Printing with Purpose: How the Apparel Industry Gives Back and How You Can Too
TL;DR:
The apparel industry is stepping up for good, through charity work, sustainability, and community support. Brands like ChariTEES®, SanMar, Bird Collective, Parks Project, Bella+Canvas, and The Hundreds show how clothing can create real impact. Decorators can join the movement by choosing value-aligned suppliers, collaborating with local causes, and telling the story behind their products. Because in this industry, a shirt isn’t just a product, it can be a purpose.
Apparel decorators don’t just create great-looking products, they help drive positive change. Across the apparel community, from print shops to blank suppliers, businesses are stepping up to support causes, champion sustainability, and strengthen their communities.
Together, decorators and suppliers are proving that what we wear can stand for something more. Let’s take a look at how companies across the industry are leading with purpose and how your shop can be part of the movement.
Charity-Focused Companies
ChariTEES®
ChariTEES® has helped nonprofit organizations raise funds through custom-printed apparel and promotional products. They specialize in working with 501(c)(3) groups to create garments that support events, awareness efforts, and long-term fundraising goals.
🔗 https://charitees.org/doing-good/
SanMar
As one of the largest blank apparel suppliers in the industry, SanMar’s Canvas for Good initiative focuses on building stronger communities through apparel. From donating clothing to nonprofits, to supporting workforce development and local fundraising efforts, SanMar uses its scale to create lasting impact.
Sustainability-Focused Companies
Bird Collective
Bird Collective pairs modern, nature-inspired design with purpose. Every sale supports nonprofit partners focused on bird conservation and habitat protection. Their apparel is produced with sustainability and ethics in mind, offering conscious consumers a way to wear their values.
🔗 https://www.birdcollective.com/pages/contribution
Parks Project
Parks Project connects outdoor lovers to environmental action. Each piece of apparel funds real work, like trail restorations, park clean-ups, and wildlife conservation. Since their founding, they've contributed millions to national and state parks through stylish, outdoorsy collections.
Community-Centric Companies
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas does more than supply premium blanks, they empower the entire industry. With U.S.-based production, ethical labor practices, and ongoing education for decorators, they lead with responsibility. During the California wildfires, they donated thousands of garments to displaced families, reinforcing their commitment to people over product.
🔗 https://www.bellacanvas.com/community-stories
The Hundreds
This LA-based streetwear brand has built its identity around community. Known for bold storytelling, The Hundreds partners with nonprofits, artists, and grassroots organizers to launch collections rooted in social causes ranging from mental health awareness to racial justice. Their brand is culture-first, community-always.
How to Integrate Purpose into Your Business
Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can use your print shop or apparel brand for good:
➤ Start with a Cause That Matters to You - Whether it’s youth arts programs, food insecurity, or park preservation, your passion is your power.
➤ Work with Impact-Driven Suppliers - From Bella+Canvas to SanMar, choose blanks from companies that share your values. Let your sourcing speak volumes.
➤ Collaborate with Local Groups - Offer your services to nonprofits, schools, or mutual aid organizations. Create campaign tees that raise funds and build awareness.
➤ Tell the Story - Use your website, tags, and social channels to show customers how their purchase helps. Purpose is powerful and contagious.
➤ Track Your Impact - Celebrate wins! Share how much you’ve raised, donated, or supported. Transparency builds trust and builds momentum.
Final Thoughts: Apparel with Impact
Whether you're decorating apparel or supplying blanks, you’re part of a community that can make a difference. Supporting good causes, working together, and sharing your impact helps turn clothing into something more.
In this industry, a t-shirt can be more than just a product, it can be a purpose.