Why Custom Leavers' Shirts Are a Growing Trend Among Pupils

Year 11 pupils are increasingly creating personalised leavers' shirts featuring unique designs and artwork, marking a creative trend that blends nostalgia and self-expression ahead of their final school day.

Marking the End of Secondary School

Leavers' day is often one of the most memorable celebrations for Year 11 students as they conclude their secondary education and look forward to the summer ahead.

Amidst preparing for GCSE exams, many pupils dedicate hours to designing personalised leavers' shirts featuring graphics, embroidery, and custom fonts, moving beyond the traditional practice of simply signing shirts.

This trend has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, where students seek lasting keepsakes to be signed by friends. Online marketplaces such as Etsy offer thousands of personalised shirt options for purchase.

Joy Nzau's Artistic Contributions

Joy Nzau, a 20-year-old from east London, has created hand-painted tops inspired by brands like Asda, Nando's, and Greggs. Videos showcasing her creations have amassed millions of views on social media.

She began making shirts three years ago as a hobby for her sister's leaving day and now produces custom designs commissioned by online customers during her spare time.

"I felt on my own after leaving school, the shirt is a physical memory, a reminder of fun with all your feelings and nostalgia,"

Nzau said.

Although initially surprised by the popularity of the trend, considering it "literally just a shirt," Nzau appreciates how it fosters creativity, individuality, and memories.

"I'm seeing more people open to expression during secondary school with anime designs and Spotify artist shirts, it's a good way to end your journey and treasure youth,"

she added.

Some TikTok users expressed concerns about potential judgment of shirt designs by peers, but Nzau hopes the trend encourages authenticity.

"Everyone wants to be the same in secondary school and this is different. People are more okay with being who they are at the end of term,"

she explained.

Joy Nzau A woman with long braids is wearing a white school shirt with blue paint on the left shoulder. She is holding a paintbrush to her nose. — Joy Nzau spends three to four hours creating each leavers' shirt

Videos of Joy Nzau's shirts inspired by major brands have millions of views on TikTok

Businesses Capitalising on the Trend

Shirts by Niamh, a company specialising in custom designs, has over 100,000 followers on TikTok and charges up to £35 for shirts adorned with glitter, gems, spray paint, and feathers.

From 'mystery' shirt designs and satin 2026 gowns to rhinestone leavers hoodies and books, this company is among many benefiting from the trend.

Kavanna, based in Wigan, launched her shirt business at the start of 2025 and has produced more than 350 shirts since.

"I absolutely love it. I love creating new designs and the best part is seeing the photos on the last day and being a part of it,"

she said.

Changing Traditions in School Leavers' Celebrations

Many former students recall a different experience without custom-designed shirts, parties, and prom nights.

Comments from Facebook school group chats shared memories of signing shoes, hoodies, and yearbooks at the end of term, with some students still keeping their shirts after leaving school.

"I had everyone sign my jeans one year. My Mom was not happy!"

one user recalled.

A group of students are standing outside a school getting their shirts signed with pens. — Year 12 students covered each others shirts with signatures in 1989

Designing Shirts as a Creative Outlet

Fifteen-year-old Aarushi, a GCSE student from Warwickshire, is planning a s of the Galaxy-themed shirt for her leavers' day. The process is time-consuming but offers a welcome break from studying.

She has been using Pinterest for inspiration and views the shirts as an opportunity to present "a new version of yourself."

"There's definitely a pressure to have a good shirt and choose the right design, but it's a good memory as it's your last day of secondary school,"

Aarushi said.

She hopes to enjoy the activity by inviting friends to collaborate on designs, making the process more enjoyable.

"I can't wait to see other people's designs at school, you can spot similar personalities with similar shirts and that could spark new friendships,"

she added.

Aarushi A girl with long brown hair is wearing a checkered scarf and puffer jacket. She is standing in a restaurant smiling at the camera. — Aarushi said designing her leavers shirt provided a "good break from learning"

Full-Time Shirt Creators and High Demand

Sydney Evans, from Harlow, Essex, works full-time creating school leavers' shirts and spends much of the year preparing for the summer's increased demand.

The 19-year-old recalls working until 03:00 BST with her father after school when her online business gained significant attention on social media two years ago.

"It is a very chaotic, busy time. It does get to the point where the demand goes up every year so I am up most nights working and that's my life for a few months,"

she said.

Evans has sold over 5,000 shirts since starting her Etsy shop five years ago and regards leavers' day as a "special day that students would remember forever."