How to Start a Sports Bra Brand with OEM Factories

Table of Contents


Quick Answer

If you’re thinking, “How do I start a sports bra brand with OEM factories?”, you’re asking the right question. From my years working with activewear founders, the biggest challenges are finding the right partner, understanding MOQ, and nailing the product fit — not just getting “fabric made.”

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how to go from idea to product on shelves — covering supplier selection, sample testing, pricing, brand positioning, and launch strategy.


1. Why Start a Sports Bra Brand with OEM

Targeted Demand

Sports bras are one of the fastest growing segments in activewear. Women are increasingly looking for supportive, comfortable, and stylish options that fit diverse bodies.

Faster Time to Market

Working with an OEM factory lets you skip infrastructure investment and focus on design, branding, and marketing — the parts that make your brand memorable.

Scalability

A good OEM partner helps you scale from small MOQ orders to larger runs as demand increases.


2. My Personal Journey with OEM Sports Bra Manufacturing

When I first started helping fitness brands, I made common mistakes:

  • Chose cheap fabrics — only to face mass returns
  • Ignored sample fit tests — leading to fit inconsistency
  • Worked with fading communication — lost time & money

What changed my success trajectory was finding partners who understood fit engineering — not just sewing. Once I focused on fit first, then fabric, the product quality and brand retention improved dramatically.


3. Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Sports Bra Brand

Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity

  • Who is your target customer?
  • What support levels (low, medium, high)?
  • What price points will you compete at?

Step 2: Research Fabrics & Features

High-quality sports bras depend on:

  • Moisture-wicking fabrics
  • Compression & stretch recovery
  • Bonded seams & flatlock stitching
  • Breathable panels

Step 3: Shortlist OEM Partners

Use the list below as a starting point.

Step 4: Order & Evaluate Samples

Test real movement — never skip this.

Step 5: Finalize Tech Pack & Fit Specs

Provide clear tech packs to avoid misunderstandings.

Step 6: Negotiate MOQ & Pricing

Aim for flexibility early on.

Step 7: Plan Your Launch & Marketing

Think preorders, social proof, and community building.


1. Fukigymwear – Full OEM Sports Bra Manufacturing

👉 Fukigymwear

Fukigymwear

Best for brands looking for custom sports bra design, sampling, and scalable production with flexible MOQ.


2. Nike – Performance Benchmark

👉 Nike

nike

While not a contract supplier, Nike’s sports bra technology and fit standards are excellent for reference and benchmarking.


3. Under Armour – High-Impact & Innovation

👉 Under Armour

underarmour

High-performance engineering in compression and support design.


4. Lululemon – Premium Comfort & Fit

👉 Lululemon

Lululemon图

Industry leader in comfort, fit, and premium fabric choices.


5. Athleta – Inclusive & Functional Brand

👉 Athleta

athleta

Great benchmark for inclusive sizing and lifestyle performance.


5. Sports Bra Brand Launch Checklist

StageKey Actions
Brand StrategyDefine audience, support levels, price points
Product DevelopmentTech pack, fabric selection, sampling
Supplier & MOQEvaluate partners, negotiate MOQs
Fit TestingWear tests, size grading checks
ProductionQuality control, packaging design
LaunchPreorders, influencers, ads, community content

6. FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to start a sports bra brand?
Costs vary widely, but you should budget for samples, fabric development, MOQ production, packaging, and marketing.

Q: What is a good MOQ for startups?
Many OEMs like Fukigymwear offer 50–200 piece MOQs, depending on complexity.

Q: Do I need a tech pack before contacting factories?
Yes — a clear tech pack reduces miscommunication and speeds up sampling.


Work With Fukigymwear

If you’re ready to launch a sports bra brand with reliable OEM support,

👉 Fukigymwear helps you design, sample, and scale production with transparent communication and quality control.


owen

Hi there! My name is Owen, I’m the father and hero of two wonderful children, with over 20 years of experience in apparel, from the factory floor to running my own successful apparel manufacturing business. I’m here to share with you what I’ve learned – let’s grow together!

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