Top 10 Best Sportswear Manufacturers in Europe: The 2026 Sourcing Guide

Finding the right sportswear manufacturer in Europe can make or break your athletic apparel brand. Whether you are launching a startup fitness line, scaling your existing business, or sourcing custom activewear for a team, a reliable European manufacturer gives you tangible advantages. You get superior quality standards, ethical production practices, shorter lead times, and proximity to major markets.

Here is the problem: Europe's manufacturing landscape spreads across multiple countries, each offering different specializations. I analyzed production capabilities at dozens of activewear production Europe facilities, checking certifications and client portfolios. This definitive ranking introduces you to the continent's top suppliers.

You will see which suppliers handle small-batch custom sportswear orders best and who offers the optimal price-performance ratio. I also highlight key players in OEM/ODM services to help you save months of trial-and-error.

adidas

Adidas posted €6.63 billion in Q3 2025 revenue, setting a company record. Operating from Herzogenaurach, Adidas is not just a brand; it runs one of the most advanced athletic apparel chains in Europe. Their performance wear manufacturers network is vast, covering multiple production facilities focusing on different product categories.

Revenue growth shows real results. The first nine months of 2025 showed 14% currency-neutral growth. Performance categories lead the charge, with running jumping 30% driven by the Adizero line. This success proves that European consumers are hungry for high-quality technical gear.

Product innovation drives these numbers. From marathon-winning shoes to apparel hitting double-digit growth, their momentum is undeniable. For smaller brands, Adidas serves as a benchmark rather than a partner. They do not serve as a sportswear manufacturer for third parties, focusing strictly on their own portfolio. However, their market performance validates the massive opportunity for new entrants selling technical sports clothing and athletic apparel in Europe.

PUMA

PUMA's recent numbers paint a tougher picture, with sales dropping and net losses appearing in early 2026. The Herzogenaurach manufacturer helps us understand current market volatility. While footwear remains a bright spot, apparel sales have faced challenges.

Regional sales show where the problems are. While Latin America grew, key markets like North America and Europe saw declines. PUMA is pushing hard into direct-to-consumer channels to save margins. For athletic clothing manufacturers watching category trends, this is a signal: the market is currently buying shoes more aggressively than clothing.

OEM sports apparel partners can learn from PUMA's situation. Even big giants struggle when buyer habits change. PUMA does not offer private label activewear manufacturer services to others, but their challenges with inventory and tariffs reveal key facts about European production forces that touch all manufacturers in the region.

Berunclothes

If you are looking for accessible, high-quality manufacturing, Berunclothes stands out as a premier choice. Operating with deep roots in custom activewear, they bring 30 years of experience to the table. Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) is just 50 units, which is a game-changer.

Most European makers demand 500-1,000 pieces per design. Berunclothes’ 50-unit minimum works perfectly for startups testing the market or established brands launching limited custom sportswear collections. As a specialized fitness clothing manufacturer, they bridge the gap between boutique flexibility and industrial quality.

Their fabric range runs deep. They offer quick-dry polyester (180-220 GSM) for running shirts and 4-way stretch nylon (240-280 GSM) for yoga pants. I tested their bamboo-polyester blend, which brings natural anti-bacterial properties without chemical treatments. This makes them a top contender among active wear manufacturers focusing on sustainable options.

Print quality sets pros apart. Berunclothes uses digital heat press technology for photo-quality prints and eco-friendly screen printing. Their sublimation puts dye directly into fibers, ensuring no cracking or peeling. Production stays accurate with automated CAD cutting, maintaining strict variances that result in cleaner seams than manual cutting.

They provide comprehensive OEM/ODM services with a fast 15-day sampling timeline. Whether you need women's waterproof cycling pants with high breathability ratings or functional mesh jerseys, their technical skills are top-tier. Contact them at berunclothes.com for full spec sheets.

Audimas Supply

Lithuania's Audimas Supply has a massive 94-year history in textiles. Based in Kaunas, they have evolved significantly since 1931. While recent years showed some financial strain with net losses in 2023 and 2024, their technical capability remains undeniable.

Here is what matters for you. Nike has been a client since 1998, receiving about 35,000 clothing sets annually. They also manufacture for premium brands like Rapha and Lucas Hugh. About 60% of their business comes from OEM sports apparel deals, making them a significant player among sportswear manufacturers in the Baltic region.

Exports drive 70% of their sales. Despite financial restructuring, their credit risk remains manageable, and they continue to serve high-end clients. If you need a partner with a long track record in activewear making, Audimas is worth investigating.

Tebesa UAB

Tebesa UAB produces knitwear and sportswear from their factory in Kaunas, Lithuania. Founded in 1996, they have nearly three decades of experience. While their workforce has streamlined recently to around 55 employees, they remain a focused producer.

They handle the full service chain. From pattern making and sampling to sourcing fabrics and final manufacturing, they cover it all. Their main focus is womenswear, but they also produce menswear that blends knitwear with sportswear details. Exports make up 70% of their turnover, with loyal clients in Finland, Denmark, and the UK.

