Print on Demand Men's Shorts: Training, Athletic, and Mesh Options Compared

April 20, 2026 5 min read By Cameron Wells

Quick Answer

Three shorts styles cover most gym and team needs: training, signature athletic, and mesh.
Prices range from $26.88 for mesh shorts up to $49.88 for the Signature Athletic Shorts.
Print placement options include leg logo, waistband text, and small chest-style branding on the pocket.
No minimum order, free US shipping, about a week from order to delivery.

Table of Contents

The three shorts options in the catalog
Which shorts style fits which use case
Print placement on shorts
Pricing math for a shorts line
Bundling shorts with a tee or tank
Frequently Asked Questions

Shorts are one of the most searched print on demand categories for gyms and coaching businesses, and the right choice depends more on use case than on price alone. Bear Grips carries three distinct shorts styles built for different workouts and budgets, all printed one pair at a time.

The three shorts options in the catalog

Athletic 7" Mesh Shorts (No Pockets): the lightweight, breathable option built for cardio and team sport, Sport-Tek brand, $26.88 VIP base.
Men's Performance Training Shorts: mid-weight, built for general gym training, Bear Grips brand, $44.88 VIP base.
Men's Signature Athletic Shorts: the premium tier with the fullest feature set, Bear Grips brand, $49.88 VIP base.

Which shorts style fits which use case

Style	VIP base	Best for
Athletic 7" Mesh Shorts	$26.88	Team sport, cardio, running clubs, budget-friendly bulk gear
Performance Training Shorts	$44.88	General gym training, functional fitness, retail-ready everyday wear
Signature Athletic Shorts	$49.88	Premium retail tier, flagship product for a boutique gym shop

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

Print placement on shorts

Three placements consistently work on shorts: a small logo on the lower left leg, a waistband wordmark repeated around the elastic, and a discreet mark near the hip. Large center-front graphics rarely work well on shorts because the print sits on a curved, moving surface, so keep the design compact.

Pricing math for a shorts line

Style	VIP base	Typical retail	Margin
Mesh Shorts	$26.88	$38-42	$11-15
Training Shorts	$44.88	$60-68	$15-23
Signature Athletic Shorts	$49.88	$68-78	$18-28

Bundling shorts with a tee or tank

Shorts rarely sell as a standalone first purchase. Most vendors pair a shorts listing with a matching tee or tank in the same color story and market them as a set, which lifts average order value even when the shorts and top are still checked out separately. Add the Sport-Tek moisture-wicking tee as the natural top-half pairing for the mesh shorts.

Add Shorts to Your Shop Lineup

Mesh, training, or signature athletic. No minimum order, free US shipping, about a week to arrive.

Start Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between training shorts and signature athletic shorts?

The Signature Athletic Shorts sit at the premium tier with a fuller feature set, while the Performance Training Shorts are the mid-weight everyday option at a lower base price.

Are there youth shorts available?

Yes. Youth Athletic Mesh Shorts are available at $26.88 VIP base, matching the adult mesh style.

Can I print a full front graphic on shorts?

It is possible but not recommended. Compact placements like a leg logo or waistband text hold up better on a moving, curved surface than a large front graphic.

Is there a minimum order on shorts?

No. Shorts print one pair at a time at the same base price regardless of order size.

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.