Why pupils are getting custom school leavers shirts made for their last day

Leavers' day could be one of the most memorable celebrations for Year 11, as they mark the end of secondary school and prepare for a long summer ahead.

In between studying for GCSE exams, many students spend hours designing personalised leavers' shirts for the day with graphics, embroidery and fonts, going beyond the regular shirt signing tradition.

It's a trend that has filled TikTok and Pinterest as pupils look for more permanent mementos to be signed by their friends, while online marketplaces like Etsy offer thousands of personalised shirts for a fee.

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

She started making shirts three years ago as a hobby for her sister's leaving day and now creates custom designs commissioned by online customers in 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," she said.

Although Nzau was surprised by the trend because it is "literally just a shirt", she loved how it embraced creativity, personalities 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 said.

Some people on TikTok said they worried shirt designs would be judged by other students, but Nzau hopes the trend will "subconsciously inspire people to be themselves".

"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 said.

Shirts by Niamh, a business providing custom designs, has more than 100,000 followers on TikTok and charges up to £35 for shirts with glitter, gems, spray paint and feathers.

From 'mystery' shirt designs and satin 2026 gowns, to rhinestone leavers hoodies and books, the company is one of many making success from the trend.

Kavanna, from Wigan, started her shirt business at the beginning of 2025 and has made more than 350 shirts since she started.

"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.

Many former students may remember a very different school leavers' experience without custom designed shirts, parties and prom nights.

Comments from Facebook school group chats described memories that included signing shoes, hoodies and yearbooks at the end of term, with some students having kept their shirts after leaving school.

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

For 15-year-old Aarushi, planning a Guardians of the Galaxy themed shirt for her leavers' day is a time consuming task but provided a "good break from learning".

In her spare time, the GCSE student from Warwickshire has been using Pinterest for inspiration, and said the shirts were a chance to show people "a new version of yourself".

On other social platforms like YouTube, the topic of leavers' shirts has filled feeds with DIY vlogs documenting designs, while users on Reddit brainstorm last-minute ideas.

"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.

It's an activity that she hopes to enjoy before the big day by inviting her friends around to "make it fun and do the designs together".

"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.

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

The 19-year-old worked until 03:00 BST with her dad after school, when her online business "sky-rocketed" 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 more than 5,000 shirts since she started selling on Etsy five years ago and said that leavers' day was a "special day that students would remember forever".

"People want to have the best leavers' shirts and some schools do competitions, everyone wants to go bigger and bolder than each other," she said.