Athleisure has become more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle. With the growing demand for comfortable, stylish, and functional clothing, the global activewear market is expected to surpass $500 billion by 2028. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone looking to dive into the apparel industry, now is the perfect time to start your own custom men’s athletic shorts brand. Thanks to Print-on-Demand (POD), you can create, design, and sell athletic shorts without any upfront inventory or investment.
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In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about designing, producing, and selling custom men’s athletic shorts using POD, from choosing the right platform to marketing your products effectively.
Why Print-on-Demand is a Game-Changer for Activewear Entrepreneurs
The beauty of POD lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Here’s why it’s perfect for anyone looking to enter the activewear market:
- No Inventory Management: With POD, you don’t need to worry about purchasing inventory upfront, storing products, or dealing with unsold stock. Once a customer places an order, the POD provider handles everything from printing to shipping.
- Low Upfront Costs: Since you don’t need to invest in inventory, the initial cost is significantly lower than traditional methods. This is a low-risk option for new entrepreneurs.
- Global Reach: Many POD platforms offer international shipping, meaning you can sell your athletic shorts worldwide without worrying about logistics or fulfillment.
- Flexibility: You can quickly expand your product line and test new designs without additional financial burden, making it easier to respond to market trends.
Step-by-Step Guide to Designing and Selling Custom Athletic Shorts
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s dive into how you can create and sell custom men’s athletic shorts through POD.
Step 1: Choose the Right Print-on-Demand Platform
Not all POD platforms are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial to your business’s success. Here are some of the best platforms for creating and selling athletic shorts:
SwagifyPOD
Best for: Global shipping & easy integration with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce.
- Pros: Offers a large network of print providers, competitive pricing, and fast setup. Printify also offers a wide range of products and fulfillment centers in multiple countries, reducing shipping times.
- Cons: Print quality can vary depending on the print provider you choose.
Printful
Best for: Premium-quality prints and athletic styles.
- Pros: Known for its high-quality products, premium branding options (custom labels, pack-ins), and excellent mockups. Printful also integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms, making it easy to set up and manage.
- Cons: Slightly higher base prices compared to some other POD providers, which may affect your profit margins.
Printify
Best for: All-over-print (AOP) designs.
- Pros: Printify offers AOP designs, which are great for creating bold, all-over prints on your athletic shorts.
- Cons: High cost as compared to other POD providers.
Key Factors to Consider
- Print Quality: Especially important when offering all-over print designs.
- Shipping Times and Locations: Choose a platform that offers fast shipping to your target market.
- Platform Integrations: Make sure the POD platform integrates with your e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce).
- Base Pricing and Profit Margins: Compare the base prices and shipping fees to ensure your profit margins are healthy.
Step 2: Select the Right Shorts Style & Material
| Material | Best For | Pros | Cons | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Everyday wear, lounging | Soft, breathable, affordable, natural | Wrinkles easily, holds moisture (not great for sweat) | Best for comfort and casual use |
| Polyester | Sports, gym, outdoor activities | Lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, durable | Not very breathable, can feel synthetic | Best for activewear and durability |
| Nylon | Running, hiking, swimming | Strong, quick-drying, smooth texture, lightweight | Can trap heat, more expensive | Excellent for high-performance and water-resistant needs |
| Spandex/Elastane (Blend) | Stretchy athletic shorts | Super stretchable, flexible, retains shape | Usually blended, not used alone | Best for mobility, yoga, and form-fitting designs |
| Linen | Hot weather, beach, vacation | Ultra-breathable, lightweight, relaxed fit | Wrinkles easily, less durable | Ideal for hot climates and stylish casual looks |
| Denim | Casual streetwear | Stylish, durable, versatile | Heavy, not breathable, less flexible | Great for fashion-forward casual outfits |
| Fleece | Loungewear, winter indoors | Warm, soft, cozy | Too hot for summer, bulky | Best for cold weather comfort |
| Twill | Semi-formal casual | Strong, holds shape, smooth texture | Less breathable than cotton | Good for polished everyday looks |
| Mesh | Gym, basketball, team sports | Breathable, moisture-wicking, lightweight | Less stylish, limited use outside sports | Best for athletic performance and airflow |
Choosing the right style and material for your athletic shorts is essential to meeting your customers’ needs. Understanding your target audience helps guide this decision.
