We’re again here and it’s easier than ever to launch your own apparel brand now. Though it’s 2021 always under impact of COVID-19, and activewear is still around, like we told you it would be. In fact, it’s still growing with no signs of slowing down. Obviously, people are even more interested in being healthier and fitter and we’re no different, always on the path for positive progression. So in this post, we try to tell you how to start your own athleisure or activewear online shop in some easy process and, the most important: where to find athleisure manufacturers?

Do You Really Know What’s Athleisure Apparel? 

Athleisure refers to athletic apparel which people can wear in non-athletic settings. It was seen, for a long time, as “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use” as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. It symbolizes a decompartmentalization of sportswear, which, thanks to its elevated design, becomes an everyday outfit able to instantly enhance a look. Fashion is giving sportswear an uplift in credibility while sportswear is giving functionality to fashion, like sweating-wicking capabilities, odor resistance or stretch texturing.

Types of Athleisure Apparel

Athleisure can mean a lot of things, but they all center around comfort and functionality. Just about any apparel can be classified as athleisure wear if you can wear it for both athletic and non-athletic applications. We’ll get you started with some ideas for the most popular athleisure apparel.

Quarter Zip Sweatshirts

The custom quarter zip sweatshirt has become one of the most commonly worn pieces of apparel in the office over the past decade. Custom quarter zips are just the right amount of formal for the workplace or the golf course. The only thing that could make it better is your corporate logo.

Under Armour Men's Custom Athleisure Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
Zusa Women's Black Influencer Quarter Zip

Full Zip Sweatshirts

Zip it up, zip it down. The choice is yours with these custom full-zip sweatshirts. Full zip sweatshirts are the perfect choice for a morning run or a trip to the movie theater. Full zips are simply the most versatile custom layering piece there is. 

adidas Men's Collegiate Burgundy Melange Team Issue Bomber Jacket
OGIO Custom Athleisure Full Zip Sweatshirt for Women

Hoodies

Hoodies have always been the go-to for lounging around the house. They also make great custom apparel because of the large, uninterrupted space they provide on the chest of the garment. It’s the perfect canvas for your embroidered or printed corporate logo.

Nike Men's Grey Therma-FIT Textured Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
Under Armour Women's Red Full Heather Novelty Funnel Neck Hoody

Performance Polos

After wearing a custom performance polo shirt, you’ll never want to wear a traditional polo again. Resist the urge to throw out all your old polos though, these performance polos with be a great addition to your collection. What makes custom performance polos special is the combination of moisture wicking performance fabric and UV protection to keep you cool and dry plus polyester performance fabric that provides extra ventilation and stretches with your movement. 

Under Armour Men's Custom Athleisure Polo Shirt
Under Armour Corporate Women's Black Tech Polo

Vests

These vests were originally created as a layering piece for anything from walking the dog in the morning to hiking up a mountain. However, custom vests are quickly becoming one of the most popular options for corporate apparel.

Patagonia Custom Embroidered Better Sweater Vest for Men
Patagonia Women's Classic Navy Better Sweater Vest

Performance T-Shirts

Performance shirts typically are made of polyester or other performance fabrics and leverage technology to provide benefits that traditional tees can’t provide. Some of these added features are moisture-wicking fabric, added ventilation, anti-odor tech, and fabric that stretches as you move. 

Under Armour Men's  Custom Moisture Wicking Athleisure T-Shirt
Nike Women's Black Core Cotton Scoop Neck Tee

Tank Tops

Although you probably won’t want to wear these into the office, custom tanks are an athleisure staple. Nothing is better on a hot day than losing the sleeves. 

adidas Men's Grey Performance Sleeveless Climalite Tee
prAna Women's Custom Athleisure Tank Top

Sweat Pants & Joggers

Unless your boss is REALLY cool, you probably won’t be able to wear custom sweats into the office either… but you’ll put them on the minute you get home. Seriously, there’s nothing better than lounging in the perfect pair of custom sweatpants. 

Adidas Women's Custom Athleisure Sweatpants
prAna Women's Forest Green Pillar Legging

Athletic Shorts

It’s the warm weather version of sweatpants! Because of the fabric type its made from, there’s nothing as comfortable as a pair of custom gym shorts or basketball shorts. Whether you’re hitting the court or hitting the couch, it all starts with shorts. 

