10+ Great Black-Owned Activewear Brands
I've supported and produced content about a lot of Black-owned businesses in recent years. Many of them are Black-owned fitness apparel businesses. So that you don't need to bounce around my blog to find them, this listacle includes my top Black-owned activewear brands.
Actively Black Athleisure Wear
Actively Black is by far my favorite Black-owned fitness clothing brand. Everything I've bought from them is high quality, durable, and unique. They have designs paying homage to Allen Iverson, Muhammad Ali, the Black Panther Marvel character, and the revolutionary Black Panther Party. If I'm wearing any Black-owned fitness apparel in the gym, its most likely Actively Black.
D’IYANU
Unlike the other Black-owned fitness brands listed, D’IYANU manufactures mostly casual dress clothing. They're on this list not simply because I'm a D’IYANU brand ambassador. I'm not wearing Actively Black, I'm likely wearing D’IYANU apparel. Everything they create is unique in design and color. That includes their small collection of swim trunks and sweatshorts.
Warning: some of their products are limited edition. Once some products sell out, they move on to another style or product type.
Ethics the Brand Basketball Shoes
Ethics the Brand basketball shoes are the most resilient I've owned in years. For those and various other reasons, Langston Galloway's Ethics shoes has been my top Black-owned shoe company since the first day I stepped foot in them.
Negash Shoes
Negash is my preferred Black-owned footwear business for everything except basketball shoes. Their walking shoes and discontinued steel-toe boots have withstood years of abuse.
Champ Boxers for Active Brothers
The Champ Boxers is my favorite Black-owned underwear company. Their boxer briefs are durable, well-designed, and comfortable. They ride up the thighs a bit on me more than Drawlz, but I'm a huge advocate for leg day.
Drawlz for other Active Brothers
Drawlz Brand Co compression shorts are far more subtle in design. They're more snug than Champ briefs but lose their shape and tightness over time. For more information, read my Champ Boxers versus Drawlz comparison.
Motsu Socks
Motsu Socks has a large collection of funky looking socks for various purposes and boxer shorts. The South Carolina-based Black-owned sock company is my primary source for socks. I wish they still produced custom designed socks. My honey bun socks still "sock" very well.
Browndages Bandages
If you're active, you must be prepared for the worst. Get a medical kit (medkit). My individual first aid kit (IFAK) and bathroom are stocked with Browndages: bandages that match melanated skin tones. I adore their bandages with images of Black boys dressed as astronauts, scientists, and pilots. I oftentimes find that when Black-owned businesses sell merchandise catering to a specific gender, its for females. Browndages has been one of my favorite Black-owned healthcare businesses since I saw them on Shark Tank years ago.
My Personal Merchandise
I've slowly designed more "Jt Spratley merchandise" throughout the years. This is more of a shameless plug than serious claim that my Zazzle store is among these Black-owned fitness apparel companies, at least for now.
The Institute for Black Male Studies Apparel for Black Men
Dr. T. Hasan Johnson is a Black Masculinist Scholar, Fresno State professor, primary author of the Black Male Political Agenda, and more. Black men interested in data-driven discussions should out his YouTube channel and blog.
One of his initiatives, The Institute for Black Male Studies (IBMS) online store isn't marketed as a Black-owned activewear company. Their "Sacred Profile" shirts have this light, breathable jersey mesh that feels great. Because of that shirt alone I consider IBMS a Black-owned fitness apparel for men, particularly Black Men's Rights Advocates (MRAs).
Blackballed Golf
Blackballed Golf is one the more niche Black-owned fitness apparel brands on this list. Blackballed Golf (BBG) sells light but durable bottoms for those who enjoy long walks or sports without a lot of quick movements. Volleyball, horseback riding, bowling, hunting, and fishing come to mind.
Grace Eleyae
Grace Eleyae is more of a hair care business than black-owned gym clothes brand. I like the simplicity of their satin-lined baseball hats and other headgear for healthcare workers and other Black Americans serious about hair care.
Contact me if you know any Black-owned businesses that deserve to be on this list.
