Athletic teams and individuals need lifestyle-appropriate and unique sportswear. This apparel is part of identity, lifestyle, and even business growth. Global sportswear brands know how competitive the market is. Standing out requires more than a logo.
In sportswear production, China leads the way. China’s manufacturers offer wide options and flexible orders. This guide provides essential information about China’s custom sportswear manufacturers.
From sportswear types to MOQ options and China suppliers, this guide has everything covered.
Overview of Leading Custom Sportswear Suppliers in China
| Company | Main Products | Role in Supply Chain | MOQ / Flexibility |
| Yinshan Sportswear | Sports teamwear, Custom teamwear, Activewear | Direct manufacturer | Medium to high MOQ |
| Hucai | Sports T-shirts, Sports Bras, Tracksuits, Tennis clothing | Manufacturer & trader | Low MOQ |
| Rise Sportswear | Fight wear, Activewear, Soccer uniforms | Direct manufacturer | Very low MOQ (10 pcs) |
| Xinfu Activewear | Hoodies, Sweatshirts, Activewear, Jackets | Private label manufacturer | Medium MOQ, trend-focused |
| Loong Sportswear | Basketball jerseys, Tracksuits, Sweatpants | Manufacturer | Flexible MOQ |
| OwlSourcing | Custom products, sportswear sourcing & supplier connection | Sourcing agent & partner | Flexible – tailored to brand needs |
Do Chinese custom sportswear manufacturers support small brands?
Yes, Chinese custom sportswear manufacturers support small brands. They often accept low order quantities. This enables small businesses to test the market without taking huge risks.
Many factories also offer flexible designs. You get to choose the styles, colours, and fabrics. It means you can create your own unique product line. If you’re new to importing products from China, working with a China sourcing agent is advisable. It makes entry into the custom sportswear market much easier.
Types of Custom Sportswear Available
Custom sportswear covers many categories. Here are some options you can buy from China:
1) Activewear
Activewear is a popular sportswear. It includes various custom products, like T-shirts and shorts. They are ideal for gym workouts.
Most Chinese suppliers can customise colours and sizes. You can also request custom branding. Activewear is in high demand worldwide, so it is a great entry point. Many small brands start here before expanding into full sportswear lines.
2) Team uniforms
Teams need the correct gear to shine on the field. Team uniforms include football, basketball, and rugby team uniforms. Many of these uniforms are made with durable and breathable materials. The designs and colours are vivid.
Chinese manufacturers can customise logos, players’ numbers, and names. Many clubs and schools source their uniforms this way. Since costs are lower in bulk, small and large orders are both possible.
3) Outdoor and training wear
Outdoor and training wear are among the top products imported from China. This comprises tracksuits, hoodies, and jackets. Coaches and athletes warm up or work out outdoors with these.
These clothes are made to handle any weather. Yet, they must be comfortable and flexible. Chinese manufacturers can allow you to choose from different fabrics and accessories. Small brands can use this category to create lifestyle lines.
4) Specialised items
Compression gear, yoga wear, and swimwear are specialised items. These products serve focused groups with clear needs. Chinese suppliers can offer a wide range of fabrics and designs. They also allow full customisation for branding.
Specialised sportswear can help small brands target niche markets. So, it’s worth considering when creating a global sourcing strategy.
Fabric Options for Custom Sportswear
Fabric choice matters when making custom sportswear. Below are the ideal fabric options for custom sportswear:
1) Polyester blends
Polyester blends dominate custom sportswear fabrics. They are lightweight, strong, and cleanable. These fabrics dry quickly after exercise. Their strength makes them last longer.
Since polyester blends are affordable, many sports brands use them. They also allow bright colours and sharp prints. This makes them great for custom logos. Chinese suppliers often use polyester blends for teamwear and gym clothes.
2) Spandex and nylon
Spandex and nylon are popular sportswear fabrics. They enable free body movement. These smooth, soft fabrics are comfortable to wear. Spandex maintains shape after heavy use. On the other hand, nylon is durable. So, it resists wear.
Sports bras, leggings, and compression wear use these fabrics. Chinese manufacturers provide many spandex and nylon options. Brands like them because they can make stylish, close-fitting clothes.
3) Cotton blends
Cotton blends are breathable and easy on the skin. They make exercising or performing mild sports comfortable. Mixing cotton with polyester or spandex strengthens garments. The cloth won’t shrink and is easier to stretch.
They suit shorts, hoodies, and t-shirts manufacturing. Their easy printing allows customised branding. Cotton blends are cheap, so many small sports brands start with them.
