Most people only see shirts as casual clothing. But did you know that they can be sportswear? There are many designs for women’s activewear t-shirts, so you have unlimited options.
In 2022, the market for women’s activewear reached $17.50 billion. Experts say that this market will continue to rise. So, if you want to grow your brand, you cannot miss this opportunity. And what better way to dabble into the sports industry than by starting with the basics—women’s activewear tees?
Start your journey to offering women’s activewear t-shirts by knowing all about them here. From their background information, origin, and how to wear them, it’s all down below.
Different Types of Women’s Activewear T-Shirt
There are many different types of shirts available for you. You can also experiment with designing them. But before you do, you need to know what types of sportswear shirts are out there.
The selection of women’s activewear T-shirt styles is not different from that of regular shirts. But the key is in the materials you choose for them. Because women wear them for an active lifestyle, they need to be moisture-wicking and comfortable. So, to help you, we have a link to include suitable fabrics for activewear here.
Check out these common kinds of women’s activewear T-shirts for you:
1. Crew Neck T-Shirt
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You’ve probably seen this shirt everywhere. Crewneck shirts have rounded necklines, making them look sleek and simple. Additionally, they don’t have a collar, making them comfortable around the neck.
You can use a variety of fabrics for this one because there’s no requirement for what you should use. But, considering activewear fabrics, it’s best to use polyester. This fabric does not absorb sweat, so you can wear it for hours while working out without worry.
These shirts originated in 1913 when the US Navy wore them as an undershirt. Today, they’re a fashion staple commonly seen in sportswear. People mostly wear them to the gym for workouts. But, you can also wear them for sports like badminton and volleyball, as their neckline makes them comfortable. You can pair it with sweatpants and you’re ready to go!
2. V-Neck T-Shirt
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V-neck shirts look exactly like they sound. They have V necklines, making your neck look longer than it already is. This neckline would also make you look slimmer. For an even leaner look as you engage in sports, use spandex or rayon for them. These fabrics are breathable and fit snugly, accentuating your figure even more.
This V-neckline started attracting people’s eyes in the 1920s. Back then, this design was only available for men’s pullover sweaters. But times have changed, and women now commonly wear them, too. Because they make their wearer look slimmer, women can wear them for dancing, doing yoga, and more. Pair it with yoga pants or cycling shorts for a body-fitting look.
3. Tank Top
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If you’re going to do activities that require a lot of arm movements, tank tops are for you. These women’s activewear T-shirts do not have sleeves. Additionally, their arm holes typically hang low. So, you can swing your arms freely with this tee.
For this shirt, although most brands usually use cotton, it’s better to use polyester for sportswear. Cotton absorbs so much liquid, so it’s not a good choice for activewear. Meanwhile, while polyester is form-fitting and moisture-wicking, it’s not so breathable and will make you sweat more.
Tank tops only became daily wear in the 1970s, but since then, they have dominated the sports industry. You can wear them for weightlifting, tennis, volleyball, and more because they allow free arm movement. Style it with a bralette top underneath for upper body support and gym shorts.
4. Long Sleeve T-Shirt
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Cold weather calls for a different type of garment to keep the wearer warm yet comfortable while being active. Long-sleeve activewear T-shirts are excellent choices for being active in such conditions. They cover the whole arm, offering warmth to the wearer.
Most women’s sportswear long-sleeve shirts are body-fitting, so it’s best to use fabrics like nylon with spandex. These fabrics allow the designs to be form-fitting but are also elastic enough to provide flexibility in movement.
It’s hard to trace back to where long-sleeve tees originated. But people have worn them since the Middle Ages. Even the sports industry adores a long-sleeved activewear t-shirt design.
People also commonly wear them for swimming as rashguards. You can also wear them for workouts or yoga. Style them with cycling shorts or leggings, and you’re good to go.
5. Crop Top
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Crop tops have become women’s wardrobe staples these days. But do you know they’re also beginning to dominate women’s activewear t-shirts? There’s no specific neckline or sleeve length to follow for this one. They only have to end above the waist, allowing easy and comfortable movement. For these, you can use different materials like polyester or nylon with spandex.
