In this product guide, we talk about Chinese sportswear manufacturers and specifically look at the import of private label and custom fitness clothing. Read on and learn more about the production districts, material specifications and product customization. In addition, we also explain what you need to know about the most important textile regulations, including substance restrictions, technical directives and labelling requirements.
Sportswear production districts
Manufacturers of sportswear, a name that can be given to manufacturers of clothing belonging to a wide range of products, are concentrated (with due exceptions) in the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong and belong to the vast clothing sector. Those who buy sportswear must visit the following cities:
- Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
- Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
- Fuzhou, Fujian Province
- Xiamen, Fujian Province
- Jinjiang, Fujian Province
- Quanzhou, Fujian Province
Like all suppliers, sportswear manufacturers specialize. In general, textile manufacturers can be considered, first and foremost, to specialize in certain product categories, materials and target markets. The following is a list of common areas of the industry’s products:
- Specific clothing (fitness, cycling and yoga)
- Trekking and outdoor activities Outdoor
- Jackets
- Ski and snowboard clothing
- Tennis T-shirts
- Swimwear
Fabrics and Material Specifications
In general, those who buy sportswear rely on materials and components supplied by the subcontractors of clothing manufacturers. However, the quality of the materials offered is different, as clothing manufacturers specialize not only in particular sectors, but also in price ranges. Even if a supplier may be “reliable”, this does not mean that he focuses on high-end sportswear. Quality can only be defined in technical terms. As such, the first step in the process is to come up with a material specification. When shopping for sports and fitness clothing, you should include:
- Fabric (e.g., 61% cotton, 33% polyester, 6% spandex)
- Fabric weight (e.g. 180 gr)
- Elastic (e.g., elastic in four directions)
- Other materials (e.g. cladding and structure)
- Press
- Other fabric specifications (e.g., quick-drying, antibacterial ability, UV protection)
Importers are cautious about starting with the specification of a somewhat flexible material, as the manufacturer must be able to match the corresponding fabrics. OEM fabrics are purchasable, but you should avoid them unless you need particularly specific materials.
Product design, customization and technical package
The material specification is completed by the project drawing, and both must be included in the buyer’s technical package. Today, however, many clothing companies buy private label (ODM) products, rather than bespoke clothing (OEM). Since procurement techniques and the product development process are very different from each other, let’s compare the main points in the table below:
| ODM | OEM SPORTSWEAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Manufactured by the supplier | Produced by the buyer |
| Sample | Manufactured by the supplier | Produced by the buyer |
| Material Specifications | 1. “Guideline specifications” produced by the purchaser. 2. The supplier produces counter-samples of the fabrics that correspond (to varying degrees) to the buyers’ “guidelines specifications” | 1. “Guideline specifications” produced by the purchaser. 2. The supplier produces counter-samples of the fabrics that correspond (to varying degrees) to the buyers’ “guidelines specifications” Option B: The supplier purchases OEM fabrics entirely made to buyers’ specifications |
| Design drawings | Products from the supplier | Produced by the buyer |
| Sizes | Size chart produced by the supplier | Size chart produced by the buyer |
| Colors | Selected from suppliers’ colour charts or standard | Option A: Selected from suppliers’ color charts or standard fabric colorsOption B: Selected from Pantone color charts |
| Logos and embroidery | .ai files or .eps produced by the buyer | .ai files or .eps produced by the buyer |
| Labels | .ai files or .eps produced by the buyer | .ai files or .eps produced by the buyer |
Standards and directives governing clothing
In some countries and markets, sports and fitness clothing is subject to substance regulations. To the best of my knowledge, these regulations apply to most consumer products, including textiles, and do not apply specifically to sportswear. Buyers in the European Union and the United States should be aware of the following:
| MARKET | LEGISLATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | REACH | REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) restricts the use of chemicals and heavy metals in all products, including sportswear and other textile products. Third-party compliance testing is not required by law, but non-compliance results in fines and seizure of the goods. |
| United States | California Proposition 65 | California Proposition 65 restricts more than 800 substances found in consumer products, including sportswear and other types of clothing. Compliance with this regulation is mandatory for all companies that have more than 10 employees and sell their products in California, or to buyers who live in California. |
| United States | FHSA | The FHSA (Federal Hazardous Substances Act) restricts several substances, some of which are present in textiles: for example, formaldehyde. |
Ensuring compliance with regulations and directives obliges sportswear importers to apply a comprehensive testing strategy. Usually, the first step in this process is to limit the selection of suppliers to those capable of producing verifiable test reports. However, as many savvy clothing buyers already know, quite a few manufacturers lack detailed proven compliance, making it difficult to tell if a supplier is really able to control its incoming materials.
