Learn Shopify Tips & Tricks To Own A Business With POD Active Wears

Tips & Tricks To Own A Business With POD Active Wears

GemPages Team
Updated:
5 minutes read
Tips & Tricks To Own A Business With POD Active Wears

POD activewear has been offering an exciting chance to tap into the growing demand for stylish, functional athleisure. From leggings to sports bras, these customizable pieces blend both fashion and fitness, catering to a trend-savvy audience. This blog will instruct you on how to capitalize on this thriving niche and highlight the potential of POD activewear in eCommerce.  

Let’s get in with our experts! 

Understanding POD Active Wears 

What Are POD Active Wears?

POD activewear is clothing that combines the versatility of activewear with the customization of print-on-demand (POD)services. In fact, activewear is designed for workouts and casual wear, including items like leggings, joggers, bras, or hoodies. With POD, your customers can freely add their personalized touches like slogans or patterns, and you don’t need to hold inventory. 

pod active wears

POD active wears tailor style, comfort, and personal awareness

However, don’t ever mislead activewear vs. sportswear—it might cause a fault in designing and catering to your product lines. Let’s take a quick look at the following differences: 

Activewear

Sportswear

1 - Designed for both exercise and casual wear

2 - More flexible in style and function

3 - Often made from sustainable, comfortable fabrics

4 - Casual and trendy (e.g., hoodies, leggings)

1 - Specifically for sports 

2 - Focused on performance 

3 - Built for specific functions (e.g., thermal)

4 - Sport-specific, less focus on fashion 

Why Should You Invest In POD Active Wears?

According to Allied Market Research, the global activewear industry has been thriving since 2022 and is forecasted to reach $771.8 billion by 2032. In addition, the Forces have identified 4 key activewear trends shaping this growth: sustainability, diversity and inclusivity, luxury brands, and on-demand classes. Without a doubt, POD activewear belongs to the “on-demand”!  

What’s more? It’s exactly your target customers! 

“Only 23 percent of Generation Z said they were passionate sports fans, compared with the 42 percent of millennials”, says the New York Times. This doesn’t mean Gen Z is not worth focusing on; it needs more flexibility. However, it seems better to start with Millenials—they’re believed to shape the future of athleisure—a blend of comfort, style, and health awareness.  

Where To Sell POD Active Wears

You can start your POD activewear brand on 2 common platforms: 

  • Marketplaces

While Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are great gates to reach global customers, standing out in these crowded spaces might be challenging. To perform the best sales, optimize your listings with clear photos, engaging descriptions, and competitive prices. 

amazon

Amazon is a common marketplace for selling POD activewear 

  • eCommerce platforms

Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce are the go-to choices, thanks to their full control over your store and seamless integration with POD services. Notably, Shopify has been the most popular in the U.S., accounting for roughly 30% of the total, thanks to its friendly-budget pricing, built-in AI features, easy-to-use dashboard, and various online resources. 

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GemPages is one of the leading landing page builders for Shopify stores 

To elevate your Shopify store’s performance, try the leading landing page builders available in the Shopify App Store, like GemPages. Trusted by over 30,000 merchants, GemPages is free to install but provides CRO templates, advanced design elements, and A/B testing tools. This helps you feel more confident about building a professional, unique eCommerce storefront.

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Top 5 POD Active Wear Pieces You Should Sell

#1. Legging 

Leggings are a must-have in our POD activewear list today because of their booming market, which was valued at USD 37.06 billion in 2024. They’re close-fitting or stretchy pants often made from nylon, spandex, polyester, or cotton blends to provide the best comfort for wearers. You can wear this item for physical activities, casual outings, or even working locations. 

pod leggings

Leggings are potential POD activewear items to kick off your business sales 

Tip: Colorful patterns, minimalist designs, and motivational quotes can make customers feel more fashionable and easy to wear all the time. Eco-friendly fabrics should also be considered to attract environmentally conscious buyers. 

#2. Joggers

Unisex joggers are the best choice for both men and women as they offer wearers feelings of comfort and fashion. You can freely start POD joggers with DTG, Vinyl, or embroidery to ensure vivid customizations, making your products a top pick for any collection. Also, learn how to build up a store from Qikink—one of the leaders in POD joggers in the UK and US markets. 

joggers

Qikink is one of the biggest names in POD joggers

Tip: Pair your jogger designs with hoodies, sweatshirts, or T-shirts and then sell them as trending co-ord sets. Don’t forget to focus on neutral colors with subtle accents or even initials and logos to create unique products. 

#3. Tank tops

Tank tops are in great demand in the activewear industry, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% worldwide from 2023 to 2030. You can vary your product lines with base colors or patterns, but ensure that they’re lightweight, breathable, and easy to style. Tank tops should also be sold in bundles to increase the average order value in your store effectively. 

tank tops

Tank tops are a very in-demand activewear product on the global eCommerce market

Tip: Play POD tank tops with bold graphics and typography to attract different audiences. Your product listing should also include inclusive sizing (2XL or 3XL) to cater to global customers. 

#4. Shorts 

The next must-have in your POD activewear line is shorts—an essential item that skyrockets in popularity during the summer months. With POD, you can tailor customers to a variety of styles, from high-waisted biker shorts to loose-fit shorts, catering to diverse customer preferences. Whether you’re running or lounging at home, shorts are a staple for comfort and mobility.

shorts

POD shorts tend to be in high demand in summertime

Tip: Set your shorts apart with moisture-wicking fabrics, hidden pockets, or anti-chafe designs. It’s also great to design shorts with long pants inside to keep wearers warmer during winter. 

