S&S Activewear – Brands, Locations and Wholesale Guide

S&S Activewear has emerged as one of North America’s largest wholesale distributors of imprintable blank apparel and accessories. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the company serves a critical role in the promotional products and decorated apparel industry, supplying blank garments to screen printers, embroiderers, promotional distributors, e-decorators, and team dealers across the United States and Canada. The company’s extensive network of distribution centers and relationships with major apparel brands position it as a key player in the supply chain for custom decorated apparel businesses.

Over the past three decades, S&S Activewear has grown from a modest 27,000-square-foot operation in the Midwest to a nationwide distribution powerhouse. The company’s expansion has been marked by strategic acquisitions, substantial warehouse development, and partnerships with private equity firms. By 2024, following its acquisition of alphabroder, S&S Activewear solidified its position as an industry leader, competing directly with other major distributors in the blank apparel wholesale market.

For businesses seeking reliable suppliers of blank garments for customization, understanding S&S Activewear’s operations, product offerings, and distribution capabilities provides valuable insight into one of the industry’s most significant players. This profile examines the company’s history, current operations, brand partnerships, and practical considerations for prospective customers.

What is S&S Activewear?

S&S Activewear operates as a wholesale distributor specializing in blank apparel and accessories designed for subsequent decoration through screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, and other customization methods. Unlike retailers that sell finished products, the company supplies the base garments that decorators transform into customized apparel for end customers. This business-to-business model places S&S Activewear at the foundation of the promotional products and custom apparel supply chain.

Company Overview

The company’s operations encompass over 4 million square feet of warehouse space staffed by more than 2,000 employees. S&S Activewear stocks over 80,000 products spanning various apparel categories, from basic T-shirts and fleece garments to fashion-forward styles and corporate wear. This extensive inventory enables the company to serve diverse customer needs across multiple market segments, including corporate apparel programs, athletic teams, event merchandise, and promotional products.

History and Ownership

S&S Activewear began in 1988 as a midwestern distributor of T-shirts and fleece, operating from a modest 27,000-square-foot facility. The company’s trajectory changed significantly in 1998 when Paul Rohr and Jeff Adams acquired the business, enabling expansion into corporate apparel, athletic wear, jackets, bags, and headwear. This acquisition laid the groundwork for the diversified product portfolio the company maintains today.

• Reached billion-dollar sales by 2019-2020 through strategic distribution expansions
• Acquired Americana Sportswear (California, 2010) and EVA Sportswear (New Jersey, 2013)
• Expanded into Canada through Technosport acquisition (2019-2020)
• Partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021 brought additional capital and expertise
• Acquired alphabroder in August 2024, creating an industry powerhouse
• Ranked No. 2 among PPAI 100 suppliers by 2025
• Current ownership includes CD&R funds alongside prior owners and management

What Brands Does S&S Activewear Carry?

S&S Activewear maintains relationships with over 100 apparel brands, representing a mix of athletic, lifestyle, and basic garment manufacturers. This brand diversity enables the company to serve customers seeking products across different quality tiers, price points, and style preferences. The company’s brand portfolio has grown substantially since its origins carrying approximately 60 brands in 2018.

Popular Brands

Among the major brands available through S&S Activewear are adidas, Champion, Columbia, Bella+Canvas, Next Level Apparel, and Gildan. These partnerships provide customers access to some of the most recognized names in activewear and basic apparel. The inclusion of premium athletic brands alongside value-oriented manufacturers creates a comprehensive selection suitable for various customer requirements and budget considerations.

Apparel Categories

The product assortment encompasses multiple apparel categories designed for decoration and resale. T-shirts represent a core category, while fleece and sweatshirts provide options for cooler weather apparel. The company also supplies corporate apparel, headwear, bags, athletics-specific garments, and outerwear. This range allows customers to source most of their blank apparel needs through a single distributor relationship.

Where Are S&S Activewear Distribution Centers?

S&S Activewear has developed an extensive distribution network spanning the United States and Canada. The company’s facility strategy prioritizes geographic coverage and shipping speed, enabling rapid delivery to customers nationwide. This infrastructure represents a significant competitive advantage in the wholesale apparel distribution industry.

Facility Locations

The company’s primary headquarters remains in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Additional significant facilities include a 750,000-square-foot LEED silver-certified warehouse in Lockport, Illinois, opened around 2019-2020, and a 473,000-square-foot center in Kansas City established in 2016. The company maintains a presence near Atlanta, Georgia, and operates a distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas. A New Jersey facility underwent expansion adding 187,000 square feet of warehouse space. The acquisition of Technosport Canada brought facilities in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, extending coverage into the Canadian market. The 2024 alphabroder acquisition added further facilities to the network.

