How to verify fabric quality for custom sportswear before placing an order?

How to verify fabric quality for custom sportswear before placing an order?

Verifying fabric quality is a critical step before committing to bulk production of sports bras, leggings, or gym sets. From a professional B2B manufacturing perspective, such as ohsurewear, proper fabric evaluation ensures performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.
1. Request Fabric Swatches and Samples

Always start with physical swatches or sample yardage. Check for hand feel, stretch, recovery, thickness, and opacity. For gym wear, fabrics should feel smooth, supportive, and not too thin under tension. ohsurewear provides sample fabrics for testing before bulk orders.
2. Check Fabric Composition and Specifications

Verify fiber content (nylon, polyester, spandex ratios), GSM (grams per square meter), and knit type. These factors determine stretch, compression, moisture-wicking, and durability. A certified manufacturer will provide detailed fabric specs and testing reports.
3. Conduct Performance Tests

Stretch & Recovery: Ensure four-way stretch returns to original shape without sagging.
Pilling Resistance: Rub the fabric under controlled friction to see if fibers form pills.
Opacity Test: Stretch over a flat surface or mannequin to check transparency.
Moisture-Wicking & Quick-Dry Test: Simulate sweat absorption to confirm performance.
4. Assess Color Fastness & Dye Quality

Check that colors do not bleed, fade, or transfer. Evaluate under multiple light sources (daylight, fluorescent) and conduct washing or friction tests. ohsurewear ensures all dyed fabrics pass international colorfastness standards.
5. Review Certifications & Lab Reports

Look for OEKO-TEX, ISO, or REACH certifications to confirm safety, sustainability, and compliance. Trusted manufacturers provide lab test reports and certificates for each fabric batch.
6. Request Sample Garments Before Bulk Order

Making a prototype or pre-production sample helps verify fit, stretch, opacity, and overall performance in real-world wear conditions. This step reduces risk and confirms manufacturer reliability.