How to find the best sportswear manufacturer in China?
- Share
- publisher
- sunny
- Issue Time
- May 26,2025
Summary
Learn how to choose the right OEM/ODM sportswear factory for quality, delivery, and design precision.
1. Who is the largest clothing manufacturer in China?
China has the most complete apparel supply chain in the world. Major manufacturers such as Shenzhou International, Bosideng, and Youngor are well-known industry giants. Among them, Shenzhou International Group is considered one of the largest apparel manufacturers in China and even Asia, serving global clients like Nike, Adidas, and Uniqlo. With over 100,000 employees, Shenzhou covers the full production process—from spinning and knitting to garment assembly—with high efficiency, large output, and strong stability.
However, mega factories like Shenzhou typically do not accept small orders, making them unsuitable for flexible, small-batch customization sought by many emerging brands. For premium sportswear brands,high-end medium-sized manufacturers are often a better choice. Rather than scale, design accuracy, delivery efficiency, and quality control are the true priorities for mid-to-high-end brands.
2. How to find the best sportswear manufacturer in China?
Key steps to finding a reliable and high-quality sportswear manufacturer:
Define your needs: MOQ, quality standards (e.g. AQL 2.5), eco-compliance, and lead time.
Use trusted platforms: Alibaba (for initial screening), Made-in-China, GlobalSources, Google search.
Attend trade shows: Canton Fair, ISPO Shanghai, CHIC (China International Clothing & Accessories Fair).
Factory visits or third-party audits: Check scale, machinery, and management system.
Sample comparison: Evaluate sample speed, fabric quality, and design replication.
For brands seeking custom sportswear manufacturers, we recommend using Alibaba + Google cross-searching, then comparing service capabilities via official websites, and finally requesting samples before confirming cooperation.
3. Comparison of the Top 10 Apparel Manufacturers in China?
| Brand | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Shenzhou International | Large-scale production, highly concentrated client base | Low flexibility, high MOQ, does not serve small clients or emerging brands |
| ANTA Group Manufacturing | Prioritizes internal brands | Low export ratio, limited support for customization |
| Beibei Yiyi | Strong in children's activewear | Limited adult product range |
Bosideng | Leading in down jackets | Not focused on activewear |
Youngor | Specializes in suits and casual wear | Core business is not in sports categories |
LILANZ | Strong in business menswear | Weak presence in sportswear segment |
Metersbonwe | Suitable for mass-market fast fashion | Not ideal for high-end custom orders |
Hodo (Red Bean) | Strong brand and distribution channels | Average craftsmanship precision |
Li-Ning Production Chain | Focused on domestic Chinese market | Limited support for export and private label customization |
Specialized in activewear manufacturing, strong high-end customization, high design replication accuracy, stable delivery time | Does not accept ultra-low price/low-quality orders; MOQ 100 pcs; best for mid-to-high-end brands |
For sportswear brands that prioritize design, quality, and delivery control, HUCAI is the top choice. With over 25 years of experience, HUCAI has a professional design team with over 10 years of experience in working with top international brands. It offers a standardized eco-friendly fabric library, fully digital production management, and maintains a less than 1% after-sales rate, ensuring every product perfectly reflects your brand value.
Other Recommended Sportswear Manufacturers in China:
Xiamen sportswear clusters: Moderate pricing, fast turnaround, suitable for basic fitness wear. Limited in original design.
Qingdao sportswear manufacturers: Experts in functional apparel like compression wear, softshell jackets, heat-sealed garments. Slightly higher cost and longer sampling time.
Guangzhou Baden Apparel: Low MOQ, supports OEM/ODM with smooth communication. However, basic production lines may limit large-batch efficiency.
Dongguan Shipai garment factories: Well-equipped, support advanced techniques (4-needle 6-thread, sublimation, laser perforation). Less branding and overseas experience.
Looking for a trusted manufacturer to elevate your sportswear brand? Contact HUCAI today to request samples and discover our premium customization services.
