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Custom athletic apparel is no longer limited to gyms, fitness studios, and sports brands. From performance tees and leggings to hoodies, joggers, and accessories, activewear has become part of everyday wardrobes, making it a versatile option for employee gifts, company merch, wellness programs, and events.
Demand continues to grow, too. According to Fortune Business Insights, the U.S. activewear market is projected to reach $100.53 billion in 2026, driven by strong demand for performance apparel and footwear.
Whether you're building a custom fitness apparel collection for your team or looking for branded pieces customers will actually want to wear, there are plenty of options to fit your brand, audience, and budget. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 custom activewear and gear ideas to inspire your next merch collection.
Why Choose Custom Activewear and Gear?
You don't have to run a fitness company to make custom activewear or even athleisure swag work for your brand. Comfortable, versatile, and designed for movement, custom athletic apparel can transition from workouts to workdays, weekends, and travel. Here are a few reasons it remains a smart choice for company merch.
1. Health and Wellness Are Part of Everyday Life
Wellness programs, fitness goals, outdoor activities, and active lifestyles extend far beyond the gym. Custom fitness apparel lets companies support those interests with practical products employees and customers can use regularly.
2. Athleisure Goes Beyond the Gym
Leggings, joggers, hoodies, performance tees, and quarter-zips are just as likely to be worn while running errands or traveling as they are during a workout. That versatility makes custom activewear and athleisure swag appealing to a much broader audience than traditional gym apparel alone.
3. Performance Features Add Everyday Value
Moisture-wicking fabrics, stretch, breathability, lightweight construction, and functional pockets can make athletic apparel more comfortable and useful. Choosing pieces with thoughtful performance features can also help your branded merch feel more premium.
4. Wearable Merch Creates Ongoing Brand Visibility
Unlike promotional products that may stay on a desk or in a drawer, well-designed apparel can put your brand out in the world every time someone wears it. Keeping logos, colors, and decoration tasteful can make custom gym apparel feel like something recipients chose for themselves.
5. Custom Activewear Works for a Range of Programs and Audiences
Custom athletic apparel can work for employee wellness initiatives, company retreats, races, sporting events, onboarding kits, customer gifts, and e-commerce merch. With options ranging from premium name-brand activewear to budget-friendly tees and accessories, companies can build a collection around their audience and goals.
25 Best Custom Athletic Apparel and Gear Ideas
Custom athletic apparel can work for employee gifts, wellness programs, events, team gear, and branded merchandise. From performance tees and leggings to hoodies, joggers, bags, and fitness accessories, these 25 custom activewear ideas offer plenty of ways to create a collection that fits your brand, audience, and budget.
Custom Athletic Tops
Custom athletic tops range from performance tees and muscle tanks to polos designed for golf, workouts, and everyday wear. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking, or stretch fabrics that can keep teams comfortable while giving your logo plenty of visibility.
- Champion Women's Cropped Heritage Tee, from $14.90: A heavyweight cotton tee with a relaxed cropped fit, dropped shoulders, and a rib-knit collar. The Champion “C” logo on the sleeve adds subtle brand recognition without overpowering your custom design. Best for: Younger teams, casual employee apparel, and trend-forward swag.
- BELLA+CANVAS® Unisex Jersey Muscle Tank, from $10.50: A lightweight Airlume cotton muscle tank with a retail fit, crew neckline, wide armholes, and a tear-away label. Best for: Fitness events, wellness programs, and casual team apparel.
- Sport-Tek® Ultimate Performance Crew, from $15.18: A soft performance tee made with stretch jersey that wicks moisture to help keep wearers cool and dry. Raglan sleeves allow for comfortable movement. Best for: Team workouts, company fitness challenges, and active events.
- Mercer+Mettle® Women’s Everyday Performance Polo, from $21.98: A lightweight performance polo with moisture-wicking, odor-fighting, snag-resistant fabric, plus UPF 50+ protection. The open placket and rounded hem give it a polished, modern fit. Best for: Golf outings, corporate events, and polished team apparel.
- Nike Dri-FIT Cotton/Poly Long Sleeve Tee, from $37.48: A soft cotton-blend performance tee featuring Nike Dri-FIT technology to help manage moisture, plus rib-knit cuffs and a durable crew neckline. Best for: Outdoor events, cooler-weather workouts, and premium team apparel.
