{"id":27563,"date":"2026-07-29T09:20:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T13:20:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/?p=27563"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:20:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T13:20:46","slug":"custom-activewear-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/custom-activewear-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Custom Activewear: Design, Print &amp; Order Performance Apparel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-860x574.png 860w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-680x454.png 680w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-200x133.png 200w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-100x67.png 100w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-76x51.png 76w, https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-1-50x33.png 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/2026-swag-trends\">2026 Swag Trends Survey<\/a> found that 67% of buyers only consider a gear purchase successful if they see people voluntarily wearing it. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">custom activewear<\/a>, that bar is even higher: a shirt that sits in a drawer after race day isn&#8217;t gear, it&#8217;s a failed investment. The difference usually comes down to fabric. A 100% polyester <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/434\">moisture-wicking shirt<\/a> worn at a July 5K is the one people reach for every training run. A cotton tee worn once becomes a car-washing shirt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers what separates performance gear from generic alternatives: which fabrics work, which printing methods hold up, and how to order <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">custom activewear<\/a> that your group will want to wear for every workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In This Article<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#fabric-guide\">Choosing the Right Performance Fabric<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#printing-methods\">Which Print Methods Work on Performance Fabrics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#activewear-types\">Popular Custom Activewear Types<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#brand-comparison\">Sport-Tek vs. Under Armour: Which Blank Is Right for You<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#custom-vs-rack\">Custom Activewear vs. Off-the-Rack: When Each Makes Sense<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-order\">How to Design and Order Custom Activewear<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href='https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44' class='eckosc eckosc_button font_alt eckosc_button_size_standard eckosc_button_position_inline' style='background-color:#1e39d2;' target='_blank'' data-color='#1e39d2'>Shop Custom Activewear<\/a>\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-key-takeaways\">\n<h3 class=\"ci-takeaways-title\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"ci-takeaways-list\">\n<li><strong>Fabric weight and technology determine wearability.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-performance-shirt\/204300\">Sport-Tek ST350<\/a> (3.8 oz., 100% polyester with PosiCharge) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/under-armour-athletic-20-performance-shirt\/3009700\">Under Armour Locker 2.0<\/a> (4.65 oz., 100% polyester with UA Tech and Moisture Transport System) are the two most commonly ordered performance t-shirts, each suited to different budgets and use cases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>91% of recipients feel more valued with a recognized brand.<\/strong> According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/2026-swag-trends\">2026 Swag Trends Survey<\/a>, teams and employees respond differently to branded performance wear from Nike or Under Armour than to generic private-label alternatives, which matters for corporate wellness and team-building programs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Print method choice is non-negotiable on performance fabrics.<\/strong> Heat transfer and sublimation hold up on polyester; standard screen printing inks can crack on stretch-heavy and moisture-wicking materials if the wrong process is used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"fabric-guide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing the Right Performance Fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/customink\/image\/upload\/t_1000-limit-PNG\/v1623355395\/Photography\/Lifestyle\/2017\/2017-09-20_Adult_Sports_Softball\/Approved\/_Final\/Belonging\/2017-09-20_Adult_Sports_Softball-0865_EDIT_V1_cppssb.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Performance fabrics solve three problems cotton can&#8217;t: moisture management, stretch recovery, and colorfastness after repeated washing. Which fabric fits your order depends on the activity intensity and whether you&#8217;re prioritizing feel, durability, or logo print quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Fabric<\/th><th>Weight<\/th><th>Moisture Management<\/th><th>Stretch Recovery<\/th><th>Best For<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=100%25%20Polyester\">100% Polyester <\/a>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/results?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;keyword=posicharge&amp;searchType=homepage\">PosiCharge<\/a>)<\/td><td>3.8 oz.\/yd\u00b2<\/td><td>Excellent: hydrophobic, fast-drying<\/td><td>Good<\/td><td>5Ks, field days, corporate events, youth sports<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/under-armour-athletic-20-performance-shirt\/3009700\">100% Polyester (UA Tech)<\/a><\/td><td>4.65 oz.\/yd\u00b2<\/td><td>Excellent: Moisture Transport System<\/td><td>Superior four-way stretch<\/td><td>Team sports, gym programs, employee wellness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=Poly%2FSpandex\">Poly-Spandex Blend<\/a><\/td><td>Varies (220\u2013320 g\/m\u00b2)<\/td><td>Very good<\/td><td>Excellent: compression hold<\/td><td>Compression layers, leggings, yoga, Pilates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=Cotton%2FPoly\">Cotton-Poly Blend<\/a><\/td><td>4.5\u20135.3 oz.