Coverage Areas

The distribution infrastructure enables what the company describes as the industry’s largest 1- and 2-day shipping footprint. Approximately 99% of the U.S. and Canadian population falls within a 2-day delivery window, while 44 U.S. states can receive shipments within 1 day. This coverage level supports the rapid turnaround times that decorators and promotional products businesses often require to meet customer deadlines.

How Do You Order from S&S Activewear?

S&S Activewear operates as a wholesale supplier serving approved business customers, including screen printers, embroiderers, promotional product distributors, and other decorators. The ordering process is designed for B2B relationships rather than individual consumer purchases, requiring businesses to establish account relationships before placing orders.

Account Setup

Prospective customers must apply for accounts through S&S Activewear, demonstrating legitimate business operations in the decorated apparel or promotional products industry. As a wholesaler, the company requires verification that customers are established businesses engaged in decoration services or product resale. Account approval processes typically involve business documentation and credit applications. Detailed information about account requirements, application procedures, and approval timelines is available through the company’s sales team and website.

Ordering Process

Qualified account holders access ordering through S&S Activewear’s online platform, where they can browse product catalogs, check real-time inventory availability, view pricing specific to their account, and submit orders. The platform supports order management, tracking, and reordering functions. For customers seeking guidance on products, decoration compatibility, or sizing, account representatives can provide consultation support.

S&S Activewear History and Key Milestones

The evolution of S&S Activewear reflects broader trends in the promotional products and decorated apparel industries while demonstrating the company’s strategic approach to growth. Understanding this timeline provides context for the company’s current market position and future trajectory.

1. 1988: Company founded as a midwestern T-shirt and fleece distributor operating from 27,000 square feet
2. 1998: Paul Rohr and Jeff Adams acquire the company, enabling expansion into new product categories
3. 2010: Acquired Americana Sportswear, expanding presence in California
4. 2013: Acquired EVA Sportswear, strengthening New Jersey operations
5. 2016: Opened 473,000-square-foot Kansas City distribution center
6. 2019-2020: Reached billion-dollar sales; acquired Technosport Canada for nationwide coverage
7. 2021: Clayton, Dubilier & Rice partnership; Jim Shannon becomes CEO
8. 2024: Acquired alphabroder; Frank Myers leads S&S during integration
9. 2025: Ranked No. 2 in PPAI 100 suppliers

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Based on available public information, certain aspects of S&S Activewear are well-documented while others require direct inquiry or remain proprietary business information.

Industry Position and Competitive Landscape

S&S Activewear occupies a leading position in the blank apparel wholesale market, competing primarily against other large distributors including SanMar. Prior to 2024, SanMar had dominated volume in the industry, with sales nearly matching the combined totals of S&S Activewear and another major competitor. The August 2024 acquisition of alphabroder significantly reshaped this competitive dynamic.

The combination of S&S Activewear and alphabroder created an industry powerhouse integrating volume, systems, facilities, brands, and personnel. While both companies initially continued operating separately, integration efforts have focused on technology systems, supply chain optimization, and service enhancement. Under the leadership of Frank Myers (S&S CEO) and Dan Pantano (alphabroder CEO), the combined entity now stands as one of the two dominant players in the North American blank apparel wholesale market.

This competitive positioning benefits customers seeking reliable, high-volume suppliers capable of meeting large orders with rapid fulfillment. The scale of operations enables investments in facility expansion, technology systems, and brand partnerships that smaller distributors cannot match. For more insights into how color trends influence apparel purchasing decisions, see our analysis of Pantone Color of the Year 2025.

Industry Perspectives and Sources

Information about S&S Activewear derives from multiple source types, each contributing different perspectives on the company’s operations and market position. Industry publications, company announcements, and financial services reports provide complementary views.

“The acquisition of alphabroder positions S&S Activewear for sustained leadership in the promotional products supplier industry.”

— PPAI Media Hub, 2024

“The company’s national expansion and one-day shipping capabilities have set new standards for blank apparel distribution.”

— ASI Central, Industry Analysis

Additional verification comes from R.W. Baird transaction documentation, National Sporting Goods Association announcements, and CD&R investment communications. The company’s official website provides product and operational details, while industry association rankings offer third-party validation of market position.

Key Takeaways

S&S Activewear represents a significant force in North American blank apparel distribution, with over three decades of growth from regional beginnings to national scale. The company’s 100+ brand relationships, 80,000+ products, and multi-million square foot distribution network provide capabilities that support large-volume orders and rapid fulfillment. Strategic acquisitions, including the 2024 alphabroder combination, have strengthened competitive positioning against other major suppliers. For screen printers, embroiderers, and promotional product businesses seeking reliable wholesale suppliers, S&S Activewear offers the scale, selection, and service infrastructure to support ongoing decoration operations. Businesses interested in establishing accounts should contact the company directly to discuss their specific requirements, product needs, and account terms.