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Which Brands to Choose When Buying Back to School Supplies in Bulk

By: Shirtsbargain Posted on: Jul 7, 2025
This comprehensive buying guide addresses back-to-school apparel needs through strategic bulk purchasing from two leading brands: Port Authority and Sport-Tek. The article provides specific product recommendations for different school roles, ensuring every educational community member starts the year professionally dressed and comfortable.
For teachers, Port Authority offers the K540 performance polo and professional button-down shirts for all-day comfort, while Sport-Tek provides performance-focused options like the K469 Dri-Mesh polo with superior breathability and moisture management.
Administrators and principals benefit from Port Authority's polished K525 Dry Zone Ottoman Polo and K570 Dimension Knit Dress Shirt, complemented by professional blazers. Sport-Tek's ST650 Micropique polo offers comfortable alternatives with excellent wrinkle and snag resistance.
Students and youth receive comprehensive coverage through Port Authority's casual daily wear and Sport-Tek's performance activewear and complete team uniforms suitable for both classroom and athletic activities.
Key advantages include superior quality construction, comprehensive sizing from youth to adult 6XL, easy customization for school logos, and significant bulk purchasing savings. Both brands offer cohesive styling options that outfit entire schools uniformly while maintaining individual comfort and functionality, eliminating the need for multiple vendor relationships.
The bell's about to ring again, folks. 

There is normally some anxiety amid the excitement when you step back into school hallways. It’s a common feeling that just hits differently for the school people, be it first-year teachers or a seasoned principal preparing for another year of organized chaos. And everyone has to look presentable in their own way. 

All that stress doesn’t have to hit your wardrobe, though. Not when ShirtsBargain offers back-to-school supplies in bulk at really competitive prices. If it’s back-to-school essentials you are after, we are about to point you to two brands that are at the top of that game. These brands deliver almost everything anyone in the school community would need to look sharp, feel comfortable, and tackle another academic year in style. 

We are talking about blank apparel and accessories from Port Authority and Sport-Tek’s Back-to-School collection. 

Back-To-School Gear for Teachers

Teachers are always on their feet, moving, engaging, and lecturing. Their wardrobe should work with them. 

Port Authority Offerings for Teachers

Port Authority understands this mission. The brand offers professional polo shirts and button-down shirts tailored for the role to keep teachers comfy all day. A good and highly popular example would be the Port Authority K540 performance polo that suits sports coaches and classroom teachers alike. Our Port Authority collection includes cardigans, fleece vests, sweaters, and lightweight jackets that deliver the much-needed professional aesthetic any season. 
 man wearing the Port Authority K540 Performance Polo in blue, standing in front of a chalkboard in a classroom setting. The polo is stylish and perfect for professional or casual environments.
To complete the outfit, the brand also offers backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, computer cases, and more at exceptional prices in ShirtsBargain. 

Sport-Tek Offerings for Teachers

Comparison of Sport-Tek K469 and ST640 polo shirts for teachers, highlighting comfort and professional style in a classroom setting.
Sport-Tek specializes in performance apparel that teachers will appreciate. Specific styles like the bestselling K469 Dri-Mesh polo or the ultra-breathable ST640 RacerMesh polo are solid options. The brand does not offer wovens but offers just the right kind of performance-focused topwear, like lightweight jackets and breathable polos, for easier long days at work.

Back-To-School Gear for Principals & Administrators

A polished appeal is important for administrative roles in a school environment. The outfit has to project authority but remain approachable. 

Port Authority Offerings for Principals & Administrators

Port Authority K525 polo, K570 button-down shirt, and J317 jacket for principals and administrators in a classroom setting.
Specific styles of Port Authority polo shirts work here, like the Port Authority K525 Dry Zone Ottoman Polo or polished Port Authority shirts like the Port Authority K570 Dimension Knit Dress Shirt, for starters. Our Port Authority wholesale shirt collection offers more options designed to perform in corporate settings, board meetings, and even on playgrounds. Port Authority wholesale selections include blazers and soft shells like the iconic, budget-friendly J317 Soft Shell that maintain executive presence during outdoor events.
Organization matters in administrative roles. Once again, quality messenger bags keep important documents accessible, while branded accessories like Port Authority hats showcase school spirit at athletic events and community gatherings.

