt
1 standout Hawaiian shirt
1 to 2 joggers or team shorts
Sturdy backpack with NFL design
Matching lunchbox, folder, and supplies
Layering pieces like long sleeves or windbreakers
Team socks, shoelaces, beanies, and hats
Game day gear and spirit accessories
Personalized NFL clothing (optional but fun)
This checklist is built for real life. It keeps kids excited to go back to school and gives you peace of mind knowing they’ve got durable, stylish gear that actually lasts.
You’ve got enough on your plate. Skip the shopping chaos and browse our NFL Back to School collection from the comfort of home. Every item is filtered by team and size. Shipping is always free. And right now? We’re offering bundles that make it easier to grab a full outfit for less.
Explore our full NFL back to school gear and get it done in minutes.
At the end of the day, back to school isn’t just about supplies, it’s about giving your child confidence to walk into the classroom as their full self. Whether they’re proudly wearing a Bills hoodie or repping the Eagles on spirit day, NFL gear brings excitement, identity, and fun into every hallway.
This season, make mornings smoother and outfits simpler. Get them clothes they actually want to wear and gear that’s built to last. Because when kids feel good in what they wear, they show up differently. And that’s what every parent wants.
Shop smarter with this NFL Back to School Checklist made for busy parents. From game day jerseys to school ready hoodies, we’ve got the gear your football loving kids will actually wear.