Are you thinking about starting your sportswear brand? But choosing the right manufacturer can make or break your journey. In this blog, we will discuss 12 key points to selecting the right sportswear manufacturer, from product quality to delivery timelines. The manufacturer you partner with plays a huge role in your brand’s success. Whether you’re a startup looking for low MOQs or an established label ready to scal.
Here are 12 important things when choosing a sportswear manufacturer.
1. Experience in Sportswear Manufacturing Matters
Always choose a manufacturer with proven experience in the sportswear industry. They understand the fabric technologies, fit requirements, and industry trends specific to activewear. An experienced partner will guide you through the technical side of production and help avoid costly mistakes.
2. Product Range: What Type of Sportswear Do They Offer?
Check if the manufacturer offers the type of products you plan to sell. Are you launching leggings, hoodies, gym tees, or yoga sets? A diverse product range means they’ve worked with different styles and fabrics and can help you expand later. Fabletic Sports, for example, supports everything from performance gear to athleisure wear.
3. Quality of Fabrics and Materials Used
Fabric quality directly affects customer satisfaction. Look for manufacturers that offer breathable, stretchable, moisture-wicking, and durable materials. You can also ask for fabric swatches or order a sample before bulk production to check texture, weight, and performance.
4. Customization & Private Label Services
If you’re building a unique brand, customization is key. Choose a manufacturer that allows full customization, including logos, color choices, patterns, styles, fabric, and private labeling. From custom tags and printed care labels to branded packaging, these services help you stand out.
5. Low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) and Flexible Scaling
5th thing to be considered is low MOQs, which helps a startup brand or a business. Look for a manufacturer that supports small batch orders and allows you to scale up gradually as your business grows, like Fabletic Sports.
6. Sampling & Prototype Process
Before going into mass production, you should always see a physical sample. This helps you evaluate the fit, stitching, fabric quality, and design accuracy. A good manufacturer will offer a smooth sampling process and be open to revisions until you’re happy with the prototype.
7. Certifications & Compliance Standards
Working with certified manufacturers ensures your products meet international standards. Check if they follow ethical labor practices, are compliant with safety standards, and offer eco-certifications if needed.
8. Production Lead Time & Delivery Efficiency
Time is money in the fashion business. Always ask about lead times, production schedules, and shipping options. Delays can affect your product launches and customer satisfaction. A reliable manufacturer will give you realistic timelines and stick to them.
9. Communication & Customer Support
Clear and responsive communication is a sign of a professional manufacturer. A reliable supplier will have a separate team dedicated to communication, answer questions quickly, offer updates throughout production, and resolve issues without hassle. Language barriers, slow replies, or vague answers are red flags.
10. Reviews, Case Studies & Client Testimonials
One of the best ways to evaluate a manufacturer is to look at their track record. Read online reviews, ask for case studies, or request testimonials from past clients. A manufacturer with satisfied clients is more likely to deliver consistent quality and service.
11. Do They Offer Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Manufacturing?
Sustainability is becoming a must in modern fashion. If your brand values eco-conscious practices, choose a manufacturer that uses recycled fabrics, minimizes waste, and supports ethical production. At Fabletic Sports, we offer sustainable fabric options and responsible manufacturing processes.
12. Do They Offer Country-Wise Shipping or Global Delivery?
Finally, check if they can ship to your location or deliver globally. Whether you’re based in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, or Asia, global shipping options make it easier to scale your business internationally. Fast and reliable delivery services like FedEx, DHL, UPS are a major plus.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right sportswear manufacturer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building your brand. Look beyond price, focus on quality, reliability, flexibility, and alignment with your brand values.
At Fabletic Sports, we offer end-to-end support for activewear brands from sampling and custom manufacturing to private labeling and global delivery. Whether you’re launching your first collection or expanding an existing line, we’re here to help you succeed.
📩 Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation or quote.
📧 Email: info@fableticsport.com
🌐 Website: fableticsport.com
FAQs
1. Can Fabletic Sports help startups with low MOQ orders?
Yes, we specialize in supporting startups with low minimum order quantities and scalable production options.
2. Do you offer full customization and private labeling?
Absolutely! We provide complete customization including fabric choice, colors, styles, logos, labels, tags, and packaging.
3. Can I request a sample before bulk production?
Yes, we recommend ordering a sample first to check fabric quality, fit, stitching, and overall design before mass production.
4. Does Fabletic Sports follow ethical and sustainable practices?
Yes, we offer eco-friendly fabric options and ensure compliance with international labor and sustainability standards.
5. Do you provide global delivery?
Yes, we ship worldwide USA, UK, Australia, using trusted couriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS, ensuring fast and secure delivery.
