4 UNEXPECTED MARKETS FOR PERFORMANCE APPAREL

Athleisure is highly desired outside of the fitness industry – are you taking advantage of all the top markets at your fingertips? Secure more apparel orders by thinking beyond the ordinary. Take advantage of these profitable industries to increase your performance apparel profits.

Corporate
Healthcare
Nonprofits
Uniforms

Corporate

Let’s get down to business. In recent years, more and more corporations have adopted relaxed dress codes, making performance apparel a must-sell with this market. Gone are the days of suits and ties and stuffy dress shirts. Businesses now understand that comfortable employees are happy employees … and more efficient employees to boot.

So, why performance wear? Not only are these garments designed to move and stretch, they also boast a professional appearance. Athletic polos will make a great first pitch, as they’re both a business-approved shirt style and an athletic wear favorite.

The percentage of Fortune 500 CEOs that play golf, per research presented by PGA.

Healthcare

There’s more to healthcare apparel than scrubs and white jackets. Believe it or not, healthcare workers are encouraged not to wear scrubs to and from work, as bacteria can get on clothing and be transmitted in and out of the workplace. So what should they wear instead? Branded performance apparel sold by you, of course.

Position athletic apparel styles as a safer alternative to wear to and from work. Doctors, nurses and practitioners can wear branded clothing on their commute to hospitals and clinics before changing into scrubs once they arrive. Then, they can change back into performance wear before driving home, keeping everyone healthy, happy and, best of all, comfortable.

The number of nurse’s scrubs that carried bacteria when worn home after the end of a shift, per a study by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Nonprofits

Nonprofits need apparel, and performance wear is perfect for their needs. Volunteers spend a lot of time on their feet, whether they’re campaigning door-to-door, standing at booths during day-long events or participating in charity walks or runs. Especially during the summer months, you can bet these Good Samaritans will break a sweat. They’ll be thankful they invested in moisture-wicking and antimicrobial apparel.

Help your nonprofit clients impress passersby with high-end styles like polos. These shirts will make volunteers look like a buttoned-up and cohesive group, adding legitimacy to their cause so they can spread awareness. Branding plays a big role in this sector to increase recognition and inspire donations, so it’s worth it to invest in styles that will get noticed.

The number of Americans who volunteer their time, talents or energy for a nonprofit cause per research from Independent Sector – that’s 25% of the adult population.

Uniforms

Dress for success with uniform programs. According to a 2019 study from The Balance Small Business, customers by and large prefer employees in uniform. This is because it plays a big role in customer experience and makes it easier to spot staff when they need assistance. There’s a large need for uniforms too, whether clients are stocking up for a trade show or outfitting staff at a retail store. Performance wear will keep them cool and comfortable, even during long shifts.

For the best chance of success, recommend styles available for both men and women. That way, clients can achieve a uniform (no pun intended!) look among their staff for greater brand recognition and cohesion.

The percentage of people who think staff wearing uniforms makes them look better trained, per ASA.

Style Spotlight: Polos by Callaway Apparel 

Now that you know who to target, it’s time to plan your product presentations. 

These core styles in the Callaway line have all the features your clients care about, such as OPTI DRI™ and UV Repel technology that will keep them cool and safe from the sun. Recommend these as the premiere performance wear options for their needs.

Fine Line Stripe Polo
(CGM711/CGW703)

An intricate striped pattern adds fashionable flair to this comfortable performance polo.

Ventilated Polo
(CGM451/CGW437)

Keep wearers cool and dry thanks to OPTI DRI™ technology and ventilated fabric.

Twill Textured Polo
(CGM650/CGW656)

For style you can feel, give this textured polo a try. That extra element goes a long way.