The right custom running apparel manufacturers should be able to explain three things clearly: where your garments will be made, what can be changed, and how the finished product will suit your runners.
BOA, Borah Teamwear, Boathouse, Genre Sports, WSI Sportswear and JAKROO offer six different manufacturing routes for US buyers. Their strengths range from club singlets and printed shorts to cold-weather layers and coordinated endurance collections.
This is an editorial shortlist based on published manufacturing and customization information, rather than a wear-test ranking. Five companies describe US production; JAKROO has a US headquarters and a documented international manufacturing history. The distinction matters if domestic production is part of your brief.
If you are comparing an overseas development route as well, a custom running apparel manufacturer can review original fits, materials and branding requirements alongside your quantities.
Custom Running Apparel Manufacturers: Quick Comparison

| Manufacturer | US operation | Manufacturing evidence | Most useful for | Point to resolve before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOA | California | Custom running program identifies US-made production | Running shorts, singlets and coordinated team gear | Style-specific minimum, fit kit and delivery date |
| Borah Teamwear | Wisconsin | Describes in-house apparel production in Wisconsin | Running clubs and multisport teams | Current running styles, fit options and order terms |
| Boathouse | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | States that custom products are made in its Philadelphia factory | Team uniforms and outerwear | Selected garment range and production schedule |
| Genre Sports | Las Vegas, Nevada | Describes production in its Las Vegas factory | Sublimated running tanks, shirts and shorts | Fabric, construction and approved sample |
| WSI Sportswear | Eagan, Minnesota | Describes US design, cutting and sewing | Training layers and private label performance apparel | Team-custom versus private-label order requirements |
| JAKROO | Pleasanton, California headquarters | Publishes in-house manufacturing; historical SEC filings identify China production | Coordinated custom endurance apparel | Current factory country and import/delivery terms |
A company offering custom teamwear does not automatically offer unrestricted pattern development or white-label production. Establish the service you need before using price or minimum order quantity to narrow the list.
1. BOA: Running-Specific Shorts and Team Uniforms
Best fit: Clubs, schools and race teams that want custom running products from a running-focused business.
BOA’s custom program includes shorts, singlets, tees and fully sublimated team gear. Its custom running uniform page identifies the program as made in the USA.
The public custom FAQ refers to a five-piece minimum and invites buyers with smaller requirements to discuss options. Treat that as the starting point for the selected program, rather than a universal rule across every service or reorder.
For a team buyer, the useful detail is the range of running-specific garments. A short’s inseam, liner and pocket arrangement deserve as much attention as its printed design. Ask for the exact style specification and a fit kit before collecting the final size list.
BOA also discusses physical color matching. Use an approved swatch when matching an existing uniform; a screen preview alone cannot establish the final fabric color.
2. Borah Teamwear: In-House Production for Running and Multisport Teams
Best fit: Teams that want design support and a manufacturing process they can discuss directly.
Borah offers a dedicated running and triathlon program. Its manufacturing information describes in-house printing, cutting, sewing and inspection in Wisconsin.
Borah Teamwear’s published manufacturing process explains how artwork moves through production and how patterns are developed before garments are released. That is useful evidence when evaluating a manufacturer beyond its product images.
Start with the running products rather than assuming a triathlon garment suits a running-only event. Confirm the selected pattern, fabric, size range and any pockets or other construction details.
For clubs planning repeat seasons, ask how the manufacturer records the approved design and handles a small replacement order. Retaining the artwork is only one part of keeping a future uniform consistent.
3. Boathouse: Philadelphia-Made Team Apparel and Outerwear
Best fit: Running organizations that need uniforms together with warm-up or weather-protection layers.
Boathouse states that its custom products are handmade in its Philadelphia factory. Its published customization methods include sublimation, embroidery, heat-seal, tackle-twill and screen printing.
The breadth of decoration methods can help a team assign different jobs to different garments. A lightweight race top may need minimal surface decoration, while a warm-up jacket may suit embroidered branding.
Boathouse’s public pages show different production-time references across programs. Request a written schedule for your actual order, including artwork approval and shipment, instead of treating a headline turnaround as an arrival guarantee.
Ask which running garments are available in the current custom range and review the sample in the intended conditions. A training layer and a race singlet need separate fit and fabric decisions.
4. Genre Sports: Sublimated Running Apparel from Las Vegas
Best fit: Clubs and organizations looking for printed running tops and shorts with direct factory communication.
Genre Sports describes manufacturing at its Las Vegas facility. Its running catalog includes men’s and women’s running tanks, short- and long-sleeve shirts, and several short styles.
Its custom process allows buyers to review designs and approve a mockup before production. The running page also describes sample quotations for checking fit, fabric and color.
