Top 8 Gym Clothes Types For Maximum Performance & Comfort

You don’t need to stock every gym clothing on the market.

Chances are, they won’t sell. And if they do, profit margins are so low you’ll struggle to cover overhead costs.

I’m here to make life easier for you. I’ll be sharing the best-selling gym clothes types you need in 2025. This isn’t like anything you’ve read before!

It’s the best-kept secret that six-figure gym apparel brands don’t want you to know. Today, I’ll share everything I have learned from my 10 years as a sportswear manufacturer.

You’ll get insights into activewear that moves fast, and guarantees return customers.

This guide will also cover why gym clothes are in high demand in 2025. Fabrics that guarantee durable activewear. Lastly, I’ll share the latest trends in the fitness apparel industry.

There’s a lot to cover. Let’s dive right in.

Why are Gym Clothes Selling Fast in 2025?

2025 is going to be a great year for gym apparel brands.

Why?

Take a look…

Wellness Creative Co predicts that gym and health club memberships will increase by 7.5%. This will see the market hit a staggering $102.2 billion. Which is, in fact, 39% of the entire fitness industry, currently valued at $257 billion.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Did you know that 36% of athletes replace their activewear every 3 months? 22% in 6 months and 30% within a year? (I’ll show you how to sell to the 36% and 22% in the coming sections, stick around!)

I can go on and on, pulling out surveys from every corner of the internet. And numbers alone might not convince you. So, here’s an unfiltered version from gym lovers and fashion enthusiasts:

From: Reddit.

Summary: Most gym rats purchase activewear every few weeks or at least twice a month. This is very good for you because if you position yourself well. There’s no limit to how much you can make in 2025.

By positioning yourself, I mean:

Find an experienced gym clothing manufacturer like JaceApparel. We specialize in high-quality activewear that ensures durability and comfort.
Offer unique and functional designs. JaceApparel will help you curate customization designs that no fitness enthusiast can resist.
Invest in the influencer market just like what Gymshark and similar brands are doing. Explore the Top 8 Gymshark Similar Brands here.

Very simple steps, yet most newbies in the fitness industry overlook this. And end up struggling with overhead costs and shut down in months.

Let’s quickly go over the best-selling gym clothes in the market right now.

Gym Clothes Types – Grouped by Category

1. Tops

Here are top-selling gym clothes types to capitalize on…

Compression shirts/tanks

These are staples for men who hit the gym regularly.

Mostly made from 100% cotton. But can feature blends of synthetic fabric, merino wool fabric, or other stretchable fabrics.

Compression tanks are:

Super comfortable. Again, this is possible because of the soft cotton used. They can be worn for long hours without discomfort.
Very stylish. Compression tanks can be paired with anything. That said, you can upsell them with joggers, sweatpants, or training shorts.

Here at JaceApparel, we’ll include a durable custom embroidered options of your brand. Designed right from our factory.

This will leave a long-lasting impression wherever your customer is. Hence, bringing even more customers and sales.

Oversized Pump Cover Tees

I’ve been hitting the gym for 6 years now. Before pump covers, I’d see people just using oversized custom hoodies/tees as “pump covers.”

But pump covers have been really cropping up. And especially now in a trend-focused gym era, pump-cover tees can literally make you rich.

Pump covers are:

Made from light yet sturdy material. This ensures comfort during intense workouts.
Can be worn as activewear or leisurewear.
Are unisex. You don’t leave any money on the table when it comes to selling these classic tees.

At JaceApparel, our pump covers are in all sizes. From XS to 4XL. Again, no leaving money on the table because of limited plus-size options.

Performance Hoodies

Performance hoodies are yet another best-seller in the fitness industry in 2025.

Just as the name suggests, they are built for activity. Intense activity. That’s why they feature innovative fabrics and superior quality than normal hoodies.

What makes performance hoodies unique:

Feature forward-shifted seams to prevent chafing. Fitness guys who train for extended periods can’t look past these in your store.
Made from moisture-wicking fabrics to further improve comfortability.
Still, on comfort, performance hoodies are extremely lightweight. This allows wearers to function normally. Whether during running, strength training, or playing basketball.

Our performance hoodies are made from 75% renewable hoodie material. Stock them today and get as many eco-conscious buyers as you can possibly handle.

2. Bottoms

Your store must have these gym clothes types — if you are serious about hitting six figures:

Compression Leggings

Who doesn’t like a good pair of leggings (I’m speaking with ladies here!)? I mean, they are super comfortable, super stylish, and flatter the body perfectly. Check now to find more about Top Leggings Wholesale Distributors.

