If you are thinking of opening your own sports apparel business, you will need to carry high quality, innovative athletic apparel. Your customers are active and sport clothing is not just for the gym. Make sure you find athletic clothing providers that carry a variety of comfortable, functional clothing that will work for your customers.

The athletic apparel fabric is an important consideration for your business. Look for wicking material that absorbs moisture. Also look for clothing that is lightweight and comfortable. When you are looking for apparel to add to your clothing line, consider the following athletic apparel information:

1. Find a variety of athletic apparel providers so you can cater to a wide range of sports.

2. Carry a selection of team branded sports apparel.

3. Find high quality athletic apparel also available in trendy styles.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a variety of athletic apparel providers

Your customers will need to buy shoes, workout tops, bottoms and socks. Be sure to have a good selection of products so they can do all of their shopping in your business.

I recommend: Nafta Traders, with a global supplier network, is a distributor of name-brand athletic apparel and footwear at closeout prices. Register to check their special distributor-only athletic apparel list. JT's Merchandise Outlet carries a great variety of athletic apparel for men, women and children.

Carry team branded sports apparel

Your customers want to identify with their favorite pro and college teams, whether they're actively participating or cheering from the sidelines, so be sure to carry a full line of team branded sports apparel and accessories

I recommend: Athletic apparel provider Margolin carries a full catalog of sports apparel, including licensed NFL, NHL, NBA and NCAA team merchandise at closeout prices. To offer your customers athletic apparel, hats and accessories sporting NFL, Major League Baseball and NASCAR logos, contact St. Louis Wholesale.

Find high quality trendy clothing from an athletic apparel provider

Athletic clothing isn't just for the gym or the field. Your customers also are looking for trendy styles. Find clothing for your customers that is functional and fabulous at the same time.

I recommend: S&S Activewear is one of the industry's most popular suppliers of wholesale sports apparel, including the latest high-performance and fashion styles. For trends in athletic socks for the whole family and trendy fleece and other athletic apparel for men and women, contact Athletic Zone, a Wholesale Central participating distributor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to carry larger sizes. Customers of all shapes and sizes will visit your business to find athletic apparel they need.
• •  Look for deals when buying in large quantities. Contact the wholesaler directly to ask about these discounts.