Top Print on Demand Athletic Wear Platforms & Products

Looking to start your own activewear line without the hassle of inventory? Print on demand athletic wear makes it easy to design and sell gym-ready products like leggings, tees, hoodies, and sports bras—customized and shipped as orders come in.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best POD platforms, pricing insights, shipping times, design tools, and how to build a successful fitness brand from scratch. Let’s get into it.

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🏋️ Key Takeaways from the Print on Demand Athletic Wear Guide

🧠 POD Athletic Wear Business Model

Products are made-to-order—no inventory needed. You can launch a custom gym apparel line with minimal risk and global reach.

🌍 Best POD Platforms in 2025

Printful offers premium athletic gear with fast global shipping. FitPrint is ideal for gym-focused brands in Australia. Printify provides affordable variety through multiple suppliers worldwide.

📦 Fulfillment Times & Branding

Most platforms ship within 2–8 days domestically. Top choices like Printful and CustomCat offer branded labels, pack-ins, and mockup tools to help build your fitness brand.

💡 Trending Products to Sell

Top products include performance leggings, sports bras, dry-fit tees, and athletic hoodies. Profit margins average between 40–60% depending on design and supplier.

🧵 AI Tools & Design Tips

Use tools like Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, and Kittl to create bold, scalable activewear designs. Align your visuals with your audience’s fitness values and trends.

🛒 Store Setup & Marketing

Shopify is the best platform for your store. Add apps like PageFly for design, Loox for reviews, and integrate with your POD provider to streamline fulfillment.

🌱 Sustainable & Artistic Trends

Eco-conscious and art-inspired athletic wear are dominating in 2025. Offer unique prints using recycled fabrics to appeal to Gen Z and millennial buyers.

#AthleticWear #POD2025 #FitnessBrand #CustomApparel #EcommerceTips

Top 10 Print-on-Demand Platforms for Athletic Wear

When you’re looking to start your online business specializing in athletic wear, choosing the right print-on-demand platform is crucial to your success. Let’s explore three top platforms in this field: Printful, Fitprint, and Printify.

1. Printful

Printful is a global POD leader with fulfillment centers across the US, EU, and Asia, making it ideal for international sellers. It provides a full athleticwear catalog with top-quality printing options.

Product Offerings

Includes joggers, performance leggings, sports bras, tank tops, hoodies, tees, and accessories with DTG and all-over sublimation.

Pricing & Plans

Base prices start at $10.95 for tees and $25.50 for leggings. The free plan includes full access, while the Growth Plan ($24.99/month) offers up to 33% off product pricing.

Shipping

Production takes 2–5 days. Delivery: US (3–4 days), International (5–20 days).

Branding & Tools

Offers mockup generators, custom packing slips, and branded labels ($0.99/label). Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more.

👉 Check out Print on Demand Dropshipping: Apliiq vs Printful – Which is Better?

2. Fitprint

FitPrint is an Australian-based POD company specializing in fitness gear with in-house production and no minimum order quantity.

Product Offerings

Focus on men’s and women’s athleticwear including 2-in-1 shorts, compression leggings, sports bras, and tees.

Key Features:

• Specializes in athletic wear, offering products tailored for the fitness industry
• Advanced 3D design tools for detailed customization
• Localized production facilities to reduce shipping times

Pricing & Plans

Prices include printing: around AU$30 for tees, AU$48 for leggings. Accounts are free, with bulk discounts applied automatically.

Shipping

Ships via AusPost: Standard AU$11.95 (2–6 days), Express AU$15.95 (1–2 days). Now ships globally.

Branding & Tools

Includes a free online design tool for mockups. No subscription tiers required.

3. Printify

Printify connects you to a global network of print providers, giving access to wide-ranging products and flexible pricing.

Product Offerings

Includes performance tanks, tees, hoodies, socks, leggings, and more via various partnered brands.

Pricing & Plans

On the free plan: tanks from $8.76, leggings from $21.49. Premium plan ($29/month or $24.99 annually) provides 20% discounts and up to 10 stores.

Shipping

US shipping from $3.99–$4.75 (4–8 days), International (10–30 days), depending on provider.

