Clothing Manufacturing FAQs for Apparel Brands

OEM is best suited to brands that already have a completed design, tech pack, specifications, or approved reference sample. We manufacture according to the confirmed requirements.

ODM provides more development support before manufacturing. You may start with sketches, reference images, mood boards, existing garments, or incomplete specifications, and our technical team helps turn the concept into a production-ready product.

In simple terms: OEM starts with a more complete specification; ODM includes more product-development support before production.

Yes. We work with startups, growing labels and established apparel brands.

For standard cut-and-sew products using suitable available fabrics, MOQ typically starts from 100 pcs per style per color. Projects requiring custom fabric development or custom dyeing generally start from 300–500 pcs per color, while seamless products typically start from 500 pcs per style, color and size.

For first collections, we can also help simplify colors, fabrics and customization so the initial production program remains manageable.

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We treat client-supplied designs, tech packs, artwork and product information as confidential project materials. NDAs are available on request.

Ownership and usage rights for client-supplied designs, newly developed artwork, patterns or other development materials should be defined according to the quotation, NDA or production agreement for the specific project.

If your project has specific IP or confidentiality requirements, please raise them before development begins so they can be documented clearly.

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To prepare an accurate quotation, please share as much of the following information as possible:

• Product type or style
• Tech pack, sketches, reference images, or an existing sample
• Target order quantity
• Number of colors
• Preferred fabric, composition, or GSM if known
• Size range
• Printing, embroidery, washing, or other decoration requirements
• Custom labels, trims, and packaging requirements
• Target delivery date
• Destination country or shipping requirements, if freight estimation is needed

If you do not have a complete tech pack yet, that is fine. You can send us your reference images or product idea first, and our product development team can help identify the missing technical information required for sampling and costing.

For projects with clear specifications, our team will review the information and normally respond within one business day with the next steps or any additional details required for quotation.

The final quotation time depends on how complete the product information is. Styles involving custom fabrics, special trims, garment washing, complex printing or embroidery, custom hardware, or multiple production processes may require additional supplier or material confirmation before an accurate price can be provided.

Providing a complete tech pack, target quantity, fabric requirements, and reference images usually helps speed up the quotation process.

Yes. Sample revisions are handled according to the cause and scope of the requested change.

If a revision is required because the sample does not follow the confirmed specification, the correction is handled accordingly. If the client changes the design, fabric, measurements or construction after sampling, additional material or development charges may apply.

Any additional cost is confirmed before the revision begins.

sampling process guide

Absolutely. Fabric sourcing and material development support are part of our product-development process. We recommend based on:

• Product type (yoga / gym / streetwear / daily wear)
• Target market positioning
• Performance requirements
• Price level
• Desired feel

We match fabric systems to real usage scenarios, not just appearance.

fabric guide

Yes, you can begin with one prototype per style. Whether an additional revised or PP sample is required depends on how much needs to change after the first review.

Once fit, fabric, construction and details are confirmed, an approved PP sample or final production specification becomes the reference for bulk manufacturing and QC.

Sample cost depends on the product and may include pattern development, fabric and trim sourcing, sample sewing, decoration setup, finishing and other project-specific development work.

Shipping, custom molds, special materials or major design revisions may be quoted separately where applicable. The exact sample cost and whether any part can be credited toward a future bulk order are confirmed in the quotation before development begins.

➡️Request a Sample Development Plan

Once the final sample and production specifications are approved, the bulk order follows a structured production process:

1. Final approval
You confirm the approved sample, measurements, fabric, color, construction, branding, and other production specifications.

2. Proforma Invoice & deposit
We issue a Proforma Invoice confirming the styles, quantities, prices, payment terms, and other agreed order details. A 30–50% deposit is typically required before bulk production begins.

3. Material preparation & inspection
Fabrics, trims, and other required materials are prepared and checked against the confirmed production requirements before cutting and sewing.

4. Bulk production & in-line QC
Production proceeds according to the approved specifications, with in-line quality checks at key stages to identify workmanship, measurement, or construction issues early.

5. Final inspection
Finished garments undergo 100% final inspection according to the approved sample and production specifications. Independent third-party AQL inspection can also be arranged when requested.

6. Balance payment & shipment
After production and inspection are completed according to the agreed requirements, the remaining balance is paid before shipment. We can then coordinate delivery according to the confirmed logistics arrangement.

Bulk production generally takes around 25–45 working days after sample approval, material confirmation, deposit receipt and production scheduling.