Popular Styles of Men’s Athletic Shorts:
- Running Shorts: Lightweight and breathable, ideal for runners or anyone needing freedom of movement during workouts. These shorts often feature moisture-wicking materials to keep the wearer cool.
- Gym Shorts: Designed for durability and flexibility, these shorts are ideal for weightlifters and fitness enthusiasts. They often include features like stretch fabrics, anti-chafing technology, and sweat-wicking properties.
- Swim Shorts: Quick-drying and water-resistant, these shorts are designed for swimmers or people who spend time in the pool. They also double as beachwear.
- Casual Sportswear: These are athletic shorts that combine fashion with functionality. They’re perfect for casual wear, whether you’re heading to the gym or just relaxing at home.
Best Fabric Options:
- Polyester Mesh: This fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it perfect for athletes and active individuals.
- Micro-Knitted Fabric: A soft, stretchy fabric that’s sweat-resistant and provides a great fit.
- Spandex/Elastane Blend: Often used for athletic wear because it stretches and conforms to the body, providing comfort and flexibility during physical activities.
Must-Have Features:
- Adjustable Inner Drawstrings: Ensure a snug fit, especially for customers of varying body types.
- Deep Side Pockets: Essential for storing keys, phones, or other essentials while working out or running.
- Fade-Resistant Prints: Ensure your designs last through multiple washes, keeping their vibrant look intact.
Pro Tip: Highlight these features in your product descriptions to make them more appealing and informative to customers.
Step 3: Create Stunning and Unique Designs
Designing your athletic shorts is where the magic happens. Here’s how to create eye-catching designs that sell:
Design Methods:
- Use POD Platform Tools: Many POD providers offer design tools that help you create mockups and upload designs directly. For example, Printify’s Mockup Generator and Printful’s Design Maker allow you to visualize your designs on athletic shorts.
- Use Professional Design Software: If you’re looking for more flexibility and creativity, consider using design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva to create your own artwork. These tools give you more control over your design elements, especially when using intricate patterns or custom logos.
All-Over Print (AOP) vs. Single-Side Prints:
- All-Over Prints (AOP): These designs cover the entire fabric and allow for more creative freedom. Bold patterns and vibrant colors work well with AOP designs, making them a popular choice for sportswear brands looking to stand out.
- Single-Side Prints: A more minimalist approach, single-side prints focus on a logo or design that’s usually placed on the front, back, or sides of the shorts. These are great for subtle branding or clean, high-end aesthetics.
Hot Design Trends for Men’s Athletic Shorts:
- Bold, Abstract Patterns: Geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and abstract designs make for eye-catching shorts that stand out in the gym or outdoors.
- Gradient Colors and Camo Textures: These designs have become increasingly popular, especially among younger audiences.
- Minimalist Logos: A simple, clean logo on the shorts can create a premium, minimalist look that’s perfect for high-end activewear.
- Niche-Specific Designs: Consider designing shorts with specific niches in mind. For example, gym slogans, nature-inspired themes, or sports-related graphics that speak to specific activities (e.g., running, cycling, weightlifting).