Branding & Tools

Offers a mockup generator, tax and shipping calculators, and multi-store support.

4. SPOD (Spreadshirt POD)

SPOD is known for speed and eco-conscious printing, with 95% of orders produced within 1–2 days.

Product Offerings

Offers tees, tanks, leggings, hoodies, and sweatshirts.

Pricing & Plans

Tees start at $8.17, sweatshirts around $20.14. No subscription or platform fees.

Shipping

Flexible shipping with real-time rate calculator; options include standard, premium, and express. Separate fulfillment centers in US and EU.

Branding & Tools

Includes a free design tool, with emphasis on rapid production.

5. Merchize

Merchize, based in Vietnam, offers fast fulfillment and customization for activewear and casual clothing.

Product Offerings

Sells performance leggings, tanks, sweat-wicking tees, plus casual shorts and hoodies.

Pricing & Plans

Tiered pricing: Lite (Free), Platinum ($79/mo), Diamond ($299/mo) — includes product expansion and support.

Shipping

Production in 1–2 days. Global shipping: DHL standard (4–7 days), express (3–5 days).

Branding & Tools

Includes mockup tools, ecommerce integrations, and storage for higher tiers.

6. Prodigi

Prodigi is a UK-based POD platform with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly apparel.

Product Offerings

Offers organic cotton and recycled polyester products like leggings, tees, hoodies, and tanks.

Pricing & Plans

Simple pricing structure: e.g., $10 for tee + $5 shipping. No monthly fees or subscription tiers.

Shipping

Production in 1–4 days, with fast delivery: US (3–5 days), Europe (2–4 days).

Branding & Tools

Includes a profit calculator and full integration with ecommerce platforms.

7. Gooten

Gooten is a POD network offering broad product options and fulfillment reliability.

Product Offerings

Includes tank tops, tees, hoodies, leggings, and other activewear staples.

Pricing & Plans

No membership or fees — you pay per item plus shipping.

Shipping

Production in 1–7 days. Delivery to US (up to 12 business days), International (1–4 weeks).

Branding & Tools

Offers branding inserts for some products, multiple vendor options, and free platform use.

8. CustomCat

CustomCat is a US-based POD company known for fast turnaround and exclusive DigiSoft technology.

Product Offerings

Offers sublimation leggings, polos, performance tops, and hoodies.

Pricing & Plans

Leggings start at $28.80 (Lite). Pro plan ($30/month) offers 20–40% off all products.

Shipping

Fulfills orders in 1–3 business days. Domestic and international shipping available.

Branding & Tools

Branding includes woven labels, neck prints, and supports embroidery.

9. Gelato

Gelato has a truly global footprint with 140+ partners in 32 countries, offering local production and fast delivery.

Product Offerings

Provides sportswear, along with mugs, wall art, and other custom goods.

Pricing & Plans

Free plan available. Gelato+ ($25/month) offers up to 20% off, Gelato+ Gold ($129/month) up to 25% off.

Shipping

Local production allows delivery within 2–7 days in major markets.

Branding & Tools

Includes mockup tools, branded shipping options (select products), and integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.

10. Apliiq

Apliiq stands out for premium, cut-and-sew apparel and advanced private-label branding.

Product Offerings

High-end moisture-wicking tees, racerback tanks, leggings, and more made with unique fabrics and custom stitching.

Pricing & Plans

Pricing is on the premium side, based on complexity and material. No public subscription listed, but volume discounts available.

Shipping

Delivered via trusted partners in 5–10 business days globally.

Branding & Tools

Exceptional branding options: woven labels, neck tags, patches, embroidery, and more. Verified Brand status available.

How To Sell Custom Workout Gear with Print on Demand in 2025?

Getting started with personalized workout gear can be an exciting venture. It’s a chance to unleash your creativity, meet customer demands, and stand out in the busy athletic wear market.

Let’s break down how to create personalized workout gear with print-on-demand into manageable steps.

Step 1: Define Your Brand and Audience

Before designing anything, you must know who you’re creating for. Are you targeting yoga lovers, powerlifters, runners, or sustainable fitness enthusiasts?