#5. Sports bras 

Last but not least, sports bras can better launch your POD activewear ideas! The bras market is expected to reach $61.92 billion in 2025 in the 5 key regions, including Europe, China, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. If you target these markets, consider POD sports bras today to leverage your business performance effectively!

sports bras

POD sports bras are expected to reach a great profit in the future 

Tip: Focus on comfort and functionality to make customers feel confident at any time. Consider adding stylish black designs or color-blocking patterns to make your designs stand out. 

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Best 8 Fulfillment Picks For Your POD Activewear Store

#1. Printful 

Printful is one of the most recognized POD platforms across Asia, the US, and the EU. It offers a premium range of activewear, like leggings, sports bras, and performance shirts. Its cutting-edge and reliable printing techniques ensure your designs look more vibrant. Even if you’re a newbie, Prinful’s user-friendly dashboard makes it easy to access stunning designs. 

printful

Printful is the most recognized POD platform across the world

What we love: 

  • High-quality fabric options that prioritize comfort and durability.

  • Worldwide fulfillment centers for reduced shipping times.

#2. Printify 

Printify allows you to connect with global print providers with flexibility in quality and pricing. You can easily see the cost of each POD activewear, including shipping or the retail price, up to a 40% profit margin—it’s an ideal level to kick off your sales. Printify is especially committed to sustainability, featuring a range of eco-friendly printing options at friendly budget levels. 

printify

Printify ensures global delivery with apparent costs 

What we love: 

  • Extensive supplier network for activewear options.

  • Affordable starter plans, including a free option.

  • Easy to work with marketplaces and eCommerce platforms. 

#3. AutoDS

AutoDS specializes in automation for POD and dropshipping, simplifying inventory management and fulfillment for your Shopify or WooCommerce store. You can also register for AutoDS on the other eCommerce platforms, but be mindful of synchronizations and updates. 

autods

AutoDS masters POD and dropshipping on Shopify and WooCommerce

What we love:

  • Advanced automation features, including auto-price updates.

  • Detailed analytics to help improve your store performance.

#4. Zendrop

Zendrop focuses on high-quality fulfillment with a particular emphasis on North American markets and is available with free plans. While its fast shipping times make Zendrop a go-to for fitness-focused brands, the activewear ordering price seems high, from $20 to $50. 

zendrop

Zendrop focuses on POD activewear in North America 

What we love:

  • Extensive branding options to boost your brand awareness. 

  • Easy-to-use dashboard for order tracking and management.

#5. SPOD

With 20+ years of experience in the custom printing industry, SPOD ensures high-quality orders within a short delivery time. Notably, this fulfillment company prioritizes using water-saving printing techniques or other environmentally friendly practices to tailor sustainability. You can easily find its organic collection, which uses organic cotton in Turkey for production. 

spod

SPOD is famous for its rapid delivery time 

What we love: 

  • 48-hour average production time, with 20% of orders shipped in 24 hours.

  • Comprehensive design tools for easy customization.

  • Varied eco- or environment-friendly printing methods. 

#6. FitPrint

With FitPrint, you don’t need to worry about minimum order requirements. This means that we can order just one POD activewear item if you want, making it an excellent choice for small-scale businesses. The turnaround time is also impressively quick, often within just 7 days. 

fitprint

FitPrint targets POD activewear and sportswear

What we love:

  • High-grade fabrics designed for active lifestyles.

  • 12-month guarantee on POD services.

#7. Inkthreadable

Inkthreadable offers a comprehensive POD service for activewear, specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable printing. Thanks to its base in the UK, it has become a perfect choice for businesses that look to cater to the European market. You will especially have an opportunity to try unique gym clothing or leggings while staying true to trendy, eco-conscious values. 

inkthreadable

 Inkthreadable is famous for high-end fashion in POD activewear

What we love:

  • Production with sustainable materials (e.g., organic cotton, recycled polyester). 

  • Custom packaging options that align with eco-friendly branding.

#8. ArtOfWhere

Being the premium POD platform, ArtOfWhere focuses on delivering high-quality, artist-designed activewear items. If you aim to build your high-end brand in North America, suppliers on ArtOfWhere should be considered. They’re true professionals in fashion-forward activewear, with efficient delivery times and varied fabrics to ensure comfort and durability. 

artofwhere

ArtOfWhere masters in POD high-end fashion 

What we love:

  • Wide variety of customizable activewear options.

  • Excellent for high-end brands looking for distinctive designs.

Learn more: 10+ Trending Print On Demand Pet Products + Suppliers (2025)

Conclusion

Our blog has just reviewed the POD activewear market and opportunities to boost your business sales with minimal upfront costs.  Customization, sustainability, and personalization are key to resonating your brand with fashion-forward consumers. Don’t forget to consider the high-demand activewear ideas and the leading fulfillment services to perform the best results. 

Visit GemPages blogs to learn about eCommerce and how to succeed with the POD brand. 

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FAQs

What is the best print-on-demand company for athletic wear?
You can consider some of the best POD companies that help fulfill your athleticwear ideas, such as Inkthreadable, Printify, Printful, SPOD, FitPrint, and ArtOfWhere. Depending on your preference, budget, and market, pick the best fit to optimize your business plan.
How do I ensure the quality of POD activewear?
To ensure the final quality of POD activewear items, you should work with reliable POD providers, have order samples, check customer feedback, and prefer durable materials. Don’t forget to check regularly with your suppliers to keep the best updates on your product quality.
What are the challenges of selling POD activewear items on Shopify?
You might face challenges such as controlling the delivery time and quality, marketing your brand, and satisfying customer expectations regarding personalization. Remember to keep up with trends to make your brand stand out in the e-commerce market.
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