When I choose blank apparel for custom printing, I look for more than just fabric—I look for consistency, style, and reliability. That’s exactly what S&S Activewear delivers as one of the leading partners for DTF transfers and custom apparel decoration.

Founded in Bolingbrook, Illinois, S&S Activewear has grown into a powerhouse accessory distributor with a nationwide network that’s rapidly expanding into Canada. Their commitment to supporting garment decorators, entertainment merchandisers, e-commerce companies, and promotional products distributors makes them an ideal match for businesses looking to create professional custom apparel with award-winning DTF transfers.

Who Is S&S Activewear?

S&S Activewear started as a vision to revolutionize apparel distribution, and they’ve delivered on that promise. This accessory distributor has built an impressive reputation by serving garment decorators across North America with a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond basic inventory management. They’re headquartered in Bolingbrook, IL, but have wholesalers and warehouses all over the country.

The company serves a diverse customer base that spans small print shops to large-scale promotional products distributors. Whether you’re an entertainment merchandiser creating tour gear or an e-commerce company building a custom apparel line, S&S Activewear provides the foundation you need with its extensive product range.

What sets them apart is their broad selection that covers everything from basic garments perfect for everyday customization to fashion-forward styles that appeal to trend-conscious consumers. They’ve also established strong partnerships with major brands like Gildan, giving customers access to trusted names in apparel manufacturing.

Most recently, S&S Activewear made headlines by becoming the exclusive wholesale distributor for American Apparel in the U.S. imprintables market—a partnership that brings iconic, premium clothing styles to decorators and custom printers nationwide.

To get started, just order one of their wholesale books, pick your material, and place your order!

Technology-Enabled Apparel Distribution

One aspect of S&S Activewear that particularly impresses me is its commitment to technology-enabled apparel solutions. Their web-based platforms streamline the entire ordering process, while their sell sheets and improved flyer builder tools help shops create polished materials that drive sales.

As a decorator, I appreciate how they make it easy to manage orders, access real-time stock information, and stay ahead of customer demands. Their investment in warehouse space and logistics infrastructure means faster access to inventory, which translates to quicker turnaround times for your customers.

Their technology integration doesn’t stop at ordering systems. S&S Activewear has deployed hundreds of advanced robots across its warehouses, partnering with German company Körber Supply Chain and Geekplus robotics to optimize fulfillment speed and accuracy. This technological approach ensures that when you order blanks for your DTF transfer projects, you get consistent, reliable service.

Partnerships With Iconic Brands (American Apparel)

The recent partnership, making S&S Activewear the exclusive wholesale distributor for the American Apparel Brand, represents a significant opportunity for custom printers. American Apparel brings timeless styles, premium quality, and youthful energy that customers recognize and trust.

This exclusive relationship means decorators can offer their customers access to lifestyle brands and retail brands that carry real market appeal. The combination of American Apparel’s fashion-forward styles with S&S Activewear’s distribution network creates opportunities for both trendy designs and classic custom apparel projects.

Beyond American Apparel, S&S Activewear’s partnerships extend to other major brands, giving customers flexibility to choose basic garments for cost-effective projects or premium options for higher-end customization work. This range is particularly valuable when you’re working with DTF transfers, as different projects call for different blank quality levels.

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Why I Recommend S&S Activewear for Apparel Customization

After working with numerous blank suppliers, S&S Activewear consistently delivers the reliability and quality that DTF transfer projects demand. Their broad range covers hoodies, t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and accessories—all ready to accept DTF transfers with excellent results. The quality makes you excited to create polished materials year after year.

The consistency factor cannot be overstated, and is just a snap into why you should choose their company. Their products hold up exceptionally well with heat press applications and DTF printing processes. Whether you’re working with basic garments for promotional items or lifestyle brands for retail-quality custom apparel, the fabric quality remains dependable across their entire catalog.

From a business perspective, the combination works beautifully. S&S Activewear’s reliable inventory management pairs perfectly with Limitless Transfers’ same-day shipping promise. When you can count on both quality blanks and rapid transfer fulfillment, you can offer customers faster turnaround times than competitors who struggle with supply chain delays.

The flexibility S&S Activewear offers serves both small shops and large promotional products distributors equally well. Their range accommodates everything from single-item custom orders to bulk promotional campaigns, making them a scalable partner as your business grows.

Every time I press a Limitless DTF transfer onto an S&S blank, I know the final product will exceed expectations. The fabric quality supports our award-winning transfer technology, creating results that look professional and feel premium.

