Activewear combined with shapewear has launched a dominant new category within the women’s clothing market called athletic shapewear. Athletic shapewear stands out by offering compression and flexibility benefits to women who need support during physical activities while simultaneously accentuating their natural figure.
Distributors alongside private label owners and sourcing agents should recognize athletic shapewear as a rapidly expanding market segment because of its substantial demand combined with superior retail opportunities. This guide discusses athletic shapewear distinctions and highlights top-performing styles including material suggestions and fit advancements while explaining how to create an OEM line.
What Is Athletic Shapewear?
Athletic shapewear merges sportswear features with shapewear’s body-contouring abilities. Athletic shapewear differs from traditional shapewear because it supports movement and sweat management while providing support throughout physical activities.
Key Characteristics:
- Medium to firm compression
- Breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics
- High-stretch mobility
- Seamless or flat-lock stitching
- This active wear meets the needs of gym enthusiasts and yoga practitioners while serving as functional attire for runners and athleisure wearers.
Why Athletic Shapewear Is a Growing Market
1. Rising Interest in Wellness
The increased interest in body positivity along with fitness and wellness initiatives has driven the demand for performance wear that provides support while enhancing appearance.
2. Multi-Functionality
Athletic shapewear serves multiple purposes by fitting workout sessions and casual fashion needs while running errands which establishes its widespread appeal throughout the year.
3. Return on Innovation
Performance fabrics combined with lifting designs and compression zones enable premium pricing strategies and guarantee repeat purchases.
4. Perfect for Private Label
Athletic shapewear provides customizable features such as color options and logo placements which enable brands to create unique activewear lines.
Best-Selling Athletic Shapewear Styles for Wholesale
1. High-Waisted Compression Leggings
Why It Works:
The activewear market is built on leggings as its foundation and gains additional functionality when they offer shaping control.
Recommended Features:
- Firm tummy control panel
- Anti-slip high waistband
- 4-way stretch and squat-proof coverage
- Gusseted crotch and flat-lock seams
- Pocket panel options for convenience
Suggested Fabric:
Nylon/spandex or polyester/spandex blends with brushed finish
2. Seamless Compression Sports Bras
Why It Works:
Combines lift and shaping with support. Ideal for gym, yoga, or all-day wear.
Recommended Features:
- Medium-impact support
- Ribbed compression band under bust
- Racerback or adjustable straps
- Removable pads
- Moisture-wicking lining
Ideal Pairing:
Customers receive bundle value when these products are sold together with leggings or biker shorts.
3. Sculpting Biker Shorts
Why It Works:
These biker shorts deliver shaping and full thigh mobility which makes them perfect for workouts in hot conditions or when exercising indoors.
Recommended Features:
- High-rise waistband
- Inner tummy panel
- Butt-lifting seam design
- No front seam for anti-cameltoe protection
- Mid-thigh to just-above-knee length
OEM Suggestion:
Add reflective detailing or a concealed pocket at the waistband to enhance product value
4. Athletic Shaping Bodysuits
Why It Works:
This single piece incorporates bra, top, and shapewear which makes it ideal for pilates sessions as well as studio workouts while also serving as a fashion layering option.
Recommended Features:
- Integrated compression zones
- Built-in bra or shelf lining
- Contoured seams for bust and waist
- Snap crotch or open gusset
- Racerback, tank, or halter neck
Fabric Tip:
Choose modal/spandex to achieve softness or polyamide blends if you want firmness.
5. Waist Trainer Leggings or Belts
Why It Works:
This product combines abdominal support with modern fashion and has become very popular among fitness influencers.