<\/td><td>Fair: cotton holds moisture<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><td>Casual athleisure, low-intensity activities<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=100%25%20Cotton\">Cotton<\/a> (standard)<\/td><td>5.3\u20136.1 oz.<\/td><td>Poor: stays wet<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Rest days, casual wear only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most groups, including company wellness programs, running clubs, and youth leagues, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=100%25%20Polyester\">100% polyester<\/a> interlock is the right starting point for your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">custom activewear<\/a>. It prints cleanly, holds color through repeated wash cycles, and handles sweat without clinging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a compressed look or yoga-oriented programs, a poly-spandex blend adds the four-way stretch and body-conscious fit those activities require.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/photos\/bridges-to-independence-runs-and-wins\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/customink-iotw-east-prod\/images\/58293\/large\/image.jpeg?1446647151\" alt=\"Bridges To Independence running team wearing custom performance shirts\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Second year ordering shirts from Custom Ink! Great customer service and our athletes love the comfortable feel and sporty look of our new shirts.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/photos\/awesome-tech-shirts-make-us-run-faster\">View full story<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Featured Products from This Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-womens-competitor-performance-shirt\/188900\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/057aa6dbc25d1d36faddf565be71cb15\/colors\/188901\/views\/alt\/front_large.png\" alt=\"Sport-Tek Women's Competitor Performance Shirt\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-womens-competitor-performance-shirt\/188900\">Sport-Tek Women&#8217;s Competitor Performance Shirt<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3.8 oz., 100% polyester interlock with PosiCharge technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gently contoured silhouette; removable tag; set-in sleeves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sizes XS\u20134XL; 25+ colors available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-performance-shirt\/204300\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/057aa6dbc25d1d36faddf565be71cb15\/colors\/204302\/views\/alt\/front_large.png\" alt=\"Sport-Tek Competitor Performance Shirt\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-performance-shirt\/204300\">Sport-Tek Competitor Performance Shirt<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3.8 oz., 100% polyester interlock with PosiCharge technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locks in color and prevents logo fade through repeated washing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sizes XS\u20134XL; removable tag for comfort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/long-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-long-sleeve-performance-shirt\/213700\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/057aa6dbc25d1d36faddf565be71cb15\/colors\/213703\/views\/alt\/front_large.png\" alt=\"Sport-Tek Competitor Long Sleeve Performance Shirt\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/long-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-long-sleeve-performance-shirt\/213700\">Sport-Tek Competitor Long Sleeve Performance Shirt<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3.8 oz., 100% polyester interlock with PosiCharge technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moisture-wicking; ideal for cool-weather races and training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sizes XS\u20134XL; available in 20+ colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"printing-methods\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Print Methods Work Best on Performance Fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standard screen printing with plastisol ink wasn&#8217;t designed for stretchy polyester. The right decoration method depends on your fabric, design complexity, and quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Method<\/th><th>Best Fabric<\/th><th>Design Colors<\/th><th>Minimum Qty<\/th><th>Durability<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Heat Transfer \/ DTF<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-material%5B%5D=100%25%20Polyester\">100% polyester<\/a>, poly-spandex<\/td><td>Full color, gradients<\/td><td>1+<\/td><td>Excellent on stretch fabrics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/sublimated-team-jerseys\/1063\">Sublimation<\/a><\/td><td>100% white\/light polyester only<\/td><td>Full color, photographic<\/td><td>1+<\/td><td>Excellent: dye bonds with fiber<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Screen Printing (water-based ink)<\/td><td>Cotton-poly blends, polyester<\/td><td>1\u20134 spot colors<\/td><td>12+<\/td><td>Good with proper ink selection<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-decoration%5B%5D=Embroidered\">Embroidery<\/a><\/td><td>All fabrics; best on heavier knits<\/td><td>Up to 12 thread colors<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><td>Excellent; premium look<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sublimation is the gold standard for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/sublimated-team-jerseys\/1063\">full-color team jerseys<\/a>. The dye bonds directly with polyester fibers, which means there&#8217;s no cracking, peeling, or fading regardless of how hard the shirt gets washed. Heat transfer (DTF) gives you full-color flexibility across a wider range of polyester products without sublimation&#8217;s requirement for white or very light base fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/embroidery\/126\">embroidery<\/a> on performance wear, limit