Clothing Wholesale & Custom Apparel Manufacturing Guide | China Clothing Factory

Clothing Wholesale and Custom Apparel Manufacturing: Key Processes and Details to Consider

By China Clothing Factory

Introduction

When sourcing apparel from a clothing manufacturer, especially for wholesale or custom clothing production, understanding every production stage is essential. Each decision—from design confirmation to delivery schedule—directly impacts product quality, cost control, and supply chain efficiency.
At China Clothing Factory, we guide clients through a structured manufacturing process to ensure accuracy, consistency, and on-time delivery.

This article outlines each critical step and detail that buyers should confirm when placing a wholesale or custom apparel order.

1. Confirming the Clothing Design

The design phase is the foundation of the entire production process.

Key points to confirm:

  • Style and silhouette (hoodie, T-shirt, jacket, pants, set, etc.)

  • Technical drawings or tech packs

  • Colorways and Pantone codes

  • Logo placement and size

  • Printing, embroidery, or embellishment methods (screen print, DTG, embroidery, rhinestone, heat transfer, etc.)

A complete and accurate design file reduces sampling revisions and prevents misunderstandings during mass production.

2. Determining the Size Chart

A precise size chart ensures proper fit and consistency across all garments.

Important considerations:

  • Target market sizing standard (US, EU, Asia, custom brand sizing)

  • Measurement points (chest, length, sleeve, shoulder, waist, hip, inseam)

  • Tolerance allowance for bulk production

  • Grading rules between sizes

China Clothing Factory recommends approving a pre-production sample based on the final size chart before bulk manufacturing.

3. Selecting the Fabric

Fabric selection affects comfort, durability, cost, and brand positioning.

Key fabric details to confirm:

  • Fabric composition (cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blend, spandex, fleece, French terry, denim, etc.)

  • Fabric weight (GSM)

  • Weaving or knitting method

  • Shrinkage rate

  • Colorfastness and wash performance

  • Eco-friendly or certified materials (if required)

Fabric swatches should be approved before sampling to avoid discrepancies.

4. Confirming Craftsmanship and Workmanship

Workmanship determines the final garment quality and brand perception.

Key workmanship elements:

  • Stitching type and density

  • Seam construction

  • Neckline, cuff, and hem finishing

  • Reinforcement areas (shoulder, armhole, stress points)

  • Label application (main label, size label, care label)

  • Packaging requirements (folding, polybags, hangtags)

Clear workmanship standards help maintain consistent quality across bulk orders.

5. Finalizing Quantity per Size

Accurate size breakdown planning is essential for inventory management.

Buyers should confirm:

  • Total order quantity (MOQ compliance)

  • Quantity per size (XS–XXXL or custom range)

  • Color-based size distribution

  • Allowance for extra units (if required)

China Clothing Factory assists clients in optimizing size ratios based on market demand and sales data.

6. Sampling and Approval Process

Before mass production, samples must be reviewed and approved.

Common sample stages:

  • Prototype sample

  • Fit sample

  • Pre-production (PP) sample

  • Salesman or shipment sample

Only after final sample approval should bulk production begin.

7. Confirming Production Lead Time

Production scheduling ensures smooth supply chain planning.

Lead time depends on:

  • Fabric availability

  • Order quantity

  • Design complexity

  • Custom processes (printing, embroidery, rhinestones)

  • Peak or off-season production period

Typical timeline:

  • Sampling: 7–15 days

  • Bulk production: 20–40 days

  • Quality inspection & packing: 3–7 days

8. Quality Control and Inspection

Quality inspection reduces the risk of defects and returns.

Inspection points include:

  • Measurement accuracy

  • Fabric and color consistency

  • Workmanship quality

  • Logo and artwork placement

  • Packaging standards

Third-party inspections can be arranged upon request.

9. Shipping and Delivery Arrangement

Final delivery planning ensures on-time arrival.

Shipping options:

  • Sea freight (cost-effective for bulk orders)

  • Air freight (fast delivery)

  • Express courier (small orders)

Confirm:

  • Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP)

  • Destination port

  • Customs documentation

  • Delivery deadline

Conclusion

Successful clothing wholesale and custom apparel production requires attention to every detail at each stage. From design confirmation and fabric selection to size breakdown and delivery timelines, clear communication and structured processes are critical.

China Clothing Factory provides end-to-end support for brands, wholesalers, and retailers, offering reliable OEM and ODM apparel manufacturing with consistent quality and professional service.

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