Gildan Crewneck Sweatshirts for Gym and Studio Merch: A Buying Guide
Quick Answer- Most gym shops start with tees and tanks and leave cold-weather retail revenue unclaimed.
- A crewneck sweatshirt extends a gym's merch season into fall and winter without adding subscription cost.
- Crewnecks work well for gym-wide challenges, coaching staff kits, and off-the-floor wear.
- The Bear Grips Perfect Soft Crewneck and Champion Crewneck both fit a gym's existing color and logo setup.
A gym, CrossFit box, or studio building out a merch shop almost always starts with tees and tanks, since that is what members wear to train in. What gets missed is the crewneck sweatshirt category, which is what members actually reach for on a cold morning drive to the box or a chilly walk from the studio to the car. Here is how a crewneck rounds out a gym's lineup.
The Gap in a Tee-and-Tank-Only Shop
Tank tops and performance tees are built for the workout itself, not for before or after it. Once a member finishes a class and heads to the car in January, they want something warmer, and a gym without a crewneck or hoodie option in its shop misses that sale entirely, often to whatever generic sweatshirt the member already owns instead.
Why a Crewneck Fits a Gym Brand Specifically
- Off-the-floor wear. Members wear gym-branded crewnecks running errands, at the office on a Friday, or picking up kids, extending brand visibility well past the four walls of the gym.
- Coach and staff kits. A matching crewneck for coaches and front desk staff reads more professional than a plain tee during colder months.
- Challenge and program merch. A crewneck works well as the reward or purchase option for a winter nutrition challenge, a New Year program, or an anniversary drop.
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Crewneck Options for a Gym or Studio Shop
| Piece | Brand | VIP base | Best for |
|---|
| Perfect Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt | Bear Grips | $34.88 | Everyday member wear, mid-weight, structured fit |
| Unisex Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt | Champion | $41.88 | Premium coach and staff kit, heavier weight |
| Youth Crewneck Sweatshirt | Gildan | $33.88 | Family classes, kids programs, youth camps |
Pricing a Crewneck for Gym Members
Most gym shops retail a crewneck $12-$18 over base, landing around $47-$55, which is comparable to what members already pay for name-brand athleisure. A gym's own affiliate link, included automatically with every Bear Grips Pro Shops signup, can also drive referral revenue from other gym owners in the same network, on top of direct merch sales.
Round Out Your Gym's Merch Shop
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should a gym shop start with tees or crewnecks?
Most start with tees and tanks for daily training wear, then add a crewneck to capture fall and winter demand and off-the-floor visibility.
What crewneck fits a gym brand the best?
The Bear Grips Perfect Soft Crewneck at $34.88 VIP base for everyday member wear, or the heavier Champion Crewneck at $41.88 for a premium coach and staff kit.
Does adding a crewneck cost more on the gym's plan?
No. Self-Service VIP is a flat $59 per month for up to 200 live products, so a crewneck can be added at no extra subscription cost.
Can a gym use a crewneck for a seasonal challenge reward?
Yes. Crewnecks work well as a purchase or reward option for winter challenges, anniversary drops, and holiday programs.
Cameron WellsCustom Apparel and POD Industry Writer
Cameron has been writing about the custom apparel and print on demand industry for seven years, with a background in e-commerce operations. He covers platform comparisons, no-minimum vendors, and what is changing for small custom merch businesses.
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