4) Sustainable fabrics
These fabrics are growing fast in custom sportswear. These materials attract green shoppers.
These textiles are skin-friendly and durable. They also help reduce waste in the fashion industry. You only need to find a manufacturer in China offering sustainable sportswear options.
Top 5 Custom Sportswear Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Suppliers in China
If you intend to buy from a Chinese factory directly, see the top 5 custom sportswear suppliers:
1) Yinshan Sportswear
Yinshan Sportswear has been in business for over 35 years. Their factories manage design, embroidery, fabrics, printing, and delivery. With five factories and skilled designers, they support every step of the process.
The company officially supplies sportswear and team gear for premier events. They collaborate with Italian, Spanish, and Turkish designers to stay current. The company’s one-stop service makes it a strong global supply chain provider.
Main Products:
- Sports teamwear
- Custom teamwear
- Fitness and Activewear
Why Choose Yinshan Sportswear?
- Innovative design team.
- Efficiency in bulk production.
- Long-standing reputation of 35+ years in the industry.
2) Hucai
Hucai is a custom fitness clothing manufacturer with strong industry and trade roots. Their senior pattern-making staff and first-line designers are all highly skilled professionals. The company’s sales and production teams work together closely.
They use videos and photos to show each order’s progress. With 20 years of production experience, Hucai is trusted worldwide. Their MOQ is usually 100 pieces, but they allow smaller orders sometimes.
Main Products:
- Sports T Shirts
- Sports Bra
- Tracksuit
- Tennis clothing
Why Choose Hucai?
- Low MOQ of 100 pieces per design
- Wide range of custom sportswear
- After-sales service
3) Rise Sportswear
For over 20 years, Rise has been manufacturing high-quality sportswear. Since their design team is lightning fast, they can create new templates quickly. During manufacture, the company performs five rigorous quality checks.
They have a quick turnaround time with three days for samples and ten days for big orders. Their MOQ is ten pieces, which helps small brands. When buying from Rise, you can use global express shipping services from China.
Main Products:
- Fight Wear
- Athletic clothing
- Active wear
- Soccer Uniform
Why Choose Rise Sportswear?
- Efficient customisation processes
- 100% product inspection in China before Packing
- A diverse range of customisation options
4) Xinfu Activewear
Xinfu Activewear is a private label sportswear company operating since 2009. Numerous international brands have relied on their OEM and ODM services. Packaging, logos, and patterns are designed by their team.
They run strict quality control for their goods. Brands can keep up with the latest trends with the help of Xinfu’s frequent sample launches. Their extensive services serve small and large sportswear brands.
Main Products:
- Sweatshirts
- Activewear
- Track Jackets
- Hoodies
Why Choose Xinfu Activewear?
- 30% Cost Advantage
- Quality inspection in China
- 21-Day Shipping Guarantee
5) Loong Sportswear
Loong Sportswear is a company to consider during the custom sportswear sourcing process. They have more than 10 years of experience in R&D and production. They make activewear for men, women, and children.
Custom sportswear that fits the needs of businesses is what this company does best. Each order is based on style, purpose, and population. Loong Sportswear is known for reliable service and flexible production.
Main Products:
- Basketball jerseys
- Sweatpants
- Tracksuits
Why Choose Loong Sportswear?
- 10+ years of production experience
- Diverse custom sportswear products
- High product quality
Sportswear Sourcing Problems and How to Fix Them
See some issues brands face when sourcing sportswear and fixes:
1) MOQ too high
Some factories set minimum order quantities that are too high for small brands. This makes it hard for startups to place orders. One solution is to find a reliable China sourcing agent. They help you locate suppliers offering flexible order volumes.
Many Chinese suppliers are open to low MOQ, especially with repeat clients. Alibaba, 1688, and many other Chinese wholesale websites can help you find the best suppliers.
2) Quality inconsistency
Quality can vary from batch to batch, which isn’t good for business. One way to avoid this is to get product samples before bulk production. Samples show the colour, quality, and accuracy of the design on the wear.
Using third-party quality inspection in China is helpful. These inspectors check products before shipping from China. Reducing risks of bad products is one of the benefits of working with China sourcing agents.
3) Communication barriers
Language and cultural gaps can lead to errors when ordering custom sportswear. The solution is to use a reliable sourcing agent. They bridge communication gaps with Chinese manufacturers.
Using agents helps you avoid costly mistakes. A China sourcing agent can also handle direct client orders. With the right partner, you can manage the sourcing process smoothly.
4) Shipping delays
Shipping from China sometimes takes longer than expected. Shipping delays can affect brand sales schedules. Use a China shipping service that understands global logistics. Many offer sea shipping from China or air freight service from China.