I’m not a medical expert. But from the extensive research I have done. I can comfortably tell why compression leggings are great for workouts.

It’s simple. They increase blood flow to the lower body during workouts. Nothing too complex.

Expert Tip: “Compression leggings move fluid and increase blood flow. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen, so moving the blood through the system is healthy for your organs and can help with muscle recovery after workouts.”
– Karena Wu, Physical Therapist.

Compression leggings:

Are manufactured from spandex, nylon, or polyester. These are mainly stretchy and lightweight fabrics that make them elastic.
Most don’t chafe. Hence are perfect for ANY intense activity.
Moisture wicking to regulate temperature and keep the wearer cool and dry throughout.

Compression leggings come in a variety of sizes and fit. Luckily for you, Gym Clothing Manufacturers at JaceApparel has them in all sizes — 0 to 14.

Athletic Joggers

I ALWAYS advise our clients to stock these because of how fast they sell.

For starters, they are unisex. Meaning that you are not limiting yourself to just one gender.

They have a relaxed fit and taper slightly towards the leg. A more definitive style is the elastic bands on both leg pairs, which improves comfort.

Why joggers sell fast:

Flat seams that prevent chafing. You won’t have to deal with angry customers who have been used to regular pants.
Made from spandex fabric and cotton. Gives them moisture-wicking and breathable properties.

We customize our joggers with zippered side pockets to protect your customers’ valuables. Think of car keys, phones, credit cards, anything important.

Training Shorts

Perfect for high-intensity training on rest days.

You can’t go wrong with these since they are in every gym lover’s wardrobe. And they tend to be bought often, too.

Training shorts are stylish, comfortable, and extremely durable. If you stock the right ones, you won’t sell out fresh stocks in weeks.

So, what really makes them desirable:

High-stretch fabrics. The wearer can move around with ease. Not too tight or too baggy, either.
Open side pockets (depending on what you want). This makes sliding and removing valuables much easier.
Sweat-wicking to regulate temperature during intense workouts.

Order your batch from JaceApparel today. Comes in 5” all the way to 7”.

3. Accessories

I’ll only give you TWO. Note that these are not the only ones —but they sell faster than others.

Lifting Gloves

This is a good one. Although we have critics that say “hardcore” gym goers should stay away from them. People are realizing the benefits of lifting gloves. As opposed to what some dude heavy on steroids is saying.

Here’s why lifting gloves are still selling despite the backlash:

Boosts grip strength. Their textured material provides friction between the palms and the barbell/dumbbell. Hence, prevents slippage during lifting.
Lifting gloves have padded surfaces in the palm area. This reduces the pressure that would otherwise build up if using bare hands. That way, the wearer can lift heavy weights for long hours with ease.

At JaceApparel, we provide PRIVATE LABEL options of your brand name on gym gloves. That’s after the production, of course. Rest easy knowing you are getting quality, durable gloves.

Performance Socks

Performance socks (also called athletic socks) are part of every gym fit.

They complement the overall gym wear. But that’s not what they are made for:

Athletic socks have a toe/heel area to prevent friction that causes blisters.
Are moisture-wicking to ensure the feet are dry during the entire workout.
Non-slip silicone padding prevents slipping, especially when running or hiking.
They also prevent chafing and improve overall mobility.

These are game-changers. You just need quality performance socks and a killer marketing team. You’ll have customers removing their wallets and forcing you to take their money.

Pro Tip: “The right pair of running socks can be the vital difference to your performance, comfort, and protection on the roads, trails, and race track.” – according to experts at runnersneed.

What Fabrics Make Quality Gym Clothes Types?

For the past decade, we’ve been experimenting with which fabrics are good for gym clothes.

What I’ll share is not just my personal opinion. However, findings from research, client feedback, and collaborations with industry experts.

1. Merino Wool

Merino wool has been the go-to choice for most gym apparel manufacturers. They regard it as the softest, high-performance fabric ever to exist.

It can regulate temperature, protect from UV rays, prevent bad odors, and much more. To top it all…it’s sustainable.

Expert Insight: “What makes [merino] wool comfortable next to your skin is the fineness of the fiber. When you choose [merino] wool [clothing], you know that it’s going to be biodegradable, reusable, flame-resistant, water-repellent, and sustainable.”
– according to Rita Kourlis Samuelson, the deputy director of the Colorado-based American Wool Council.