The exact timeline depends on order quantity, garment complexity, fabric and trim readiness, custom color development, decoration processes and current production capacity.

If a launch deadline is fixed, share the required stock-in date before order confirmation so we can evaluate whether the schedule is technically feasible.

Custom Apparel Production Timeline

Changes or cancellations are evaluated according to the production stage and costs already incurred.

Before cutting, some specification changes may still be possible, but purchased fabrics, custom trims, dyeing, molds or other committed materials may already generate costs.

After cutting or production begins, changes may involve material loss, rework, labor or schedule adjustments.

The applicable terms and incurred costs are reviewed with you before any change is implemented.

Our manufacturing center supports production of up to approximately 500,000 pieces per month, depending on product mix, order complexity, and production scheduling.

Production is supported by specialized sewing lines, automated spreading and cutting equipment, and an intelligent overhead hanging system designed to improve workflow efficiency across bulk production. Our intelligent overhead hanging system can improve workflow efficiency by approximately 25–35% compared with conventional production workflows, depending on the product and production setup.

Branding and decoration options include screen printing, DTG, DTF/heat transfer, puff and high-density printing, silicone applications, embroidery, appliqué, rhinestones and selected specialty techniques.

Garment finishing options can include garment washing, pigment effects, vintage finishes and other selected treatments depending on fabric and garment construction.

Not every technique is suitable for every material, so process compatibility and sequence are reviewed before sampling.

👉 Learn more in our Customization Guide or consult our team for technical advice.

Spandex and elastane are generic terms for the same type of stretch fiber. Spandex is commonly used in the United States, while elastane is widely used in many other markets.

LYCRA® is a trademarked brand of elastane/spandex fiber from The LYCRA Company.

The performance of a finished fabric depends not only on the fiber name or brand, but also on fiber percentage, yarn, knitting construction, finishing, stretch, and recovery.

Yes. We support custom hang tags with brand logos, product information, QR codes and selected paper or finishing options. Recycled or certified paper options can be sourced where available. See our Custom Hang Tags page for specifications and development options. Custom Clothing Hangtags

Yes. We support custom apparel packaging for retail, e-commerce, and fulfillment requirements.

Packaging options may include custom-printed polybags, mailer bags, branded boxes, stickers, barcode labels, size stickers, and selected recycled-content or lower-impact packaging materials.

If your order will be shipped to a 3PL, fulfillment center, or Amazon FBA, we can prepare packaging and labeling according to the requirements provided for the specific destination or fulfillment program.

Packaging specifications should be confirmed before bulk packing begins. Custom Packaging for Apparel Brands

Yes. We support printed and heat-transfer care labels, size labels and composition labels according to your branding and garment requirements.

Label content should be prepared according to the applicable destination-market requirements. If specific compliance information is required, it should be confirmed for the target market and product before bulk production.

Yes. We can source and develop a wide range of garment trims, including custom buttons, zippers, drawcords, eyelets, stoppers, elastic bands, silicone trims, rubber patches, and other branding components.

Standard and branded zipper options such as YKK can also be evaluated depending on the project.

Trim selection is reviewed according to garment construction, fabric compatibility, intended use, branding requirements, MOQ, and target cost before bulk production.

Yes. In addition to apparel, we can support the development and coordinated sourcing of selected brand-extension products such as socks, caps, beanies, tote bags, gym bags, and other lifestyle accessories.

The production method, MOQ, and development requirements vary by accessory category, so these projects are evaluated separately from standard garment production.

Accessories can also be coordinated with your apparel collection to maintain consistent branding, labeling, and packaging.

Our compliance and certification documentation varies by factory scope, material and order.

BSCI relates to social compliance auditing, while ISO 9001 covers quality-management systems. OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GRS and GOTS relate to specific textile/material or supply-chain certification scopes.

If your order requires certified materials or transaction documentation, please confirm the required standard with us before material sourcing so we can verify the applicable certificate scope and documentation for the project.

If a quality issue is identified, we review it against the approved sample, technical specifications, agreed tolerances and inspection requirements for the order.

Where the issue is confirmed to result from manufacturing deviation, the corrective action is evaluated according to the affected quantity and situation. This may include rework, replacement or another mutually agreed solution.

The handling method is documented and communicated case by case.

AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit) is a statistical sampling method used to evaluate a production lot against agreed defect limits.

