An OEM knitwear project starts with a design and becomes a production order through a series of specification and approval decisions. A clear brief helps the buyer and manufacturer work toward the same garment. This guide explains what to prepare and what to confirm at each stage.
1. Prepare the design brief
Share a sketch, technical pack or reference sample. Include garment measurements, size grading, yarn or material preferences, color references and construction details. Add the quantity per color, packaging requirements and delivery destination.
- Front and back views with important details marked.
- Measurement chart and intended size range.
- Stitch, graphic or artwork references.
- Labels, trims and packing instructions.
- Required tests, inspection criteria and target delivery date.
2. Agree the quotation and development scope
Confirm which specifications are fixed and which still need development. Discuss yarn availability, sample arrangements, production quantity, testing, packaging, payment terms and the shipping basis. Ask what is included in the quotation and how changes will be priced.
3. Develop swatches and a garment sample
Swatches help review color, texture and knit construction. The garment sample allows a closer check of measurements, fit, shape and finishing. Keep comments specific: identify the measurement, material or detail that needs changing and record the agreed revision.
4. Approve a production reference
Agree the final material, construction, measurements, color and branding details. Keep the approved sample and written specifications as the reference for bulk production. Clarify whether additional approvals are needed before the production schedule is confirmed.
5. Coordinate production and quality checks
Ask which stages are completed internally and which use specialist partners. Agree the checks required at the relevant stages and how any issues will be reported. A particular certification, audit or test should be discussed for the project and supported by current documents where required.
6. Confirm packing and delivery
Review packing instructions, quantities and shipping arrangements. Distinguish the factory production schedule from international transit and any destination procedures. Confirm the documents and shipment information your receiving team needs.
Buyer approval checklist
Before bulk production, check that both teams hold the same design version, material specification, size chart, color reference, quantity breakdown, label artwork and packing instructions. Confirm the schedule after the required approvals are complete.
Discuss your next collection
Cainan works with wholesale buyers and brands on custom knitwear development in Dongguan, China. Our current minimum order is 10 pieces per color; sampling takes approximately one week and bulk production takes 20–30 days. Confirm your specifications and project schedule with our team. International shipping time is separate.
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