The Perfect Pairing: Limitless Transfers + S&S Activewear

The synergy between S&S Activewear’s quality blanks and our award-winning hot-peel DTF transfers creates a powerful combination for custom apparel success. Here’s why this partnership delivers exceptional results:

• Reliability meets reliability. S&S Activewear’s consistent blank quality complements our consistent transfer performance. When both elements of your project are dependable, you can make promises to customers with confidence.
• Speed advantages multiply. Our same-day shipping on transfers pairs with S&S Activewear’s efficient distribution to minimize project timelines. This speed advantage helps you serve last-minute orders and tight deadlines that competitors can’t handle.
• Quality compounds. Premium blanks enhance the appearance and durability of our vibrant, soft-hand DTF transfers. The combination produces professional results that justify higher pricing and generate repeat customers.
• Flexibility expands options. S&S Activewear’s range, from basic garments to fashion-forward styles, means you can use our transfers on projects spanning from budget promotions to premium retail items.

For small businesses just starting with custom apparel, this combination provides a professional foundation without requiring a dedicated upfront investment. For established decorators, it offers great consistency and the capacity needed to scale operations efficiently.

The no-minimums approach we take with transfers aligns perfectly with S&S Activewear’s flexible ordering options. You can test new designs, fulfill small custom orders, and manage inventory efficiently without being locked into large quantities of either transfers or blanks.

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Material Versatility and Application Success

S&S Activewear’s fabric selection works exceptionally well with our DTF transfer technology across multiple material types. Their cotton offerings provide the classic feel customers expect, while their polyester and blend options support moisture-wicking and performance applications.

The technical aspects matter too. S&S Activewear’s fabric preparation and quality control processes ensure consistent heat press results. Whether you’re working with their basic garments for promotional items or their premium lifestyle brands for retail applications, the transfer adhesion and appearance remain consistently excellent.

This reliability extends to specialty applications as well. Their canvas items work beautifully with our transfers for bags and accessories, while their nylon options support unique custom projects that help differentiate your business from standard apparel decorators.

Building Strong Brands Together

The partnership between quality blanks and premium transfers helps custom apparel businesses build stronger brand relationships with their customers. When your finished products consistently look professional and feel premium, customers develop trust in your capabilities.

S&S Activewear’s focus on both basic garments and retail brands means you can serve diverse customer needs from a single supplier relationship. This simplifies your procurement process while expanding your service capabilities.

Their commitment to supporting garment decorators shows in their tools and resources designed to help shops create polished materials and drive sales. Combined with our award-winning transfer quality, you have everything needed to present professional proposals and deliver exceptional results.

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Scaling Your Custom Printing Success

S&S Activewear’s capacity and infrastructure support business growth in ways that smaller suppliers simply can’t match. Their nationwide network and warehouse space mean you can expand your service area without worrying about blank availability.

The technology-enabled apparel solutions they provide scale with your business needs. As your order volumes grow, their systems and processes continue to support efficient operations rather than becoming bottlenecks.

Their partnership approach extends beyond simple vendor relationships. S&S Activewear invests in supporting its decorator customers’ success, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping custom apparel businesses thrive.

The Industry Leadership Advantage

Working with industry leaders like S&S Activewear provides competitive advantages that extend beyond product quality. Their market position and brand relationships give your business credibility with customers who recognize quality suppliers.

The exclusive American Apparel partnership, for example, allows you to offer customers access to a premium brand that many decorators can’t provide. This differentiation helps justify higher pricing and attracts customers seeking quality custom apparel rather than just cheap printing.

Their continued investment in technology and infrastructure means you’re partnering with a forward-thinking company that will continue supporting your business needs as the industry evolves.

Learn About DTF Transfers

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is revolutionizing the world of custom apparel. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your DTF business, these resources offer valuable insights:

• How to Apply a DTF Transfer Correctly
• Best Heat Press Settings for DTF Transfers
• DTF Supplies & Equipment Checklist
• Tips to Get Crisp, Long-Lasting DTF Prints
• Common DTF Printing Mistakes & Fixes
• How DTF Printing Works (Video Tutorial)
• What Is DTF Printing?
• Beginner’s Guide to DTF Transfers
• DTF Printing vs. Sublimation: Key Differences

Your Foundation for Professional Results

S&S Activewear delivers the combination of quality, consistency, and service that makes DTF transfer projects successful. Their broad range of products, from basic garments to fashion-forward styles, provides the flexibility needed to serve diverse customer requirements.

The reliability factor cannot be overstated—when you combine their dependable blanks with our award-winning DTF transfers, you create a foundation for professional results that build customer loyalty and drive business growth.

Their commitment to supporting garment decorators, entertainment merchandisers, e-commerce companies, and promotional products distributors demonstrates an understanding of the custom apparel industry that translates into better service for your business.

As someone who works with apparel every day, I know how much the right blank matters—and S&S Activewear consistently delivers the quality and service that turn good transfer projects into exceptional finished products.

Ready to bring your designs to life? Choose S&S Activewear blanks and press them with our award-winning DTF transfers for results that sell themselves. Upload your design today on our website and experience the difference that quality blanks and premium transfers make for your custom apparel business.