Typically, crop tops for sportswear hug the body, but they can also be loose. This activewear t-shirt became popularized after belly dancers wore it in 1893 at Chicago’s World Fair. Because they end in the midriff, they allow for more belly and hip movements, making them perfect for dancing. You can wear them with high-waist leggings or sweatpants for comfort.
6. Raglan Sleeve Shirt
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Raglan sleeve shirts allow for a wider range and easier arm movement. The diagonal seam design of the raglan sleeve provides less resistance and restriction. The use of just one diagonal seam from the neckline to the cuff and a wider underarm design reduce restriction and allow for a wider range of movement.
Additionally, this sleeve design makes it easy to identify Raglan shirts from others. For this women’s activewear t-shirt, cotton jerseys, Tencel, bamboo knits, and viscose are excellent.
Lord Raglan first wore this type of shirt around 1855, hence the name. After he lost his right arm, his tailor designed this shirt for ease of movement. But their popularity rose after baseball teams wore them. It is still the best shirt for baseball today. Pair it with shorts or skirts to complete the look.
7. Performance T-Shirt
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As the name implies, performance shirts are best for performances. These shirts do not have a specific design or cut. Instead, their materials allow freedom of movement and are moisture-wicking. Aside from this, they also keep their wearer cool, making them a perfect women’s activewear t-shirt. These properties are all thanks to the fabric they use, polyester.
Performance tees came from the continuous development of the fashion industry. It’s hard to pinpoint where they came from. However, the introduction of sportswear in the 1900s kicked off performance tee production.
Moreover, these are best for rigorous activities that require a lot of movement, like basketball, and performances like dancing. You can then wear them with track pants.
8. Graphic Print Shirt
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Graphic print shirts have images designed for them. These can range from pictures, artworks, and more. Most people think graphic tees are only for casual wear. But, as the fashion industry continuously grows, they’re now available as women’s activewear t-shirts.
For these, you need to use fabrics like pique, jersey, double knit, and mesh. Doing so will ensure that your graphic shirt is durable, comfortable, and moisture-wicking sportswear.
These tees originated in 900 AD when China and Japan practiced silk screen printing.
Until today, it’s a famous shirt people can wear for different sports training and workouts. You can wear them with sweatpants for a swaggy look.
9. Sleeveless T-Shirts
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Sleeveless shirts do not have sleeves, similar to tank tops. That is why people often mistake sleeveless tees and tank tops for the same. However, what makes sleeveless shirts different is their use of lightweight materials like polyester, rayon, and lycra.
This women’s activewear T-shirt’s origin is closely related to tank tops. They originated in the 1920s when people wore them as swimsuits. Today, they are still excellent for swimming during the summer. Pair them with swim pants or cycling shorts.
10. Sweatshirts
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Sweatshirts are heavier than other types of shirts. Furthermore, they have long sleeves. Because of these properties, they provide warmth during the winter season while you hit the gym.
Although it’s best to avoid cotton for activewear, sweatshirts will not be sweatshirts if they don’t use cotton. This fabric allows a softer feel for the shirt, helping the wearer’s comfort. Benjamin Russel, Jr. is the one to thank for this innovation. He made sweatshirts in 1926 as a football jersey.
This women’s activewear T-shirt is excellent for football as it feels smooth, preventing chaffing as you run around. Pair it with football trousers for maximum performance during a game.
In Closing
When you’re just starting to expand your clothing brand’s reach in the sports industry, it’s best to start with the basics. Women’s activewear T-shirts are perfect for this. They’re easy to style and provide moisture-wicking properties. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about sweating as you engage in your active lifestyle.
Women’s activewear has been steadily growing. Women buy 20% more activewear than men. So, you can’t let go of the opportunity to take this demographic as your customers. Design women’s sportswear shirts today. If you need more help with more types of women’s activewear t-shirts, Ludyway Apparel is just one click away.
