The world of athletic wear is no longer confined to the gym. From yoga studios and hiking trails to coffee shops and city streets, activewear brands have become a dominant force in modern fashion. This massive growth has created incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs and existing businesses alike. But to succeed in this competitive space, you need more than a good idea—you need a reliable partner. Finding the right activewear manufacturer is a critical step, as they will define the quality, design, and availability of your products. This comprehensive guide will explore ten of the best athletic wear suppliers in the industry, highlighting what makes each of them a standout choice for your brand.
The Top 10 Activewear & Athletic Wear Suppliers
For a quick reference, each company has been rated from one to five stars (★), with five being the highest. This rating is based on their unique strengths in their specific market niche.
1. FimyApparel
- Specialization: Mass-market, ready-to-ship activewear.
- Why They Stand Out: FimyApparel is a leading wholesale activewear supplier known for its massive, ready-to-ship inventory. This company focuses on convenience, allowing businesses to get high-quality bulk athletic apparel and trendy styles with no custom orders and no long lead times. Their model is all about efficiency.
- Pros:
- No Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) on most items.
- Extensive catalog of trendy and classic styles.
- Extremely fast shipping for in-stock products.
- Great for new businesses and boutiques that need to restock quickly.
- Cons:
- Limited options for custom designs and private label services.
- Product uniqueness is lower due to mass-market appeal.
- Ratings: ★★★★★
2. Alanic Global
- Specialization: Custom, private-label activewear.
- Why They Stand Out: Alanic Global is a world-renowned custom activewear manufacturer that empowers brands to create their own unique identity. They offer a full-service, private-label program that includes technical fabric selection, custom design, and branding, all with a surprisingly low MOQ.
- Pros:
- Complete control over design and materials.
- High-performance fabrics for a professional feel.
- Perfect for building a strong, unique brand.
- Low MOQ makes custom collections accessible for startups.
- Cons:
- Longer lead times for custom orders.
- Pricing can be higher than off-the-rack options.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
3. J5 Fashion
- Specialization: Fast-fashion activewear.
- Why They Stand Out: J5 Fashion excels at providing wholesale activewear that follows the latest trends. Their team constantly monitors the market to bring new designs and cuts to their catalog, making them the perfect partner for online boutiques that need to refresh their inventory quickly.
- Pros:
- Rapid turnaround times for new styles.
- Trendy designs and on-point fashion.
- Seamless experience for online retailers.
- Cons:
- Designs may lack uniqueness due to fast-fashion focus.
- The quality may be less durable compared to high-end brands.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
4. Hylete
- Specialization: Premium, durable, performance-focused athletic apparel.
- Why They Stand Out: Hylete has a reputation for high-quality, durable athletic wear built for serious performance. While many athletic wear suppliers focus on trendy looks, Hylete’s core mission is function and longevity, making their products a great investment for discerning customers.
- Pros:
- Exceptional quality and durability.
- High-end materials and thoughtful construction.
- Products have a versatile “gym-to-street” appeal.
- Great for brands that want to build a reputation for quality.
- Cons:
- Higher price point per unit.
- Not suitable for budget-focused brands.
- Ratings: ★★★★★
5. Faire
- Specialization: Curated marketplace for independent activewear brands.
- Why They Stand Out: Faire is a unique platform that connects retailers with thousands of independent and small-batch activewear brands. It’s a powerful tool for discovering one-of-a-kind products and offers flexible payment terms, including “Net 60,” which significantly helps with cash flow.
- Pros:
- Discover unique products from small businesses.
- Flexible payment terms reduce financial risk.
- Great for building a distinctive and curated brand.
- Cons:
- Not a manufacturer, so you need to manage multiple supplier relationships.
- Products might have higher price points than bulk suppliers.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
6. Prowear
- Specialization: Full-service custom apparel manufacturer.
- Why They Stand Out: Prowear provides a truly end-to-end manufacturing experience. They go beyond simple production, offering design consultations, pattern creation, and bulk manufacturing. They are the perfect partner for brands that want to create a bespoke, professional-grade line from scratch.
- Pros:
- Unparalleled control over every aspect of the product.
- Full-service design and production support.
- Ideal for creating bespoke uniforms or a high-end line.
- Cons:
- Longest lead times in the industry.
- Not suitable for small, fast orders or startups with limited funds.
- Ratings: ★★★★★
7. Bodybuilding.com Wholesale
- Specialization: Fitness-specific apparel and gym wear.