Minghang’s standard internal process includes 100% final garment inspection. When a buyer requires an independent AQL inspection, it can be arranged as the optional “+1” stage through a third-party inspection agency or buyer-appointed inspector.

The inspection level and AQL limits should be agreed before inspection.

Yes. Our QC team performs in-line inspections at defined production stages so potential issues can be identified before a larger quantity is completed.

Depending on the garment and production stage, inspections may include:

• Stitching and seam construction
• Measurement accuracy
• Fabric and cut-panel defects
• Workmanship
• Branding and decoration placement
• Product-specific construction details

In-line inspection helps identify production deviations earlier and reduces the risk of the same issue being repeated across a larger quantity.

We use approved production references and inspection procedures to control color and measurement variation throughout bulk production.

For color control:

• Approved lab dips or color standards may be used for custom colors before bulk fabric production.
• Bulk fabric can be checked for shade consistency under standardized lighting conditions before cutting.

For size control:

• Production follows approved measurement specifications and graded patterns.
• Measurements are checked at defined stages during production and final inspection.

These controls help reduce avoidable shade and measurement variation within the agreed production tolerances.

The transparent QC PASS sticker indicates that the garment has completed our final inspection before packing. It is normally placed in a discreet position and can be removed or omitted if your brand does not want it.

The sticker is an internal inspection marker rather than part of the customer-facing branding.

We support international shipment by express courier, air freight, and sea freight, depending on your order size, destination, delivery deadline, and budget.

Common shipping arrangements include FOB and CIF, while other logistics arrangements can be discussed according to the project.

For urgent samples or small shipments, express or air freight is usually more practical. Larger bulk orders are often shipped by sea for better freight efficiency.

Shipping cost and transit time are normally confirmed separately from the garment production cost because they depend on final carton volume, weight, destination, and shipping method.

Yes. We can coordinate shipment to your warehouse, third-party logistics provider (3PL), fulfillment center, or Amazon FBA destination where applicable.

Depending on your requirements, we can also support destination-specific preparation such as:

• Carton marks and shipping labels
• Barcodes and SKU labels
• Individual polybagging
• Retail packaging
• Carton quantity requirements
• Multi-destination shipment planning

Please provide the required packing and labeling instructions before bulk packing begins so they can be incorporated into the production and shipment plan.

Bulk-production lead time normally starts after the final sample or production specifications are approved, bulk materials are confirmed or ready, the deposit is received, and the production schedule is confirmed.

Sample development, sample shipping, client approval time, custom fabric development, and major specification changes are therefore not included in the standard bulk-production lead time.

For most projects, bulk production typically takes around 25–45 days, depending on quantity, material readiness, garment complexity, decoration processes, and current production capacity.

Repeat orders are often more efficient because the approved pattern, measurement specifications, fabric references, trims, branding details, and workmanship requirements are already documented.

However, fabric availability, dye lots, trims, packaging materials, and current production capacity still need to be reconfirmed for each reorder.

Repeat-order production typically takes around 20–35 working days, depending on material readiness, quantity, process complexity, and production scheduling.

If any fabric, color, fit, branding, or construction detail changes, the order may require additional development or confirmation before bulk production begins.

Neither material is universally better.

Recycled polyester can be useful for performance garments requiring recovery, durability and moisture management, while organic cotton can be suitable for comfort-oriented or lifestyle products.

The better choice depends on end use, performance requirements, certification, expected product lifespan, care and brand sustainability goals.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a testing and certification system for textiles and textile components. Certified items are tested against the standard’s limit values for a range of harmful substances.

Certification scope can apply to fabric, trims or finished textile products depending on the certificate. If your project requires OEKO-TEX certified materials, we can verify suitable sourcing options before production.

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary third-party certification standard that verifies recycled materials and tracks certified material through the supply chain using chain-of-custody requirements.

It also includes additional social, environmental, and chemical-processing requirements for certified operations.

Where the material, order, and supply-chain certification scope qualify, applicable GRS transaction documentation can be arranged according to the certification requirements.

Not necessarily. Material selection should consider both the intended performance of the garment and the brand’s sustainability requirements.

Natural or cellulosic fibers may be suitable for comfort-focused products, while recycled synthetic fibers may be appropriate for garments that require stretch recovery, moisture management, durability, or shape retention.

Sustainability considerations can also include certification scope, garment construction, durability, care requirements, and expected product lifespan rather than fiber type alone.

A mixed material strategy may therefore be appropriate when different products within a collection have different functional requirements.