placement to left-chest logos or sleeve details. Embroidering across a high-stretch area like the shoulder blades can pull the backing material and reduce the garment&#8217;s range of motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/design_ideas\/lab_with_update?design_idea_id=58811\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/colors\/271403\/views\/front.jpg\" alt=\"Oh Pli\u00e9s ballet activewear design template\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/design_ideas\/lab_with_update?design_idea_id=61828\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/colors\/176157\/views\/front.jpg\" alt=\"Cougars Athletic Department team activewear design template\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/design_ideas\/lab_with_update?design_idea_id=56053\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mms-images.out.customink.com\/mms\/images\/catalog\/colors\/563609\/views\/front.jpg\" alt=\"Fairview Athletic Club design template for custom activewear\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"activewear-types\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Popular Custom Activewear Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/customink\/image\/upload\/t_1000-limit-PNG\/v1623355633\/Photography\/Lifestyle\/2017\/2017-09-22_UA_Running\/Approved\/_Final\/Belonging\/2017-09-21_UA_Running_Club-0202_EDIT_3x2_crop_V1_szthyk.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most groups need two or three different product types to cover their full range of activities and participants. Here&#8217;s what works for each category and who it&#8217;s best suited for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performance Shirts and Tanks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/t-shirts\/performance-blend-shirts\/505\">Performance T-shirts<\/a> are the anchor product for most activewear orders. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/t-shirts\/tank-tops-sleeveless\/18\">Tank tops<\/a> work well for indoor fitness programs, warm-weather 5Ks, and yoga groups where a full sleeve interferes with movement. Both print well with heat transfer and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/sublimated-team-jerseys\/1063\">sublimation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Athletic Shorts and Pants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Custom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/pants-shorts\/178\">athletic shorts<\/a> are the second-most requested activewear item after shirts. Look for styles with moisture-wicking liners, side pockets, and four-way stretch if participants will be doing multi-directional movement. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/sublimated-team-jerseys\/1063\">Sublimation<\/a> is the preferred print method for athletic shorts since it produces no raised surface the body can feel during movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women&#8217;s Activewear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fit matters more for women&#8217;s styles than for unisex options. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/womens-activewear\/123\">women&#8217;s activewear<\/a> catalog includes contoured silhouettes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/performance-tanks\/514?fg-style%5B%5D=Women%27s&amp;fg-style-type%5B%5D=Racerback\">racerback tanks<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/results?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;keyword=leggings&amp;searchType=homepage&amp;fg-product-type%5B%5D=Activewear\">performance leggings<\/a> sized XS through 4XL. When ordering for mixed groups, we always recommend ordering women&#8217;s-specific cuts rather than relying on unisex sizing; the fit difference is significant enough that it affects whether the gear gets worn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Youth Activewear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?fg-style%5B%5D=Youth\">Youth performance shirts<\/a> run XS (4\u20136) through XL (18\u201320) in most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?brand%5B%5D=Sport-Tek\">Sport-Tek styles<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-youth-competitor-performance-shirt\/206700\">YST350 (Youth PosiCharge Competitor Tee)<\/a> uses the same 3.8 oz. 100% polyester interlock as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-performance-shirt\/204300?keyword=YST350&amp;PK=204321\">adult ST350<\/a>, which means it prints the same and performs the same. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/t-shirts\/kids-t-shirts\/197\">youth orders<\/a>, use our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ink\/group-order-form\">group ordering feature<\/a> so coaches or parents can specify sizes individually rather than guessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Track Jackets and Quarter-Zips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/quarter-zip-performance-shirts\/451\">Quarter-zip performance pullovers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/track-jackets\/225\">track jackets<\/a> are the warmup layer most teams order alongside their shirts. They double as branded outerwear that travels beyond the gym or the race course. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/quarter-zip-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-quarter-zip-performance-shirt\/345600\">Sport-Tek ST357<\/a> (PosiCharge Competitor 1\/4-Zip, 3.8 oz. 100% polyester interlock) is the most popular option for teams that want a matching warmup without a significant price jump over the base shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"brand-comparison\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sport-Tek vs. Under Armour: Which Blank Is Right for You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/customink\/image\/upload\/t_1000-limit-PNG\/v1623355860\/Photography\/Lifestyle\/2019\/2019-04-27_Mud_Run\/Approved\/_Final\/Belonging\/2019-04-27_Mud_Run-0759_V01_jjxruk.