Recommended Features:
- High-rise with bonded waistband
- Integrated mesh or neoprene core panels
- Hook-and-eye or zipper detail
- Optional steel bone shaping (non-latex available)
Functional Design Priorities
| Design Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Seamless or flat-lock seams | Prevent chafing and discomfort |
| Four-way stretch | Enhances mobility and returns to shape |
| Compression mapping | Shapes key zones: waist, thighs, glutes |
| Sweat-wicking finish | Keeps body cool during exercise |
| No roll hems and waist | Prevents slipping during workouts |
Ideal Fabrics for Athletic Shapewear
| Fabric Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Nylon/Spandex | High elasticity, good shaping, moisture-wicking |
| Polyester/Spandex | Durability, color retention, athletic performance |
| Modal/Spandex | Soft touch, natural fibers for lounge-to-gym use |
| Recycled Polyamide | Eco-friendly performance for sustainable lines |
| Mesh Inserts | Ventilation and style |
Packaging Recommendations
For Retail:
- Zip pouches with fit and performance icons
- Hanger-ready kraft wraps for boutique placement
- QR codes linking to fit demo videos
For E-commerce:
- Recyclable poly mailers with branded inserts
- Offer bundle sets that include either leggings with a bra or shorts with a top.
- Size chart printed on inner packaging
Private Label and OEM Options
Branding Capabilities:
- Heat-transfer logos
- Woven waistband or cuff branding
- Inner label or tagless print
- Custom color combinations and trims
- Reflective detailing for nighttime visibility
MOQ and Production:
- MOQ: 100 pieces/style/color
- Samples: 5–7 business days
- Bulk production: 15–20 business days
Pricing Strategy for Wholesale and Retail
| Product Style | Wholesale Price | Suggested Retail Price |
|---|---|---|
| Compression Leggings | $6.50–$9.80 | $38–$69 |
| Seamless Sports Bra | $3.80–$6.20 | $24–$45 |
| Sculpting Biker Shorts | $4.50–$7.50 | $28–$55 |
| Shaping Bodysuit | $6.80–$10.20 | $39–$69 |
| Waist Trainer Belt | $5.50–$8.90 | $30–$55 |
How to Launch an Athletic Shapewear Line
Step-by-Step:
- Establish the foundational theme for your brand which could include performance-driven elements, sculpt and support features, or eco-friendly fitness solutions.
- Identify three to five key hero products from the following options: leggings, bra, shorts, bodysuit, and waist belt.
- Obtain samples for testing fit on active models
- Develop your private label brand materials which include logos and packaging colors
- Organize product bundles for a retail or online store introduction
- Utilize influencer collaborations and lifestyle media to showcase workout demonstrations and before/after results.
Conclusion
Athletic shapewear has evolved beyond its hybrid category origins to become an essential component of any contemporary apparel collection. Shapewear that enables freedom of movement is growing in popularity because customers want comfort along with performance support and body confidence.
Wholesale distributors and private label brands should capitalize on the current market opportunity to introduce athletic shapewear that excels in innovation and functionality while providing flattering fits. Choosing the correct OEM partner enables you to manufacture a line that achieves performance standards and provides proper fit and fashionable style.
FAQs
Athletic shapewear is made for movement with moisture-wicking and flexible materials yet traditional shapewear is created for static wear under clothing.
Athletic shapewear features movement-friendly designs that use moisture-wicking flexible fabrics differentiating it from traditional shapewear which remains static under clothing.
What sizes do you offer?
We provide clothing sizes from XS through 5XL together with performance fit testing for plus sizes.
Is it possible for me to create personalized designs for athletic shapewear?
Our company provides comprehensive OEM/ODM services which cover private label logo placement, fit grading options, fabric selection processes, and packaging solutions.
What’s your MOQ and lead time?
- MOQ: 100 pieces per style/color
- Sample time: 5–7 business days
- Production time: 15–20 business days
Do you offer sustainable fabric options?
Our product range includes recycled polyamide and bamboo blends specifically designed for sustainable activewear collections.
Contact Us
To get free samples, pricing quotes, or custom order consultations, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 Tel: +86-134 2393 6989
🌐 https://proshapesupply.com/
👤 Contact Person: Mray