For procurement, use the sample to establish the garment behind the graphic. Confirm the fabric reference, seam layout, armhole shape and short construction, especially if the catalog serves several sports.
A successful team design still needs to work in small and large sizes. Review logo placement and artwork scaling across the size set, then keep the approved measurements and design reference with the order.
5. WSI Sportswear: US-Made Layers and Private Label Development
Best fit: Buyers developing training layers, cold-weather running products or a more involved own-label program.
WSI states that it designs, cuts and sews apparel in Eagan, Minnesota. Its range includes performance tops, base layers, tights and other athletic clothing.
One useful distinction is its published separation between custom team orders and private label work. Its custom information page lists a 20-piece minimum per style/color for one custom route, while the private label section lists 144 pieces per style/color, with additional size-allocation conditions.
These are different programs, not interchangeable minimums. Ask which one applies to your garment, how much pattern development is included and what setup charges remain.
WSI is particularly worth investigating when the brief extends beyond printed summer singlets. Specify the intended temperature range, layering system and fit rather than asking for a generic “running fabric.”
6. JAKROO: A US Headquarters with International Manufacturing
Best fit: Running teams comparing a coordinated endurance-apparel program with US customer support.
JAKROO lists its US headquarters in Pleasanton, California, and promotes an in-house manufacturing approach for custom running apparel. Its published run offering covers singlets, shorts, tights and layers.
Its manufacturing geography needs careful treatment. A historical SEC filing for the year ended 2018 describes a production facility in China. That establishes a manufacturing history; it does not confirm the factory location for a new order.
Ask JAKROO to identify the current production country, shipping origin and delivered terms for your selected products. Buyers requiring domestic manufacture should obtain a product-specific confirmation before proceeding.
Also clarify whether the project uses an existing JAKROO pattern with custom running clothing graphics or supports the additional changes you need. Confirming that distinction early makes the quotation easier to compare with a private-label factory proposal.
About GOFITAPPAREL: An Additional Manufacturing Route for Running Brands
GOFITAPPAREL is a China-based sportswear manufacturer offering running apparel development. It is an additional option for buyers comparing overseas production with the six US business operations above.
For OEM and ODM running apparel, send the garment brief, reference samples or tech packs, intended use and quantity breakdown. Projects involving private label running clothing should also define labels, packaging and the approved size range.
Original pockets, liners, seams and fabric choices should be agreed before sampling. Confirm minimums, costs, testing requirements and delivery terms for the actual collection rather than relying on a general factory capability statement.
How to Compare Manufacturers for Your Running Project
Define the Order as Products, Not Just a Total Quantity
Specify how many singlets, tees, shorts and layers you need by style, color and size. A 300-piece collection spread across ten designs is different from 300 units of one garment.
For bulk running apparel orders, ask whether minimums apply per style, fabric, color or artwork. Also ask about the price and conditions for later additions to the team.
Match Fabric and Construction to the Run
During running apparel fabric sourcing, define garment weight, hand feel, ventilation, stretch, coverage and care requirements. Request evidence for any performance claim that matters to your project.
For custom running shorts and tights, review liners, waistband stability, storage and freedom of movement. For tops, check armhole contact, hem movement and the placement of seams or transfers.
Approve the Garment before Production
Review custom running apparel samples during an appropriate training session and after washing according to the care instructions.
Check representative sizes rather than approving only the medium. Keep a record of the approved fabric, color, measurements, decoration and tolerances so inspection has a defined reference.
Confirm What the Manufacturing Quote Includes
Ask whether the quote covers artwork, patterns, grading, samples, labels, packaging, freight and any import-related charges. Obtain an approval deadline, expected ship date and delivery method.
If you are comparing additional overseas factories, our guide to sportswear manufacturers in China offers another starting point. Compare the same specification across proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Six Manufacturers Making the Order in the USA?
No. BOA, Borah, Boathouse, Genre Sports and WSI describe US production. JAKROO has a US headquarters and an international manufacturing history. Confirm the country for the exact products in your order.
Can a Running Club Order without Developing Its Own Pattern?
Yes. Team-custom programs generally let buyers select an existing garment and customize its appearance. Ask separately about fabric substitutions, pattern changes and private labeling.
Which Minimum Order Should I Use for Planning?
Use the minimum for the selected program and product. BOA’s five-piece custom reference and WSI’s separate team-custom and private-label minimums illustrate why a company-wide number can be misleading.
Conclusion
The best running apparel manufacturing partner is the one whose production route matches your garments, design requirements and order size. BOA and Borah are useful starting points for running-focused teamwear; Boathouse, Genre Sports and WSI offer other domestic-production capabilities, while JAKROO adds a US-supported international route. Compare the actual patterns, fabric, samples and reorder conditions, then approve a written specification before committing to production.