Our Story

We're a growing Canadian apparel brand that specializes in ultra soft gym tanks, graphic tees and casual wear with empowering messages for women—designed to fit all body types. We're located in the East End of Barrie, Ontario. Shop online or  contact us to shop by appointment.

Asskicker Ink. is a division of Bateman Design Group—a boutique graphic design company in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. All of the graphics on the shirts are designed by the founder, Julie Bateman. 

How did Asskicker Activewear come to be?

Hi, I'm Julie Bateman aka Annie Asskicker, the founder of Asskicker Activewear.

I enjoy working out and can rarely turn down a challenge. For years I felt like I was always looking for clothes that were comfortable, fit properly, were well designed and affordable—and often bought gear that was comfortable but the design was off, or well designed but didn't fit right.

Because I'm tall at 5'11" and my weight fluctuates, I had a hard time finding any brand that could check all of the boxes—so eventually I decided to design a few shirts that had uplifting messages, fit well, felt nice on the skin and could be offered at an affordable price point. Basically, I designed things that I would want to wear, and I thought my friends would also appreciate.

Having experience running a business and a graphic & web design background were huge assets when it came time to design new products and develop the Asskicker Ink. brand.

Quality, aesthetics and details matter to me, which is why our shirts have screen printed inside tags instead of fabric that could rub or stick out; our mailer bags have have custom designs printed on them and every order comes with a packet of stickers, a thank you message and information about how to win free products.

We also used local business women as our models during our first photoshoot (including myself) because we want to inspire and to portray an image that is real. Every woman is different, and every woman is beautiful in their own way. 

I have a lot of ideas and am super excited to see what the future has in store.

Where did the name come from?

Julie Bateman (the founder of Asskicker Ink.) started playing roller derby with the South Simcoe Rebel Rollers in 2014, by the name of Annie Asskicker #90. The name was inspired by her grandmother, Anne Bateman who was—at the age of 90 at the time—one of the most baddass women she knew. Anne Bateman came to Canada from Scotland as a war bride, served in the Navy, raised eleven children, enjoyed looking at handsome young men in uniform and had a wicked sense of humour. Sadly, she passed away on Christmas day in 2016 and will be missed by many.

When Julie decided to design a few tank tops, Asskicker Ink. was born. The name felt natural and was chosen instinctively. The brand has really resonated with women and has grown much quicker than expected.