Custom Gym Wear for Fitness Brands: Leggings, Shorts, Tees and Sets
Squat-proof leggings, gym shorts, performance tees and sets: how to plan custom activewear for a fitness brand, gym or club.
Activewear is a crowded market, so fit and fabric make or break a fitness brand. This guide covers the custom gym wear pieces to start with, the fabrics that perform and how to decorate them.
Core activewear pieces
Leggings
custom leggings in four-way stretch, squat-proof fabric with a high waistband and flatlock seams are the foundation of most women’s activewear ranges. Add a phone pocket and they become a bestseller.
Gym shorts
custom shorts in mesh, nylon or French terry suit training, running and lifestyle wear.
Training tees
custom T-shirts in lightweight or performance fabric work for training, while heavyweight tees suit the gym-to-street look.
Layers
custom thermal wear and custom hoodies cover warm-ups and colder months.
Sets and accessories
custom short sets and custom hoodie sets make complete outfits, and custom socks in sports yarns with cushioned soles are an easy add-on.
Fabrics that perform
| Piece | Fabric | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings | Nylon or polyester with elastane | Stretch, recovery and opacity |
| Shorts | Mesh, nylon or French terry | Breathable and quick-drying |
| Tees | Performance polyester or cotton jersey | Sweat-wicking or soft everyday feel |
| Hoodies | French terry or fleece | Warm-ups and lifestyle wear |
Decoration for activewear
- Sublimation for all-over prints on polyester.
- DTF for flexible full-colour logos.
- Screen print for bold, durable graphics.
- Embroidery for a premium logo on hoodies and caps.
- Reflective prints for running gear.
Launching a fitness brand
- Start with leggings, shorts and a tee in two colours.
- Order samples and test them in real workouts.
- Add sets and accessories once you know what sells.
- Pack orders in branded mailer boxes or plastic-free paper padded mailers.
Browse custom bottoms, read our custom tracksuits guide, or get a free apparel quote.
Fit is everything in activewear
Activewear customers are fussy about fit, and for good reason. Leggings need a waistband that stays up, shorts need the right inseam, and tees need to move without riding up. Test samples in real workouts: squats, runs and stretches. Ask a few customers or gym members to test them too and give feedback before you order bulk.
Colours that sell
Black, charcoal and navy are reliable bestsellers for leggings and shorts. Seasonal colours and prints work well for limited drops. Dark colours also hide sweat marks, which customers appreciate.
Branding without the bulk
Heavy prints on stretch fabric can crack or feel stiff. Keep logos small on leggings and shorts, use flexible DTF or heat-applied transfers, or go for sublimation on polyester. Embroidery works best on hoodies, caps and heavier tops.
Packaging activewear
Activewear is light, so it suits letterbox-sized small cardboard mailer boxes or paper padded mailers that keep postage low. For sets and bundles, a printed mailer with tissue paper makes the unboxing feel premium. Our packaging for clothing brands guide has more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Are your leggings squat-proof?
Yes. We use a dense four-way stretch fabric designed to stay opaque.
Can you print all-over designs on activewear?
Yes. Sublimation allows full all-over prints on polyester fabrics.
What is the minimum order for gym wear?
20 pieces per style, with sizes mixed.
Do you make matching sets for gyms and clubs?
Yes. Short sets, hoodie sets and tracksuits can be made in your colours.
What fabric is best for gym leggings?
Nylon or polyester with elastane gives four-way stretch, good recovery and opacity.
Can I put my logo on leggings?
Yes. A small flexible print or heat transfer works best on stretch fabric.
