Bear Grips Pro ShopsBouldering Gym Shirt: Tees That Work for Climbing
- A fitted athletic tee is the workhorse for in-gym climbing
- A heavyweight cotton tee is the lifestyle piece worn out of the gym
- Loose tees catch on holds and pull up during reaches
- Most gyms now sell both styles through their branded apparel shop
Bouldering gym shirts split into two jobs. The first is the fitted athletic tee you climb in: it stays put, wicks chalk, and does not catch on holds. The second is the heavyweight cotton tee you wear out of the gym to the brewery after the session, with the gym logo doing the marketing for you. Here is what works for each and what gyms stock in their branded shops.
In-Gym vs Out-of-Gym Tees
Most climbers own two kinds of branded gym tees:
The in-gym performance tee. Fitted cut, polyester-spandex blend or cotton-poly with a touch of stretch, sits close to the body, does not ride up during overhead reaches. The logo print is centered on the chest in a 4 to 5 inch size.
The out-of-gym lifestyle tee. Heavier weight cotton or cotton-poly, looser cut, longer body. Worn casually with jeans or sweats. The logo print can be larger, on the chest or back, and is often where the gym pushes its creative branding (route names, climber illustrations, route grades).
Most gyms stock both styles. Members buy the performance tee for climbing and the lifestyle tee for everywhere else.
What to Avoid in a Climbing Tee
- Loose, long-body tees. They ride up during reaches and bunch under the chalk bag.
- Mesh panels under the arms. Catch on volumes during compression moves.
- Cotton in summer. Cotton holds sweat and chalk dust. Performance blends shed it.
- Large back prints with puffy ink. The print scrapes on slabs and breaks down fast.
- Pocket tees. Pockets snag on jugs and holds.
Print Placement for Climbing Tees
The default placement that works for climbing:
- Centered chest logo, 4 to 5 inches wide. Visible, does not interfere with chalk bag straps, prints well across sizes and cuts.
- Small back-neck print. Optional, often the gym's location or short tag line.
- Small sleeve hit. Optional, usually the gym's anniversary year or a small logo mark.
Avoid large back prints on performance tees. The back of the tee scrapes against slabs and breaks down a large print fast.
Browse our tee catalog for blanks that print well across both performance and lifestyle styles.
Pricing and Profit Math for Gym Tees
Gym-branded tees price in line with what climbers already pay for branded apparel from any outdoor brand:
| Tee Style | VIP Base Price | Recommended Retail | Profit per Tee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle cotton tee | $19.88 | $30 to $34 | $10 to $14 |
| Performance moisture-wicking tee | $23.88 | $34 to $38 | $10 to $14 |
| Heavyweight premium tee | $23.88 | $36 to $40 | $12 to $16 |
A bouldering gym with 400 active members typically sells 100 to 200 tees in a year, generating $1,200 to $3,000 in tee profit alone. The gym's hoodie typically doubles this number.
Add Two Gym Tees to Your Apparel Shop
Free Pro Shop. List a performance tee and a lifestyle tee with your logo, earn $10 to $14 per member order.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What kind of shirt is best for bouldering?
A fitted athletic tee in cotton-poly or polyester-spandex blend. Avoid loose tees that ride up and mesh panels that catch on holds.
Can my gym sell branded tees without ordering inventory?
Yes. Open a free Bear Grips Pro Shop, upload the gym logo, list the tee styles you want. Items print when a member orders, no minimums.
How much profit do gyms make on a branded tee?
Most gyms price tees at $30 to $38 retail with a base cost around $20 to $24, yielding $10 to $14 in profit per shirt. A 400-member gym typically clears $1,200 to $3,000 a year in tee sales alone.
