OEM & ODM Explained: How a Custom Activewear Manufacturer Supports Brand Growth

Understanding OEM and ODM manufacturing models is essential for brands looking to scale efficiently, control product quality, and build a sustainable business. In this guide, we explain what OEM and ODM really mean in activewear manufacturing—and how a professional custom activewear manufacturer can support long-term brand growth.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) refers to a manufacturing model where the brand owns the design, and the factory produces garments strictly according to the brand’s technical specifications.

In OEM activewear manufacturing, the brand typically provides:

• Tech packs and measurement charts

• Fabric and trim requirements

• Logo placement and branding details

• Performance and quality standards

The manufacturer’s role is to execute production accurately and consistently, from sample development to bulk manufacturing.

OEM is ideal for brands that already have a clear product vision and want full control over design, fit, and brand identity.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) is a more collaborative model. In this case, the manufacturer provides original design concepts, which brands can customize and brand as their own.

ODM services often include:

• Ready-made design libraries

• Fabric and color recommendations

• Pattern development and fitting adjustments

• Branding customization (labels, logos, packaging)

ODM is especially popular among startups and emerging brands that want to reduce development time and upfront costs while still launching market-ready products.

While OEM and ODM are often mentioned together, they are very different from private label manufacturing.

• OEM: Brand-driven design, factory-driven production

• ODM: Factory-driven design, brand-driven customization

• Private Label: Minimal customization, off-the-shelf products

OEM and ODM both allow for brand differentiation, whereas private label limits long-term brand value.

Choosing between OEM and ODM depends on:

• Brand maturity

• Budget and timeline

• Design capability

• Market testing strategy

Many successful activewear brands actually use both models at different stages of their growth.

OEM manufacturing gives brands complete ownership of their products. From compression levels to fabric blends and seam construction, every detail can be tailored to the brand’s positioning.

This level of control is critical for:

• Performance-focused activewear

• Premium or technical collections

• Brands with unique sizing or fit standards

OEM ensures the final product truly reflects the brand’s vision.

Consistency is one of the most important factors in brand growth. OEM manufacturers follow strict quality control processes to ensure:

• Uniform sizing across production runs

• Stable fabric performance

• Reliable color matching

When customers trust product quality, repeat purchases and brand loyalty naturally follow.

While OEM requires more development work upfront, it becomes highly cost-effective at scale. Once patterns and processes are finalized:

• Production efficiency improves

• Material costs decrease

• Unit costs become more competitive

This makes OEM ideal for brands planning long-term scaling.

Established brands often rely on OEM partners not just for production, but also for:

• Capacity planning

• Fabric innovation

• Seasonal collection updates

A professional OEM activewear manufacturer becomes a strategic partner, not just a supplier.

ODM manufacturers typically have in-house design teams that track:

• Activewear trends

• Fabric innovations

• Market demand across regions

This allows brands to access professional designs without building an internal design team.

Speed matters in today’s activewear market. ODM enables brands to:

• Skip early design stages

• Move quickly from sampling to production

• Respond faster to trends and customer feedback

This is especially valuable for DTC and e-commerce brands.

ODM significantly reduces:

• Sampling costs

• Development timelines

• Risk of design failure

For new brands testing the market, ODM offers a low-risk entry point.

Many brands use ODM to:

• Test new categories (leggings, sports bras, sets)

• Launch capsule collections

• Validate demand before investing in OEM

This flexible approach supports data-driven growth.

Both models have advantages, depending on business goals and resources.

• Early-stage brands: ODM for speed and cost control

• Growing brands: Hybrid approach (ODM + OEM)

• Established brands: OEM for full control and differentiation

There is no one-size-fits-all solution—the best manufacturers offer both.

As brands grow, many transition from ODM to OEM to:

• Strengthen brand uniqueness

• Protect design IP

• Improve margins

Choosing a manufacturer that supports both models ensures a smoother growth path.

A reliable custom activewear manufacturer provides:

• Design and development

• Sampling and pattern making

• Fabric sourcing

• Bulk production

• Quality control and packaging

This integrated approach reduces communication issues and speeds up delivery.

For growing brands, low MOQ options allow:

• Smaller initial orders

• Faster product launches

• Better cash flow management

Flexible production planning also helps brands scale gradually without overstock risk.

Leading manufacturers invest in:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics

• Compression and stretch technologies

• Sustainable and recycled materials

This allows brands to stay competitive in a performance-driven market.

Consistency, transparency, and communication are essential. A professional manufacturing partner ensures:

• On-time delivery

• Stable production capacity

• Clear production timelines

This reliability allows brands to focus on marketing, growth, and customer engagement.

By understanding how OEM and ODM work, and partnering with a factory that offers both, activewear brands can build scalable, competitive, and sustainable businesses in a crowded global market.