Race into your first quarter by boosting sales with Activewear & Performance

More than half of those who make a new year’s resolution intend to exercise more or improve their fitness, according to YouGov. It’s no secret that January is the time for a fitness reboot; and expect to see more people in the gym or pounding the pavements this year, especially as one in five Britons committed to long-term health once the New Year’s Eve clock struck midnight, compared to just one in seven in 2022.

Have you thought of dipping your toe (or diving head first) into the fitness and athleisure market? Now would be a good time! Could you identify a gap in your offering and discover more opportunities as customers strive to get fit?

As the cost of living crisis continues, customers will exercise outdoors, whether joining a running club or sports team. They’ll also set up home gyms focusing on wellness, including stretching and yoga.

Have you considered offering personalised teamwear to grassroots sporting organisations or printed t-shirts to one of the hundreds of charity races throughout the UK?

There are also options for rebranding and customising our modern, fashion-forward styles and selling directly to the end user. From yoga to running and team sports, there’s a style, fit and colour for almost everyone.

Living up to its category name, Activewear & Performance is one of Ralawise’s most visited. From arm guards to zipped hoodies, there are over 500 styles to inspire your next collection or creative idea.

Read on to discover our top picks, which include new 2023 styles and our favourite sustainably-made pieces to keep you ahead of the curve.

What's new

Of the 35 new activewear styles, the half-zip and quarter-zip mid-layer styles dominate. This style infiltrated retail in 2022 and is strong, heading into 2023. These garments cast a modern look while providing warmth and freedom of movement. The AD118: adidas – elevated ¼ zip is mainly made from recycled materials and will provide warmth during chilly days on the golf course. The RG365: Regatta – Core stretch half-zip mid-layer includes fabric to keep you agile and withstand wear and tear (it’s also perfect for a builder’s yard or warehouse). The CW087: Callaway – Waffle ¼ zip pullover offers a thermal base crafted with performance-enhancing Swing Tech™ technology.

Ralawise has also introduced fourteen new styles from Nike, including nine women’s fashions and three beautifully designed sports bags. Also, check out the twenty Scandinavian designs from new brand Nimbus Play, which are now in stock.

Health and wellness

Do you see yourself starting a fashion label or targeting fitness establishments for printing or branding opportunities? In 2021, the wellness industry was valued at $1.5 trillion, globally, set to grow annually by 5–10% per year, according to McKinsey.

Ralawise has an extensive range of on-trend activewear for co-ordinating gym sets and unlimited sun salutations to help you get a good foothold in the market. The TR207: Women’s TriDri® seamless ‘3D fit’ multi-sport reveal leggings are made with seamless technology, feature on-trend cut-out patterns, and pair up with the TR218: Women’s TriDri® seamless ‘3D fit’ multi-sport reveal sports top and TR208: TriDri® seamless ‘3D fit’ multi-sport reveal sports bra. With over 70 polo shirts to choose from, expect to find the perfect one for your customer. Whether it’s a premium brand logo top or a plain performance polo in dozens of colours, you won’t find such an extensive offering elsewhere.

Ensure your shelves are also stocked with co-ordinated outfits, as this trend will remain popular in 2023. Use our CMYK/Pantone feature to search for matching shades in joggers, shorts, hoodies and more.

Technical training

Activewear has kept up with technological advancement to aid performance, provide increased comfort and assist recovery. Reflective strips, weather-proofing and moisture-wicking features are added to
clever design components such as hidden pockets, adjustable straps and ventilation panels to help customers or teams up their game.

Over 60 performance t-shirts are available through Ralawise, with features to target all requirements. Choose from breathable performance t-shirts, including the JC001: Just Cool by AWDis – Cool T; quick-drying, like the ST172: Eclipse H2X-Dry® piqué polo; or seamless, such as the TR200: TriDri® Seamless ‘3D fit’ multi-sport performance long sleeve top.

Target serious sporting individuals, teams, clubs or schools with the assurance of quality gear designed with integrity.

Athleisure

Most sporting styles are built with comfort in mind, so it’s no surprise that activewear, doubling as streetwear, will be vital in 2023 and could even enter more casual workplaces, too (or at least via Zoom).

One of our favourite athleisure brands is Nimbus Play. Scandi/minimalist-inspired, it features beautiful designs, premium fabrics and modern styling. Scooped necks and ribbed leggings are the ideal versatile trend, with the new JT017: Just T’s by AWDis – Women’s tank top already receiving good interest, while the TR225: Women’s TriDri® ribbed seamless ‘3D Fit’ cycle shorts feature a trendy ribbed texture. At the same time, Stanley/Stella can satisfy the need for co-ordinating cosy tracksuits, available in one of the industry’s most diverse colour ranges.