Activewear Manufacturing FAQ

In sportswear manufacturing, OEM and ODM represent two different production models that determine who controls the design, development, and intellectual property of the product. Understanding this difference is critical for brand owners, startups, and buyers when choosing the right manufacturing partner.1. What OEM Means in Sportswear ProductionOEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means the brand provides the design, and the factory produces it.In practice, this includes:• Brand supplies tech packs, patterns, measurements, and construction details• Factory follows exact specifications for sampling and bulk production• Brand owns the design and intellectual property• Factory focuses on execution, quality, and consistencyOEM is ideal for brands with in-house designers or clear product development capability.2. What ODM Means in Sportswear ProductionODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means the factory supports or fully handles the design process.• Typical ODM services include:• Ready-made designs or base patterns provided by the factory• Pattern development and fit optimization• Fabric recommendations based on performance requirements• Design adjustments to meet brand positioning or market needsODM works best for startups, private-label brands, or buyers without technical apparel expertise. 3. Key Differences Between OEM and ODM (Practical Comparison) Aspect OEM ODM Design ownership Brand Factory or shared Tech pack required Yes No Development responsibility Brand-led Factory-led Time to marketLongerFasterFlexibility for changesHighModerateBest forEstablished brandsStartups & private labelThis distinction directly affects cost, speed, and creative control. 4. Cost and MOQ ImplicationsOEM production• Higher development cost upfront• More flexibility on customization• MOQ depends on fabric and complexityODM production• Lower development cost• Faster sampling• Often allows lower MOQs using existing materialsODM helps reduce risk during early-stage product launches.5. Quality Control and Technical RiskWith OEM, quality depends on the accuracy of the brand’s tech pack.With ODM, quality depends on the factory’s technical expertise.Reliable manufacturers usually offer both OEM and ODM, allowing brands to shift models as they grow.6. Expert RecommendationMany successful sportswear brands start with ODM to test the market, then move to OEM once they have:• Proven best-selling styles• Clear fit and performance requirements• In-house or external design supportThis hybrid approach balances speed, cost control, and long-term brand ownership.Summary• OEM: You design it, the factory makes it• ODM: The factory designs it, you brand itChoosing between OEM and ODM in sportswear production depends on your brand maturity, design capability, budget, and speed-to-market goals. A professional manufacturer will guide you toward the model that best fits your current stage and future growth.

Finding a reliable sportswear manufacturer in China requires more than comparing prices. Professional buyers and successful brands focus on capability, transparency, and long-term reliability. Below is a structured, experience-based guide used by industry professionals.1. Start with Proven Industry SpecializationNot all garment factories are sportswear specialists. A reliable manufacturer should demonstrate:• Dedicated experience in activewear or sportswear production• Familiarity with performance fabrics (nylon/spandex, polyamide/Lycra, compression knits)• A clear product focus (e.g. leggings, sports bras, gym tops, teamwear)Factories that specialize in sportswear understand stretch behavior, recovery, fit, and durability, which are critical for performance apparel.2. Verify OEM & ODM CapabilitiesA professional manufacturer should support both:• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing):Producing based on your tech packs, patterns, and specifications• ODM (Original Design Manufacturing):Assisting with pattern development, fit optimization, fabric selection, and design refinementStrong OEM/ODM capability indicates an in-house pattern room, sample team, and technical knowledge, not just basic sewing capacity.3. Evaluate Fabric Knowledge and SourcingFabric quality defines sportswear performance. A reliable factory should be able to:• Explain differences between fabric compositions, GSM, and stretch ratios• Offer fabric testing data (pilling, colorfastness, stretch recovery)• Provide both stock fabrics and custom-developed materialsIf a supplier cannot clearly explain fabric behavior, it often signals limited technical expertise.4. Check Sampling Process and Lead TimesSampling reflects real production ability. Industry-standard expectations include:• Sample development within 7–14 days• Clear revision process for fit, sizing, and construction• Consistency between approved samples and bulk productionFactories that rush samples without proper fitting or testing often struggle with bulk quality consistency.5. Assess Quality Control SystemsReliable manufacturers implement structured quality control, such as:• Fabric inspection before cutting• In-line production checks• Final inspection before packingAsk how they manage defect rates, measurement tolerance, and stretch garment testing. Quality control should be a process, not a promise.6. Review Communication and TransparencyProfessional factories offer:• Dedicated merchandisers or project managers• Clear timelines and production updates• Transparent discussion of risks, limitations, and costsGood communication reduces mistakes, delays, and hidden costs—especially for overseas buyers.7. Confirm Certifications and ComplianceWhile not mandatory for all brands, reliable manufacturers often hold:• BSCI, ISO, or similar social compliance certifications• OEKO-TEX or fabric safety documentation• Export experience with EU and US marketsThese indicate stable operations and familiarity with international standards.8. Start with a Controlled Test OrderExperienced buyers rarely start large. A smart approach includes:• Small MOQ test orders• Standard fabrics and colors for the first run• Evaluation of quality, delivery, and communication before scalingA trustworthy factory supports long-term growth, not just one-time orders.Expert InsightA reliable sportswear manufacturer in China is not defined by the lowest price, but by technical expertise, consistent quality, and professional collaboration. The right partner helps reduce risk, improve product performance, and scale your brand efficiently.