Mockup Testing:
Before finalizing your design, always test how it looks on your shorts using mockup generators. Many POD platforms, such as Printful and Printify, allow you to preview your design on a variety of product mockups, so you can get a clear picture of how your designs will appear once printed.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store
| Step | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Niche & Audience Research | Focus on types like gym, running, basketball, yoga, etc. Target active men aged 18–40. | Helps tailor products, branding, and marketing to the right audience. |
| 2. Choose a Platform | Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress), BigCommerce, or Etsy (if print-on-demand). | Provides the tools to sell, manage orders, and scale easily. |
| 3. Select Products | Offer a mix: polyester shorts, compression shorts, mesh shorts, cotton blends. | Diverse options attract more buyers and meet different activity needs. |
| 4. Source or Manufacture | Use suppliers (like Alibaba, Printful, or private label) or create your own designs. | A reliable supplier ensures product quality and delivery. |
| 5. Product Descriptions | Highlight benefits: moisture-wicking, stretch, breathability, durability. Use SEO keywords. | Clear descriptions with features increase conversions and SEO traffic. |
| 6. High-Quality Images | Use models, flat lays, 360° views, and action shots. | Visuals are key for online buyers—they want to see the fit and feel. |
| 7. Pricing Strategy | Consider cost + margin. Research competitors. Offer bundles or discounts. | Competitive pricing increases sales and loyalty. |
| 8. Design a User-Friendly Site | Clean layout, categories (e.g., Training, Outdoor, Everyday), mobile-friendly. | Smooth user experience boosts conversion and retention. |
| 9. Set Up Payment & Shipping | Integrate PayPal, credit cards, and offer free/fast shipping. | Secure payment and reliable delivery build trust. |
| 10. Branding & Logo | Choose a bold, sporty brand name. Use a modern logo, consistent color scheme. | Strong branding sets you apart and builds brand identity. |
| 11. Launch Marketing Campaign | Use Instagram, Facebook, Google Ads, email marketing, influencer partnerships. | Drives traffic and builds awareness from day one. |
| 12. Track & Optimize | Use Google Analytics, heatmaps, customer feedback, and A/B testing. | Ongoing data helps you improve performance and grow sales. |
Setting up an online store is your next step once your designs are ready. Here’s how to get started:
Top E-Commerce Platforms for Selling POD Shorts:
- Shopify: Ideal for entrepreneurs looking for full control over branding and the customer experience. Shopify offers customizable themes and integrates easily with POD services.
- Etsy: Perfect for niche products and organic traffic. Etsy’s marketplace is great for targeting customers who are looking for unique, handmade, or custom products.
- WooCommerce: Best for those already using WordPress. WooCommerce offers flexibility and customizability for those familiar with WordPress.
- Amazon: If you’re looking to scale quickly, Amazon can offer huge reach but comes with higher fees and more competition.
How to Optimize Product Listings:
- Upload HD Mockups: Always upload high-quality mockups showing multiple angles, including front, side, and back views.
- Size Charts: Include clear and accurate size charts that include waist measurements, inseam lengths, and any other relevant sizing information.
- SEO-Friendly Descriptions: Make sure your descriptions include relevant keywords like “custom athletic shorts,” “men’s gym wear,” and “sports shorts with pockets.” Focus on benefits such as comfort, moisture-wicking, and durability.
- Example Description: “These men’s custom gym shorts are designed for performance and comfort. Made with breathable polyester mesh, they offer sweat-wicking properties and a perfect fit for your workout needs.”
Step 5: Price Your Athletic Shorts for Maximum Profit
Pricing is crucial for profitability. You need to find the balance between covering your costs and offering a competitive price point.
How to Calculate Pricing:
- Base Price: The cost to produce each pair of shorts, including printing, shipping, and taxes.
- Platform Fees: Most platforms charge a transaction or listing fee. For instance, Etsy takes a 5% fee on each sale plus a small listing fee.
- Suggested Retail Price: Mark up your base price to determine a retail price that allows for a reasonable profit margin. Typically, POD products have a 30-50% markup, but this depends on the niche, product, and target market.
Example Pricing Calculation:
- Base Price: $20 (cost of shorts + printing + shipping)
- Platform Fee: 5% of $40 = $2
- Suggested Retail Price: $40
- Your Profit: $40 (retail price) – $20 (base price) – $2 (platform fee) = $18 profit per pair.
Competitive Pricing:
Research competitors in the market to ensure your pricing is competitive. You don’t want to undercut too much, but at the same time, you don’t want to price yourself out of the market. You can start with mid-range prices and adjust as you see what sells best.