In reality, many suppliers are unsure whether their products comply with overseas regulations. As far as I know, the most effective method of verifying compliance when buying clothing is to first confirm the materials and colors that are being tested for compliance early in the process. If possible, you should do this in parallel with the development of the sample.
Performance texts
Those who buy sportswear must also consider a series of other procedures related to performance tests, which are not mandatory, which include:
- Inflammability
- Thermal conductivity
- Impermeability
- Fiber Analysis
- Resistance of the fabric to wear and pilling
- Feather Testing
- Tear resistance of the fabric
- Color fastness (e.g., UV fastness, rubbing fastness)
- Antibacterial capacity and odor resistance
- Quick drying
Fabric samples can be tested in mainland China and Hong Kong where there are numerous accredited European and American companies in charge of carrying out the tests . However, sportswear manufacturers demand that the buyer pay for all expenses incurred by these third parties, including testing on substances, fabrics, and performance. For reference, you will find below a series of technical regulations on fabrics adopted in the European Union and the United States:
Most other markets base their regulations, sometimes in their majority, sometimes completely, on EU or US regulations.
Labeling requirements
Importers are responsible for ensuring that all country labeling requirements are met. The scope of the regulations varies by country and market, but tends to include the following:
- Material Specification (e.g., 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex)
- Washing symbols (e.g., ASTM and/or washing instructions
- Size
- Country of origin (e.g., Made in China)
Never assume that your supplier knows how clothing should be labeled in your market. Asian contract manufacturers, including Chinese ones, are used to making goods exclusively according to the buyer’s specifications, including labeling. Yes, this also applies when you buy ODM products. To avoid compliance issues, make .ai files or “ready-made” .eps available to your suppliers regarding the labels and their specific placement in the Teckpack design drawings
Sportswear Trade Fairs in China
Global Sources Fashion Fair
- Location: Hong Kong
- Date: 27 – 30 October
- Website: Click Here
Hong Kong Fashion Week (HKTDC)
- Location: Hong Kong
- Date: July 4 – 7
- Website: Click Here
Canton Fair (Phase 3)
- Location: Guangzhou
- Date: 31 October – 4 November
- Website: Click Here
China International Sporting Goods Show
- Location: Fuzhou
- Date: 8 – 11 May
- Website: Click here
Taipei Int’l Sports Textile & Accessory Expo (SpoMODE)
- Location: Taipei
- Date: 2 – 5 March
- Website: Click Here
ISPO Shanghai
- Location: Shanghai
- Date: 7 – 9 July
- Website: Click Here
ISPO Beijing
- Location: Beijing
- Date: 24 – 27 February
- Website: Click Here
Labeling requirements
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) manages the labeling regulations for leather and leatherette products, such as synthetic leather.
For example, the exact type of leather and description must be present in the product and in all commercial documentation.
Need help importing products from China?
Our agency can offer you professional 360° import advice and can assist you at every stage of your project!
Rely on the experts at ImportazioneFacile.it, they will support you step by step by putting their many years of experience at your service, to face all the possible pitfalls that lie behind an import.
Fill out the form to get a free consultation now, describe your project and they will contact you to evaluate the best way to make it happen!