Use tools like SparkToro or Instagram Insights (if you already have an audience) to understand their habits, favorite colors, content they engage with, and language they use. This insight shapes everything—from your product design to your ad messaging.

🔍 Example: If your niche is eco-conscious women who do yoga, your branding should reflect earthy tones, minimal design, and fabric sustainability.

✅ Tip: Use Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic to explore what your audience is searching for (e.g., “best breathable leggings” or “sustainable gym clothes”).

Step 2: Choose the Right Products

Select the types of athletic wear you want to offer. Focus on popular items like t-shirts, leggings, and hoodies, or niche products like compression sleeves or eco-friendly sports bras.

Don’t just guess—validate the product’s demand first.

However, before choosing the product, I personally check on product demand and profitability. So, for product demand, I use Google Trends. Thus, let’s say you want to sell sports bras, and try this tool.

So, as I can see, sports bra has no signs of stopping. And, for me, this is a green light.

However, I also use the Minea product research tool where I can check on each product’s profitability, sales, suppliers, customer engagement, and more.

🎯 Example: Sports bras, oversized hoodies, and matching gym sets are trending for Gen Z audiences on TikTok.

✅ Tip: Narrow down your catalog. Start with 3–5 items like leggings, crop tops, and sports bras, and scale once you see traction.

Step 3: Design Your Products

• Utilize AI design tools for athletic wear to bring your visions to life.
• Experiment with vibrant colors, patterns, or motivational quotes that resonate with your audience.
• Ensure designs are scalable and look good in various sizes and shapes.

For example, Adobe Firefly is a photo editing app driven by AI that offers more than just the basics.

With its advanced image creation abilities, users can make striking visuals using various editing tools like removing backgrounds, adjusting color palettes, and adding cinematic lighting effects.

This gives you the ability to bring your idea into your print on demand product design.

Also, Canva Pro is great for beginner-friendly mockups and social posts. On the other hand, Kittl is best for high-quality typographic designs, perfect for gym slogans like “No Pain, No Gain”.

🔥 Pro Example: Use Midjourney or Firefly to generate a unique background pattern for leggings—think tropical leaves for a summer yoga collection.

✅ Tip: Design with purpose. Choose colors that match fitness emotions: red for energy, blue for focus, green for calm.

👉 Check out the Top 14 AI Image Generators To Boost Your Visuals.

Step 4: Mockup Your Designs

Create realistic digital mockups to visualize the final product. Hence, use them for your online store listings and promotional material.

For example, the Printful Mockup Generator is easy to use. You can do everything from the Printful dashboard.

To begin, pick the product you want from Printful’s catalog. It could be anything they offer. Once you’ve chosen, you’ll go to the mockup generator page.

From there, you can customize your design. Thus, add whatever you like: designs, text, graphics, quotes, colors, and more. It lets you make the product just the way you want it.

Step 5: Integrate with a POD Platform

Pick a Print-on-Demand platform that specializes in athletic wear. Look for:

• Product quality (especially fabric stretch and breathability)
• Print methods (sublimation works great for activewear)
• Fulfillment speed and cost

🚀 Top POD platforms for athletic wear:

• Printful – Offers top-tier performance gear like leggings and compression shirts
• Printify – Great variety, more affordable, supports multiple suppliers
• Fitprint – Niche POD provider focused entirely on fitness and gym apparel

✅ Tip: Order sample kits from each platform to compare quality firsthand.

Step 6: Quality Check

Before you promote a product, test it yourself. Order samples and run them through real-life use:

• Stretch them
• Wash and dry a few times
• Wear them for workouts

🔥 Real-World Tip: You don’t want your print cracking or fading after 2 washes—especially in fitness gear. If it fails the test, your customers will leave bad reviews fast.

✅ Bonus Tool: Use Notion or Trello to keep track of your product tests and quality notes.

Step 7: Set Up Your Online Store

First, set up your online store. For this purpose, you can use website builders to build your store or build it from scratch on your own.

However, in my opinion, Shopify is the best choice. It has an easy-to-use interface and offers many attractive themes for your store, with both free and paid options.

