Common Questions About
Apparel Manufacturing
Everything you need to know about working with YECHENG APPAREL -- from your first inquiry to bulk delivery. If you don't find your answer here, our team is ready to help.
OEM, ODM & Private Label
Understanding which collaboration model fits your brand is the first step to a successful manufacturing partnership.
01. What is the difference between OEM and ODM?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means you provide complete product specifications -- a Tech Pack, measurement chart, fabric requirements, artwork and construction details -- and we manufacture according to your exact standards.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means we participate in the design and development phase. You may start with a concept, reference image, existing garment or a general product direction, and our team helps refine the pattern, material and construction before sampling begins.
Most brands use a combination: ODM for development and OEM-style standards for reorders.
02. What is a Private Label service and how does it work?
Private Label means the finished garment carries your brand identity -- your woven labels, care labels, size labels, hang tags and branded packaging -- rather than any manufacturer branding.
We support full private label setup: label design review, woven and printed label production, custom hang tags, poly bags with your logo, and master carton labeling. The product is delivered ready to sell under your brand.
03. Which model is right for me if I only have a reference photo or an existing sample?
This is an ideal starting point for ODM collaboration. You provide the reference -- a photo, an existing garment, a sketch or even a verbal description -- and we extract measurements, identify construction details, recommend fabric options and develop a pattern from that reference.
The result is a product specification that belongs to your brand. You review and approve the sample before any bulk production begins.
04. Do you work with startup brands or only established companies?
We work with brands at all stages -- from founders launching their first collection to established wholesalers managing regular reorders. For newer brands, we provide additional development support: clarifying product requirements, recommending materials and explaining production steps so you can make informed decisions throughout the process.
05. Can I work with YECHENG on multiple product categories at once?
Yes. Our core product focus is custom hoodies, T-shirts and tracksuits. If your collection includes multiple styles -- for example a hoodie, a T-shirt and a matching tracksuit -- these can typically be developed and produced under one project timeline, coordinated by the same team.
Samples, Revisions & Design Files
The sample stage is where your product specification becomes a physical garment. Here is what to expect from first sample to production approval.
Minimum Order Quantities, Quotes & Payment Terms
Transparent answers about order volumes, how pricing is calculated and how payments are structured for international orders.
01. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for bulk production?
MOQ is determined by product type, fabric, number of colorways, decoration method and construction complexity. It is not a single fixed number across all styles. We discuss MOQ requirements after reviewing your product specification so the figure we give you is accurate for your specific order rather than a generic estimate.
02. How is the unit price calculated?
Unit price is based on fabric cost (composition, GSM, construction), trim and accessory cost, decoration complexity (print type, embroidery stitch count, wash process), labor, packaging and order quantity. A complete and confirmed specification -- including approved sample and materials -- produces a more accurate and final quote.
03. Will the price change after I place the order?
Pricing is confirmed against an approved sample and a locked specification. Significant changes after order confirmation -- such as adding new print placements, changing fabric, or altering construction -- may require a price adjustment. Minor corrections within the agreed specification do not typically affect pricing.
04. What payment terms do you offer for international orders?
Standard terms are a deposit before production and the remaining balance before shipment. The exact split and accepted payment methods -- including T/T wire transfer -- are discussed and confirmed in the sales contract before production begins. We do not begin production without a confirmed order and deposit.
05. Can I place a small trial order before committing to a large bulk run?
Yes. We support small trial orders for brands testing a new style or new market before scaling. Trial order pricing may differ from large-volume pricing due to setup and material costs, but the development and production process is the same -- the same sampling, QC and delivery steps apply.
Materials, Decoration Techniques & Branding
Details on fabric options, print and embroidery methods, wash treatments and how your brand identity is applied to every garment.
Print Techniques
Screen printing · DTF · Digital print · Heat transfer · Puff print · Sublimation
Embroidery Types
Flat embroidery · 3D puff · Appliqué · Towel embroidery · Embroidery patches
Wash & Finish
Acid wash · Garment dye · Enzyme wash · Vintage wash · Custom effect development
01. What fabrics do you work with for custom hoodies and T-shirts?
We work with cotton, cotton-polyester blends, polyester, fleece, French terry, waffle knit and other knit constructions. For each project we recommend fabric composition and GSM based on the intended fit, season, decoration method and target market. Fabric swatches and test samples can be reviewed before committing to bulk material.