For brands seeking specific activewear clothing manufacturers in the Baltics, Tebesa offers a high-touch service model, though their credit risk is currently noted as high.

Belgreen

Belgreen ships 500,000 garments per year from Portugal, rolling out 10,000 pieces every week. Launched in 1998, they have spent 26 years perfecting jersey and knit sportswear.

Their client roster proves their skill level. Manufacturers like Belgreen work with Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, and Tommy Hilfiger. These luxury brands demand consistent fit and huge audit trails. Belgreen passes those audits, positioning them as a premium activewear manufacturer.

Portugal offers natural advantages over Asia, with 2-3 day shipping to Germany and no EU tariffs. Belgreen excels in jersey-based garments like hoodies and t-shirts. Their 10,000-piece weekly capacity suggests they are best for established brands rather than early-stage startups.

Portuguese manufacturers excel at technical categories. If you need premium knits and moisture-wicking fabrics, Belgreen is a strong candidate. Their expertise matters for brands evaluating performance wear manufacturers, as they understand how to handle stretch materials and complex sewing tensions better than most.

LTP Group

LTP Group operates as a premium partner for brands demanding high-end technical execution. Headquartered in Copenhagen with production facilities in Lithuania and Ukraine, they serve as one of the most sophisticated activewear manufacturers in Europe. Unlike basic cut-and-sew shops, LTP specializes in complex garments like cycling bibs and technical outerwear.

Innovation sits at their core. They offer a "conscientious product development" service, helping brands switch to biodegradable materials without losing performance. For companies searching for a private label activewear manufacturer that can handle Gore-Tex and taped seams, LTP is the industry standard.

They are not the cheapest sportswear manufacturer, but their reliability is unmatched for premium labels. Their minimums are higher, catering to scale-up brands rather than fresh startups. However, their transparent supply chain makes them a top pick for brands that market sustainability as a key selling point.

Petratex

Based in Portugal, Petratex is famous for inventing key "no-sew" technologies used by Olympic athletes. If your brand relies on aerodynamic efficiency or friction-free comfort, Petratex is the sportswear manufacturer you need. They work with global giants, proving their capacity to handle massive volume while maintaining intricate quality control.

Technology drives their production. They use laser cutting and thermal bonding to create custom activewear that feels like a second skin. This level of tech makes them a preferred OEM/ODM services provider for luxury sports brands.

While they are an industrial giant, they offer specific programs for high-potential designs. Finding a fitness clothing manufacturer with this level of R&D capability in Europe is rare, making Petratex a strategic partner for brands aiming to disrupt the market with technical innovation rather than just design.

Siviero Melchiorre

Siviero Melchiorre brings Italian craftsmanship to the athletic world. Located near Turin, they bridge the gap between high fashion and functional gear. They are the ideal athletic clothing manufacturers for brands positioning themselves in the "athleisure" luxury bracket. Their facility manages everything from knitting to finishing.

Quality over quantity is their mantra. They specialize in seamless knitwear, a crucial category for modern yoga and running brands. As active wear manufacturers go, they offer a distinct European flair that Asian competitors struggle to replicate.

They support clients with extensive OEM/ODM services, helping translate rough sketches into retail-ready premium garments. If you want to sell custom sportswear that justifies a high retail price point, the "Made in Italy" tag from Siviero Melchiorre adds immediate value to your brand equity.

Goucam

Goucam is another Portuguese powerhouse, operating since 1978. They have mastered the balance between speed and quality, making them a reliable private label sportswear partner. With a workforce of over 350 people, they have the capacity to handle diverse product lines from leggings to technical jackets.

Flexibility is their strength. unlike some rigid larger factories, Goucam adapts well to varied client needs. They are a versatile activewear clothing manufacturer that invests heavily in automated cutting systems to reduce fabric waste and keep costs competitive.

For brands sourcing custom activewear in medium volumes, Goucam offers a sweet spot. They provide the stability of a large sportswear manufacturer while maintaining the communication agility of a smaller partner. Their proximity to European fabric mills allows for quicker turnaround times on material sourcing compared to offshore competitors.

Conclusion

Europe's sportswear manufacturing scene gives brands real opportunities, provided you choose the right partner. The top sportswear manufacturers in Europe distinguish themselves not just by technical skills, but by their ability to turn your vision into a viable market product.

Whether you need a full-service private label activewear manufacturer or a factory for specific technical gear, the choice affects your margins and growth. Berunclothes offers incredible flexibility with OEM/ODM services and low MOQs for custom activewear, making them ideal for emerging brands. Meanwhile, established players like Audimas and Belgreen offer industrial scale for larger orders.

Your manufacturer shapes how customers see your quality. Europe's sustainable sportswear production know-how sits close to major markets, giving you a competitive edge. Take action today by contacting these sportswear manufacturers; your future customers are waiting for what you build next.