Under Armour Custom Men's Athletic Shorts
Expert Women's Black White Sonic Short

Leggings & Fitness Pants

If it was your choice, you’d probably wear these everywhere. Custom leggings and spandex fitness pants are synonymous with comfort and flexibility. Add your logo to represent your company from the yoga studio to the grocery store and beyond. 

Expert Men's Black Running Tight
Expert Custom Women's Yoga Pants

Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Athleisure

  • Do mix sports pieces into your regular fashion wardrobe for a balanced look.
  • Do get creative, especially when it comes to mixing pieces and layering.
  • Do follow seasonal activewear trends.
  • Do mix fashion fabrics, like denim and leather, with high-performance, sports fabrics.
  • Do make sure all your athleisure pieces are clean and in good condition.
  • Don’t throw on any old thing you’d wear to the gym.
  • Don’t overlook the addition of accessories and jewellery.
  • Don’t forget about your signature style and look, just reinterpret it. 
  • Don’t go overboard with bright colours and prints.

How to Wear Athleisure

  • Layer sports pieces under regular fashion items, such as a sports bra under a leather jacket or leggings under a chic coat.
  • Use sneakers and slides as your go-to footwear.
  • Make leggings more streetwear appropriate by pairing them with longer tops or tying a shirt around your waist.
  • Wear athleisure to work by replacing your blazer with a bomber jacket or by mixing a sporty T-shirt with tailored pieces.
  • Pair a crop top with high-waisted pants for a stylish and easy athleisure look.

7 Steps to Launch Your Athleisure Brand Successfully

  1. Brand Direction
    Find your activewear niche. Build out your business plan & brand style guide.
  2. Product Design
    Get designing. Find a fashion designer who can bring your vision to life, or just do it yourself!
  3. Quoting & Sampling
    Shop for the right price & manufacturer and then start sampling. This takes patience and don’t be afraid to strive for near perfection.
  4. Manufacturing
    Time to push the button on bulk. 12 weeks will go fast, but you’ve got plenty to do in the interim.
  5. Marketing
    Build out a strong strategy and make sure you have a dedicated ad spend. Don’t let your hard work be invisible to your audience.
  6. E-Commerce
    Make the user experience as enjoyable as possible. And don’t forget your CTA’s.
  7. Order Fulfillment
    It’s flying out the door, make sure it gets there quick and without hassle. 

And that’s it! Seven steps to launching your own athleisure brand. During the whole process, the most important and difficult step is certainly Step 3! You just can’t control it except that you can get your own clothing line started, and that will be another long story. In most of cases we only need to find a activewear wholesale supplier which can be reliable and sustainable. So next topic is:

Best Manufacturers for Wholesale Athleisure

Berunwear.com

If you’re looking for the USA wholesale apparel, then that’s the right spot. This has specialized in athletic wear and is primarily based on women’s organic garments and leggings, and even provides men with tanks.

Berunwear Sportswear is known for providing the best athleisure wear in the industry, and it uses the initial design concept. It uses the full integration facility to pay attention to quality. They focus on classical styles and the fabrics of performance.

There is a lot of clothing brought from overseas, and it is the perfect buy for consumers who are socially and environmentally conscious. It will give you several fabric options and color choices to simplify your purchase from this website. So, it’s mostly selling apparel that’s made in America.

Royalapparel.net

All the athleisure wear provided by this Royale Apparel website is 100 percent sweat-free and made in the United States. One can get multiple wholesale options along with inventory storage, custom finishing, and shipping that is perfect for any retailer.

They use high-quality organic fabric that can guarantee environmental sustainability, and that does not use any harmful material or chemicals in processing. If you’re looking forward to getting the perfect wear for men and women, this is ideal for comfort and style.

Slyletica.com

Slyletica is delivering the ideal athleisure wear for different purposes and men. It’s the perfect clothing brand that creates unique pieces for people with excellent activewear. This offers blanks that are also great for personal trainers, fitness professionals, and gym-goers.

If you want some unbranded, high-quality activewear, then this is the perfect place for you where all the garments on the online platform are available. It will encourage you to order bulk with a bulk discount, and if you are in Australia, you will receive it within three days.