The Canadian sportswear market is surging — fueled by fitness culture, team sports, and the booming demand for custom athletic wear. Whether you’re launching a brand, outfitting a school team, or sourcing uniforms for a corporate event, finding the right sportswear manufacturer Canada can trust is critical. With so many options — from global giants like Lululemon to local suppliers offering basic screen printing — it’s easy to get lost in the noise.
But here’s the truth: not all manufacturers are built the same. Some focus on retail, others on decoration, and very few actually own the full production process. If you need custom sportswear Canada that’s durable, stylish, and scalable, you need a true manufacturer — not just a distributor with a heat press.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best sportswear brands Canada has to offer, spotlight reliable sportswear suppliers Canada depends on, and show you why Fexwear stands out as a top-tier sportswear manufacturer Canadian businesses choose for quality, innovation, and support. You’ll learn what sets real manufacturers apart, how to choose the right partner, and what trends are shaping the future of Canadian activewear.
Let’s dive in.
What Are the Best Sportswear Brands and Manufacturers in Canada?
When people think of Canadian sportswear, one name usually comes to mind: Lululemon. But while Lululemon dominates the retail space, the landscape of Canadian sportswear manufacturers is much broader — and more diverse — than most realize. From premium streetwear labels to custom uniform specialists, Canada is home to a growing number of brands that blend performance, style, and craftsmanship.
What defines a true manufacturer, though? It’s not just about branding or retail presence. A real sportswear manufacturer Canada can rely on must control the entire production cycle — fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, printing, and quality control. That’s what separates companies like Fexwear from retailers or decorators who outsource their production.
Let’s explore some of the most influential players shaping the Canadian sportswear industry.
Lululemon Athletica: The Global Canadian Giant
Lululemon isn’t just a brand — it’s a cultural phenomenon. What started as a small yoga apparel store in Vancouver has grown into a global powerhouse with over 600 stores and annual revenue exceeding $8 billion. It’s the poster child of best sportswear brands Canada has ever produced.
Main Products:
Yoga pants, sports bras, running gear, men’s training wear, outerwear, and accessories like water bottles, bags, and headbands.
Why It Matters:
Lululemon redefined what activewear could be — merging fashion with function. Their proprietary fabrics like Luon, Nulu, and Everlux set new standards for stretch, breathability, and comfort. They’ve also invested heavily in sustainability, using recycled polyester and plant-based dyes in many collections.
But here’s the catch: Lululemon is a retail brand, not a B2B manufacturer. You can’t partner with them to produce custom team uniforms or private-label apparel. Their model is built on direct-to-consumer sales, not wholesale manufacturing.
The Bottom Line:
Lululemon proves Canadian innovation can compete globally. But if you’re looking for a sportswear manufacturer Canada that offers customization, scalability, and OEM/ODM services, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Reigning Champ: Premium Craftsmanship, Limited Scale
Reigning Champ has carved a niche in the high-end streetwear and performance market. Known for minimalist designs and heavyweight cotton knits, they’ve collaborated with global names like Adidas, Asics, Converse, and the NBA.
Main Products:
Hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, track jackets, and merino wool base layers.
Key Strengths:
- Focus on domestic production and fabric innovation
- Clean, timeless aesthetic that appeals to fashion-forward athletes
- Strong presence in boutiques and specialty stores
Limitations for Businesses:
While Reigning Champ produces high-quality garments, they don’t offer custom manufacturing services. Their model is brand-first, not supplier-first. So if you’re a school, team, or startup looking for custom athletic wear Canada with your logo and colors, Reigning Champ won’t be your partner.
In Practice:
We’ve seen fitness brands try to emulate Reigning Champ’s look — but without access to their fabric mills or production lines, the results often fall short. That’s why working with a flexible sportswear manufacturer Canadian companies trust, like Fexwear, makes more sense for custom builds.
Quality Sports: A Customization Hub in Montreal
- Founded: 1979, Montreal, QC
- Specialty: Custom uniforms, embroidery, sublimation
Quality Sports has been a go-to for schools, leagues, and organizations across Quebec for over four decades. They don’t manufacture from scratch — instead, they customize existing apparel from major brands like Nike, Adidas, Wilson, and Speedo.