- Why They Stand Out: As a trusted name in the fitness world, Bodybuilding.com’s wholesale division provides instant credibility. Their selection of gym wear suppliers is focused on the specific needs of gym-goers, ensuring their products are functional and resonate with a dedicated audience.
- Pros:
- Instant brand recognition and credibility.
- Products are trusted by a loyal fitness community.
- Reliable source for core fitness apparel.
- Cons:
- Limited design flexibility and product variety.
- May not appeal to a fashion-focused activewear market.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
8. Royal Apparel
- Specialization: Sustainable and ethical activewear.
- Why They Stand Out: Royal Apparel is a U.S.-based yoga wear manufacturer with a strong commitment to ethical production and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. This makes them a great partner for brands that want to align with a mission and appeal to conscious consumers.
- Pros:
- Ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.
- High-quality, eco-friendly materials.
- Great for marketing to environmentally-aware customers.
- Cons:
- Higher cost per unit due to sustainable materials.
- The product line may be more limited than larger competitors.
- Ratings: ★★★★★
9. SanMar
- Specialization: Large-scale distributor of blank apparel.
- Why They Stand Out: SanMar is an industry giant and a crucial partner for any business that plans to add its own branding, screen printing, or embroidery. They offer a massive inventory of blank athletic wear and a dependable supply chain, making them perfect for large-volume orders.
- Pros:
- Dependable and vast inventory.
- Low cost per unit for large orders.
- Ideal for businesses that handle their own branding.
- Cons:
- Provides only blank products, no finished designs.
- Not a good choice for brands that want a unique design from the start.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
10. Wholesale Fashion Square
- Specialization: Trendy, fashion-forward athletic wear.
- Why They Stand Out: Wholesale Fashion Square is a great resource for boutiques that want to sell trendy athletic wear that blends with everyday fashion. They simplify the ordering process with pre-packaged “packs” that include a mix of sizes and styles, ensuring you have a good selection without the hassle.
- Pros:
- On-trend styles that are perfect for fashion boutiques.
- Simple ordering process with pre-packaged packs.
- Based in Los Angeles, so fast shipping within the U.S.
- Cons:
- Designs may not be as suitable for a performance-focused brand.
- Less customization available.
- Ratings: ★★★★☆
Key Factors to Consider When Partnering
Quality vs. Cost
This is often the biggest decision for a new business. You have to find a balance between a competitive price and durable, high-quality materials. If your target audience is looking for affordable activewear, a supplier like FimyApparel might be a good fit. But if you’re building a brand for serious athletes, investing in a premium manufacturer like Hylete is crucial. Remember that a higher-quality product often leads to better customer reviews and a stronger brand reputation.
Customization Options
Not all suppliers are the same when it comes to customization. Some will let you simply add your logo to a pre-existing design, while others, like Alanic Global and Prowear, offer a full private-label service where you can design every aspect of the clothing. The level of customization you need depends on your brand’s vision and your budget. Full customization can make your brand truly unique, but it often comes with higher MOQs and costs.
MOQ and Pricing Tiers
The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is a critical factor for managing your cash flow. If you’re a startup with limited funds, look for suppliers with low or no MOQs to test the market without a huge upfront investment. As your business grows, you can take advantage of pricing tiers. Many suppliers offer significant discounts on bulk athletic apparel orders, which can greatly improve your profit margins.
Shipping and Logistics
The location of your supplier can significantly impact your business. A domestic supplier will offer fast shipping and simpler logistics, which can lead to better customer satisfaction. An international supplier, while often cheaper, might have longer shipping times, more complex customs processes, and unpredictable delays. It’s important to factor these potential issues into your business plan.
Sustainability and Ethics
Today’s consumers are more aware than ever about where their clothes come from. They are actively seeking out brands that are committed to ethical labor practices and sustainable materials. By partnering with a company like Royal Apparel, you can build a brand that not only sells great products but also stands for something. Highlighting your commitment to sustainability can be a powerful marketing tool that resonates deeply with your target audience.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Finding the right activewear supplier is more than just a transaction; it’s about finding a strategic partner who will help your brand succeed. The companies listed in this guide offer a wide range of specialties, from quick-to-market trendy designs to custom, high-performance manufacturing. By carefully considering your brand’s unique vision, your target audience, and your business model, you can use this guide to identify the ideal partner that will help you grow and thrive in the dynamic world of activewear.