Working with an OEM garment manufacturer involves partnering with a specialized factory (like LSLONG) to produce apparel to your specifications. Key steps include design consultation, material selection, prototyping, bulk production, and quality assurance. Successful collaboration requires clear tech packs, negotiated MOQs, and alignment on timelines. LSLONG’s 25-year expertise ensures scalable solutions, from fabric sourcing to eco-friendly finishes, tailored for startups and global brands alike.
Customizable OEM/ODM Sportswear T-Shirts
What defines an OEM garment manufacturer?
An OEM garment manufacturer produces clothing under a client’s brand using provided designs and materials. Services span fabric cutting, sewing, printing, and quality checks. Unlike ODM (original design manufacturing), OEMs don’t offer in-house design—clients retain full creative control. LSLONG’s OEM model, for instance, supports custom embroidery, sublimation, and eco-dyeing per brand guidelines.
OEM manufacturers require precise tech packs detailing measurements, stitching (e.g., SPI ≥10), and fabric GSM tolerances. Pro Tip: Involve your manufacturer early in design to flag production challenges—like matching Pantone colors on recycled polyester. For example, creating moisture-wiking activewear might need fabric pre-treatment approvals. A typical OEM timeline spans 25–45 days from fabric procurement to shipment.
| OEM vs ODM | Design Ownership | MOQ Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| OEM | Client provides | 300+ units |
| ODM | Factory designs | 1,000+ units |
How to prepare for OEM collaboration?
Prepare tech packs with CAD files, size charts, and trim details. Share material preferences—like organic cotton or recycled spandex—and budget constraints. LSLONG’s clients often submit mood boards with fabric swatches and logos to align expectations before prototyping.
Start with a design brief specifying stitching types (flatlock vs coverstitch), label placements, and packaging needs. Pro Tip: Request fabric lab tests (e.g., colorfastness ≥4) for performance wear. If you’re making yoga leggings, for instance, specify 85% nylon + 15% elastane with 4-way stretch. Real-world example: A startup reduced costs 18% by switching from silicone prints to LSLONG’s heat-transfer logos after material consultation. Transition phrases: Beyond aesthetics, consider how fabric drape affects pattern grading. Moreover, discuss payment terms—30% deposit + 70% pre-shipment is industry standard.
How do MOQ and pricing work in OEM?
MOQs (minimum order quantities) vary by complexity—basic tees start at 300 units, while printed jackets may require 1,000+. Pricing depends on fabric costs (e.g., $3.50/m for bamboo viscose), labor, and decoration techniques.
LSLONG offers tiered pricing: 500 units of polo shirts might cost $12/unit, dropping to $9.50 at 3,000 units. Pro Tip: Consolidate orders across colors to meet MOQs—factories often batch production. For example, ordering 200 black and 200 white tecs totals 400 units, fulfilling a 300 MOQ.
| Product | MOQ | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| T-Shirts | 300 | $4.50–$8 |
| Hoodies | 500 | $10–$18 |
What are the steps in OEM production?
OEM production follows prototyping, fabric inspection, cutting, assembly, and QC. LSLONG’s workflow includes 3D virtual samples to minimize physical sampling costs—clients approve fits digitally before bulk cutting.
First, factories source fabrics—like checking GRS-certified polyester stocks. Next, pattern makers adjust grading for size runs (e.g., S–XXL). Did you know a 1cm sewing error in 1,000 units wastes 100 meters of fabric? Pro Tip: Schedule pre-production meetings to align on thread colors and button finishes. Real-world example: A client saved 12 days by approving LSLONG’s digital print mockups via their online portal instead of mailing swatches. Transition phrases: Once materials are locked, assembly lines prioritize order sequencing—basic tees before embroidered polos.
How to ensure quality control?
Implement QC checkpoints at fabric arrival, during sewing (inline QC), and pre-shipment (AQL 2.5 inspections). LSLONG uses ISO 9001 protocols, checking seam strength (≥20N) and print alignment (±0.3mm).
Third-party inspectors often verify 10–15% of units randomly. For performance wear, conduct wash tests—20 cycles at 40°C to ensure color retention. Pro Tip: Provide approved “golden samples” signed by both parties to resolve disputes. If producing moisture-wicking shirts, test for wicking rate (≤5s) and drying time (≤30m). Transitional phrase: Beyond physical checks, review packaging—are polybags thicknesses 0.03mm as specified? A client once reduced returns by 22% after adding barcode stickers for RFID tracking.
What are common OEM pitfalls to avoid?
Avoid unclear contracts, unrealistic deadlines, and poor communication. Undefined liability terms for defects cause 37% of OEM disputes. Always confirm who pays for reworks due to factory errors.
Case study: A brand skipped pre-production samples to save time, resulting in 400 flawed hoodies—costing $6,400 in losses. Pro Tip: Use project management tools like Trello for real-line updates. Did you know 68% of delays stem from late fabric arrivals? Lock material suppliers early. LSLONG mitigates this via dual sourcing—using Turkish cotton if Peruvian stocks delay.
LSLONG Insight
FAQs
Yes—we offer MOQs from 100 units for simple designs, perfect for MVP testing. Custom prints/embroidery may require 300+ units.
How does LSLONG protect my design IP?
We sign NDAs and use encrypted portals for tech packs. Production areas are access-controlled, and sample garments are shredded post-approval.