When it comes to gym clothes types:

Merino wool is less itchy compared to other performance fabrics. Its fine fibers bend when in contact with the skin. Thus preventing the itchy sensation that arises from coarse lamb wool.
It is highly breathable since its fibers absorb and evaporate moisture vapor. Leaving the wearer comfortable during their workout.
Easy to maintain. Gym apparel made from Merino wool dries up very quickly. This convenience makes it an obvious choice for regular gym-goers.

Note Merino wool isn’t cheap. Which brings me to the next fabric…

2. Polyester

If want quality gym apparel but lack the money for Merino wool.

Polyester mesh fabric is a great option. It’s breathable, extremely lightweight, and durable.

The market for polyester fabric is saturated. So again, you’ll need a best activewear manufacturer with a proven track record of quality apparel.

Gym apparel made from Polyester:

Resistant to wear and tear. They can be washed frequently without degrading their shape. They’ll still look crisp for years.
Wicks moisture away due to Polyester’s open hole structure. This means sweat dries up quickly, leaving your customer dry.
Polyester has a superb shape retention capability. In fact, it can stretch up to 5% of its original size. Great for leggings and compression shirts or tanks.

Again, it’s cheaper than Merino wool without compromising too much on the benefits.

3. Nylon

Nylon tends to sit right in the middle of Polyester and Merino Wool.

What I mean is, if you have a little money to spend, definitely go for Nylon.

It’s breathable —a property that Polyester lacks. It has great natural properties that prevent odor build-up compared to Polyester.

What Nylon gets you (for your gym apparel)?

Stretchy apparel compared to Polyester. BUT you’ll need to blend it with spandex fabric to maximize its elasticity.
Very durable gym clothes. Nylon resists wear and tear better than Polyester. So, don’t lose sleep over unsatisfied customers. Ever.
It is softer on the skin than polyester. This will get you more sales and repeat purchases.

I’m not in any way shunning Polyester. Just that Nylon is slightly better. In fact, you can barely tell the difference between the two if they are both to quality.

Suggested Reading:

Microfiber Fabric: Maximize ROI with the Right Guide

Exploring the Versatility of Ripstop Nylon Fabric in Fashion and Functionality

Coolmax Fabric: Your Go-To Choice for Performance Apparel and Outdoor Gear

Trends to Look Out For When Stocking Gym Wear

Here are a few things to consider when stocking your next batch of gym clothes types:

Trend #1: Go for sustainable fabrics

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore.

Consumers now demand sustainable fabric for their gym wear. Adapt or get left behind. It is as simple as that.

Trend #2: Hybrid activewear

This is becoming a thing in 2025.

Most consumers are rocking their gym wear as casual wear. Your apparel shouldn’t be too high-performance-focused if you target regular gym goers.

Trend #3: Smart Fabrics

Customers want it all these days.

Temperature-regulating, anti-odor, breathable, anything to make their workouts better.

Regular fabrics won’t cut it. That’s why I advise my clients to go for innovative fabrics such as Lycra or Merino blends.

Trend #4: Inclusive sizing

A good way to set yourself apart from other gym wear brands. Such as Alo Yoga or Alo Yoga competitors.

Always offer extensive size options to cater to plus-size individuals. And while at it, ensure you are stocking gender-neutral activewear, too.

Building a Solid Gym Wear Business Empire with JaceApparel

A secret to making consistent profits in the gym apparel industry:

Offer high-quality products. Follow trends. Deliver on time.

You are dealing with people who are conscious of their appearance. They are investing thousands of dollars in their bodies. What makes you think they have time for apparel that doesn’t complement them?

Cheap doesn’t work. So get it out of your mind right this minute.

Find a manufacturer that’s been around long enough to know what customers are looking for.

Currently, JaceApparel works with thousands of gym apparel brands all over the world. Some brands joined us struggling with profits and are way past 7-figures.

In short, we know what it takes to start a gym wear brand. And it’s far from just producing clothes. It’s the details that matter. Unique designs, innovative fabrics, eye-catching logos, clothing packaging and timely delivery.

Partner with us today and watch your brand scale to unimaginable heights. Stop wishing for results and make it happen. Get your free quote here.

Source:

1. mybreden.com – Merino wool: 5 reasons why you should wear it.

2. recovo.co – Best Fabrics for Activewear: A Guide to the Most Popular Choices.

Table of Contents

Why are Gym Clothes Selling Fast in 2025?

Gym Clothes Types – Grouped by Category