Contents
- 1. Merchize: Top print on demand gym clothing & activewear
- 2. Printful: Print on demand gym and sportswear
- 3. Printify: Print on demand sportswear and activewear
- 4. SPOD
- 5. Gelato
- 6. Apliiq
- 7. CustomCat
- 8. Inkthreadable
- 9. Prodigi
- Tips for picking the best POD gym clothing sites
- Top best-selling gym clothing lines
As modern life becomes increasingly influenced by technology, the pursuit of fitness for better health and a stronger physique is gaining momentum. This trend presents a significant opportunity for sellers to tap into the print on demand gym clothing market, which is projected to reach USD 786.6 billion by 2034 (Gminsights). But which service provider can help you maximize your profits? This article explores why one particular provider stands out.
1. Merchize: Top print on demand gym clothing & activewear
Merchize is a leading print-on-demand activewear provider, offering outstanding benefits for sellers of gym clothing. Their products support high-quality all-over printing (AOP) on activewear, ensuring vibrant, durable, and breathable items – key factors in reducing return rates.
With an in-house factory in Vietnam and fulfillment centers in the US, EU, Australia, and the UK, Merchize helps sellers save both costs and shipping time when targeting international customers.
Additionally, Merchize provides high-quality mockups and 24/7 support, enabling new sellers to launch products quickly without upfront design expenses.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- No minimum order quantity (MOQ = 1)
- Competitive base costs allow flexible pricing for sellers
- Global fulfillment
- Wide variety of gym clothing products
Cons:
- Shipping to the EU/Rest of World can be slower for some products
- New users may need time to get familiar with the management interface
Costs and packages
Merchize operates on a no-mandatory-registration-fee model for store creation, making it easy for sellers to start in the gym clothing market without initial capital.
Specifically, account registration is completely free. After a quick activation process (just a few minutes with support), you can start uploading designs and creating your store at no cost.
Costs only apply when upgrading to a Storefront Plan suitable for high-volume sellers – Platinum I from $79/month or Diamond I from $299/month to expand products or access advanced features. Each plan comes with a 7-day free trial for testing.
Catalog
Merchize’s catalog stands out with over 650 diverse print-on-demand products, including more than 46 items in the Print-on-Demand Gym Clothing category. This extensive selection allows sellers to easily find products that align with the rapidly growing activewear and athleisure trends.
- Featured products: Wide Leg Yoga Pants, Flare Leggings, Yoga Shorts, Biker Shorts, Sport Running Skorts, Tennis Skirts, Women’s Tank Tops, Men’s Tank Tops, Rash Guards
- Sizes: Available from XS to 3XL/5XL (depending on the product), catering to men, women, and children
- Price range: Approximately $8.5 for basic t-shirts and tank tops, up to $17–18 for leggings, rash guards, or premium items
- Printing options: Supports digital printing, all-over print, logo or detail embroidery, and printing on individual sides (front/back)
Fulfillment
Merchize’s fulfillment system is designed with automation, handling everything from printing to shipping without manual intervention, allowing sellers to track their orders anytime, anywhere.
- Production: 1–4 days (2D printing), 2–6 days (all-over printing)
- Shipping: US ~ 4–7 days, EU/Rest of World 10–20 days
Orders can be edited or canceled within 12 hours if production has not yet started.
Customization & integrations
Merchize supports integration with multiple platforms and provides ready-made mockups depending on the product. Sellers can manage and customize directly on the system with minimal steps:
- Sync with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon, and eBay
- Set up shipping rates by region, weight, and quantity
- Preview products before printing or uploading to the store
2. Printful: Print on demand gym and sportswear
Printful is a trusted print-on-demand (POD) provider favored by many sellers for its product quality, high customization options, and global fulfillment network. By choosing Printful for gym clothing, you gain the advantage of worldwide production centers and free custom branding services, along with professional mockups.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- High-quality printing
- Global fulfillment
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Bulk discounts available
- Easy integration with e-commerce platforms
Cons:
- Base costs and product prices are generally higher
- Production time may be 1–2 days longer
Cost and packages
Costs for creating a store and using service plans:
- Printful allows sellers to start for free: no store registration fee (setup fee) and no monthly fee when using basic features
- Growth Plan available at $24.99/month
Catalog
Printful’s catalog is diverse, featuring over 440 POD products, including 50+ print-on-demand gym clothing items such as leggings, rash guards, and crop tops.