Sport-Tek Offerings for Principals & Administrators

Sport-Tek ST405 and ST650 polo shirts in gray and red for back-to-school and office wear.
For administrative roles, Sport-Tek does not have a lot to offer except for long-sleeve performance polo shirts and lightweight performance jackets. Styles like the ST650 Micropique polo keep administrators and authority figures comfortable with excellent breathability, wrinkle resistance, and snag resistance all day. For superior comfort without compromising on breathability, durability, or moisture-wicking, the brand also offers tri-blend polos like the Sport-Tek ST405 Tri-Blend Wicking Polo.

Back-To-School Gear for Students & Youth

School life for students is a whirlwind of learning, playing, and growing. They need clothes that can keep up with every single activity that goes from science labs to PE classes.

Port Authority Offerings for Students & Youth

Port Authority Y540 Red Youth Polo and Y317 Navy Blue Youth Jacket Back-to-School Gear
Port Authority offers comfy youth-sized polo shirts, fleece vests, caps, and jackets in a rainbow of colors and sizes, perfect for daily wear. Popular adult polo and jacket styles also come in youth sizes, like the Y540 Performance Polo or the Y317 Soft Shell Jacket. Accessories like backpacks, cinch packs, and hip packs from Port Authority offer excellent value practically and functionally for schoolgoers. 

Sport-Tek Offerings for Students & Youth

SportTek Back-to-School Gear for Teachers featuring ST441, YST441, ST443, YJST489, STF205
While Port Authority offers great casual wear for students, Sport-Tek goes a step further, outfitting them for casual school days and for school sports. The brand offers performance-focused activewear at superb value, featuring blank performance tank tops, blank performance t-shirts, performance polo shirts, shorts, and lightweight jackets. Sport-Tek can outfit entire teams with the right sportswear, like the game-ready ST441 Sleeveless V-Neck jersey, the ST443 Quarter-Zip pullover, the YJST489 Short Sleeve jacket, or the STF205 Colorblock Fleece hoodie. Sport-Tek also offers caps that complement their popular styles and bags.

What Makes Port Authority and Sport-Tek the Go-To for Back-to-School Bulk Buys?

  • Quality: These brands don’t offer flimsy, one-season wonders. Port Authority apparel and Sport-Tek teamwear are made to endure the rigors of school life.
  • Style for Every Role: Both brands offer something for everyone going back to school at the best value.
  • Bulk Buy Advantages: As an online wholesale apparel store, ShirtsBargain makes it simple to get all your back-to-school needs met in one bulk order at the best per-unit and bulk pricing.
  • Cohesive Look: Port Authority uniforms or Sport-Tek apparel can outfit an entire team cohesively, with customizability being the icing on the cake. 
Ready to gear up for a confident, well-prepared start to the new school year? Don't let back-to-school season turn into a treasure hunt across multiple stores. Browse our back-to-school collections right here at ShirtsBargain and get everything you need in one easy order at the absolute best value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we customize Port Authority items with the school logo?

Absolutely. Port Authority apparel is designed for easy customization, making it perfect for adding your school's emblem, mascot, or motto. This is a popular option for school uniforms, team wear, and staff apparel.

Are Port Authority and Sport-Tek items available in a wide range of sizes?

Yes, both Port Authority and Sport-Tek offer inclusive sizing on most back-to-school styles - from youth to adult big and tall, making it easy to outfit everyone in your school community.

Which Port Authority polo works best for teachers?

The K500 offers excellent moisture management for active classroom environments.

How do Port Authority uniforms and Sport-Tek uniforms hold up to daily wear?

Port Authority uniforms are reputed for their exceptional construction quality and material quality. Some of the styles are specifically designed for dailywear. Sport-Tek on the other hand specializes in performance apparel, where excellent durability is an inherent trait of the brand’s offerings.

Are there size options for all body types?

Yes. Both brands offer extensive sizing from youth to adult 6XL in most of their back-to-school styles.