OEM or ODM for Custom Sports Shorts Samples
When developing new sports shorts, choosing the right sampling approach is critical to ensure design accuracy, fabric stability and production consistency. Many premium activewear brands struggle between ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) during the sample phase.
From a manufacturer's perspective, the decision should not simply depend on product complexity, but on development speed, collection strategy and fabric–process compatibility. This guide explains how both methods work, how they impact communication and sampling timelines, and how brands should select the right approach based on production goals.
1. ODM vs OEM – What's the real difference?
ODM is recommended when brands want to accelerate development using the manufacturer's existing pattern, fabrics and validated construction methods. OEM is mainly used when the brand already has a defined design and wants it produced with high accuracy.
• ODM → Faster sampling, ideal for multi-style or collection-driven development
• OEM → Higher precision, ideal when the brand has strong design direction
• ODM improves efficiency; OEM improves design originality
2. Sample development process – communication style differences
The main difference lies in who leads the development discussions. In ODM, the manufacturer initiates recommendations and the brand approves. In OEM, the brand specifies requirements, while the manufacturer provides manufacturability feedback. Choosing the right approach helps reduce revisions and accelerates approval.
ODM Collaboration:
• Factory suggests fabrics, construction, and technical modifications
• Brand confirms and fine-tunes aesthetics
• Can scale quickly into multiple styles using the same base pattern
OEM Collaboration:
• Brand provides tech pack, pattern, measurements and material specs
• Factory conducts technical review and adjusts construction if necessary
• Best for functional collections or strong brand identity pieces
3. Sports Shorts Sampling lead time comparison
| Stage | ODM | OEM |
| Fabric selection | 1–2 days | 2–4 days |
| Pattern setup | Based on existing models | Based on tech pack |
| Sample production | ~10–15 days | ~15–20 days |
ODM makes use of pre-tested fabrics and existing patterns, reducing development time. OEM often requires deeper evaluations and customised engineering.
Manufacturer recommendation: For brands developing full collections, ODM combined with selective OEM design adjustments ensures both speed and uniqueness.
4. How to decide between ODM and OEM?
Rather than choosing based on hierarchy, decide based on collection planning, design readiness and development speed. ODM works best for rapid market validation or new-season planning. OEM is ideal when brands want to ensure design integrity. For series development using unified fabrics, combining both models is most effective.
Decision-making guidance:
• New concept or trend-testing phase → ODM
• Brand has strong design capabilities → OEM
• One fabric across multiple styles → ODM base + OEM structure refinement
• Complex functionality or high heat-sensitivity → Conduct manufacturability review before OEM
5. Final advice from the manufacturer
Sports shorts are usually a core item in activewear collections, and their sampling accuracy directly affects the stability of full product lines. In the sampling phase, we recommend brands to:
• Specify ODM or OEM development mode at the beginning
• Include fabric, pattern and construction teams in the review
• Use structured fitting feedback to support pattern optimisation
• Define bulk production parameters immediately after sample approval to achieve >99% consistency
ODM determines development speed. OEM determines brand precision. Both methods are not alternatives—but strategic tools that should be combined to support efficient and high-quality product launches.
If you would like to explore our recommended premium fabric library, mature pattern system, or technical testing checklist for sports shorts prototyping, contact our team. We'll tailor a development solution aligned with your brand positioning and provide expert production guidance.
