Apparel is most valuable when worn outside the gym. It might seem counterintuitive, but the impact of someone wearing your apparel to grocery stores, kids' sporting events, or neighborhood BBQs is far greater than them wearing it to an 8 AM class.
Here's Why:
Conversation Starter- People are always looking for things to talk about in these settings. The right members will bring up your apparel at the right time and provide an amazing testimonial.
Attract Like-Minded Individuals- When someone mentions fitness in a conversation, they already have some awareness or interest in it. You want to attract as many like-minded individuals as possible to build a strong community. This isn't about excluding diversity; it's about aligning values and beliefs about health and wellness.
Raise Awareness- Sharp and bold designs attract more attention than you might think. Generic designs—like blank garments with small heat-pressed logos—are often just cost-saving measures. Heat-pressed logos are cheap (a nickel or dime) compared to more impactful prints (which can cost $3-6 each).
Whenever you work on an apparel project think "Can or will somewhere wear this outside the gym?"