Moreover, Shopify has lots of customizable features. Their drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to set up and modify your store.

Next, upload your designs onto products in your store. Also, write compelling product descriptions and use high-quality images.

I suggest you to use tools like:

• Hotjar to see how users interact with your store
• PageFly or GemPages to build high-converting landing pages
• Loox for reviews and visual social proof

AI Design Tools for Athletic Wear Customization

Several AI design tools are transforming how we create custom athletic wear:

1. Vogue: This AI tool offers pattern generation that can be applied to different apparel models.
2. Stitch: Specializing in fabric designs, Stitch provides templates that make it easy to visualize the end product.
3. DesignerPro: An excellent tool for non-designers, it features intuitive controls for creating complex patterns without the steep learning curve.

Incorporating these tools not only streamlines the design process but also unlocks a new level of creativity.

Top 5 Print on Demand Athletic Wear Products to Sell in 2025

When it comes to sportswear print on demand, the options are virtually limitless.

Thus, from casual t-shirts to high-performance leggings, there’s a wide array of athletic wear to offer in your store.

So, let’s delve into some popular categories and their demand:

1. Performance Leggings

Why Offer It: These are always in demand—from gym-goers to yoga lovers and even casual athleisure wearers. They’re also perfect for all-over sublimation prints and vibrant designs.

Target Audience: Women aged 18–35, especially fitness influencers, yogis, and lifestyle creators.

Supplier Price Range: $23.50 – $29.00
Market Price Range: $45.00 – $65.00
Potential Profit Margin: 40–55%

Best POD Supplier: Printful
They offer high-stretch, all-over print leggings with optional inside label printing, premium stitching, and fulfillment within 2–5 days in the US and EU.

2. Dry-Fit Athletic Tees

Why Offer It: These are unisex and versatile—great for running, sports, or gym wear. You can easily add motivational phrases, brand logos, or custom graphics.

Target Audience: Active men and women aged 18–45, especially those into running, CrossFit, and casual sports.

Supplier Price Range: $9.95 – $14.00
Market Price Range: $25.00 – $35.00
Potential Profit Margin: 45–65%

Best POD Supplier: Printify (via partner Sport-Tek or Gildan)

Affordable and fast delivery with DTG printing and a broad network of suppliers across the US.

3. Sports Bras

Why Offer It: A staple in women’s fitness apparel. They perform well on Instagram and TikTok when paired with matching leggings.

Target Audience: Women aged 18–34 who are fitness-focused, particularly those following home workout trends or attending boutique fitness studios.

Supplier Price Range: $18.50 – $25.00
Market Price Range: $40.00 – $55.00
Potential Profit Margin: 50–60%

Best POD Supplier: AOP+

They offer custom printed sports bras made in the UK with full design flexibility and no upfront cost. Also integrates well with Shopify and Etsy.

4. Athletic Hoodies

Why Offer It: Perfect for post-workout wear or fitness influencers promoting cozy-but-sporty looks. Especially popular in colder months or regions.

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20–40, especially those interested in running, HIIT, or street-style activewear.

Supplier Price Range: $28.00 – $36.00
Market Price Range: $60.00 – $75.00
Potential Profit Margin: 40–50%

Best POD Supplier: Fitprint

This athletic-focused POD company offers sweat-resistant, breathable hoodies ideal for personalization and fast delivery within 4–8 days worldwide.

5. Compression Shorts

Why Offer It: High-performance item that’s trending in both men’s and women’s workout wear. It’s also a niche product with less saturation.

Target Audience: Male athletes aged 18–40, gym regulars, runners, and sports enthusiasts.

Supplier Price Range: $14.00 – $19.00
Market Price Range: $30.00 – $40.00
Potential Profit Margin: 40–55%

Best POD Supplier: Subliminator

They specialize in all-over sublimation prints and provide compression shorts with reinforced seams and stretch fabric—ideal for custom prints with bold patterns.

Fitness Industry 2025 Fashion Trends

1. Art-Driven Activewear

Consumers are craving more than logo slaps—they want designs that feel like art. Think abstract prints, hand-drawn patterns, or AI-generated textures that tell a story. You can use tools like Midjourney or Adobe Firefly to generate custom, print-ready art that truly stands out.