02. Can I request a specific GSM or fabric weight?
Yes. You can specify a target GSM range. We will source options within that range and provide swatches for hand feel and visual review. Note that the same GSM can feel different depending on fiber content, yarn type and knit density -- physical samples are the most reliable way to confirm the result.
03. Which printing method is best for my design?
The best method depends on design complexity, color count, fabric type, order quantity and wash durability requirements. Screen printing offers excellent color accuracy and durability for simpler designs at volume. DTF and digital print suit complex, multi-color or photographic designs. Heat transfer and sublimation work for specific applications. We recommend a method after reviewing your artwork and product details.
04. Can labels, hang tags and packaging be fully customized?
Yes. Woven labels, care labels, size labels, heat-transfer labels, hang tags, stickers and custom poly bags can all carry your brand identity. We review label content requirements -- including fiber composition, care instructions and country of origin -- to ensure compliance with your target market.
05. Do you offer garment washing and vintage-effect treatments?
Yes. We support acid washing, garment dyeing, enzyme washing, vintage washing and other special wash effects. Wash effects are developed and confirmed on samples before being applied to the bulk order, as results can vary with fabric composition and construction.
06. Can I supply my own fabric or trims?
This can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. Customer-supplied materials must meet quality and quantity requirements, arrive on schedule and be compatible with our production process. Additional inspection steps may apply. We discuss the feasibility and logistics during the project review stage.
Lead Times, Quality Control & International Delivery
How we manage production scheduling, what our quality checkpoints cover, and how finished orders reach you anywhere in the world.
Simplified Production Timeline
All timelines are indicative. Actual lead times are confirmed after reviewing your specific product, quantity and material requirements.
01. How long does production take from order confirmation to shipment?
Production lead time varies based on order quantity, product complexity, fabric lead time and decoration requirements. After sample approval and order confirmation, we provide a production schedule with a target ship date. Typical bulk production ranges from 4 to 8 weeks after all materials and the PP sample are confirmed.
02. What quality control checkpoints do you have in place?
Quality is checked at multiple stages: incoming fabric and trim inspection, pre-production material confirmation, cutting accuracy, in-line sewing and construction checks, mid-production measurement audits, decoration inspection (print placement, embroidery quality, wash result), final finished garment inspection (dimensions, workmanship, appearance), label and packaging verification, and pre-shipment carton inspection. Issues identified at any checkpoint are documented and resolved before the next stage begins.
03. Can I arrange a third-party inspection before shipment?
Yes. We cooperate with customer-nominated third-party inspection agencies. We schedule production to allow time for the inspection to be completed before the goods are shipped. Please advise your preferred inspection standard and agency at the order confirmation stage so we can plan accordingly.
04. What shipping methods are available for international orders?
We support sea freight (FCL and LCL), air freight and express courier depending on order volume, timeline and cost preference. We coordinate with freight forwarders and can assist with export documentation, packing lists and commercial invoices. The standard shipping term is FOB Guangzhou or Yantian; other Incoterms can be discussed.
05. Do you provide production progress updates during manufacturing?
Yes. We provide updates at key production milestones -- material arrival, cutting completion, sewing progress, decoration confirmation and pre-shipment inspection. For time-sensitive orders, more frequent updates can be arranged. We use email and messaging platforms for communication depending on the client's preference.
06. What happens if there is a quality issue after I receive the goods?
If a quality issue arises after delivery, contact us with detailed documentation -- photographs, a description of the defect, affected quantity and relevant order references. We review the issue against the confirmed specification and work with you to reach a fair resolution. Our quality control process is designed to minimize this risk, but we take post-delivery concerns seriously and address them directly.
Starting Your First Manufacturing Project
If you are launching a new brand or ordering custom garments for the first time, this guide outlines what to prepare and what to expect at each stage.
You do not need to have everything figured out first.
Our team works with brands at every stage of readiness. If you have a product idea but are unsure where to start, send us what you have -- a photo, a sketch, a brand name and a general product concept -- and we will help structure the next step. The goal is a clear, executable specification, and we build that together.
Project Inquiry Form
The more detail you provide, the faster we can prepare a structured cost and timeline estimate.