How to Launch an Activewear Line Without a Fashion Degree

No Design Degree? No Problem—Here’s How to Start an Activewear Line

Think launching your own activewear brand means you need a fashion degree, a giant design team, or a decade of experience? Nope. You just need the right tools, a smart plan, and a little help along the way.

Here’s how people just like you are starting activewear brands from their laptops—with no formal design background, no massive budget, and no time to waste.

Step 1: Use Plug-and-Play Sketches

Creating your first designs from scratch is time-consuming (and intimidating). That’s why editable activewear sketch bundles are a game changer. They come ready-to-use in formats like Illustrator, Canva, or even Procreate—so you can quickly piece together your leggings, sports bras, and sets without starting from a blank page.

Bonus: They're built to scale properly and follow industry sketching standards—so you're not stuck redoing everything later for a factory.

Step 2: Drop Your Designs Into a Tech Pack

Once you’ve got your sketches sorted, you’ll need a tech pack—a document that tells your manufacturer exactly how to produce your garment. Think of it like an instruction manual for your activewear.

Don’t worry—tech pack templates exist for this too. You can drag and drop your designs, add measurements, fabrics, trims, and callouts without needing to build it from scratch.

Step 3: Work With a Manufacturer Who Gets Startups

Many new founders waste months contacting factories that don’t work with beginners. You need a supplier who understands sampling small runs, doesn’t expect you to have all the answers, and is open to guiding you.

Look for manufacturer directories or startup-friendly supplier lists to make this part faster. (Hint: we include one in our Lightning Launch Toolkit—see below!)

Step 4: Keep Moving (Even If It’s Not Perfect)

The biggest mistake? Waiting until it’s “ready.” Your first collection won’t be perfect, but done is better than stuck. Launch with a capsule range, test it, get feedback, and improve with each drop.