China's swimwear market is projected to reach $24.34 billion by 2029, making partnerships with an ODM clothing manufacturer a strategic decision for brands looking to enter this growing industry. We've seen firsthand how choosing the right design manufacturer can reduce production costs by 30-50% compared to Western alternatives, while simultaneously speeding up your time-to-market for seasonal collections.
What is ODM manufacturing exactly? When you work with ODM suppliers, you gain access to pre-designed products that can be customized to match your brand identity. Additionally, ODM manufacturers handle everything from trend research and design to production and quality control. This approach is particularly valuable for swimwear lines, where specialized knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques significantly enhances product quality. Furthermore, for startups and small brands with limited resources, partnering with an ODM manufacturer offers both cost efficiency and scalability as your business grows.
In this article, we'll explore how expert ODM manufacturers build custom swimwear lines, the benefits of this manufacturing model, and how to determine if it's the right choice for your brand.
What is ODM Manufacturing in the Swimwear Industry?
Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) serves as a strategic partnership model that has gained substantial traction in the fashion industry. Understanding its place in swimwear production helps brands make informed decisions about their manufacturing approach.
Definition of ODM in Fashion Context
In the fashion ecosystem, an ODM clothing manufacturer designs and produces products that brands can customize and sell under their own label. Essentially, ODM stands for Original Design Manufacturing, where the manufacturer handles both the design and production aspects of the clothing items [1]. This model allows fashion brands to leverage pre-existing designs rather than starting from scratch.
Unlike traditional manufacturing relationships, ODM partnerships give brands access to ready-made product designs that can be modified to align with their specific brand identity. The manufacturer invests in the equipment, facilities, and design expertise, then offers these resources to multiple brands [2]. This arrangement creates a mutually beneficial relationship—manufacturers utilize their production capacity efficiently, and brands gain access to professional designs without substantial upfront investment.
How ODM Differs from OEM and Private Label
The distinction between ODM and other manufacturing models lies primarily in design ownership and customization levels:
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): The manufacturer designs and produces the product, which brands can modify and sell under their name. The manufacturer retains most intellectual property rights [3].
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): The brand provides the designs, and the manufacturer produces according to those specifications. The brand maintains complete design ownership [1].
White Label: Similar to ODM but with minimal customization options—typically limited to branding elements only. These generic products are available to multiple clients [3].
Private Label: More exclusive than white label, offering greater customization options and exclusivity agreements. The manufacturer often provides products to a single client in a specific market [3].
One key difference lies in resource allocation. With OEM, brands must invest significantly in research and development. In contrast, ODM allows brands to focus their resources on marketing strategies instead of product development [4]. Moreover, ODM manufacturing benefits from economies of scale since manufacturers produce similar designs in large volumes, potentially reducing unit costs [4].
Why Swimwear is a Popular ODM Category
Swimwear represents an ideal category for ODM manufacturing for several compelling reasons. First, swimwear production requires specialized knowledge of performance fabrics, stretch properties, and water-resistant construction techniques. ODM manufacturers specialize in these areas, offering expertise that many brands lack internally.
Second, swimwear is highly seasonal, with tight production windows to meet market demands. By working with ODM suppliers who have ready-designed collections, brands can significantly reduce their time-to-market compared to developing designs from scratch.
Third, swimwear construction is technically complex despite its minimal appearance. It requires precise pattern-making to ensure proper fit in wet conditions, specialized stitching techniques to maintain stretch and comfort, and knowledge of how different fabrics perform in water and sun exposure.
Lastly, the economics make sense—ODM swimwear manufacturing allows brands to offer diverse collections without the substantial R&D investment typically required for technical apparel. This approach particularly benefits smaller brands and newcomers to the swimwear market who need to compete with established players but have limited resources for extensive product development.
This manufacturing model creates a win-win situation: swimwear brands gain access to professionally designed products with proven fit and function, while manufacturers maximize their production efficiency by creating variations on core designs.
How Expert ODM Manufacturers Build Custom Swimwear Lines
The intricate process of bringing a swimwear collection to market follows a systematic approach when working with expert ODM clothing manufacturers. Behind every successful swimwear line lies a carefully orchestrated series of steps that combine market intelligence, design expertise, and technical precision.
Step 1: Trend Research and Design Ideation
Expert ODM manufacturers begin by conducting extensive market research to identify emerging swimwear trends and consumer preferences. Designers analyze current fashion movements, from bold prints and monochromatic styles to sustainability trends and technical innovations. "Prints are back in a big way," notes Summer Rapp, founder of Summer Of 78, highlighting the importance of staying on trend [5]. This research phase involves exploring various sources of inspiration—fashion shows, nature, art, and competitor analysis—to generate innovative concepts that will resonate with target consumers. Subsequently, designers create mood boards that compile images, fabrics, colors, and visual references to establish a cohesive design direction for the upcoming collection.
