How Can Manufacturers Partner With Brands Like Gymshark?

Many manufacturers want to work with fast-growing activewear brands — but partnering with companies like Gymshark requires more than offering low prices or large capacity.
Brands at this level look for specialized capability, flexibility, development support, and performance consistency rather than basic production.

As someone working closely with OEM activewear factories, I often hear:
“What do brands like Gymshark actually look for — and how can a manufacturer qualify?”

This article explains the requirements in a simple, beginner-friendly way.


Table of Contents


Quick Answer

Manufacturers can partner with brands like Gymshark by offering specialized product capabilities, strong development support, flexible production options, and consistent performance testing — not just mass production capacity.

💬 From my OEM experience:
Big brands don’t look for “the biggest factory.”
They look for the smartest and most specialized partner.



1. Specialization Matters More Than Factory Size

Brands like Gymshark select factories based on technical capability, not scale.

What specialization looks like:

  • seamless knitting expertise
  • nylon–spandex compression fabrics
  • contour design execution
  • high-gauge circular machines
  • advanced pattern and grading for performance fit

Why this matters

Gym-focused brands care about:

  • sculpting
  • stretch and recovery
  • squat-proof performance
  • waistband stability

These require expertise, not just machinery.

OEM Insight

A factory offering “anything and everything” rarely wins.
Factories that master one category get noticed.


2. Development Support Is More Important Than Cheap Pricing

Fast-growing brands need product development partners, not just sewing lines.

What development support includes:

  • fabric sourcing recommendations
  • sampling iterations
  • fit corrections based on movement
  • colorfastness and stretch guidance
  • technical feedback before production

Why brands value this

It helps them:

  • launch faster
  • avoid design failures
  • reduce returns
  • improve customer loyalty

Compared to old-style manufacturing:

Traditional Factory Mindset Modern Brand Expectations
“Send PO and we produce” “Help us develop the right product”
Limited sample feedback Collaborative iteration
Cost-first communication Performance-first communication
No testing responsibility Shared testing and validation

Brands like Gymshark want partners, not vendors.


3. Flexibility and Small Run Capability Are Critical

Gymshark built its success through small drops and rapid testing, not giant seasonal orders.

What manufacturers must offer:

  • low MOQs for new styles
  • quick sample turnaround
  • ability to scale when demand spikes
  • responsive communication
  • willingness to adapt designs

Why flexibility matters

It allows brands to:

  • test colors and fits
  • avoid overproduction
  • collect real user feedback
  • reduce financial risk

💬 New brands don’t start with 20,000 pcs — they start with trial runs that grow by performance.



4-performance-testing-and-consistency-build-trust">4. Performance Testing and Consistency Build Trust

Brands like Gymshark rely heavily on repeatable performance, especially for high-stretch fabrics.

Key tests include:

  • stretch and recovery
  • pilling resistance
  • squat-proof opacity
  • colorfastness (sweat + wash)
  • seam strength
  • waistband elasticity durability

Why this matters

Performance failures damage:

  • influencer content
  • customer confidence
  • brand reputation

OEM Perspective

Factories that test before scaling avoid:

  • returns
  • order cancellations
  • long-term supplier loss

Consistency is more valuable than speed.


5. What Manufacturers Should Do Before Reaching Out

Before approaching big brands, factories should prepare:


✔ Lesson 1: Build a strong category portfolio

Examples:

  • seamless sets
  • compression leggings
  • performance tops
  • joggers and hoodies

Show expertise, not variety.


✔ Lesson 2: Prepare technical documentation

Include:

  • machine lists
  • yarn capabilities
  • fabric testing data
  • sample size specs
  • production lead times

Professional presentation increases trust.


✔ Lesson 3: Start by targeting emerging brands

Working with:

  • fast-growing startups
  • micro-influencer-led brands
  • niche performance labels

…positions factories for future Gymshark-level partnerships.


✔ Lesson 4: Offer collaboration, not just production

Communicate like this:

  • “Here’s how we can improve fit”
  • “We recommend this yarn for durability”
  • “We can test squat-proof before bulk”

Proactive factories win faster.


✔ Lesson 5: Focus on long-term relationships

Brands don’t switch suppliers often —
they stay with partners who support growth.


FAQs

Q1: Do brands like Gymshark require huge production capacity?
Not initially — they prioritize specialization and flexibility.

Q2: Is offering low pricing enough to attract big brands?
No. Development support and performance reliability matter far more.

Q3: Can smaller factories still qualify?
Absolutely — if they excel in one category and communicate professionally.

Q4: How do manufacturers get noticed?
By presenting capability, not asking for orders.


Partnering With FuKi Gymwear

If you want to partner with emerging and fast-scaling activewear brands — the way Gymshark works with its suppliers — specialization and development support are essential.

👉 FuKi Gymwear supports brands with:

  • Seamless and compression product capability
  • High-stretch nylon–spandex development
  • Squat-proof and durability testing
  • Low MOQ for new category launches
  • Fast sampling and iterative production cycles

💬 Manufacturers succeed when they think like partners, not vendors — and we help brands grow through that mindset.


owen@bless-dg.com

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