Reliable suppliers plan for customs clearance and holidays. There is a lower chance of delays if you plan and use a reliable shipping service.
Building Your Brand with Chinese Suppliers
Chinese suppliers help brands grow by offering custom options. Here are tips for building your brand with Chinese suppliers:
1) Private label options for sportswear lines
Private label options for sportswear lines allow you to sell under your brand name. Many Chinese custom sportswear manufacturers support this model. They can add your logo, colours, and brand style to sportswear. This makes the clothes look unique to your line.
A good sourcing agent in China can guide the process. Private labels give new and small brands a fair opportunity in the market. They can avoid building factories but still own branded products.
2) Custom packaging to enhance brand identity
Custom packaging enhances your brand value. There are a lot of Chinese suppliers who produce custom packaging. Some sportswear brands work with custom subscription box suppliers. Their packaging makes unboxing special.
You can get custom boxes or bags. Some suppliers even have options for eco-friendly packaging. Great packaging helps with how buyers see your brand. It also increases repeat orders. Simple boxes can become memorable brand tools.
3) Adding unique tags, labels, and accessories
Sportswear is more unique when it has unique tags, labels, and accessories added to it. A supplier can add woven labels, heat-pressed tags, or custom zippers. During local sourcing, an agent can help you make plans for these things.
Reliable China sourcing agents work with trusted suppliers. These small items build a strong identity for your sportswear line. Plus, they help your goods stand out in shops. Accessories are small but powerful brand elements.
4) Securing design exclusivity agreements
Getting design exclusivity deals will protect your brand’s unique look. You can sign contracts with manufacturers that keep your ideas secret. This ensures no other brand can copy your line.
These agreements cover product design, custom colours, and brand patterns. A reliable China sourcing service makes this easier. Exclusive rights are key when building a serious brand. They let you protect growth while customising and importing products from China.
Do Chinese suppliers offer private labelling for custom sportswear?
Yes, Chinese custom sportswear manufacturers support private labelling for brands. They can add your branding, labels, and designs to products. When you use private labelling, you control the product’s style. You don’t need to build your own factory to have your own products.
With private labelling, small businesses will save money and time. Many global supply chain providers include this in their service plans. A sourcing agent can help you find the right supplier. This is one of the biggest benefits of working with China sourcing agents.
How do suppliers ensure colour consistency in sportswear?
Chinese suppliers use Pantone codes or fabric swatches to keep colours accurate. A Pantone code ensures every batch has the same shade. This makes your sportswear line look professional and consistent.
Some suppliers also send fabric samples before bulk production. Doing this prevents mistakes before shipping from China. Reliable colour matching builds customer trust. Consistency in colour is key to strong branding and happy buyers.
Testing the Market Without Overstretching
Entering the sportswear market often feels like a balancing act. You want variety and quality, but you don’t want to overload your first orders. Chinese suppliers understand this challenge. Many allow phased sourcing. It means starting small, adjusting based on demand, then scaling up.
Take activewear as an example. A small batch of leggings or sports bras gives you enough to test colour, fit, and response from buyers. If sales meet expectations, you can expand into shorts, jackets, or full team uniforms.
The advantage of Chinese factories is that they have big production lines. You only adjust fabric, size ranges, or branding elements.
This approach reduces risks while keeping your brand flexible. It also helps you learn what your customers value most. Sometimes a fabric finish or even a custom packaging style becomes the selling point. This method turns sourcing into manageable actions rather than one large gamble.
OwlSourcing has helped many brands take this same approach. We help you start with manageable orders and grow into larger lines once sales prove strong. Acting as your sourcing agent in China, we connect you with the right factories. With OwlSourcing, your entry into custom sportswear sourcing is structured.
Read More:
- How to Find Chinese Private Label Manufacturers for Amazon FBA
- How to Import Clothes and Textiles from China for Your Brand
- Custom Sports Water Bottles Wholesale Suppliers & Manufacturers in China
- How to Start Selling Private Label Products on Amazon or Shopify
Final Thoughts!
China’s custom sportswear manufacturers provide more than production. They support brand growth, identity, and quality. From private labelling to custom packaging, every detail shapes customer trust.
Using the help of reliable China sourcing agents also makes the process easier. They’ll guide you in finding the best suppliers for your brand. Whether small or large, your brand will benefit from sourcing sportswear in China.
Building a sportswear brand is about choices. Fabrics, designs, suppliers, and timing! The right sourcing agent helps you make those choices with confidence. At OwlSourcing, our team has the experience to turn your plans into reliable orders. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us and start shaping your brand’s future with us.