Which custom apparel platform is better for your business? Here's an honest breakdown.
Bear Grips Pro Shops is a custom athletic apparel platform where businesses get their own branded online shop — no Shopify needed, no coding, no inventory. What makes us different? Our catalog is curated from real sales data. We track what sells best across all our vendors and give you those proven winners. No scrolling through 900 products hoping you pick the right one. Free shipping is always included. Our VIP plans unlock lower base prices and a done-for-you design service. Every account earns through our built-in affiliate program.
Contrado is a premium pod with handmade production in london. Fashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-London quality for high-end products.
Their pricing: No monthly fee, premium pricing per item
Their model: Premium POD with handmade production in London
Integrations: Shopify, WooCommerce, standalone shop
| Feature | Bear Grips | Contrado |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free, $59/mo VIP, $109/mo DFY VIP | No monthly fee, premium pricing per item |
| Product Catalog | Data-driven curated catalog — best sellers across all vendors, no guesswork | 450+ products — you figure out what sells |
| Shipping | Free shipping on every order | Paid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days |
| Brands | Nike, Champion, Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level + more | Varies |
| Design Service | Done-for-you on VIP ($109/mo) | No done-for-you design service |
| Affiliate Program | 10% recurring + $1/unit sold by referrals | No affiliate program or limited |
| Minimums | No minimums — sell 1 at a time | No minimums |
| Shipping Speed | ~1 week, USA printing | Paid shipping, handmade items take 2-7 days |
| Target Audience | Any business type — gyms, churches, schools, restaurants, creators + more | Fashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-London quality for high-end products |
Before comparing platforms, many businesses start with a local print shop. Here's the problem:
Bear Grips Pro Shops eliminates all of this. Zero inventory, zero minimums, zero upfront costs. We print and ship each order directly to your customer with free shipping. And we're constantly adding new products to keep your shop current with the latest styles and trends.
Contrado occupies a real niche: handmade fashion in London, with quality controls and material options that mass POD platforms can't touch. Their fabrics list includes silks, organic cotton jerseys, and premium wools. If you're a fashion designer launching a small label and you need product that looks and feels luxury, Contrado's output genuinely qualifies. Their UK production also matters for European customers wanting fast local shipping.
Pick Contrado when: (1) you sell at fashion price points where the customer expects $80-$200+ per item, (2) your brand identity hinges on material quality, and (3) most of your audience is in the UK or EU.
For US-based fitness, gym, or business merch, Contrado's strengths don't translate. Per-item costs are 2-3x typical POD pricing, US shipping is slow and expensive, and the fashion-grade materials are overkill for a gym hoodie that needs to be tossed in the washing machine. Bear Grips uses premium athleisure brands like Champion, Bella+Canvas, and Sport-Tek, built for sweat, daily wear, and gym use. Different audience, different fit.
Contrado is a capable platform for fashion designers who want premium, handmade-in-london quality for high-end products. But for a full branded apparel shop with free shipping and done-for-you support, Bear Grips is the stronger choice.
If you want a branded athletic custom apparel shop with a curated best-seller catalog, free shipping, and done-for-you design support — Bear Grips Pro Shops is the better choice.
Bear Grips Pro Shops gives you everything Contrado doesn't: free shipping, a free storefront, and a curated catalog so you never waste time guessing what sells.
Start Your Free Shop →Free online shop by Spreadshirt
Fashion-forward POD with cut & sew
Group ordering and events custom apparel
Creator merch platform integrated with YouTube
