OEM & ODM Underwear Manufacturing Guide for Global Buyers

For importers, wholesalers, and private-label brands, choosing the right OEM/ODM underwear manufacturer directly affects product quality, profit margins, and long-term scalability. With 30+ years of manufacturing experience, Yejie Underwear supports global markets through flexible production, multi-market sizing, and thousands of customizable styles.

This guide provides a complete overview of OEM/ODM underwear production, covering MOQs, sampling processes, lead times, customization options, and quality control standards.

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1. OEM vs. ODM: What’s the Difference?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):

Under OEM production, the buyer provides the design, and the factory executes it.

• Buyer provides tech pack, sample, or reference photos
• Buyer defines logo, waistband design, and brand elements
• Buyer selects fabric composition, GSM, and colors
• Factory develops samples and manufactures according to the approved design

Best for established brands with clear product direction.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer):

Under ODM production, the factory provides ready styles, and the buyer customizes branding and packaging.

• Choose from existing styles (cotton, seamless, lace, nylon/spandex, plus-size, men/women/kids)
• Adjust fabric, colors, sizes, and packaging
• Add custom labels, printed logos, jacquard waistbands
• Faster launch with lower development cost

Best for new brands or distributors who need speed and flexibility.

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2. Typical MOQ for OEM & ODM Underwear Orders

MOQ depends on fabric type, color dyeing, packaging method, and machine setup.

Industry reference MOQ:

• OEM custom design: approx. 1,000 dozen (≈ 12,000 pcs) per style
• ODM existing styles: lower MOQ due to ready materials
• In-stock items: no strict MOQ; suitable for testing markets and mixed orders

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3. Sampling & Production Lead Times

Sampling:

• Initial samples: 5–10 days
• Revision samples: 3–5 days
• Fit, color, and fabric can be confirmed via photos or courier samples

Production:

• Standard production time: 25–35 days
• Peak season (Sep–Dec): 30–45 days
• Custom printed boxes or special packaging: +5–7 days

💡 Seamless underwear is typically faster due to integrated knitting and shaping. Cotton underwear involves weaving, dyeing, cutting, sewing, and multi-step QC.

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4. Customization Options (Fabric, Branding, Packaging)

Fabric Options:

• Cotton / Cotton-Spandex
• Nylon / Polyamide / Elastane
• Polyester blends
• Modal / Viscose
• Bamboo fiber
• Lace and seamless designs
• Men’s / women’s / kids’ underwear

Branding Options:

• Custom jacquard waistbands
• Heat-transfer labels
• Printed or woven labels
• Private-label hangtags and barcodes

Packaging:

• PPE and zipper bags
• 3-pack / 5-pack boxes
• Custom-printed retail boxes
• Multi-language packaging (EN / ES / PT / RU / AR)

Market-Specific Size Adjustments:

• South America: fuller hips, colorful designs
• Europe: viscose and seamless, minimalistic look
• Africa: larger waistbands and deeper rise
• Middle East: cotton-rich fabrics and thicker materials

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5. Quality Control Standards

Our QC process ensures consistency across large OEM/ODM orders:

1. Raw material and yarn inspection
2. Fabric color fastness and shrinkage testing
3. Cutting accuracy and panel alignment
4. Stitching and seam durability checks
5. Waistband elasticity and recovery testing
6. Final inspection before packing
7. Weight and grams-per-piece checking
8. Random carton inspection before shipment

Photo and video updates are provided throughout production.

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6. Key Cost Factors in Underwear Manufacturing

• Fabric composition and GSM (usually 60–70% of cost)
• Lace density and complexity
• Dyeing process and number of colors
• Logo and waistband technique (print vs. jacquard)
• Packaging style and customization level
• Order quantity and repeat frequency
• Shipping terms (FOB, CIF, DDP)

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7. OEM / ODM Workflow: Step by Step

1. Buyer provides designs, reference photos, or selects ODM styles
2. Confirm fabric, colors, sizes, and packaging requirements
3. Sample development (5–10 days)
4. Sample approval (fit, fabric, color confirmation)
5. Receive quotation based on approved sample
6. Deposit payment (25–30%)
7. Mass production begins
8. QC updates and inspection photos/videos
9. Balance payment
10. Shipping (container, LCL consolidation, or express)

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Conclusion

OEM and ODM production provide global buyers with flexibility, cost efficiency, and full customization. With decades of experience, a large style library, and deep market understanding, Yejie Underwear helps brands build competitive and profitable private-label collections tailored to their specific markets.