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are 100% polyester. Both wick moisture. The difference is in feel, weight, and what the brand recognition does for your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th><\/th><th><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/sport-tek-competitor-performance-shirt\/204300\">Sport-Tek ST350<\/a> (PosiCharge Competitor)<\/th><th><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/under-armour-athletic-20-performance-shirt\/3009700\">Under Armour Locker 2.0<\/a> (1305775)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fabric Weight<\/strong><\/td><td>3.8 oz.\/yd\u00b2, 100% polyester interlock<\/td><td>4.65 oz.\/yd\u00b2, 100% polyester<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Moisture Technology<\/strong><\/td><td>PosiCharge (locks color; prevents logo fade)<\/td><td>UA Tech + Moisture Transport System<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Stretch<\/strong><\/td><td>Standard stretch<\/td><td>Four-way stretch fabrication<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Anti-Odor<\/strong><\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Yes, anti-odor technology<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tag<\/strong><\/td><td>Removable<\/td><td>Set-in sleeves; updated fit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Price Point<\/strong><\/td><td>Lower; best for large-volume event orders<\/td><td>Higher; retail brand recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><td>5Ks, youth leagues, company field days, large groups<\/td><td>Corporate wellness programs, premium team kits, client gifting<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The brand recognition question matters more than most buyers expect. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/2026-swag-trends\">2026 Swag Trends Survey<\/a>, 91% of recipients report feeling more valued when they receive a recognized retail brand compared to a generic private-label item. If your program is about employee appreciation or making a strong impression on clients, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/under-armour-activewear\/448\">Under Armour<\/a> blanks earn that perception. For event shirts where volume and cost-per-unit drive the decision, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/all-activewear\/467?brand%5B%5D=Sport-Tek\">Sport-Tek<\/a> delivers the same performance fabric at a lower price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"custom-vs-rack\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Custom Activewear vs. Off-the-Rack: When Each Makes Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/customink\/image\/upload\/t_1000-limit-PNG\/v1623355995\/Photography\/Lifestyle\/2019\/2019-02-14_SB_Barre\/Approved\/_Final\/Belonging\/2019-02-14_SB_Barre_Studio-0199_EDIT_3x2crop_V01_wlldp6.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Off-the-rack performance gear from a sporting goods store is always an option. Here&#8217;s when it makes sense and when custom delivers better value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Situation<\/th><th>Off-the-Rack<\/th><th><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">Custom Activewear<\/a><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Individual athlete gear<\/td><td>Usually better; wide size and style selection<\/td><td>Overkill for 1\u20132 people<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team of 6\u201312 athletes<\/td><td>Hard to match styles; no branding<\/td><td>Best option; unified look and same quality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Corporate wellness program (20+ employees)<\/td><td>No logo; no cohesion<\/td><td>Clear winner; builds program identity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Charity 5K (50\u2013500 participants)<\/td><td>Impossible at scale<\/td><td>Only viable option<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Youth sports league<\/td><td>Generic; no team identity<\/td><td>Best option; youth sizes and matching gear<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gym or fitness studio merchandise<\/td><td>No branding possible<\/td><td>Clear winner; brand exposure on every rep<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ppai.org\/media-hub\/ppai-sales-volume-estimate-modest-growth-in-2024-but-reasons-for-optimism-remain\/\">PPAI&#8217;s 2024 Sales Volume Report<\/a>, apparel is the single largest category in the $26.78 billion U.S. promotional products industry, accounting for 26.6% of all sales. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">Custom activewear<\/a> specifically is growing faster than basic apparel as organizations recognize that functional gear gets worn, and wearing equals impressions. Off-the-rack gear disappears into individual wardrobes. Matching custom gear builds visible team identity every time your group shows up together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-order\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Design and Order Custom Activewear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/customink\/image\/upload\/t_1000-limit-PNG\/v1623356464\/Photography\/Lifestyle\/2016\/2016-06-20_HS_Boys_Soccer\/Approved\/_Final\/Belonging\/2016-06-20_HS_Boys_Soccer-0611_EDIT_v1_hwrxsw.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose your fabric and style.<\/strong> Start with the performance criteria: will participants be sweating heavily? Doing yoga? Running? Competing in team sports? Use the fabric table above to match the activity to the material. Then browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">custom activewear<\/a> catalog and filter by style, brand, or use case.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upload your design or start in our Design Lab.<\/strong> Go to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ndx\/\">Design Lab<\/a> to upload a logo, customize a template from our athletic template library, or build a design from scratch. Performance fabrics show design placement in real time on the product so you can confirm it looks right before ordering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collect sizes with our Group Order feature.