My tip: Focus on limited-run drops with bold visuals. Create a story around your collection.

♻️ 2. Sustainable & Recycled Fabrics

Eco-conscious buyers are on the rise, especially in Gen Z and millennial segments. In 2025, using recycled polyester, organic cotton, or biodegradable packaging isn’t just “nice”—it’s expected.

Look for POD suppliers that offer eco fabrics, like Printful (eco tees), Prodigi, or AOP+.

Pro insight: Mention fabric sourcing in your product description—it builds trust.

🧢 3. Gender-Neutral Cuts

The line between men’s and women’s wear continues to blur. Unisex silhouettes—boxy tees, oversized hoodies, straight-cut joggers—are dominating. These are easier to size, easier to print on, and appeal to wider audiences.

Advice: Offer size-inclusive unisex basics and market them with diverse model mockups.

💡 4. Tech-Enhanced Functionality

Performance fabrics are in demand: moisture-wicking, anti-odor, stretch-resistant, and UV-blocking features are becoming the norm for serious fitness buyers. These details matter to runners, HIIT fans, and outdoor athletes.

Tip: Highlight these features in your product titles and ad creatives—it’s a strong conversion driver.

🎽 5. Match Sets & Coordinated Looks

Matching leggings + sports bra sets or hoodie + jogger combos are converting like crazy. They’re social-media ready, great for upsells, and feel more premium as a set.

What to do: Bundle complementary items, and use tools like PageFly to show them styled together.

📱 6. TikTok-Ready Styles

TikTok continues to drive micro-trends in fashion.

In 2025, you’ll notice viral slogans, aesthetic color palettes (think soft pastels or rich earthy tones), and niche styles (like “clean girl gym looks” or “athleisure-core”) going viral overnight.

Suggestion: Stay on trend by spending time on TikTok’s For You page. Let your designs ride trending audio waves.

🧘 7. Wellness Meets Wear

The fitness space is expanding beyond performance—it’s about self-care, mindfulness, and movement. Expect rising demand for loungewear-meets-gymwear, cozy yoga sets, and affirming quotes.

Product idea: Soft pastel crop tops with calming mantras or breathable leggings for meditation and stretching routines.

8. Embracing Sustainable Practices

In line with this movement, there is an increasing emphasis on using recycled materials in athletic wear production. This approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. It not only reduces environmental impact but also resonates with eco-conscious customers.

Recycled products can be just as comfortable, durable, and stylish as their non-recycled counterparts. By incorporating recycled materials into your product range, you show commitment to sustainability – a value that resonates strongly with today’s consumers.

While diversifying your product range, remember to maintain a balance between variety and brand consistency. Offer a wide range of products, but ensure they all align with your brand’s vision and values. This approach will help build a cohesive brand identity and foster customer loyalty.

Tips for Designing Marketable Athletic Wear

Here are some tips to help you create athletic wear that sells:

• Keep abreast of fitness trends and incorporate them into your design philosophy.
• Prioritize comfort and functionality—your designs should complement an active lifestyle.
• Get feedback from fitness communities to refine your offerings.
• Remember simplicity often sells; not every design needs to be intricate or loud.

Armed with these insights and resources, you’re well on your way to launching a line of personalized workout gear that captivates customers.

Thus, as you dive into this endeavor, remember it’s about more than just selling clothes—it’s about inspiring confidence and performance through design.

Optimizing Your Shopify Store for Print on Demand Athletic Wear

When it comes to selling print-on-demand athletic wear online, Shopify stands out as a robust e-commerce platform packed with features that cater to your business needs.

Its user-friendly interface and customizable themes make it a go-to choice for entrepreneurs who want to focus on their brand without getting bogged down by technical complexities.

Why Choose Shopify for Your Athletic Wear Store?

Shopify offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for your athletic wear store:

1. Ease of Use: Shopify offers a straightforward setup process, allowing you to launch your store quickly.
2. Customization: Tailor the look and feel of your store to match your brand with numerous theme options.
3. Scalability: As your business grows, Shopify grows with you, handling increased traffic and sales with ease.
4. Integrated Marketing Tools: Access built-in SEO features, social media integration, and email marketing campaigns to promote your athletic wear effectively.

