New competition calls for schools to design ‘eco-friendly’ leavers hoodie

Every year, thousands of school leavers’ hoodies are produced across the UK, but how many are still worn and treasured years later? Sustainable personalised clothing brand Banana Moon is challenging schools nationwide to rethink the traditional leavers hoodie with the launch of its new School Leavers Hoodie Design Competition.

The competition invites school classes across the country to design a leavers hoodie that champions sustainability, personalisation, and long-lasting meaning. Rather than creating a fast-fashion item destined for the back of the wardrobe, Banana Moon is encouraging students to design something their class will cherish long after leaving school.

Many traditional hoodie personalisation methods can generate significant waste through excess water use, single-use plastics, and discarded materials. For example, standard vinyl printing can waste up to 50–60 per cent of the material during the production process. Traditional screen-printing methods can use substantially more water than newer digital alternatives. Even a typical printed hoodie design can require up to four separate plastic positives during production when multiple colours and underbases are used.

This is why Banana Moon has placed creativity and eco-conscious thinking at the heart of the brief. It hopes to inspire students to consider the environmental impact of clothing while celebrating their school memories in a more meaningful way.

Encouraging creativity with purpose

The competition calls for students to work together. As a class they will create their ideal leavers hoodie design using Banana Moon’s downloadable hoodie template pack. Alongside their visual design, entrants will also be asked to explain the story and meaning behind their hoodie. They must describe why they believe it will stand the “five-year test of time”.

How schools can enter

Entering the competition is simple:

• download the official hoodie template pack
• collaborate as a class to create a final design concept
• submit the completed design alongside written responses explaining:
  • the meaning behind the design
  • why the hoodie will remain timeless and wearable for years to come
• upload entries through Banana Moon’s online submission form

Winning prize includes exclusive Banana Moon HQ experience

The winning class will see their hoodie design brought to life by Banana Moon. The students will also receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Banana Moon HQ.

During the experience, students will:

• watch their hoodies being printed first hand
• learn about sustainable printing techniques
• explore the production process and how eco-conscious garments are created

The initiative aims to educate students about sustainability in fashion while providing a memorable, hands-on experience.

Promoting sustainable thinking in school wear

Sustainability is increasingly becoming an important conversation for younger generations. Banana Moon hopes the competition will encourage students to think differently about the clothes they wear and keep.

By designing hoodies with lasting emotional value, schools can help reduce waste and move away from throwaway fashion culture. The goal is to prove that leavers’ merchandise can be both meaningful and sustainable.

For full competition details, inspiration resources, and terms and conditions, schools can visit Banana Moon’s competition page.