<\/strong> Instead of chasing size emails across your whole team, use our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ink\/group-order-form\">group ordering<\/a> tool to send a link to participants. Each person selects their own size, pays individually if needed, and submits directly. It eliminates the logistics burden that our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/2026-swag-trends\">2026 Swag Trends Survey<\/a> found affects 60% of swag organizers who manage orders outside their primary job responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review, approve, and order.<\/strong> Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/help_center\/how-can-i-get-help-with-my-design\">design experts<\/a> review every order before production. Orders arrive within 2 weeks with free standard shipping. Rush options are available if your event is closer than that.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href='https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44' class='eckosc eckosc_button font_alt eckosc_button_size_standard eckosc_button_position_inline' style='background-color:#1e39d2;' target='_blank'' data-color='#1e39d2'>Start Designing Custom Activewear<\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the minimum order quantity for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/44\">custom activewear<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/434\">performance shirts<\/a> have no minimum order, and we offer a full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/no-minimum\/view-all\/491\">no-minimum catalog<\/a> if you need a small quantity. Pricing per unit scales down as quantity increases, so most groups ordering 12 or more see meaningful bulk savings. Check the specific product page for quantity pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Can I order custom women&#8217;s activewear and men&#8217;s styles in the same order?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/434\">performance shirt<\/a> styles come in both men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s cuts, and you can mix styles within the same order. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ink\/group-order-form\">group ordering<\/a> feature lets you collect individual size and style preferences from each person rather than guessing at a unisex size split.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: How do I design my own activewear if I&#8217;m not a designer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ndx\/\">Design Lab<\/a> has hundreds of athletic templates you can customize with your team name, colors, and logo. Upload a logo file or build something from the clipart library. If you want professional help, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/help_center\/how-can-i-get-help-with-my-design\">design experts<\/a> are available at no extra charge to refine your artwork before it goes to print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the difference between custom performance shirts and standard custom t-shirts?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/activewear\/short-sleeve-performance-shirts\/434\">Performance shirts<\/a> use 100% polyester or poly-spandex blends that wick moisture, dry quickly, and maintain their shape through repeated washing. Standard t-shirts typically use cotton or cotton-poly blends that absorb sweat rather than moving it away from the skin. For any physical activity where participants will be sweating, performance fabrics hold up significantly better. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/performance-shirt-guide\/\">Performance T-Shirts Guide<\/a> covers the full comparison with fabric weights and specs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: How far in advance should I order custom activewear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orders arrive within 2 weeks with our free standard shipping. If your event is within 2 weeks, rush options are available. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/help_center\/delivery-options\">delivery options<\/a> for current turnaround times. We recommend ordering 3\u20134 weeks ahead when possible, especially for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/ink\/group-order-form\">group orders<\/a> where collecting sizes takes extra time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Does sublimation printing work on all custom activewear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/products\/sublimated-team-jerseys\/1063\">Sublimation<\/a> works only on 100% polyester fabrics in white or very light base colors. The process bonds dye directly with the polyester fiber, which is why the colors are so vibrant and durable. For dark fabrics, poly-cotton blends, or products with any cotton content, heat transfer (DTF) is the better full-color option. Our design team selects the right print method for your specific product during the order review process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our 2026 Swag Trends Survey found that 67% of buyers only consider a gear purchase successful if they see people voluntarily wearing it. For custom activewear, that bar is even higher: a shirt that sits in a drawer after race day isn&#8217;t gear, it&#8217;s a failed investment. The difference usually comes down to fabric. A 100% polyester moisture-wicking shirt worn at a July 5K is the one people reach for every training run. A cotton tee worn once becomes a car-washing shirt. This guide covers what separates performance gear from generic alternatives: which fabrics work, which printing methods hold up, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":27699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1860],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27563","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-custom-buying-guide"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Complete Guide to Custom Activewear: Design, Print &amp; Order Performance Apparel - Custom Ink Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to order custom activewear that performs: fabric specs, print methods, brand comparisons, and how to design for athletic movement.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/custom-activewear-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Complete Guide to Custom Activewear: Design, Print &amp; 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