IMPORTANT: If you don't see any images in this message, be sure to click the "Show Pictures" link in your email reader. Thanks!
Follow on LinkedIn Follow on Google Plus Follow on Facebook
In this product guide we cover Sportswear Manufacturers in China, and look into the specifics of importing private label and custom designed fitness apparel. Keep reading, and learn more about production clusters, material specifications and product customization. In addition, we also explain what you must know about relevant textiles regulations, including substance restrictions, technical standards and labelling requirements.
Ensuring compliance requires Sportswear importers to apply a comprehensive testing strategy. Normally, the first step of this process is to limit the supplier selection to those able to produce verifiable test reports. However, as many experienced Apparel buyers already know, many manufacturers lack an extensive compliance track record, making it hard to tell whether a supplier is truly able to control its incoming materials.
In fact, many suppliers themselves are unsure if their products are compliant with overseas standards. As far as I am aware, the most efficient way to verify compliance, when buying apparel, is to first confirm materials and colors, which are submitted for compliance testing very early in the process. If possible, in parallel with sample development.
Buyers of Sportswear shall also consider a range of other, non-mandatory, performance testing procedures, including the following:
Most other markets base their standards to largely, sometimes entirely, on American or European Union standards.
Follow on LinkedIn Follow on Google Plus Follow on Facebook
Sportswear Manufacturers in China: A Complete Guide
In this product guide we cover Sportswear Manufacturers in China, and look into the specifics of importing private label and custom designed fitness apparel. Keep reading, and learn more about production clusters, material specifications and product customization. In addition, we also explain what you must know about relevant textiles regulations, including substance restrictions, technical standards and labelling requirements.
Sportswear Manufacturing Clusters
Sportswear Manufacturers, a title that can be applied to Apparel producers of a wide variety of products, are (with notable exceptions) concentrated in Fujian and Guangdong. Instead, they are part of the larger apparel industry. Sportswear buyers shall consider visiting the following cities:- Shenzhen, Guangdong
- Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Fuzhou, Fujian
- Xiamen, Fujian
- Jinjiang, Fujian
- Quanzhou, Fujian
- Compression Wear (Fitness, Cycling & Yoga)
- Hiking & Outdoor
- Jackets
- Skiing & Snowboarding Wear
- Gold & Tennis Polo’s
- Swimwear
Fabric and Material Specification
Sportswear buyer can generally rely on materials and components supplied by the Apparel manufacturers’ subcontractors. However, the quality of the materials on offer, differs, as Apparel manufacturers does not only specialize in areas – but also price segments. While a supplier may be ‘reliable’, that is not saying they are focused on high end Sportswear. Quality can only be defined in technical terms. As such, a first step of the process is to draft a material specification. When buying Sports and Fitness Apparel, this must be included:- Fabric (e.g., 61% cotton, 33%polyester, 6% spandex)
- Fabric Weight (e.g., 180 gsm)
- Stretch (i.e. 4-Way Stretch)
- Other materials (e.g., Lining and Mesh)
- Printing
- Other fabric specifications (e.g., Quick Dry, antibacterial, UV Protected)
Product Design, Customization and Tech Packs
A material specification is complemented by a design drawing, both of which must be included in the buyer’s Tech pack. Today, however, many apparel companies buy private label (ODM) products, rather than custom designed (OEM) clothing. As the applied procurement and product development procedure is very different between the two, we compare the key points in the table below:| ODM Sportswear | OEM Sportswear | |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Sample | Provided by the supplier | Provided by the buyer |
| Sample Photos | Provided by the supplier | Provided by the buyer |
| Material Specifications |
1. ‘Guideline specifications’ provided by the buyer.
2. The supplier provides counter samples of the fabrics that corresponds (to a varying degree) to the buyers ‘Guideline specs’
|
1. ‘Guideline specifications’ provided by the buyer.
2. The supplier provides counter samples of the fabrics that corresponds (to a varying degree) to the buyers ‘Guideline specs’
Alternative B: The supplier purchase OEM fabrics made entirely according to the buyers specifications
|
| Design Drawings | Provided by the supplier | Provided by the buyer |
| Measurements | Size table provided by the supplier | Size table provided by the buyer |
| Colors | Selected from suppliers color card or standard fabric colors | Option A: Selected from suppliers color card or standard fabric colorOption B: Selected from Pantone color card |
| Logos & Embroideries | .ai or .eps files provided by the buyer | .ai or .eps files provided by the buyer |
| Labels | .ai or .eps files provided by the buyer | .ai or .eps files provided by the buyer |
Apparel Regulations and Standards
Sports and fitness wear are, in some countries and markets, subject substance regulations. As far as I am aware, such regulations apply to most consumer products, including textiles, and don’t apply specifically to Sportswear. Buyers in the United States and the European Union must be aware of the following:| Market | Regulation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH | REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) restricts usage of chemicals and heavy metals in all products, including Sportswear and other textile goods. Third party compliance testingis not required by law, but non-compliance results in fines and a forced recall. |
| US | CA Prop 65 | California Proposition 65 restricts more than 800 substances in consumer products, including Sportswear and other apparel. Compliance is required for all companies with more than 10 employees, selling in, or to buyers in, California. |
| US | FHSA |
FHSA (Federal Hazardous Substances Act) restricts various substances, some of which are found in textile – for example Formaldehyde.
|
In fact, many suppliers themselves are unsure if their products are compliant with overseas standards. As far as I am aware, the most efficient way to verify compliance, when buying apparel, is to first confirm materials and colors, which are submitted for compliance testing very early in the process. If possible, in parallel with sample development.
Buyers of Sportswear shall also consider a range of other, non-mandatory, performance testing procedures, including the following:
- Flammability
- Thermal
- Water
- Fiber Analysis
- Fabric Abrasion and Pilling Resistance
- Feather and Down Testing
- Fabric Tearing Strength
- Colorfastness (i.e., UV Light, Rubbing)
- Antibacterial and Odor
- Quick Dry
Most other markets base their standards to largely, sometimes entirely, on American or European Union standards.
Labelling Requirements
Importers are required to ensure compliance with all local labelling requirements. The scope of regulations varies by country and market, but tends to include the following:- Material specification (i.e. 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex)
- Washing Symbols (i.e. ASTM and/or Washing Instructions
- Size
- Country of Origin (i.e. Made in China)
Sportswear Trade Fairs in China
Global Sources Fashion Fair
- Location: Hong Kong
- Time: October 27 – 30
- Website: Click here
Hong Kong Fashion Week (HKTDC)
- Location: Hong Kong
- Time: July 4 – 7
- Website: Click here
Canton Fair (Phase 3)
- Location: Guangzhou
- Time: October 31 – November 4
- Website: Click here
China International Sporting Goods Show
- Location: Fuzhou
- Time: May 8 – 11
- Website: Click here
Taipei Int’l Sports Textile & Accessory Expo (SpoMODE)
- Location: Taipei
- Time: March 2 – 5
- Website: Click here
ISPO Shanghai
- Location: Shanghai
- Time: July 7 – 9
- Website: Click here
ISPO Beijing
- Location: Beijing
- Time: February 24 – 27
- Website: Click here
