OEM and ODM in plain terms
| OEM | ODM | |
|---|---|---|
| Who designs the garment | You do, completely | We develop it from your concept |
| What you send | A full tech pack | References, a sketch or a brief |
| Pattern | Yours, or drafted to your measurements | Drafted by us and approved by you |
| Best for | Brands with a design team | Startups and retailers without one |
| Development time | Shorter | Longer, with more sample rounds |
OEM: we manufacture your design
Original equipment manufacturing means you hand over a complete specification and we produce it without changing the design. Your tech pack is the contract: measurements, fabric, stitching, trims and artwork are followed as written, and anything unclear is queried before sampling.
ODM: we develop the product with you
Original design manufacturing suits buyers who know what they want to sell but do not have patterns or technical drawings. You describe the garment, share reference images, and choose from fabric and trim options we propose. We draft the pattern, make the sample and revise it with you until it is right.
Who owns the design
For OEM work, the design is yours. For ODM work, agree ownership of the pattern and any exclusivity before development starts and have it written on the order. We are glad to put these terms in writing.
Prepare a brief that gets an accurate quote
Whichever route you take, a quote is only as accurate as the brief. Use the tech pack checklist to see what is still missing from yours.
Close-up of the oem and odm process on a garment panel
Finished result of oem and odm on a production garment
Quality check carried out after oem and odm
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between OEM and ODM?
With OEM you supply the complete design and the factory produces it. With ODM the factory develops the pattern and details from your concept, and you approve the result.
Can I start as ODM and move to OEM later?
Yes. Once a style is developed and approved, the finished specification becomes your tech pack and repeat orders run as straightforward production.
Do I need my own patterns for OEM?
No. A complete size chart with construction details is enough. We draft production patterns from your measurements.