- TravisMathew Women’s Coto Performance Sleeveless Polo, from $69: A lightweight sleeveless polo with four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric, and wrinkle resistance for easy all-day wear. Best for: Golf outings, tennis events, and warm-weather corporate apparel.
Custom Hoodies, Sweatshirts & Pullovers
Hoodies, crewnecks, and half-zips add warmth without sacrificing the athletic look. These versatile layers work well for employee apparel, wellness programs, outdoor events, and premium company swag.
- The North Face® Double-Knit Full-Zip Hoodie, from $103.25: A soft, structured full-zip hoodie with double-knit construction and an elevated look that works well for branded team apparel. Best for: Employee gifts, company retreats, and premium swag bundles.
See more custom favorites from The North Face →
- Nike Dri-FIT Primary Crew, from $75: A performance sweatshirt made with stretch fabric featuring Nike Dri-FIT moisture management and UVA/UVB sun protection. The understated Swoosh and streamlined construction give it a clean athletic look. Best for: Premium employee apparel, outdoor programs, and branded activewear collections.
- AS Colour Stencil Half Zip Crew, from $34.91: This mid-heavyweight fleece sweatshirt combines cotton and recycled polyester with a mock neck, half-zip front, and ribbed cuffs and hem. Its pre-shrunk construction helps maintain the fit over time. Best for: Employee apparel, outdoor events, and cool-weather layering.
- Under Armour Women’s Team Tech Half-Zip Pullover, from $45: This lightweight pullover uses 100% recycled polyester with moisture-managing and anti-odor technology to help keep wearers comfortable during workouts or everyday layering. Best for: Team workouts, employee wellness programs, and active event apparel.
Custom Jackets & Outerwear
Custom outerwear offers extra protection for outdoor activities, travel, and changing weather. Options like soft shells, rain jackets, fleece jackets, and vests combine functional performance features with plenty of room for subtle branding.
- The North Face® Edge Stretch Soft Shell Jacket, from $130.42: This lightweight soft shell combines recycled polyester and elastane with four-way stretch, WindWall™ protection, and a durable water-repellent finish. Secure-zip pockets add practical storage for everyday wear. Best for: Outdoor events, team travel, and premium employee apparel.
- Vineyard Vines Women’s Rain Shell Jacket, from $198: A waterproof polyester shell with a structured fit, three-panel hood, and zippered side-entry pockets for practical coverage in wet weather. Best for: Company retreats, outdoor events, and premium branded outerwear. See more vineyard vines →
- Marmot Men’s PreCip® Evo Flex Rain Jacket, from $155: This waterproof, breathable rain shell features stretch fabric, fully seam-taped construction, an adjustable hood, and a packable design that stows into its own pocket. Best for: Outdoor retreats, travel, and all-weather team gear.
- Cotopaxi® Abrazo Full-Zip Fleece Jacket, from $144.90: This full-zip jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester fleece and features a zip-through collar, zippered chest pocket, and drop-in hand pockets. The colorblocked design gives it a more distinctive look than a basic fleece. Best for: Employee gifts, outdoor retreats, and premium branded layers.
- Sport-Tek Repeat 1/2-Zip Vest, from $33.16: A lightweight stretch vest made with moisture-wicking, snag-resistant fabric, plus a front pouch pocket and adjustable hem for added comfort. Best for: Team apparel, outdoor events, and active employee programs.
Custom Athletic Bottoms
Joggers, track pants, leggings, bike shorts, performance shorts, and other swag pants make it easy to extend a custom activewear collection beyond tops. Choose styles that balance comfort, movement, and versatile wear both in and out of the gym.
- Champion Powerblend Fleece Jogger, from $29.40: Classic fleece joggers made with a cotton/polyester blend, featuring an elastic drawcord waist, side pockets, and ribbed cuffs for a comfortable everyday fit. Best for: Employee apparel, casual team uniforms, and branded athleisure collections.
- AS Colour Relax Cuffless Track Pants, from $46: These mid-weight track pants are made from 80% cotton and 20% recycled polyester, with an elastic waistband, tonal drawcord, two side pockets, and a back pocket. The cuffless design gives them a clean, relaxed fit. Best for: Casual team apparel, employee gifts, and branded athleisure sets.