- Featured products: All-over print leggings (XS–3XL, breathable fabric); sports hoodies and tank tops (for men and women, durable for workouts); yoga shorts and biker shorts (highly stretchable).
- Price range: From $8.29 to $45.75
Fulfillment
Printful’s fulfillment is fully automated, handling everything from printing to shipping, with real-time tracking available via the seller dashboard.
- Production: 2–5 days (DTG/AOP)
- Shipping: US/EU 3–7 days, worldwide 5–15 days from 12 fulfillment centers
Includes white-label packaging, order cancellation within 24 hours, and automatic tracking
Customization & integration
Printful offers extensive customization for print-on-demand gym clothing through its Design Maker and in-app mockups, supporting all-over printing (AOP), embroidery, and logos on activewear.
- Flexible customization options: multiple sides printing (front/back), all-over print, embroidery, custom logos, and specialty fabrics
- Integration with popular sales platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, with ready-to-use APIs
- Branding extras (optional): custom labels, branded packing slips, and flexible packaging options
3. Printify: Print on demand sportswear and activewear
Printify is one of the leading providers of print-on-demand gym clothing, enabling sellers to quickly build their brand without investing in inventory.
With a network of over 80 global print providers, Printify offers flexibility in product selection and pricing.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Fast shipping times
- Shipping costs optimized by seller region
- Diverse product catalog
- High flexibility
Cons:
- Product quality and print colors may vary due to reliance on third-party providers
- Limited branding options
- International shipping can incur higher fees
Cost and packages
Store plans:
- Free Plan: $0/month for beginner sellers; allows store creation, unlimited designs, use of the mockup generator, connection to sales platforms, no monthly fees
- Premium Plan: ~$29/month (~$24.99/month if billed annually); offers product discounts (~20%), multiple stores, and priority access to new features
- Enterprise: For high-volume sellers needing multiple stores, higher discounts, and dedicated support — pricing is custom
Catalog
Printify’s catalog features over 900 products, including 60+ print-on-demand gym clothing items catering to fitness apparel trends. Sellers can choose different print providers for the same product, selecting colors, sizing, and materials (stretchy, breathable, sweat-resistant fabrics) to optimize costs.
- Featured products: Leggings (XS–4XL, AOP, breathable fabrics); sports bras and crop tops (stretchy, yoga-friendly); hoodies and tank tops (men/women, cotton-recycled); yoga shorts and rash guards (DTG/sublimation).
- Sizes: Wide range supported (XS–5XL depending on the item)
- Price range: $15.06–$91.94
Fulfillment
Printify does not produce all products in-house; instead, it connects with multiple print providers. Sellers can select providers close to their customer markets to reduce shipping time and costs. Each Printify provider displays pricing and user reviews, giving sellers an objective view of third-party services.
However, production and shipping times may vary depending on the provider’s location.
Customization & integration
Printify offers extensive customization for print-on-demand gym clothing through the Pop-Up Design Editor and in-app mockups, supporting AOP, DTG, and embroidery.
- Flexible customization options: multiple sides printing (front/back), all-over print, embroidery/logo details, eco-friendly fabric choices (60% recycled polyester)
- Integration with platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop with ready-to-use APIs, automatic product/order sync
- Branding extras (optional): custom labels ($0.75–$2), branded packing slips, and custom packaging
4. SPOD
SPOD is a reliable print-on-demand gym clothing platform, renowned for its industry-leading fulfillment speed. With factories in the US and Europe, SPOD ensures orders reach customers quickly, even in strictly regulated regions like the EU.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Fast production and shipping
- High-quality printing
- Global fulfillment with no registration fees
Cons:
- Average product catalog
- Basic custom branding options
- Shipping times limited for regions far from headquarters or factories
Cost & packages
Usage costs & pricing structure:
- Free setup: SPOD charges no registration or monthly fees when using basic features
- Per-order model: You only pay when an order is placed, covering the base product cost, printing fees, fulfillment fees, and shipping
Catalog
SPOD has an average catalog of around 200 POD products, including 30+ print-on-demand gym clothing items catering to fitness apparel trends.