Step 6: Market Your Athletic Shorts
| Marketing Channel | Strategy | Content Ideas | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instagram & Facebook | Post consistently with lifestyle and product photos | Reels of workouts, product drops, customer reviews, athlete partnerships | High visual appeal, great for targeting fitness enthusiasts |
| Google Ads | Target keywords like “men’s gym shorts”, “moisture-wicking athletic shorts” | Use product-focused ads with offers like “Free Shipping” or “20% Off” | Captures high-intent searchers ready to buy |
| Influencer Marketing | Partner with micro fitness influencers | Give them shorts to review, wear during workouts, and tag your store | Builds trust and exposes your brand to a relevant audience |
| Email Marketing | Build a list with pop-ups and offer discounts for sign-ups | Weekly newsletters, fitness tips, new arrivals, limited-time deals | Nurtures leads and increases repeat purchases |
| YouTube Shorts / TikTok | Create short-form video content | “Best shorts for leg day”, “What to wear to the gym”, behind-the-scenes making | Viral potential with high engagement on fitness content |
| Affiliate Marketing | Let fitness bloggers or YouTubers promote your shorts for commission | Trackable links and custom discount codes | Low-cost, performance-based exposure |
| SEO (Blog + Product Pages) | Optimize pages for search engines | Blog topics: “Top 5 Athletic Shorts for Men in 2025”, “Best Fabric for Gym Wear” | Brings organic traffic long-term |
| Retargeting Ads | Show ads to visitors who didn’t buy | Show carousel ads of products they viewed, offer discounts | Increases conversion rate from warm leads |
| Giveaways & Contests | Run “Tag to Win” or “Best Gym Look” contests | Ask users to post photos wearing your shorts | Boosts engagement and spreads awareness organically |
| Collaborations | Team up with gyms, fitness apps, or local sports events | Co-branded content, promo codes, or booths | Builds authority and gets access to ready-made audiences |
Once your products are ready and your online store is set up, it’s time to start marketing. Here are some effective strategies to promote your custom athletic shorts:
1. Social Media Marketing
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting custom products. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are perfect for showcasing your athletic shorts with high-quality visuals, video demonstrations, and influencer collaborations.
- Instagram: Post lifestyle images, workout tutorials, and short videos of people wearing your shorts in action. Utilize Instagram’s “shoppable posts” feature to make purchasing seamless.
- TikTok: Create fun, engaging videos showing off your athletic shorts in action. Consider trends and challenges that align with activewear.
- Facebook Ads: Use targeted ads to reach specific groups, such as gym-goers, fitness enthusiasts, or sports fans. Facebook’s powerful targeting tools help you reach people who are most likely to buy.
2. Influencer Marketing
Collaborating with fitness influencers or athletes can be a game-changer. Offer them free products or a commission for promoting your shorts to their followers. A well-executed influencer partnership can help generate buzz and credibility.
3. Content Marketing
Start a blog or vlog around fitness and activewear, offering tips, reviews, and workout routines. Include mentions of your custom athletic shorts as part of the content. SEO-optimized blog posts can help you reach an audience interested in activewear, fitness gear, and sports fashion.
4. Email Marketing
Build an email list by offering a discount for first-time customers or exclusive product releases. Keep your subscribers engaged with regular updates, new designs, and promotions.
5. Retargeting Ads
Once someone visits your website but doesn’t purchase, retarget them with ads on social media or through Google Display Network. This ensures your products stay top of mind and can lead to higher conversion rates.
Step 7: Focus on Customer Service and Feedback
Customer service plays a huge role in the long-term success of any business. Here’s how to build strong relationships with your customers:
- Respond Promptly: Always respond to customer inquiries quickly, whether it’s about sizing, customization options, or shipping timelines.
- Offer Easy Returns and Exchanges: If a customer receives a defective product or isn’t satisfied with their order, make it easy for them to return or exchange it. A hassle-free return policy can increase customer trust.
- Ask for Feedback: Encourage customers to leave reviews and feedback. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and help new customers feel more confident in their purchase.
- Use Feedback to Improve: Pay attention to customer complaints or suggestions. This can provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve your products or services.
Conclusion
Starting a Print-on-Demand business for custom men’s athletic shorts is a fantastic way to tap into the booming activewear market with minimal risk and upfront investment. By following these steps—choosing the right platform, selecting the right materials, designing unique products, and marketing effectively—you can turn your passion for fitness and fashion into a profitable online business.
Remember, success in the POD space requires consistency, creativity, and excellent customer service. Keep experimenting with new designs, stay active on social media, and listen to your customers. Over time, you’ll build a loyal following and a successful brand in the competitive world of athletic wear.
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