List of Best Sportswear Brands and Manufacturers in The USA

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not just shopping for a new pair of gym shorts.

You’re probably thinking about starting something — maybe launching your own activewear brand, outfitting a local sports team, or supplying custom gear for a fitness studio. And if that’s the case, you’ve likely hit the same wall so many others have: the sportswear market is crowded, confusing, and dominated by giants who don’t actually help people like you.

I get it. A few years ago, I sat across from a client — a former college soccer player turned entrepreneur — who had spent months trying to get quotes from major U.S. brands. He wanted 100 custom jerseys for his youth academy. Simple request, right?

But Nike? “We don’t do small orders.” Under Armour? “Contact wholesale, but good luck getting a reply.” New Balance? “We don’t offer team customization.”

He left that meeting frustrated, almost ready to give up.

And that’s when he found a different kind of supplier — one that didn’t need a six-figure budget, didn’t require a warehouse, and actually answered the phone.

That’s the gap this article fills.

We’ll look at the big names — not to tear them down, but to understand where they fall short for startups, teams, and small retailers. Then we’ll explore real alternatives: sportswear suppliers USA businesses are actually using. And yes, we’ll talk about Fexwear, not because it’s the only option, but because it’s one that’s quietly helping people launch brands without the usual headaches.

Let’s go.

The Big Three: Nike, Under Armour, and New Balance

When you think of American sportswear, three names dominate the conversation: Nike, Under Armour, and New Balance. They’re household names, cultural icons, and yes — incredibly successful companies.

But here’s the thing: success for a global brand doesn’t always translate to usefulness for a small business.

Let’s take a quick look at each — not their logos or ad campaigns, but what they actually offer to someone trying to build something from the ground up.

Nike: Innovation King, But Not Your Partner

Nike is, without question, the most recognizable sportswear brand in the world. From the swoosh to the “Just Do It” slogan, they’ve mastered branding like no one else.

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike pulls in over $40 billion a year. Their innovation is real — Flyknit shoes, Dri-FIT fabric, self-lacing prototypes. They sponsor LeBron, Serena, and Olympic hopefuls.

But here’s the reality: Nike isn’t in the business of helping you build your brand.

They don’t do private label. They don’t offer sublimation printing for amateur teams. Their MOQs? Effectively infinite unless you’re Dick’s Sporting Goods.

And while their quality is top-tier, their pricing model assumes you’re buying at retail markup — not trying to create your own product line.

So if you’re a consumer, great. If you’re a startup? You’re on your own.

Under Armour: Built for Performance, Not for You

Under Armour burst onto the scene in 1996 when Kevin Plank, a college football player, got tired of sweat-soaked cotton shirts under his pads. His solution? A compression shirt that wicks moisture. That single product became a $5.2 billion company.

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, UA built its reputation on performance. HeatGear, ColdGear, UA Rush — their fabrics are lab-tested, athlete-approved, and widely available.

But again, availability doesn’t mean accessibility.

Under Armour’s wholesale model favors large retailers. Want to customize a jersey for your weekend league? You’ll be redirected to a third-party printer — if you’re lucky.

And while they invest heavily in R&D, that innovation rarely trickles down to small partners. Their focus is on mass production, not niche customization.

New Balance: The “Made in USA” Story

New Balance stands out — not because they’re the biggest, but because they still produce a portion of their shoes in the USA, a rare feat in today’s globalized market.

Founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts, they’ve built trust through durability, comfort, and wide-width options — a godsend for runners with hard-to-fit feet.

Their “Made in USA” collection is a premium line, often priced over $150, backed by real American labor.

But apparel isn’t their strength. While they make joggers, hoodies, and training tops, their real focus is footwear. If you’re looking for full team kits or custom leggings, New Balance isn’t the partner you want.

And like the others, they don’t offer private label or small-batch manufacturing.

The Hidden Reality: What the Big Brands Don’t Tell You

Look — I’m not here to trash these companies. They’ve earned their place. Nike’s marketing is legendary. Under Armour’s fabric tech is legit. New Balance’s commitment to domestic production is admirable.

But for the average entrepreneur, coach, or retailer, these brands are more like inspiration than partners.

They show what’s possible — but they don’t help you get there.

And that’s where the real pain points come in:

• High minimums: Most require 500+ units per design.
• No customization: You can’t tweak the fit, fabric, or logo placement.
• Slow turnaround: Offshore production means 6–8 week lead times.
• Poor communication: Ever tried getting a real person on the phone?

I’ve seen too many startups waste months chasing partnerships that don’t exist. One fitness influencer I worked with spent $2,000 on samples from a third-party vendor — only to find the fabric pilled after two washes.

She didn’t need a Nike-level brand. She needed someone who could help her test a small run, get feedback, and scale smartly.

That’s the missing piece.

Real Sportswear Suppliers in the USA (And Beyond)

So who can you actually work with?

Here are some of the sportswear suppliers USA businesses are using — both domestic and international — to launch brands, outfit teams, and stock retail shelves.

Acushnet (USA) – Golf-Focused, High Quality

Acushnet, based in Massachusetts, has been around since 1910. Best known for Titleist golf balls, they also produce high-end golf apparel — moisture-wicking polos, performance shorts, and weather-resistant outerwear.

Great if you’re launching a golf lifestyle brand. But not ideal for general fitness or team sports.

Altra Running (USA) – For Runners, By Runners

Denver-based Altra specializes in zero-drop running shoes and performance wear. Their clothing line includes technical tees, running tights, and weather-ready jackets.

Solid choice for endurance athletes. But limited customization options for private label.

Akadema (USA) – Baseball Gear Specialists

If you’re outfitting a Little League team, Akadema in New Jersey is worth a look. They make gloves, bats, and custom team uniforms.