- Dedicated gym/activewear products: T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and lightweight items suitable for workouts. Environmentally friendly options include organic cotton and sustainable apparel.
- Sizes: Typically XS to XL/XXL; some products expand to 3XL or 4XL
- Price range: Approximately $12–25 for lightweight items such as t-shirts and tank tops; premium items (hoodies, sweatshirts, all-over prints, specialty fabrics) can range from $30–40+
Fulfillment
SPOD’s fulfillment system is automated like other industry leaders, ensuring fast processing and real-time tracking.
- Production: 1–2 days (DTG/AOP)
- Shipping: US/EU 3–7 days, worldwide 7–20 days from US/EU factories (US and EU shipments are faster due to local production)
Supports basic white-label packaging, order cancellation within 24 hours, and automatic tracking. Shipping options include standard, premium, and express; costs and delivery times vary by customer region, with a shipping estimator tool available.
Customization & integration
SPOD allows customization of print-on-demand gym clothing via its on-product design editor: upload artwork, add text, adjust colors and styles—simple and user-friendly design tools.
- Flexible customization options: print on front/back, DTG/digital printing, sublimation on select products; however, all-over printing and advanced materials are limited
- Sales platform integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Squarespace
5. Gelato
Gelato is a print-on-demand service provider with a network of 130 production partners across more than 30 countries worldwide. For gym clothing, Gelato is a strong choice if you want to expand internationally, reduce logistics costs, and still enjoy flexible design options.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No minimum order quantity (MOQ)
- Consistent print quality
- Global distributed printing network
- User-friendly interface
- Regional shipping support
Cons:
- Limited product catalog
- Platform integrations are not fully optimized
- Fewer printing options
Cost & packages
Gelato pricing & plans:
- Free Plan: Basic use at no monthly cost, ideal for new sellers
- Gelato+ (~$25/month): Includes discounted standard shipping, enhanced mockups, premium fonts and graphics
- Gelato+ Gold (~$129/month): Offers greater shipping and mockup benefits, helping reduce costs for high monthly order volumes
Catalog
Gelato’s print-on-demand catalog includes 100+ products, with 20+ print-on-demand gym clothing items.
- Customizable gym clothing products: Regular t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and “sports hoodies” for men and women
- Sizes: Typically XS–3XL
- Price range: $10–$39+
Fulfillment
Gelato uses an automated system to select the nearest print partner for production, optimizing fulfillment time and reducing shipping costs.
- Production time: Usually 2–6 days
- Shipping time: 3–5 days within the same partner region; longer for cross-border orders
Customization & integration
Gelato provides an intuitive Product Editor on the web, allowing you to upload artwork, choose colors, adjust print placement, and preview mockups instantly. It is particularly suitable for print-on-demand gym clothing, supporting digital printing, multi-side printing (front/back), and all-over prints.
Platform integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, with APIs for automatic syncing of products, orders, and fulfillment. Optional services are available for custom labels or packaging at an additional cost.
6. Apliiq
Apliiq stands out for sellers looking to develop a gym clothing brand with premium details such as custom labels, patches, embroidery, and design customization—ideal if you want your products to look “unique” and high-quality. While costs may be higher, Apliiq helps create brand value, allowing products to be priced higher.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Premium printing with sharp colors
- Flexible private label support
- Fast fulfillment in the US
- High-quality, durable materials
- Professional design tools and support services
Cons:
- Base costs are higher than average
- Primarily focused on apparel
- International shipping can be costly and slower
Cost & packages
Apliiq does not require mandatory registration fees to create a store, allowing sellers to start print-on-demand gym clothing for free.