Essential Shopify Apps for Athletic Wear

To enhance the functionality of your Shopify store and provide a seamless experience for customers, consider adding these apps:

1. Printful & Printify Integration Apps: These apps offer direct integration with your print-on-demand service, streamlining product creation and fulfillment while ensuring real-time updates for accurate inventory and pricing.
2. Product Options App: This app allows you to offer customizable options directly on product pages, such as color choices or personalized text, increasing customer satisfaction by enabling them to create their unique athletic wear.
3. Order Printer: With this app, you can generate custom invoices, receipts, and packing slips for each order efficiently, maintaining consistent branding across all customer touchpoints.

Understanding Print on Demand for Athletic Wear

Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are created as soon as an order is placed, eliminating the need for inventory.

In the athletic wear niche, this means that each piece of clothing—from moisture-wicking t-shirts to flexible leggings—is printed and shipped only after a customer has made a purchase.

👉 Check out the Print On Demand Statistics, Trends & Must Know Facts.

Advantages of Global Fulfillment Centers:

• Streamlined Operations: Athletic wear requires prompt delivery. Global fulfillment centers ensure orders are processed and shipped efficiently, thereby reducing wait times for customers.
• Expansive Reach: These centers allow your brand to ship internationally with ease, making your products accessible to a worldwide audience.
• Cost-Effective: By storing products closer to your customers, you can save on shipping costs and offer more competitive pricing.

Leveraging Custom Branding Options:

• Brand Recognition: POD platforms offer custom branding options such as labels, tags, and packaging which help in creating a unique identity for your athletic wear.
• Professional Appeal: Custom-branded items often appear more professional and trustworthy to consumers, which can increase brand loyalty and repeat purchases.

Bulk Pricing Discounts:

• Cost Savings: As your business grows, some POD suppliers offer bulk pricing discounts—even when each item is different—which can significantly lower production costs.
• Competitive Edge: These savings give you flexibility in pricing strategies, allowing you to compete with established brands without compromising on quality or profit margins.

By utilizing print on demand platforms with global fulfillment centers and custom branding options, combined with savvy use of bulk pricing discounts, entrepreneurs can carve out their niche in the athletic wear market.

Inspiring Store Examples

Several Shopify stores have harnessed the power of print-on-demand to carve out a niche in the athletic wear market:

Gymshark

Started as a small business using Shopify, Gymshark has become an industry leader demonstrating the potential for growth on the platform.

Their success stems from strong branding, community engagement, and leveraging influencer marketing alongside high-quality print-on-demand products.

Halara

Halara combines fashion-forward designs with functional athletic wear, appealing to a wide audience. By utilizing print-on-demand services through Shopify, they maintain low overhead costs while offering a diverse range of products.

These examples show that with the right approach and tools at your disposal, creating a successful online presence in the athletic wear space is not just possible—it’s within reach.

By selecting the best apps to complement your Shopify store and learning from successful case studies, you position your brand advantageously in this competitive market.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about building a standout brand in the fitness space, print on demand athletic wear is one of the smartest ways to start. It gives you creative freedom, low upfront risk, and the ability to scale globally—all from your laptop.

My advice? Start small but strategic. Focus on 2–3 products like performance leggings, dry-fit tees, or sports bras. Use tools like Google Trends to validate demand, and platforms like Printful or Fitprint for high-quality fulfillment. Make sure your designs speak to your audience—whether it’s bold, empowering, minimalist, or eco-conscious.

Also, don’t skip the sample stage. Wear-test your own gear, see how it holds up, and tweak your offering based on real-world use. That’s what will separate you from the crowd.

Finally, treat your Shopify store like a brand, not just a product page. Add reviews, bundle offers, and use smart design tools to create a store that looks and feels premium.

You don’t need to be a designer or fitness guru to make this work—you just need the right tools, a clear niche, and the willingness to test and improve. Go build something you’re proud of—and make it move.

See you in the gym (or your next Shopify dashboard). 💪