The Activewear Sampling Process: How It Works, Timelines & Costs
Short answer: Activewear sampling turns your idea into an approved garment before bulk production. YOUMEGA samples take about 7 days for stock styles with your logo, 10–15 days for OEM, or 7–10 days for ODM after design preparation. Sample-fee refunds require bulk orders of more than 200 sets for stock or more than 600 sets for custom. Minor adjustments to the original sample are free; major redesigns incur a second charge.
Why the sample stage matters
Sampling lets you feel the fabric, check fit on a real body and identify issues before bulk production. Record the approved measurements, fabric, color and construction so the factory has a clear reference. A sample can reveal problems early, but it does not replace production checks or guarantee that every bulk garment will be identical.
Before choosing the approval sample, review proto, fit, size-set and PP samples.
The 6 steps
- Brief (you send) — a reference sample or clear photos, your logo (AI/EPS or high-res PNG), target fabric/feel, and a rough quantity. You don’t need a finished tech pack; we can build one with you.
- Fabric & quote — we propose fabric options (four-way-stretch knits, recycled rPET/ECONYL, etc.), confirm construction (seamless vs cut-and-sew), and confirm MOQ and sample timing after reviewing your brief. We reply within 24 hours on working days.
- Sample made — we pattern, cut/knit and sew your sample. Stock+logo: about 7 days. OEM: 10–15 days. ODM: about 7–10 days, excluding design preparation. Confirm fabric availability before scheduling.
- Review & revisions — you receive the sample (photos/video first if you want). Minor adjustments to the original sample are free. Major redesigns require a second charge; confirm the scope before a new sample is made.
- Approval — you sign off on a confirmed sample; it becomes the master reference for bulk.
- Bulk — your approved sample becomes a reference for bulk production. Confirm the inspection criteria with the factory; YOUMEGA uses AQL 2.5 for quality control.
Timeline & MOQ at a glance
| Route | Sample time | MOQ for bulk | Bulk lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock style + your logo | ~7 days | from 100 sets per order (mix available colors & sizes) | 20–25 days from confirmed order to ex-factory; shipping extra |
| Full custom OEM/ODM | OEM: 10–15 days; ODM: ~7–10 days after design preparation | 300–500 pcs per style per color | 30–35 days from confirmed order to ex-factory; shipping extra |
Sample fees — and why they’re refundable
The sample fee is charged upfront. It is refunded for stock bulk orders of more than 200 sets or custom bulk orders of more than 600 sets. These thresholds are in sets, not pieces. Minor adjustments to the original sample are free; a major redesign requires a second charge. Confirm the sample scope and refund conditions in your quotation.
Virtual vs physical samples
- Virtual / tech-pack proof — confirm measurements, construction and logo placement before cutting fabric. Useful for identifying specification questions before physical sampling.
- Physical sample — the real garment for fit, hand-feel and color. A physical sample is still needed to approve fit, hand-feel and appearance.
Custom color & lab-dips
For custom colors we run a lab-dip: a small fabric swatch dyed to your Pantone reference for approval before bulk dyeing, to establish the color reference for the production batch. Custom development (including custom Pantone color) runs at 300–500 pcs per style per color.
Three things that speed your sample up
- Send a physical reference if you have one — it removes guesswork.
- Give your logo in vector (AI/EPS) and Pantone codes up front.
- Decide fabric early — fabric sourcing and availability can affect the sample schedule.
FAQ
How long does an activewear sample take?
Stock+logo samples take about 7 days; OEM samples take 10–15 days. ODM sample development takes about 7–10 days, excluding design preparation. Confirm fabric availability and the starting point in your quotation.
Do I need a tech pack to get a sample?
No. Send a reference sample or photos and your logo; we can build the tech pack with you and develop the sample from there.
Is the sample fee refundable?
The fee is charged upfront and refunded for stock orders of more than 200 sets or custom orders of more than 600 sets. Minor adjustments to the original sample are free; major redesigns incur a second charge.
Can you match a custom Pantone color?
Yes — we run a lab-dip against your Pantone reference for approval before bulk. Custom development is 300–500 pcs per style per color.
What happens after I approve the sample?
Your approved sample becomes the reference for bulk production. Confirm the inspection criteria and acceptable tolerances for the order; YOUMEGA uses AQL 2.5 for quality control.
Start your sample
Send your reference or tech pack and logo to [email protected] (or +86 156 0697 2725) — we reply within 24 hours on working days. Fabric options, quotation details and sample timing are confirmed after reviewing your requirements.
