Clothing and accessories · usually Class 25

What trademark class are t-shirts?

T-shirts are Class 25, the class for clothing, footwear and headwear. The catch with shirts is how the name is shown: the USPTO can refuse a mark as "merely ornamental" when it only appears as a big graphic across the chest, because shoppers read that as decoration rather than as the brand. Putting the name on a neck label, hang tag or the product listing, the way clothing brands normally do, is what shows it working as a trademark.

The usual class

25
Class 25: Clothing
T-shirts are clothing, and all clothing is Class 25.

Classes sellers often add

Class 35 · Business & Retail Services
If you run an online store that also sells other brands’ goods.
Class 21 · Housewares
If the same brand goes on mugs or tumblers.
Class 18 · Leather Goods
If you add tote bags or backpacks.

You pay $350 per class, so add a class only for goods or services you actually offer under the name.

Getting the wording right

Knowing the class is half the job. The application also needs a description of your goods in the USPTO's own terms. Wording taken from the USPTO ID Manual costs nothing extra; a custom description adds a $200 per class surcharge. The class finder suggests matching wording from a plain-English description.

Browse Class 25 wording in the USPTO ID Manual

What filing for t-shirts costs

  • USPTO fee: $350 per class with an ID Manual description.
  • Custom description surcharge: +$200 per class.
  • TradeMaker attorney-filed plans: from $149 (Express Filing) or $399 (Basic), plus the USPTO fee.
  • Timeline: usually 12–18 months from filing to registration.
Search your name for free Check your class with the class finder

Common questions

What trademark class are t-shirts?

T-shirts are usually Class 25 (Clothing). T-shirts are Class 25, the class for clothing, footwear and headwear. The catch with shirts is how the name is shown: the USPTO can refuse a mark as "merely ornamental" when it only appears as a big graphic across the chest, because shoppers read that as decoration rather than as the brand. Putting the name on a neck label, hang tag or the product listing, the way clothing brands normally do, is what shows it working as a trademark.

Do I need more than one class for t-shirts?

Only if you sell more than one kind of goods or services under the name. Common additions: Class 35 (if you run an online store that also sells other brands’ goods); Class 21 (if the same brand goes on mugs or tumblers); Class 18 (if you add tote bags or backpacks). Each class has its own USPTO fee, so file only for what you actually sell or have a real plan to sell.

How much does it cost to trademark t-shirts?

The USPTO fee is $350 per class when the goods or services description comes from the USPTO ID Manual. Writing your own description adds a $200 per class surcharge. TradeMaker's attorney-filed plans start at $149 (Express Filing, one class with ID Manual wording) or $399 (Basic), plus the USPTO fee.

How long does it take to register a trademark for t-shirts?

Expect 12–18 months from filing to registration. The USPTO reviews the application, may issue an office action, publishes the mark for opposition, and then registers it.

Where do I find the exact wording for t-shirts?

The application has to describe your goods or services in the USPTO's terms. Describe what you sell in the free class finder to see matching classes and wording, or search the USPTO ID Manual for Class 25. Using ID Manual wording avoids the $200 per class custom-description surcharge.

Starting a business around t-shirts? See the business guide for the classes and tips that usually apply.

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General info, not legal advice. The USPTO decides the final classification.