- Free Plan: Provides automated fulfillment, mockups, and basic support; payment is per order, no monthly subscription
- Extra services: Custom packaging/labels (per quote, $1–$5/item), graphic design (customization), or warehousing (additional storage fees), with bulk order discounts
Catalog
Apliiq offers over 750 products, mainly in apparel POD, including 50+ customizable gym clothing items.
- Products include: Streetwear/casual apparel suitable for light gym clothing (tees, hoodies, joggers)
- Sizes: XS–3XL (some items up to 4XL)
- Price range: $7–$30+
Fulfillment
Apliiq provides automated fulfillment for dropshipping; production and shipping are primarily from the US, with real-time dashboard tracking.
- Order processing: 5–7 days
- Production: 2–3 days (DTG/DTF/embroidery)
- Shipping: US 2–5 days, worldwide 5–15 days
Notes: Fast domestic shipping; international shipping takes longer and costs more. If your customers are mainly in the US, Apliiq is advantageous.
Customization & integration
Apliiq offers an online design tool integrated directly on their website, allowing you to upload artwork, select print/transfer placement, add custom patches, appliqué, embroidery, custom pockets, and custom labels (neck tags, woven labels). This is a key advantage over many other POD providers due to support for advanced techniques.
- Printing support: Multi-side printing (front/back), all-over print, detailed embroidery, or organic fabric options
- Platform integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, with a dropshipping app and API for automatic product and order syncing
7. CustomCat
CustomCat stands out with its high-quality “DIGISOFT™” printing technology on performance fabrics, allowing sellers to create gym clothing with vibrant designs and long-lasting durability. This is a balanced choice between cost and quality—ideal if you want gym apparel that “looks good & lasts long” while maintaining stable margins.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Competitive base costs
- Sharp, high-quality printing
- Fast US shipping with reasonable rates
- Diverse gym and activewear catalog
Cons:
- Primarily focused on the US market
- Limited integration options
- International fulfillment outside the US may be slower and more costly
Cost & packages
CustomCat does not require mandatory registration fees to create a store:
- Free / Lite Plan: Free account; sellers can start uploading designs, creating products, accessing the catalog, and fulfilling orders as they come
- PRO Plan: Around $30/month (~$25 if billed annually)
- Enterprise: For high-volume sellers; pricing is custom, with higher benefits such as larger product discounts, dedicated support, and custom API access
Catalog
CustomCat’s catalog includes over 550 POD products, with nearly 40+ items related to gym or fitness.
- Featured gym products: Performance tees, tank tops, hoodies, sports bras, shorts, leggings, outerwear, and fleece
- Sizes: XS–4XL
- Price range: ~$10–$12 for basic tees; joggers, leggings, and all-over print items ~$25–$30+
Fulfillment
CustomCat’s fulfillment system is automated, but unlike other providers, it is primarily US-focused (as production facilities are located there).
- Production: 2–4 days (DTG/DTF)
- Shipping: US 2–5 days, worldwide 7–20 days
Customization & integration
CustomCat supports on-site design, allowing sellers to upload artwork or use existing mockups and choose print placement.
- Platform integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, with API/CSV upload support
- Branding extras: Available for an additional fee
8. Inkthreadable
Inkthreadable is recognized as a top POD provider in the UK/EU market, offering high-quality products across multiple categories. However, the brand is not yet strong in other markets.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality printed products
- Fast shipping within the UK/EU
- Comprehensive custom branding
Cons:
- Limited high-end options for all-over print
- Primarily focused on the UK/EU market
- Basic support tools may not fully meet seller needs
Cost & packages
Inkthreadable does not require mandatory registration fees for store creation and charges only per order, similar to other providers.
- Free Plan: Basic support, automated fulfillment, free mockups, no subscription fees
Catalog
Inkthreadable offers over 250 customizable products, including 20+ items suitable for gym/fitness or activewear.
- Featured products: T-shirts, performance hoodies, tank tops, leggings
- Sizes: XS–3XL
- Price range: Approximately £15–£35 depending on the product
Fulfillment
Inkthreadable’s fulfillment system is automated, primarily handling orders from UK facilities.
