When you’re a fitness entrepreneur, your appearance is part of your brand. Whether you’re filming workouts, promoting activewear, or sharing lifestyle content, what you wear often feels like a business expense. But can you actually deduct those clothing costs on your taxes? The IRS doesn’t make it easy—but if you know the rules, you can take advantage of deductions that many creators miss.
First and foremost, WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DEDUCT…
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But don’t worry—there’s a bright side. As shown in the next section, there are clear situations where fitness creators can absolutely deduct clothing expenses. The key is understanding the IRS’s definition of what makes an item “necessary” and “exclusive” to your work. Let’s walk through when your gear actually qualifies as a business expense.
Of course, knowing what qualifies is only half the battle. To actually claim these deductions—and avoid issues with the IRS—you need to handle them the right way. That means keeping clean records, staying organized, and The final section walks you through simple but essential best practices to make sure your clothing write-offs hold up if you’re ever audited.
Navigating clothing deductions as a fitness entrepreneur can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding what qualifies, documenting your purchases, and staying organized, you can confidently write off the gear that fuels your brand—without raising red flags.
And if you want expert eyes on your tax strategy or need help setting up systems that make tracking easier, our team at J&S Accounting is here to help.
Fill out an intro questionnaire we can chat on an intro call, and let’s make sure your fitness business is financially fit too.
