Can you customize sportswear?

Whether you’re launching a fitness brand, outfitting a local team, or just want activewear that reflects your personality—custom sportswear¹ is more popular than ever. But what’s actually possible to personalize?

Yes, you can fully customize sportswear—from logos and names to fabrics, fits, and performance details. Modern manufacturing techniques allow for both personal and professional-grade athletic apparel tailored to style, function, and identity.

I still remember helping a yoga instructor in Australia design her first custom leggings line. She wanted unique prints, a flattering high-rise fit, and sweat-wicking performance. A year later, it’s now her top-selling product. Here’s everything I shared with her—now in guide form.

Why More People Are Choosing to Customize Their Sportswear

The rise of fitness culture, influencer marketing, and team identity has driven a shift away from generic gym wear toward personalized pieces.

Custom sportswear is growing in popularity because it blends performance with expression. From brand visibility to team spirit and body-confidence boosts, custom gear meets both function and fashion.

Design Mood Board

Is custom sportswear better for branding, team unity, or self-expression?

All three. For brands, logos and slogans boost recognition. Teams get a cohesive look that reinforces identity. Individuals enjoy a sense of ownership in their gear.

• Branding: Great for startups, gyms, or influencer merch
• Team Unity: Jerseys and uniforms help group cohesion
• Self-Expression: Personalized gear makes training feel more meaningful

Custom sportswear turns basic gear into a personal or shared story.

How do personalized athletic pieces² enhance motivation and confidence?

Wearing gear that feels made for you changes how you perform. It creates emotional connection and signals seriousness about your goals.

Athletes often perform better when their clothing affirms their identity.

What Parts of Sportswear Can Be Customized?

From the fabric to the fit, almost every detail in performance apparel can now be tailored—if you’re working with the right manufacturer or platform.

You can customize sportswear components like prints, logos, name/number placement, fabric type, seam details, color schemes, and silhouette.

Can you print names, numbers, or logos on jerseys and leggings?

Yes. These are among the most common customizations for sportswear. Placement options typically include chest, back, sleeves, waistband, and side panels.

• Jerseys: Team name + player name + number
• Leggings: Logo on waistband or thigh
• Hoodies/Jackets: Brand name or motivational text

Custom printing enhances visibility and makes gear feel unique.

Are fabric type, fit, and color options customizable?

Absolutely. Brands can specify:

• Fabric: Polyester, nylon-spandex, recycled blends
• Fit: Loose, slim, cropped, high-rise, compression
• Color: Pantone-matched or digital print patterns

The more flexible your supplier, the more detailed your customization can be.

How Does the Sportswear Customization Process Work?

Customizing athletic apparel isn’t complicated—but it does require coordination between design, manufacturing, and timeline planning.

The customization process usually involves design submission, fabric/fitting confirmation, sample approval, and bulk production. Most factories or platforms accept vector files and offer low MOQs.

Is it easy to order customized sportswear online or through a manufacturer?

Yes. Platforms like Modaknits and other OEM partners offer tech pack templates or sample packs to start. Some print-on-demand sites offer no-minimum options too.

• B2C Platforms (e.g. Printful, Teespring): Easy to use, but limited in performance fabric
• B2B Manufacturers (e.g. Modaknits): Full custom control, ideal for scaling or premium brands

Samples typically take 5–10 days. Bulk production may take 15–30 days.

What file formats, lead times, or order quantities are usually required?

Always clarify color references using Pantone codes, and check if mockup services are included.

Things to Consider Before You Customize Your Sportswear

Before jumping in, it’s important to understand different printing techniques and how fabric choices affect wear and durability.

To ensure quality and longevity, choose the right printing method, confirm fabric performance, and run wash/durability tests before final production.

What’s the difference between sublimation printing³, screen printing, and heat press?

Each method has strengths:

Sublimation is ideal for sports jerseys and leggings due to its soft finish and flexibility.

How to ensure your customized items are durable and wash-resistant?

Test for:

• Color fastness: Will the print fade after multiple washes?
• Stretch recovery: Does the fabric return to shape after wear?
• Stitch strength: Are the seams reinforced and flat-locked?

Request sample runs with your real logo/artwork and run them through:

• 3–5 machine wash cycles
• Pull and stretch tests
• Light abrasion simulation (e.g. rub tests)

This protects your investment and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Yes—you can absolutely customize sportswear, and it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re building a brand, launching merch, or outfitting a team, today’s tech and fabrics let you design athletic wear that’s functional, stylish, and uniquely yours.