Step 2: Creating a Product Library for Brand Selection
Following the research phase, ODM suppliers develop a comprehensive product library—a collection of ready-designed swimwear styles that brands can select from. These libraries typically store samples for multiple seasons, allowing designers and buyers to reference past products as they develop new collections [6]. Within these libraries, manufacturers organize different swimwear categories, silhouettes, and styles systematically for easy access. Product libraries serve as tangible showrooms where brand representatives can physically evaluate different designs, materials, and construction techniques before making selections for their custom lines.
Step 3: Customization Options for Fabric, Fit, and Branding
Once brands select base designs, the customization process begins. ODM manufacturers offer various modification options for fabrics, colors, prints, and branding elements. For fabrics, options typically include nylon/spandex blends, polyester blends, and increasingly popular eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics [7]. Custom printing capabilities allow brands to create unique patterns—"We do all our prints in-house which means we keep full control and can turnaround fast," notes one manufacturer [8]. Fit customization is equally crucial, as "contours and shapes your body" elements make women feel "powerful and confident in their swimwear" [5]. Additionally, branding opportunities include custom labels, hardware, and decorative elements like "fun charms and swim-proof jewelry" [5].
Step 4: Sample Development and Fitting Process
After finalizing customization details, the ODM manufacturer creates initial samples. This critical stage involves translating designs into physical prototypes using the selected materials. "Fitting is the single most important and challenging part of swimwear manufacturing," emphasizes one industry expert [9]. Manufacturers typically produce a "fit sample" in basic colors like black or white to verify proper sizing and comfort before proceeding with colored or printed versions [10]. During fitting sessions, samples are evaluated on models of different body types to ensure the swimwear performs as intended both dry and wet. Any necessary adjustments to patterns, materials, or construction techniques are implemented before approving the final design.
Step 5: Final Production and Quality Control
Finally, once samples receive approval, the manufacturing process moves to full production. This stage involves precise cutting—"Swimsuit fabrics are often stretchy, so experienced professionals take care during cutting" [11]—followed by specialized sewing techniques for stretch fabrics. Quality control measures are implemented throughout production, including fabric testing, in-line inspections, and final checks. "From the warehousing of fabrics to the delivery, the quality control of each process is pursued to the extreme," states one manufacturer [12]. Additional safety measures include metal detection to ensure no broken needles remain in garments. Before shipping, products undergo final inspection according to international standards like AQL 2.5 to verify they meet both technical specifications and esthetic requirements.
Benefits of Working with an ODM Supplier for Swimwear
Partnering with an ODM clothing manufacturer offers numerous advantages for swimwear brands seeking to optimize their business operations. These benefits extend beyond simple manufacturing support, providing strategic advantages in today's competitive market.
Faster Time-to-Market for Seasonal Collections
The seasonal nature of swimwear demands quick production cycles. ODM suppliers dramatically reduce development timelines by offering pre-designed products that only need customization rather than creation from scratch. "When you follow a clear timeline, you avoid the stress of last-minute decisions and missed opportunities" [13]. Correspondingly, brands can capitalize on emerging trends without delay—an invaluable advantage in the fast-paced fashion industry. Some ODM manufacturers can deliver custom swimwear in as little as 15-45 days, depending on order complexity [14]. This expedited process ensures collections hit stores during peak selling seasons, maximizing sales potential.
Lower Design and Development Costs
Financially, ODM manufacturing presents compelling advantages. "Private label activewear allows businesses to control branding, pricing, and product specifications while achieving higher profit margins (typically 50-70% versus 30-40% for reselling)" [15]. By eliminating extensive design costs, brands can allocate resources to marketing and distribution instead. Additionally, ODM partners often secure lower material prices through bulk purchasing, further reducing production costs. "Clothing manufacturers buy materials in bulk so we can secure lower prices from suppliers" [16], with these savings directly impacting brands' profit margins.
Access to Experienced Pattern Makers and Technicians
Swimwear requires specialized expertise despite its seemingly simple appearance. Typically, ODM manufacturers employ skilled pattern makers who understand the unique requirements of stretch fabrics and water performance. "Our experienced Pattern Designers use top-of-the-line technology to process all paper patterns. Different kinds of fabric tensions are carefully calculated to ensure perfect fitting" [17]. Furthermore, these technical specialists remain current on innovative materials, including recycled fabrics like Econyl® and Repreve® [16], bringing valuable expertise that would be costly for brands to develop internally.
Scalability for Growing Brands
Perhaps most importantly, ODM suppliers offer production flexibility as brands grow. "For brands looking to expand, ODM manufacturers can easily scale production to meet growing demand" [18]. Production capabilities often range from small initial orders to substantial volumes—"The factory can handle over 200,000 pieces a month, and there even is extra outside capacity if needed" [19]. This scalability proves particularly valuable for seasonal demand spikes and international expansion. Hence, brands can focus on growing their customer base while manufacturers handle increased production requirements without substantial additional investment.
ODM vs OEM vs White Label: Which is Right for Your Brand?
Choosing the right manufacturing model for your swimwear brand requires understanding the key differences between ODM, OEM, and white label approaches. Each model offers distinct advantages depending on your budget, timeline, and brand vision.
ODM: Pre-designed with Customization
Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) strikes a balance between customization and efficiency. With this approach, an ODM clothing manufacturer designs and produces products that you can modify and sell under your brand. The primary advantage lies in the ability to select from existing designs while still making them uniquely yours. "ODM provides a level of design and customization that white label does not, as white label products are usually generic and not brand-specific" [20]. Notably, ODM allows you to focus resources on marketing rather than product development. Many ODM suppliers offer 3,000+ ready styles to choose from, minimizing your investment of time and money—an excellent option for quickly establishing a swimwear brand [21].
OEM: Full Design Ownership, Higher Cost
Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) gives you complete control over design. In this model, you create the design and specifications, while the manufacturer simply produces according to your vision. "When you work with our OEM services, there are no limits to your creativity" [21]. Although this approach requires significant investment in time and money, it provides the highest level of brand differentiation. The manufacturer produces exclusively for your brand based on your exact specifications, giving you full intellectual property rights to your designs [20].
White Label: Generic Products with Minimal Customization
White label represents the simplest approach—selecting ready-made designs from a manufacturer's catalog and adding your brand name. "Simply order the styles of your choice, select the color, and send us your labels" [1]. This method offers the fastest route to market with minimal investment. Initially, a minimum order quantity of 72 pieces is typically required [1]. However, the primary drawback is lack of uniqueness—"the swimwear you choose to brand as your own could also be gracing the racks of your competitors under a different label" [3].
Decision Factors: Budget, Timeline, Brand Identity
First and foremost, consider your budget. If financial resources are limited, white label or ODM generally prove more cost-effective than OEM [4]. Secondly, evaluate your timeline—white label offers the quickest path to market, followed by ODM, while OEM takes longest due to custom development [4]. Thirdly, assess your brand strategy—if building a unique identity is crucial, OEM provides maximum differentiation, whereas ODM offers a middle ground [4]. Ultimately, the right choice depends on balancing these factors against your business objectives.
Challenges and Considerations When Choosing an ODM Manufacturer
While partnering with an ODM clothing manufacturer offers many advantages, brands must navigate several challenges to ensure successful outcomes. Understanding these considerations helps brands make informed decisions when selecting an ODM supplier for swimwear production.
Ensuring Quality Standards and Certifications
First and foremost, vetting manufacturers for quality assurance is critical. Reputable ODM suppliers typically possess industry certifications that verify their commitment to quality and ethical standards. These include BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP, GRS, and ISO9001 for garment factories, plus Oeko-Tex and GRS for fabric mills [22]. These certifications serve as indicators of a manufacturer's dedication to maintaining consistent product quality and following strict safety standards [23].
Quality control presents unique challenges in swimwear manufacturing, specifically:
Material selection - inferior materials lead to color fading and reduced elasticity
Fit and comfort issues - ensuring consistent sizing across designs
Color fastness - maintaining vibrant colors despite exposure to chlorine and UV rays
Seam durability - preventing unraveling when exposed to water [24]
Transparency in Sourcing and Labor Practices
Undoubtedly, transparency throughout the supply chain has become increasingly important. Many fashion companies have traditionally avoided close examination of their supply chains, allowing environmental and human rights violations to flourish [25]. Brands must now carefully evaluate ODM manufacturers' labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions [26].
Balancing Customization with Cost Efficiency
Obviously, striking the right balance between customization options and cost efficiency presents another significant challenge. Factors affecting pricing include desired quality, fabrics, trims, order quantities, and customization complexity [2]. On average, swimwear production ranges from $9.00 to $30.00+ per piece, with premium materials or custom elements increasing costs [2].
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) represent another consideration—most factories have minimum production requirements, though these are often negotiable [2]. Consequently, brands must carefully evaluate their volume needs against cost considerations when selecting an ODM partner.