Main Services:
- Embroidery
- Tackle twill appliqué
- Screen printing
- Sublimation printing
- Heat transfer
Why It Works:
They offer a one-stop shop for teams needing branded gear quickly. Their design team helps clients create unique looks, and they carry a wide range of base garments.
But Here’s the Catch:
Quality Sports is a decorator, not a manufacturer. They buy blank apparel and add logos — they don’t control fabric development or garment construction. This means limited flexibility in fit, fabric choice, or innovation.
A Common Mistake Wholesalers Make:
Assuming all “custom” suppliers are manufacturers. If you need full control over design, fabric, and fit, you need a partner who owns the factory floor — not just the print shop.
Reliable Sportswear Suppliers and Manufacturers in Canada
Now that we’ve covered the big names, let’s shift focus to the sportswear suppliers Canada relies on for bulk orders, team uniforms, and private-label production.
These companies range from distributors to full-cycle manufacturers. The key is knowing who actually makes the clothes — and who just slaps a logo on someone else’s product.
Westmount Distributors – London, Ontario
Established in the 1980s, Westmount Distributors has built a reputation for fast delivery and reliable service. Based in London, Ontario, they supply a wide range of sportswear — from T-shirts and hoodies to performance jackets and sweatpants.
What They Offer:
- No minimum order policy (great for small teams)
- Wide selection of blank apparel
- Fast turnaround on bulk orders
Who It’s For:
Small businesses, schools, or event organizers who need basic branded wear without complex customization.
Limitation:
They’re a distributor, not a manufacturer. You’re buying off-the-shelf styles with limited design control.
Passion Sports – Victoria, BC
Founded in 2006, Passion Sports specializes in custom-printed apparel for teams and events. They offer embroidery, sublimation, and heat-pressed numbers and names.
Ideal For:
Local sports leagues, school tournaments, and community events.
Strengths:
- Strong customer service
- Affordable pricing for small batches
- Good for simple logo application
Reality Check:
Like many local shops, they lack in-house fabric development or pattern-making. Their customization is surface-level — great for logos, but not for creating a unique garment from scratch.
Artech Promotional Products – Orillia, Ontario
Artech has been in the game since 1986, offering custom uniforms for sports teams, corporate events, and promotional campaigns.
Services Include:
- Embroidery
- Screen printing
- Logo design
- Corporate wear
What Works:
They’ve built long-term relationships with local organizations and offer solid craftsmanship in decoration.
Where They Fall Short:
No manufacturing capability. They source blanks and decorate them — which means you’re limited to standard fits and fabrics.
Why Most “Manufacturers” Aren’t True Manufacturers
Here’s a hard truth: many companies that call themselves sportswear manufacturers Canadian businesses trust are actually just decorators or distributors. They don’t own factories, control fabric sourcing, or manage quality from start to finish.
A real manufacturer does all of the above — and more.
That’s where Fexwear comes in.
Fexwear: Canada’s True Sportswear Manufacturer
When you need sportswear manufacturer Canada can count on for quality, innovation, and customization, Fexwear is the answer.
Unlike retailers or decorators, we are a full-cycle sportswear manufacturer Canadian brands and organizations partner with for end-to-end production.
Who Is Fexwear?
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
- Founded: 2005
- Specialization: Custom sportswear manufacturing for teams, schools, corporations, and startups
- Mission: To empower Canadian businesses with premium, sustainable, and stylish athletic wear
We don’t just add logos — we build garments from the ground up.
What Makes Fexwear Different?
✅ Full-Service Custom Manufacturing
From concept to delivery, we handle every step:
- Fabric sourcing (including eco-friendly options)
- Pattern design and prototyping
- Cutting and sewing
- Printing, embroidery, and labeling
- Packaging and shipping
This means you control the design, fit, fabric, and function — not just the logo.
✅ Premium Performance Fabrics
We use:
- 4-way stretch moisture-wicking polyester
- Lightweight breathable knits
- Anti-odor and UV-protective materials
- Recycled and sustainable textiles
No more settling for generic blanks. We help you choose the right fabric for the sport, climate, and audience.
