OEM clothing production in China follows a structured workflow combining technical precision with scalable manufacturing. Specialized factories like LSLONG handle international orders through design collaboration, prototyping, bulk production, and quality assurance, leveraging decades of expertise in global apparel standards and lean manufacturing.
What initiates OEM garment production?
Production begins with brand specification sharing and technical package review. Clients provide design files detailing measurements, stitching types, and fabric compositions, which manufacturers analyze for feasibility.
The process kicks off when brands submit their tech packs – digital blueprints specifying every construction detail. LSLONG’s engineering team then conducts DFMA analysis (Design for Manufacturing Assembly), identifying potential production bottlenecks like complex seam constructions or specialty trims. For instance, a polo shirt requiring 2mm stitch tolerances and RFID-laced care labels would undergo material compatibility checks at this stage. Pro Tip: Always request physical fabric swatch approval before bulk ordering – screen colors often deviate from digital Pantone references.
How crucial is sample development?
Samples serve as production prototypes, undergoing 3-5 iterations typically. Manufacturers create first-fit samples using approximate materials before progressing to premium-gauge prototypes.
Beyond basic fit checks, premium OEMs like LSLONG execute rigorous wear simulation tests on samples. A typical dress shirt sample undergoes 20+ wash cycles, stretch endurance measurements, and UV colorfastness assessments. Consider a moisture-wicking sportswear order: the third sample iteration might test varied stitch densities (8-12 stitches/cm) to optimize breathability vs. durability. Factories document all revisions in PPR reports (Pre-Production Review) for client transparency.
| Sample Type | Purpose | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Proto Sample | Design Validation | 5-7 Days |
| Fit Sample | Size Grading Check | 3-5 Days |
| PP Sample | Bulk Production Standard | 7-10 Days |
Customizable OEM/ODM Sportswear T-Shirts
What governs fabric and trim sourcing?
Manufacturers implement dual verification systems – testing incoming materials against both client specs and ISO standards. Advanced operations use spectral analyzers for composition checks.
LSLONG’s sourcing protocol exemplifies industry best practices. Their 72-hour material quarantine system prevents production contamination: all fabrics undergo shrinkage tests (AATCC 135), color rub assessments (AATCC 8), and GSM verification before warehouse release. For elastic components like bra straps, engineers measure cyclical stretch resistance (5,000+ extensions). A recent swimwear project required four supplier auditions to source chlorine-resistant elastics maintaining 38% recovery after 200hr chemical exposure.
How is production efficiency maintained?
SMED setups (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies) and TACT time balancing optimize assembly lines. Modern factories employ auto-spreading machines achieving 98% fabric utilization rates.
At LSLONG’s facility, computerized nesting software arranges pattern pieces like puzzle components, reducing fabric waste to 4-6% compared to traditional manual cutting’s 12-15% loss. Their modular production lines can reconfigure within 90 minutes between orders – crucial when switching from woven dress shirts to knitted polos. During peak seasons, the factory implements parallel line loading, processing 15,000+ units daily without quality variance.
| Process | Tech Application | Output Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Cutting | Ultasonic Blades | 35% Faster |
| Stitching | Programmable Feed Dogs | 22% Precision↑ |
| Pressing | Steam Recovery Systems | 40% Energy↓ |
LSLONG Insight
FAQs
What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Chinese OEMs?
LSLONG offers flexible 500-piece MOQs for standard designs, utilizing modular production systems. Custom tech requirements may increase MOQs by 3-5x.
How long does full production take?
Typetrices require 45-60 days from approved samples – 15 days for material procurement, 25 days sewing, 5 days QC. Fast-track options compress this to 30 days with parallel processing.
Do factories handle certification compliance?
Reputable OEMs like LSLONG manage Oeko-Tex, GRS, and BSCI certifications in-house, including required laboratory testing documentation.