Typical MOQ for Custom Sportswear ManufacturingThe Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for custom sportswear varies depending on product type, customization level, and manufacturing method. Below is a clear, experience-based breakdown used by professional sportswear factories.1. Standard MOQ Range (Industry Practice)For most cut-and-sew sportswear (leggings, sports bras, T-shirts, shorts, hoodies):• 50–100 pcs per style per color→ Common for startup brands and new collections• 150–300 pcs per style→ Typical for established brands with stable salesThis range balances production efficiency with cost control and is widely accepted across China and other major manufacturing regions.2. MOQ by Product TypeDifferent sportswear categories require different MOQs due to machinery, fabric usage, and production complexity:• Cut-and-sew activewear (leggings, bras, tops):50–100 pcs per style/colorSeamless sportswear:• 150–300 pcs per style (higher due to machine setup)Outerwear & hoodies:• 100–200 pcs per styleCompression or high-tech performance wear:• Often 100+ pcs due to fabric minimums and testing requirements3. How Customization Affects MOQThe more customized the product, the higher the MOQ may become:• Fabric customization (custom GSM, custom composition, special dyeing):Fabric mills usually require 300–500 meters per color• Pantone color matching:May increase MOQ compared to stock colors• Complex logo techniques (3D silicone, reflective print, bonded logos):Often require higher quantities to optimize tooling costUsing stock fabrics and standard colors is the most effective way to keep MOQ low.4. Startup-Friendly MOQ SolutionsExperienced manufacturers often offer flexible options for new brands:• Mixed sizes within the same color/style• Multiple styles sharing the same fabric• Small test orders for market validation• Sampling first, bulk after approvalThis approach reduces inventory risk while maintaining professional production standards.5. Why MOQ Exists (Professional Insight)MOQs are not arbitrary. They are based on:• Fabric mill minimums• Cutting efficiency and waste control• Printing and logo setup costs• Quality consistency during productionA factory offering unrealistically low MOQ may compromise on fabric sourcing, QC, or production stability.6. Expert RecommendationFor most custom sportswear brands:• Start with 50–100 pcs per style using stock fabrics• Validate fit, quality, and market response• Scale to higher volumes once sales are provenA reliable manufacturer will help you optimize MOQ, not force unnecessary quantities.Summary:Typical MOQ for custom sportswear manufacturing ranges from 50 to 300 pcs per style, depending on product type, customization level, and production method. Choosing the right factory partner is key to balancing flexibility, quality, and long-term scalability.