Their strength? Authenticity. Their weakness? Niche focus. Not much help if you’re into fitness or casual activewear.

Dida (India) – Budget-Friendly Team Jerseys

Dida, based in Rohtak, India, is popular for sublimated football and basketball jerseys. They offer low MOQs and fast turnaround, making them a favorite among amateur clubs.

But quality can be inconsistent. And communication? Sometimes a challenge.

Shiv Naresh (India) – Simple Designs, Low Cost

Another Indian manufacturer, Shiv Naresh, focuses on basic sportswear — jerseys, vests, track suits — with minimal branding. Good for schools or community teams on a tight budget.

But don’t expect cutting-edge fabrics or design support.

Willix Sports (Philippines) – Custom Sublimation Experts

Willix is known for print-on-demand custom sportswear. They do soccer kits, cycling jerseys, and hockey uniforms with vibrant sublimation printing.

They’re flexible and affordable. But shipping from the Philippines can take 4–6 weeks.

TAECO (Vietnam) – OEM/ODM for Wholesalers

TAECO in Hanoi offers full OEM and ODM services — meaning they can design, produce, and package under your brand. They work with clients in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Their strength? Scalability. Their weakness? Less hands-on support for small startups.

One Option That’s Built for Startups: Fexwear

Now, let’s talk about Fexwear — not as a sales pitch, but as a real-world solution for the problems we’ve just outlined.

Because here’s the truth: most small brands don’t need a Nike-level partner. They need someone who answers the phone, understands their budget, and helps them ship their first 50 units without a loan.

That’s Fexwear.

1. Quality You Can Trust — Without the Premium Price

We don’t just say “high quality.” We prove it.

At Fexwear, every batch goes through a 6-stage quality control process:

• Fabric lab testing (moisture-wicking, stretch, durability)
• Pre-production sampling
• In-line inspection
• Final audit
• Packaging check
• Post-shipment feedback

We use Oeko-Tex 100 certified fabrics — meaning no harmful dyes or chemicals. And we’re Sedex and BSCI audited, so ethical production isn’t just a buzzword.

You get premium materials at startup-friendly prices.

2. Full Customization — From Design to Delivery

Want a sublimated basketball jersey with your logo, team name, and player numbers? Done.

Looking for custom leggings with a unique waistband and pocket design? No problem.

Fexwear offers:

• Sublimation printing (full-color, no fading)
• Embroidery (premium logos)
• Screen printing (budget-friendly)
• Heat transfer (for complex designs)

And we don’t just print — we help you design. Our team provides free mockups, color matching, and fabric recommendations.

3. Perfect for Startups and Small Businesses

Let’s be real: most manufacturers want 1,000 units minimum. We don’t.

Our minimum order starts at just 50 pieces per design. That means you can test a new product line without overcommitting.

And our pricing? Transparent. No hidden fees. No surprise shipping costs.

We’ve helped fitness influencers launch their first capsule collections. We’ve helped high school teams get custom uniforms without fundraising. That’s what we’re built for.

4. Performance Meets Style

Your customers don’t just want to perform — they want to look good while doing it.

Fexwear’s collection includes:

• Moisture-wicking training tops
• 4-way stretch leggings
• Breathable mesh jerseys
• Lightweight hoodies and joggers

All designed for both the gym and the street. Because let’s face it — most people wear their activewear to brunch, not just burpees.

5. Real Support, Not a Chatbot

Ever sent an email to a supplier and waited a week for a reply?

Yeah, we hate that too.

At Fexwear, you get a dedicated account manager — a real person who knows your project, answers your calls, and keeps you updated on production.

No bots. No scripts. Just support.

Conclusion

The sportswear market in the USA isn’t just growing — it’s evolving. Consumers want performance, style, and sustainability. And entrepreneurs? They want flexibility, affordability, and speed.

Big brands like Nike, Under Armour, and New Balance serve the mass market. But they don’t serve you — the startup founder, the local coach, the fitness influencer trying to build something real.

That’s where Fexwear comes in.

We’re not trying to be the next Nike. We’re trying to be the partner you can actually work with. The one that answers your calls. The one that doesn’t require a six-figure order. The one that helps you launch, grow, and succeed — one custom jersey at a time.

If you’re ready to stop jumping through hoops and start building your brand, Fexwear is here for you.

FAQs

Q: What is a good sportswear brand for small businesses in the USA?
A: While Nike and Under Armour are top consumer brands, they don’t support startups. Fexwear offers flexible minimums, full customization, and expert guidance — ideal for new brands.

Q: Can I get custom sportswear with a small order?
Yes. Many suppliers require 500+ units, but Fexwear offers tailored orders starting at 50 pieces, making it accessible for small teams and retailers.

Q: Where are most sportswear manufacturers located in the USA?
Major brands are based in Oregon (Nike), Maryland (Under Armour), and Massachusetts (New Balance). However, most actual production happens overseas. Fexwear manages U.S.-bound logistics with global manufacturing partners.

Q: What’s the difference between OEM and ODM in sportswear?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means you provide the design, and they produce it. ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means they help design and produce. Fexwear offers both.

Q: How long does it take to get custom sportswear made?
Typical turnaround is 4–6 weeks. With Fexwear, express production can deliver in as little as 14 days, depending on order size and complexity.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If this article helped you see the sportswear world a little differently, I’d love to hear from you.

What’s your biggest challenge when sourcing activewear? Is it cost? Quality? Finding a supplier who actually replies?

Drop a comment, share this with a fellow entrepreneur, or tag @Fexwear on social media. Let’s build better brands — together.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about clothes. It’s about confidence, community, and the courage to start something.

And that’s worth wearing proudly.

We also have the report for Sportswear USA, Germany, France, Australia: