How to Cut Costs & Speed Up Launch: Lingerie OEM/ODM Process & Advantages Explained
Dec 18, 2025
Basic understanding: The core difference between OEM and ODM lingerie
OEM: Turn your blueprint into reality. The brand provides a complete design solution (Tech Pack), and the factory is responsible for precise productionODM: Innovate on the shoulders of professional experience. The factory provides a full chain service from design, research and development to production, and the brand can directly choose or customize (such as color, lace decoration, brand logo, etc.)Process breakdown: Fully transparent! Underwear OEM/ODM process ODM Service Process
Market demand and style communication : The brand clearly identifies the target market (such as Europe, America/Asia), customer positioning (such as sports underwear/shapewear), price range, and the factory recommends products and production suggestions based on this
Select styles and confirm sizes, colors and quantities
Provide LOGO and detailed customization requirements,the factory will provide a design draft and sample plan
Confirm production schedule, shipping method and delivery date
Confirm order, make payment and start production
Develop initial samples and obtain sample confirmation
a. Pattern making and first sample development
b. Dress form fitting and pattern adjustment
c. Confirmation of process details
d. European and American live models try on
e. Revision and final confirmation of initial samples
Testing and compliance certification
a. Product quality and performance testing in the factory's in-house laboratory
b. Compliance certification application (custom certification services are also available to meet special requirements)
Pre-bulk production preparation and production implementation
a. Formulation of production process documents and pre-production sample development
b. Material supply chain coordination and production scheduling
c. Quality inspection
Pre-production inspection: Inspect the quality of fabrics and trims, and reject non-conforming materials
In-process inspection: Conduct random checks on sewing workmanship and pattern dimensions, and correct deviations in a timely manner
Final inspection: Implement 100% inspection on finished products (including size accuracy, appearance defects and functional testing). Qualified products will be labeled and packaged
Factory after-sales follow-up service and market feedback collection
OEM Service Process
1.Requirement docking and confirmation:The brand Provides a tech pack; specify detailed production requirements, including quantity, size chart, pattern specifications, color options, fabrics & trims, craftsmanship standards, and packaging requirements,etc.,and the factory verifies feasibility and confirms order details
2.Confirm production schedule, shipping method and delivery date
3.Confirm order details, arrange payment and initiate production
4.Develop initial samples and obtain sample confirmation
a. Pattern making and first sample development
b. Dress form fitting and pattern adjustment
c. Confirmation of process details
d. European and American live models try on
e. Revision and final confirmation of initial samples
5.Testing and compliance certification
a. Product quality and performance testing in the factory's in-house laboratory
b. Compliance certification application (custom certification services are available to meet special requirements)
6.Pre-mass production preparation and production implementation
a. Formulation of production process documents and pre-production sample development
b. Material supply chain coordination and production scheduling
c. Quality inspection
Pre-production inspection: Inspect the quality of fabrics and trims, and reject non-conforming materials
In-process inspection: Conduct random checks on sewing workmanship and pattern dimensions, and correct deviations in a timely manner
Final inspection: Implement 100% inspection on finished products (including size accuracy, appearance defects and functional testing). Qualified products will be labeled and packaged
7.Factory after-sales follow-up service and market feedback collection
Core Advantage Comparison: How Do OEM and ODM Achieve "Cost Reduction" and "Speed Acceleration" Respectively?
I. Core Advantages of Lingerie OEM: Precision Cost Control, Controllable Efficiency, and Optimized Stable Supply
Cost AdvantagesThe brand holds full control over product design, enabling precise selection of fabrics and trims based on budget constraints. Mature OEM production processes minimize material waste and rework losses, while continuously optimizing the product supply chain. This not only helps stabilize and reduce production costs, but also avoids cost surges caused by supply shortages during peak seasons or raw material price hikes.
Efficiency AdvantagesBy skipping the design and R&D phase, the overall workflow is significantly streamlined. Once the brand clarifies its requirements, the factory can quickly allocate production resources to kick off manufacturing, thus cutting down communication costs substantially.
Applicable ScenariosIdeal for brands launching core classic styles, reproducing best-selling items, or rolling out product lines with strict design specifications.
II. Core Advantages of Lingerie ODM: Low MOQ, Hassle-free Operations, and Rapid Market Capture
Cost AdvantagesFactories integrate design, R&D and production resources to share design costs; their mature supply chains allow access to cost-effective fabrics and trims, which are more price-competitive than independent procurement by brands. Low MOQ supports small-batch rapid launch of new products for market testing, reducing the risk of inventory backlogs.
Efficiency AdvantagesFactories maintain a ready-made design library and sample collection, allowing brands to directly select styles for minor adjustments. This drastically shortens the cycle from concept to finished product, eliminating the trial-and-error costs and time waste associated with independent design.
Added Value Factories possess in-depth knowledge of diverse market demands (e.g., sizing standards in Europe and America, wearing habits of consumers in different countries) and can provide professional market insights, helping to reduce the risk of new product unsellability.
Applicable ScenariosPerfect for startup brands looking to quickly build product lines, established brands exploring niche segments, and businesses launching fast-response products to capitalize on seasonal trends.
Decision Guide: Choose the Optimal Cooperation Model Based on Your Business Needs
3 Core Scenarios to Choose OEM
Have an in-house professional design team and have completed product design and process planning
Core products have stable market demand and require accurate replication for mass production
Expand options for product manufacturers, stabilize product supply chains, and optimize existing product suppliers
3 Core Scenarios to Choose ODM
Be a startup brand lacking design, R&D resources and market experience
Need to quickly respond to market trends and launch seasonal, fashion-forward products
Aim to reduce trial-and-error costs and test market feedback via small-batch customization