Back-to-school season is a prime sales window for fitness apparel brands. Whether it's students restocking their gym gear, athletes preparing for fall sports, or parents hunting for everyday activewear, people are ready to buy. This is your chance to put your most popular pieces in the spotlight and drive seasonal sales with timely, relevant email campaigns.

Why Back-to-School Emails Matter for Fitness Apparel Brands

Activewear is a must-have this time of year, and not just for gym class. Think school commutes, after-school practice, campus workouts, and even lounging between classes. A well-timed back-to-school email helps you promote high-demand gear like:

• Athletic shorts, leggings, and joggers
• Active tops and performance tees
• Wardrobe refreshes for school, sports, and training
• Team gear and practice essentials
• Matching sets that make getting dressed easy

This is when high-intent shoppers are looking for practical, durable gear they can afford. The right email campaign can meet them where they are and turn that intent into conversions.

Back-to-School Email Templates You Can Use

Example 1 – Back-to-School Essentials Email

Subject line: School-ready fitness gear starts now 💪

Body:Hey [First Name],

Heading back to school? Upgrade your athletic wardrobe with our essential picks:

[Product Image]

From gym class to practice to everyday comfort, these bestsellers are made to move.

[Shop Essentials]

When to use:

• Promoting curated collections
• Highlighting top-selling basics

💡 Pro Tip: Highlight bestsellers or “most loved” items from previous seasons to create instant trust and curiosity. Keep the focus on versatility. Shoppers want pieces they can wear across multiple parts of their day.

Example 2 – Athlete-Focused Back-to-School Email

Subject line: Gear up for the new season

Body:Hi [First Name],

New season, new goals. Get the performance gear you need for training, practice, and game days.

[Product Image]

Sweat-wicking, durable, and ready for every workout.

[Shop Performance Gear]

When to use:

• Sports-focused brands
• Performance-driven apparel lines

💡 Pro Tip: Use action-focused language to appeal to athletes and goal-setters. This email is perfect for targeting school sports teams, student-athletes, or anyone prepping for a fitness routine reset.

Example 3 – Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Email

Subject line: Back-to-school deals on activewear 🎒

Body:Hey [First Name],

Refresh your fitness wardrobe without breaking the bank. Shop limited-time savings on leggings, shorts, tops, and more.

[Product Image]

Perfect for students, athletes, and anyone leveling up this season.

[Shop Deals]

When to use:

• Price-sensitive shoppers
• Seasonal promotions

💡 Pro Tip: Create urgency with a countdown or limited-time promo code. Back-to-school shoppers are often juggling tight budgets, so make it easy for them to say yes.

Best Practices for Back-to-School Emails

Want your email to stand out in the inbox and drive real results? Keep these tips in mind:

• Highlight use cases: Show how your products fit into real school days, practices, or commutes.
• Promote bundles or sets: Outfit pairings or multipacks are a great way to boost average order value.
• Emphasize comfort and durability: This audience cares about value. Materials should hold up through sweaty workouts and busy days.
• Feature inclusive imagery: Show a range of students, athletes, and body types to reflect your real customers.

Quick tips:

• Call out “gym class essentials” or back-to-school MVPs.
• Suggest outfit combos that simplify getting dressed.
• Ramp up urgency in late August; this is your last chance to catch procrastinators.

How to Send Back-to-School Emails with Privy

Privy’s pre-built email templates make seasonal campaigns simple. You don’t need to start from scratch. Just pick your layout, plug in your featured products or bundles, and customize your message to match your brand.

Start your 15-day free trial and get your campaign out the door today.

FAQs about Back-to-School Emails for Fitness Apparel Brands

What fitness apparel products sell best for back-to-school?

• Leggings and shorts
• Performance tees
• Lightweight hoodies
• Sports bras
• Joggers

Should I offer discounts for back-to-school campaigns?

Yes. Shoppers during this season are often budget-conscious. A discount or limited-time offer can help seal the deal.

How can I increase average order value?

Bundle items (like a top and bottom), suggest “complete the set” options, or promote discounted multipacks to encourage larger carts.

When should I send back-to-school emails?

Start in early July and continue through September, with peak engagement in August. Aim for multiple touchpoints throughout the season.