- District® Women’s Flex High-Waist Bike Short, from $14.46: These stretch cotton bike shorts feature a wide high-rise waistband, minimal seams, and a 7-inch inseam for a comfortable, stay-put fit. Best for: Wellness programs, fitness events, and casual branded activewear.
- AS Colour Active Seamless Leggings, from $54: These high-waisted 7/8-length leggings are made with recycled nylon and elastane for a flexible, close-to-body fit. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric makes them suited for workouts and everyday wear. Best for: Fitness programs, employee wellness gifts, and premium activewear collections.
- BELLA+CANVAS® Unisex Sponge Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpants, from $38.20: These relaxed-fit sweatpants are made from soft Airlume cotton/poly fleece and feature a straight leg, elastic waistband with an interior drawcord, and side pockets. Best for: Employee apparel, casual team gear, and branded athleisure sets.
- Comfort Colors® Lightweight Sweatshorts, from $28.80: These relaxed-fit shorts are made from 100% ring-spun U.S. cotton and garment-dyed for a soft, lived-in feel. They feature a drawcord waist and jersey-lined side pockets for everyday comfort. Best for: Casual team apparel, summer events, and relaxed branded athleisure.
- Under Armour Women’s Fly-By Unlined 3" Short, from $33: These lightweight running shorts are made from recycled polyester with moisture-wicking fabric and breathable mesh panels. A ruched mid-rise waistband with an internal drawcord and open hand pockets adds comfort and function. Best for: Running events, fitness programs, and active team apparel.
Custom Specialty Athletic Apparel & Accessories
Smaller wearable pieces can round out a custom fitness apparel collection or work as standalone gifts. Socks, performance hats and caps, and sports bras offer additional ways to bring your branding into workouts, wellness programs, and active events.
- AS Colour Relax Stripe Socks (2 Pairs), from $14: These regular-length socks are made from a soft cotton blend with ribbed construction, a stretch opening, and contrast stripe details. Best for: Wellness kits, team apparel bundles, and casual branded accessories.
- AS Colour Surf Hat, from $18: A lightweight, quick-dry snapback made from 100% recycled nylon, with a mid-profile unstructured fit, single front panel, and adjustable plastic closure. Best for: Outdoor events, golf outings, and corporate giveaways.
- adidas Women’s Techfit Compression Racerback Sports Bra, from $45: This fitted racerback sports bra is made from recycled polyester and elastane with medium support and a scoop neckline. Best for: Fitness programs, workout events, and branded activewear collections.
Create Custom Athletic Apparel With Gemnote
The best custom athletic apparel combines comfort, performance, and branding people will actually want to wear. From performance tees and polos to jackets, joggers, and accessories, there are plenty of ways to create a collection that fits your employees, customers, events, or wellness programs.
Gemnote can help you source and customize activewear from popular brands while keeping your budget, audience, and design goals in mind. Contact Gemnote to start creating custom athletic apparel for your company.
Custom Athletic Apparel FAQs
What’s the minimum order for custom activewear?
Minimum order quantities vary by product, brand, and customization method. Gemnote can help you confirm the MOQ for a specific item before you place an order.
Can you customize name-brand activewear with our logo?
Many name-brand activewear styles can be customized with company logos or other branding. Available decoration methods, placements, and requirements vary by brand and product, so check with Gemnote to find the best option for the item you want.
What’s the best activewear item for a company outside the fitness industry?
Versatile pieces such as performance tees, hoodies, quarter-zips, jackets, joggers, and polos work well for companies in almost any industry. They can be used for employee apparel, company retreats, wellness programs, events, and branded gifts.
How long does custom activewear production take?
Production time depends on factors such as product availability, order quantity, customization method, and shipping destination. Gemnote can provide a more accurate timeline once you’ve selected your products and branding options.
What decoration methods work best on activewear fabrics?
The best decoration method depends on the fabric and garment. Embroidery can work well for structured pieces such as polos, jackets, and hats, while printing and heat-transfer methods may be better suited to lightweight or stretch performance fabrics. Gemnote can recommend the right customization method for each product.
