Sports Wear Manufacturer Custom Activewear Production Quality

Sportswear has to perform in real movement. A running shirt has different requirements than a gym hoodie and yoga leggings from training shorts. When a brand co-operates with a sports wear manufacturer, performance should count equally for design and price as well.

Fabric Choice Depends on the Sport

Various sports require various amounts of fabric. Running and the gym, for example, need light fabrics that wick the perspiration away from the skin. Yoga and other such exercises may require drapes of a softer nature with a high degree of elasticity. For the sports that involve frequent wear and tear stronger fabric materials are necessary.

The buyer should inquire about fabric weight, fiber content, stretch, recovery, breathability and washability from the producer. There are important factors that influence the comfort level and the end fit of the product.

Fit Starts with the Pattern

Sportswear requires more than a normal clothing pattern. It is necessary for the pattern to accommodate the wearer.

A running top might require a bit more room around the shoulders and arms. Leggings require enough ease in the hips and knees. Running shorts require freedom over the legs without creating a lot of fabric.

A manufacturer that is pretty good at developing different shapes can actually change these details on the sample rather than copying a basic size chart.

Stretch and Recovery Matter

Stretchiness by itself is not enough for a good sports garment. It is the fact that fabric also has to recover after movement.

If the recovery property is misjudged, the leggings can collapse and the fitted tops become loose. Testing should be done after stretching, washing and wearing the fabric for a long period.

The fabric has to coordinate with the pattern. Even the most elastic fabrics must have the right pattern shape dimensions and seam schematics.

Construction Affects Performance

Seams may also influence comfort or longevity. Flat seams, coverstitch, elastic binding, reinforced panels, other construction, etc are used in sportswear.

Seam that seemed great in a quick fitting may be uncomfortable during a prolonged exercise session. Buyers should examine common areas of repeated movement (shoulders, armholes, crotches, waistband, knee areas,)).

The factory production must be correct because building construction also influences the quality. It is necessary to have precise sewing specifications for the factory to makes all bulk garments according to the approved sample.

Moisture Management Needs Real Testing

Fabric names are not enough by themselves. The ply, weight, finishing and blend of a polyester fabric could result in a range of properties.

Brands must also test the fabric used in the sample. Observe the drying rate, breathability, comfort levels, and the performance of the fabric after washing. These give more value than selecting for fabric as described by the supplier.

OEM and ODM Offer Different Starting Points

OEM is successful if the brand already has its own measurements, designs, fabrics and technical details; the contract factory simply produces according to the brand.

ODM establishes a new beginning for the buyer. The producer offers current design concepts or assists on designing a new product based on a…

Certain brands also employ both methods. They might take the construction of a already established factory and alter the fabric, pattern, colors, tagging etc…

Including a logo isn‘t enough of a true customization of the product, a company might require a unique fabric, color, fit, sizing, labeling, trimming, printing, embroidery, packing, or special construction.

Technical specifications are of greater importance when the collection comprises different styles from the same brand. The manufacturer has to maintain identical size ranges, materials, colors and construction specifications.

Sampling Should Test Movement

A sample should be used to establish answers to practical problems prior to full production.

Buyer should wear the garment and walk/ run/ stretch/ sit/ do whatever activity in which the product is designed, to assess the fit, location of seams, waistband, ease of movement in the sleeves, fabric recovery and comfortable feeling of the product.

Once the batch has been tested, The buyer can make certain comments on measurement and construction. The producer then can add a new pattern or production details before production in bulk.

Washing Can Change the Final Fit

Sportswear will change after washing and tumble drying. These problems can be; shrinking, distortion of shapes and designs, fading of fabric, reduction in elasticity.

The brands should approve the sample by including washing tests. ISO 5077 offers a way to determine the dimensional change of textiles after those have been washed and dried.

This matters because a piece of clothing which fits after being washed won‘t necessarily stay that size.

Quality Control Starts Before Bulk Production

Quality control does not have to be before the factory finished working. The buyers could approve explicit specification before the cutting and sewing.

In general, the following should be considered or inspected: quality of fabric, color, size, check width etc, stitching, strength of seams, printing or embroidery, label and packing etc. The approved sample should also be the production sample.

This highlights the advantage of using assays over the approved product, it helps compare and distinguish the variations between the product and bulk production.

Labels Depend on the Target Market

Sportswear brands must also comply with all labeling rules. For example, in the US, items labeled as textile generally must state what the textile is made of (eg. what fiber content), where it was made, and who was responsible for its marketing. Care practices were also part of the total FTC requirements.

The buyer should ensure what the target market is before signing off labels. Different countries may have different specification.

MOQ Depends on the Product

Usually there is not a fixed minimum order quantity requirement. It usually may vary on fabric, color, construction, printing, trims etc. of the garment.

A simple T-shirt might be produced in different conditions compared with a pair of technical leggings or a staff uniform with maximum customization. Buyers should request the MOQ of that product rather than a factory specified MOQ.

Repeat Orders Need Consistency

The first order success is just one aspect of supplier performance. Consistency in repeat ordering is another necessary element.

Factory must have accurate records of approved fabrics, colors, measurements, patterns, trim and labels, construction details. Sound production records can minimize the pre-production difference in delivery and first order.

Questions Buyers Should Ask

Before choosing a manufacturer, buyers can ask:

  • What plays are most suitable for the sport?
  • Is it possible to create customized patterns and samples?
  • What tests should be made on fabric and garments?
  • Are you capable of handling custom labels, trims, printing, and packaging?
  • How do you make sure that the measurements are maintained during the B/P?
  • How much OCT do I need for this style?
  • Can you maintain the same spec for repeat orders?

They allow consumers to consider manufacturers’ ability to produce rather than the price as an indicator of demand.

JiuvelWear, managed by Dongguan Jiuzuo Clothing Co., Ltd. , offers Custom clothing manufacturing, OEM & Private-label manufacturing, fabric sourcing, pattern development, sample development, bulk production, quality control services for brands developing custom apparel.

For sportswear brand the perfect supplier partners are detected by the product itself. Weaving yard, pattern design, manufacturing, testing, quality controlling and repeat order consistency influence end-products and a producer having power to control all those elements gives the brand a firmer foundation to develop sportswear that consumers will wear and wash again and again.

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