- Production: 2–4 days
- Shipping: EU/UK 3–5 days, worldwide 7–20 days
- Support: Policies in place for defective products or delivery issues
Customization & integration
Inkthreadable provides an in-app design and mockup tool for DTG printing and embroidery on activewear products. Sellers can print on front/back, add detailed embroidery, and select organic or recycled fabrics for supported items.
- Platform integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, with API for automatic product and order syncing
- Branding extras: Re-labeling, branded packing slips, and plastic-free packaging, though premium options are more limited compared to some other POD providers
9. Prodigi
Prodigi is a global print-on-demand platform with a network of over 50 production locations. If you prioritize premium, eco-friendly products and want to expand internationally, Prodigi can be a strong choice. However, its focus on gym clothing specifically is still limited.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Extremely diverse product catalog
- Strong third-party integrations
- Fast shipping on popular products
- Wide printing network
- High-quality printing
Cons:
- High base costs
- Customer service is average
- Seller support tools are still basic
Cost & packages
Prodigi is free to use, with no fees for sellers operating at a basic level or low volume.
Fees apply only when scaling up with larger order volumes or advanced features, based on individual agreements.
Catalog
Prodigi offers nearly 500,000 customizable products across its catalog, ranging from apparel to home-living, art prints, and stickers. However, the brand does not have a dedicated gym clothing category; instead, products are grouped under broader sections like men’s clothing, women’s clothing, or kids’ clothing.
Fulfillment
Prodigi aims to place production labs as close to customers as possible to shorten delivery times and reduce costs for sellers. It currently owns and partners with over 50 facilities — one of the ways its automated fulfillment system stays robust.
- Dispatch/Production: Average turnaround of 1–4 days
- Shipping: Location- and speed-based shipping fees; a dashboard tool lets sellers preview rates and estimated delivery times for different regions
Customization & integration
Prodigi allows sellers to upload designs, print front/back, basic all-over prints, light embroidery, and choose eco-friendly fabrics (like recycled polyester or FSC-certified materials) directly on its platform.
It integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and offers an API for automatic order syncing, as well as CSV support for bulk orders.
Branding extras: Packaging inserts, slip sheets, labels, or white-label packaging for select products
Tips for picking the best POD gym clothing sites
To maximize profits when selling, sellers need to carefully select print-on-demand providers based on five key criteria:
- Cost / price: Compare base cost, printing fees, shipping, and taxes. If total costs exceed 50–60% of the selling price, profit margins will be low and scaling will be difficult
- Quality & materials: Fabrics should be suitable for gym use, with durability and moisture-wicking properties
- MOQs & samples: MOQ should be 1 to allow market testing, and providers should offer samples so sellers can check product quality before shipping to customers
- Production facilities: Choose suppliers located near your target market to optimize pricing and delivery times
- Printing methods: Clarify which printing methods the provider supports, as customers may request designs that require a specific technique that some suppliers may not offer
Top best-selling gym clothing lines
To quickly capture customer demand, sellers need to follow seasonal trends in customizable gym clothing. Merchize highlights products that print-on-demand providers are actively promoting to help sellers scale their business.
- Performance Leggings / Yoga Leggings: Always in high demand among women, easy to print patterns (~$19–$30)
- Dry-Fit / Performance / Athletic Tees: Basic, easy-to-sell items with multiple sizes (~$10–$15)
- Sports Bras: A female niche product with strong profit margins (~$15–$25+)
- Athletic Hoodies / Sports Hoodies: Popular in colder seasons, unisex (~$25–$45)
- Compression Shorts / Biker Shorts: Rising trend in fitness/gymwear (~$15–$25)
- Tank Tops: Classic, low-cost item, easy to scale ($8–$15)
Choosing the right provider not only directly impacts profit margins but also determines product quality and the customer experience. This is the perfect time to boost sales, so start now to seize the opportunity. If you would like guidance from Merchize along with promotional packages, don’t hesitate to contact us via live chat or our official channels.