✅ Advanced Customization Options
- Sublimation printing: Full-color, all-over designs that never crack or fade
- Embroidery: Premium logos and patches
- Tackle twill & heat transfer: Ideal for team names and numbers
- Custom labels & tags: Branded packaging and hang tags
We’ve helped hockey teams in Winnipeg, yoga studios in Vancouver, and corporate wellness programs in Toronto create unique, professional-grade apparel.
✅ Low MOQs & Scalable Production
Whether you need 50 custom jerseys or 10,000 team uniforms, we scale with you. Our flexible sportswear suppliers Canada trust offer low minimums for startups and high-volume capacity for national brands.
✅ Ethical & Sustainable Manufacturing
We’re committed to:
- Fair wages and safe working conditions
- Energy-efficient production
- Eco-friendly dyes and recycled materials
Because quality shouldn’t come at the cost of ethics.
Fexwear vs. Other Canadian Suppliers
The Verdict:
If you want a partner who treats your brand like their own, Fexwear is the only sportswear manufacturer Canada that offers true end-to-end control.
How to Choose the Right Sportswear Partner in Canada
Picking the right supplier isn’t just about price or speed. It’s about long-term value, reliability, and brand integrity.
Here’s how to make the right choice.
1. Choose Unique Designs and Colors
In a crowded market, differentiation starts with design. Don’t settle for generic black or navy. Use bold colors, modern cuts, and innovative patterns to stand out.
At Fexwear, we offer free design consultations and trend reports to help clients stay ahead. Whether it’s retro-inspired track suits or gender-neutral silhouettes, we help you create apparel that turns heads.
2. Partner with a Real Manufacturer
Ask these questions:
- Do you own your factory?
- Can you develop custom fabrics?
- Do you control quality at every stage?
If the answer is “no,” you’re working with a middleman.
A true sportswear manufacturer Canada like Fexwear gives you transparency, consistency, and accountability.
3. Keep Up with Market Trends
2024 trends include:
- Oversized fits and relaxed silhouettes
- Earth tones and retro color palettes
- Sustainable activewear (recycled polyester, organic cotton)
- Smart fabrics (temperature-regulating, antimicrobial)
We share quarterly trend updates with our clients — because staying relevant matters.
4. Understand Your Customer Needs
Are your customers athletes? Executives? Students? Each group has different needs:
- Athletes want performance and durability
- Corporations want professionalism and branding
- Schools want affordability and comfort
We’ve helped clients conduct customer surveys and prototype testing to ensure the final product hits the mark.
Conclusion
The Canadian sportswear market is evolving fast. Consumers want performance, style, and sustainability — and businesses need partners who can deliver all three.
While brands like Lululemon have put Canada on the global map, the real opportunity lies in custom, scalable, and ethically made apparel. Whether you’re launching a fitness brand, outfitting a hockey team, or organizing a corporate wellness program, the right sportswear manufacturer Canada can make all the difference.
Fexwear isn’t just another supplier. We’re a manufacturing partner — committed to quality, innovation, and your brand’s success. From fabric development to final delivery, we give you full control, transparency, and support.
If you’re ready to create sportswear that performs, impresses, and lasts — let’s build something great together.
FAQs
What is the best sportswear brand in Canada?
Lululemon is the most recognized, but for custom and wholesale needs, Fexwear is the top choice among Canadian businesses.
Who is Canada’s largest sportswear manufacturer?
While Lululemon is the biggest brand, Fexwear is one of the few true sportswear manufacturers Canadian companies can partner with for private-label production.
Can I get custom team uniforms in Canada?
Yes — Fexwear offers full customization, including sublimation, embroidery, and low MOQs for schools, leagues, and clubs.
What is the difference between a distributor and a manufacturer?
A distributor sells existing products; a manufacturer creates them from scratch. Only a real sportswear manufacturer Canada like Fexwear controls fabric, fit, and quality.
Is sustainable sportswear available in Canada?
Absolutely. Fexwear uses recycled polyester, eco-friendly dyes, and ethical production methods for sustainable activewear.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about starting your own sportswear line? Need help choosing the right fabric for your team? We’d love to hear from you.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when sourcing custom sportswear in Canada? Share your story in the comments — and don’t forget to share this guide with anyone building a brand in the Canadian activewear space.
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