What to Wear on FDOC to Make Your Chapter to Stand Out
Picture this: it’s the first day of class. Campus sidewalks are buzzing, coffee lines are chaotic, and everyone’s silently clocking your FDOC fit. The last thing you want is for your chapter to walk in wearing the same crop top from two years ago. Ink already cracking. Yikes.
First day of class is basically your chapter’s runway. It’s the first impression that starts to build—before the group chats, before the dorm tours, and before sorority recruitment. If your merch doesn’t hit, the whispers will. And trust: nothing tanks a semester’s vibe faster than being labeled “mid chapter” before syllabus week is even over.
The fix? Treat FDOC like what it really is: your chapter’s first press conference. Here are all the trends you need to know to make your FDOC merch iconic.
Product Recs That Hit Both Quality & Trend
Athleisure With Edge
The gym-class silhouette just leveled up. Raglan seams, ringer collars, and performance fabrics that let you sprint from Chem to a cafe without looking like you ran a 5K for the first time. The vibe: sporty but photo-ready.
Fresh Prints Serena Slim Fit Raglan Shirt
Fresh Prints Simone Slim Fit Ringer Shirt with Stripes
Sporty Bottoms
We're long past high school P.E. but sometimes, we just miss the comfy gym wear. Fall bottoms are built for style and movement—runner shorts with side slits, fold‑over waistbands that feel custom, and flare pants that keep up no matter how many times you need to speed walk to class. The best part? They look great with both oversized tees and fitted tops.
Fresh Prints Lindsey Fold-over Lounge Shorts
Fresh Prints Katie Fold-over Flared Pants
Modern Academia
Imagine preppy, upgraded. Structured rugby shirts, knit varsity sweaters, mock necks that don’t sag, and sleeveless polos that hold their shape from your 9 AM lecture to your last meeting of the day. It’s the kind of fit that reads sharp without doing too much—perfect for setting a strong tone during FDOC.
Fresh Prints Denver Mock Neck Heavyweight Sweatshirt
The North Face Heritage Patch Rugby Shirt
Cozy But Put-Together
First day jitters are real, and nothing beats showing up in a fit that feels as good as it looks. Cozy doesn’t mean sloppy this fall—think midweight hoodies, brushed fleece sweats, and cropped crews that add just enough polish. Perfect for crisp morning walks to class when you need that little boost of comfort and confidence rolled into one.
Independent Trading Co. Hooded Sweatshirt
Jerzees Nublend Fleece Sweatpants
Lace Trim
Tanks with delicate lace trims add just the right hint of femme contrast under your rugby sweater; but they also look amazing on their own when the afternoon sun shows up. Sweet, nostalgic, and lowkey perfect for first‑day pics.
Fresh Prints Lace Sunset Blvd Ribbed Scoop Tank
Fresh Prints Lace Cali Camisole Top
Trending Design Styles
Classic
There’s a reason this one never leaves our trend lists. Crisp layouts and heritage fonts will always add a timeless feel to any merch. It’s the look your chapter should go for if you want to signal tradition and authority when walking on campus.
Hand Drawn Blue Fruits PR Tank with Bows
Minimalist
Minimal colors and subtle logos are great if you want your own confidence to do the talking. And if you want your chapter to look clean and effortlessly fresh, this is the way to go!
Simple Text and Star in White PR Hoodie
Y2K
Y2K’s still making rounds in the fashion world; and sorority girlies are eating up all the retro fonts and star graphics out there. Show up in this style on FDOC, and people know your chapter isn’t afraid to have fun—and you’ve probably got the social calendar handled already.
Punk Themed Star and Text in Pink PR Shirt
Y2K Heart with Sparkles in Purple PR Hoodie
Varsity
If you loved the athleisure and sporty product recs shown earlier, might as well add some block lettering or athletic stripes to it! When your chapter shows up in this style, it tells the whole campus your chapter is tight‑knit, has high team spirit, and is ready to lead.
Athletic Graphic in Blue and Red PR Shirt
Arched Block Text in Red and Navy PR Shirt
Polka Dots
We’re seeing a lot of polka dot tops and dresses making a comeback this fall. But if you prefer mellowing it down (while still hopping on the trend), add them to your letters - literally! It’s a playful touch to your chapter merch but won’t be overbearing.
Arched Greek Texts with Polka Dot Pattern PR Sweater
Polka Dot Patterned Text in Purple and White PR Hoodie
Cross‑Stitch & Fabric Patterns
Think sweet and a little nostalgic. These patterns give your letters a handmade feel, like something you’d actually want to keep long after the semester ends. This style is all about being soft, detailed, and full of charm.
Fabric Pattern Patches PR Crop Top
Cross Stitched Text and Flower PR Crop Top
Cheetah Print
If you want your chapter to make an entrance, might as well go all in with the design. Cheetah prints take your letters from standard to statement; and it’s perf for the chapters who don’t mind being the center of attention.
Text Stars and Cheetah Print PR Crop Top
Gold and Black Cheetah PR Hoodie
How to Pull Off FDOC Merch Without the Drama
The best FDOC look doesn’t just happen—it’s planned. A little prep now saves you the group chat chaos later. Here’s what you need to do to get the best FDOC merch to make sure your chapter shows up looking like it has its act together:
- Browse design inspo in our Design Gallery.
- If you’re looking for other trendy options, check out our Product Gallery.
- Remember to choose versatile pieces your chapter will actually wear all semester—not just for one day.
- Use your Design Tool to mock up 2-3 options and send it to your chapter to get approvals fast.
- FDOC is basically a hard deadline. Place your order 4-6 weeks before classes start so you’re not tracking packages on move-in day.
First Day of Class sets the tone for your whole semester—and your merch is a big part of that first impression. Don’t settle for merch that no one wants to wear or designs that feel recycled. Lock in pieces that are trendy, comfortable, and confidence‑boosting, and your chapter will walk onto campus looking like the one to watch.
P.S. We actually narrowed down which chapters we think are the ones to watch this Fall. Read this blog to know who made the list!