Custom-designed running gear boosts confidence while helping you look stylish as you go for your daily jog. You can use the branded activewear to market your business or show support for local charities and events.
However, the real challenge lies in designing the running gear. It would be best if you struck a balance between quality and aesthetics. The running gear should also help boost the athlete’s performance.
Here, we dive into the key considerations, from understanding your runner’s specific needs to selecting the ideal fabric and manufacturing processes.
Understanding Athletes’ Needs
You should consider factors like climate, personal style, and running style or the event. This will ensure that your fits optimize the runner’s performance.
- Running Style
Long-distance and marathon runners have a different running style to sprinters. Their running techniques determine their gear requirements. Sprinters prefer wearing tight-fitting vests and shorts while marathoners opt for running shorts that are a little looser.
Take this into consideration before you start the design process. This will help you get the measurements right when creating prototypes.
- Environment and Climate Conditions
Climate is a critical factor when it comes to athletic performance. Athletes training in areas with hot and humid climates will prefer lightweight running gear with quality moisture-wicking properties.
On the other hand, runners living in colder areas will want running wear that will keep them warm during their training sessions. This means that you must design the running shirts using fabric with the best insulation properties.
- Personal Style
Personal style differs from athlete to athlete. It is important to take aesthetic preferences into account when designing custom running shirts. Some sprinters may prefer wearing running vests that aren’t as tight.
Also, think about extra features, like adding collars or going with a V-neck design instead of the common round collar. These little additions can make the custom running wear look more appealing and unique.
Selecting the Ideal Fabric
Your choice of fabric will determine performance, comfort, and durability of your custom-branded running shirts and shorts. Below are some factors you should consider when reviewing material options.
- Breathability and Weight
Look for fabric with the best breathability properties. This will help keep the runner cool during intense training sessions. Also, breathable materials don’t trap sweat, leaving the skin dry. As mentioned, lightweight materials are most ideal for warm-weather training.
Polyester and nylon running shirts make the best warm-weather running vests. They are lightweight and breathable. Cotton and wool have better insulation properties, and are heavier, which is suitable for runners in cold regions.
- Durability
Durable and long-lasting materials that can withstand daily use offer the best value for your money. Consider using fabrics that can be machine washed and won’t lose their elasticity after several washes.
Design and Functionality
Design is what makes custom-branded gear stand out from generic makes. There are a few things you must consider when working on the running gear design.
- Branding
Branding is a major part of designing custom wear. Keep the design simple with a logo, brand colors, and slogan. However, don’t be afraid to get more creative. You should try to avoid putting too much information or details as it can make the shirts or vests look cramped.
- Functionality
Think about extra features that you can add to the running shirts and shorts. For example, you can add reflective elements for more visibility in low-light conditions. This will be a plus for those who like going for early morning or late evening road runs.
You can also add buttons on the neck area for extra comfort and ventilation. This is not as common on running shirts, so your running shirts will look unique and more stylish. Pockets for carrying small essentials, like keys and phones, can come in clutch.
- Printing Options
The fabric type will determine which printing options you can use on your running gear. Embroidery is by far the best when it comes to durability and adding detail to logos and brand names.
Screen printing is ideal for simpler designs. It is cost-effective if you have a bulk order. You can also consider sublimation printing if you need more detail, vibrance, and long-lasting prints on your running wear.
Finding a Manufacturer
The next step is finding the best manufacturer with experience in making running gear. Reputation, budget, and product are factors you must look into when evaluating running wear manufacturers.
- Use the Internet
The internet can help you find the best running gear manufacturers near you. Look out for companies with a good reputation and renowned prowess in making sportswear, like The Charity Clothing Company. You can learn more about the manufacturer through reading reviews and customer testimonials.
- Minimum Order Quantities
Most manufacturers have a minimum order quantity, so ensure that you ask about it before placing your order. A more creative way to go about this is by requesting a quote from the manufacturer. The quote will have all relevant information about services offered, printing options, and minimum order quantity numbers.
- Review the Contract Terms
Read the contract terms and ensure that they are favorable before signing the deal with the manufacturer. The first thing you should review is the payment terms. Go with a manufacturer who will allow you to pay a deposit and complete the payment after product delivery.
Get prototypes and use them to collect feedback from your customers. Also, ensure that the delivery times are within your schedule. What you don’t want is the running gear to arrive a day or week after the anticipated event is over.
Summing Up
Custom running wear can be your way of taking out two birds with one stone. The shirts and shorts can be used to promote your brand and products. However, you must think of ways of promoting your new gear to customers.
Social media is an excellent platform for running giveaways and challenges. Also, you can add a personalized collection with the names of your customers. This will help boost fanfare as people await the new merchandise to drop on the market.