Conclusion
Making the Right Manufacturing Choice for Your Swimwear Brand
Choosing the right ODM clothing manufacturer stands as a pivotal decision for brands entering the competitive swimwear market. Throughout this article, we've examined how expert ODM manufacturers transform concepts into market-ready swimwear collections through their systematic approach to design, customization, and production.
Expert ODM partners offer significant advantages for swimwear brands. They provide access to specialized technical knowledge about performance fabrics and construction techniques while simultaneously reducing development costs. Additionally, their established production systems allow for faster market entry—a crucial factor in the seasonal swimwear industry.
The decision between ODM, OEM, and white label manufacturing ultimately depends on your specific business needs. Startups and smaller brands might benefit most from ODM's balance of customization and cost-efficiency. Conversely, established brands with unique design concepts may prefer OEM's complete creative control despite higher investment requirements.
Regardless of your chosen manufacturing model, quality assurance remains paramount. Certifications like BSCI, SEDEX, and Oeko-Tex serve as reliable indicators of a manufacturer's commitment to product excellence and ethical standards.
The swimwear market continues to grow, with projections reaching $24.34 billion by 2029. This expanding opportunity makes strategic manufacturing partnerships more valuable than ever. Certainly, the right ODM partnership can position your brand for success through reduced production costs, accelerated development timelines, and access to specialized expertise.
Finding the perfect balance between customization, quality, and cost-efficiency requires careful evaluation of potential manufacturing partners. Though challenges exist in ensuring quality standards and supply chain transparency, these obstacles become manageable with thorough research and clear communication.
Therefore, as you consider launching or expanding your swimwear line, remember that the right manufacturing partnership can transform your brand vision into market reality—creating distinctive products that resonate with consumers while maintaining your competitive edge in this dynamic industry.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key steps in creating a custom swimwear line with an ODM manufacturer? The process typically involves trend research, selecting designs from the manufacturer's product library, customizing fabric and fit, developing samples, and finally moving to production with quality control measures in place.
Q2. How does ODM manufacturing differ from OEM and white label production? ODM offers pre-designed products with customization options, OEM involves full design ownership by the brand, and white label provides generic products with minimal customization. ODM balances customization and efficiency, making it suitable for many swimwear brands.
Q3. What are the typical costs associated with manufacturing swimwear? Swimwear production costs can range from $9 to $30+ per piece, depending on factors such as fabric quality, design complexity, and order quantity. Premium materials and custom elements can increase costs further.
Q4. What are the main benefits of working with an ODM supplier for swimwear? Key advantages include faster time-to-market for seasonal collections, lower design and development costs, access to experienced pattern makers and technicians, and scalability to accommodate growing brands.
Q5. How can brands ensure quality when working with an ODM manufacturer? Brands should look for manufacturers with industry certifications like BSCI, SEDEX, and Oeko-Tex. It's also important to evaluate the manufacturer's quality control processes, material selection, and commitment to maintaining consistent product quality and safety standards.
References
[1] - https://www.blueskyswimwear.com/white-label
[2] - https://deepwear.info/blog/swimwear-manufacturing/
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[5] - https://www.forbes.com/sites/sboyd/2024/06/21/7-swimwear-trends-that-designers-are-loving-for-summer-2024/
[6] - https://www.spacesaver.com/blog/apparel-brand-product-library
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[8] - https://baliswim.com/swimwear-fabric-prints/
[9] - https://www.leftyproductionco.com/post/2017-2-17-everything-you-need-to-know-about-swimwear-manufacturing
[10] - https://baliswim.com/sampling/
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[12] - https://www.unijoyswimwear.com/quality-control/
[13] - https://www.livbrasil.com/blog/how-to-plan-your-ss25-swimwear-collection
[14] - https://www.abelyfashion.com/chinese-swimwear-the-global-powerhouse-behind-swimwear-brands.html
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[16] - https://cmgarmindo.com/how-your-swimwear-manufacturer-can-help-scale-your-swimwear-business/
[17] - https://www.leetaisang.com.hk/product/customized-design-and-manufacturing
[18] - https://prototype.fashion/odm-manufacturers/
[19] - https://www.activewearproductions.com/swim-wear-manufacturer/
[20] - https://www.kkami.nl/white-label-private-label-odm-oem-what-is-the-difference-and-which-is-best-for-you/
[21] - https://mgoobeachwear.com/sample-development/
[22] - https://www.welonswimwear.com/manufacture.html
[23] - https://www.berunwear.com/top-sportswear-manufacturing-certifications-that-actually-matter/
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[25] - https://supplychainstrategy.media/blog/2024/04/05/transparency-is-the-key-to-a-sustainable-fashion-industry-supply-chain/
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