In OEM compression apparel, stretch is meaningless without recovery.
From my experience, most brands focus on how far a fabric stretches—but the real performance comes from how completely and consistently it returns to shape after movement and washing.
Poor recovery leads to:
A capable OEM factory controls both stretch and recovery from fabric selection to bulk production.
Compression garments must do three things at once:
Regular activewear can tolerate minor deformation. Compression wear cannot.
If recovery drops by even 5–8%, the garment:
This is why OEM compression projects fail when factories treat them like tight leggings.
Across multiple gym brands, I’ve seen the same pattern:
The root cause is almost always fabric recovery drift between sample and bulk.
Strong OEM factories:
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Stretch ratio (%) | Maximum extension |
| Recovery rate (%) | Return-to-shape |
| Cyclic stretch test | Fatigue resistance |
| Wash & dry cycles | Long-term stability |
| Opacity under stretch | Visual quality |
If a factory can’t explain these tests, they’re not equipped for real compression wear.
| Fabric Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Nylon–Spandex (70/30) | High recovery, smooth feel |
| Power Interlock | Stable compression zones |
| Warp-knit compression | Superior shape memory |
| Brushed compression knit | Cold-weather base layers |
| Mesh compression panels | Breathability with support |
Good OEM partners recommend fabric by sport intensity, not just cost.
Compression Target Definition
Pressure zones and fit intent are defined.
Fabric Sourcing & Lab Testing
Stretch and recovery are measured.
Prototype Sampling
Focus on tension balance and comfort.
Wear & Wash Testing
Garments are tested in real workouts.
Pre-Production Approval
Locks fabric lot and construction method.
Bulk Cutting & Sewing
Tension control preserves elasticity.
In-Line QC
Recovery drift is monitored.
Skipping wash testing is the most common OEM mistake.
👉 Fukigymwear – OEM Compression Apparel
Specialized in gym-focused compression with strong control over fabric recovery and seam tension.
Best for: Fitness brands building long-term performance lines.
Large-scale producer with deep technical fabric expertise.
Best for: Established performance brands.
👉 Tegmade
Focuses on functional construction and performance textiles.
Best for: Function-first compression programs.
Balanced capabilities for compression tops and bottoms.
Best for: Brands scaling mid-volume collections.
Supports low-to-mid MOQ OEM compression projects.
Best for: Startups and test launches.
| Factory | MOQ | Fabric Testing | Recovery Control | Bulk Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fukigymwear | Low | High | High | High |
| AEL Apparel | High | Very High | Very High | Very High |
| Tegmade | Medium | High | High | High |
| Berunwear | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Billoomi Fashion | Low–Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Choose based on performance expectations:
Always ask for:
Q: Is stretch more important than recovery?
A: No. Recovery defines long-term performance.
Q: Can any spandex fabric be used for compression?
A: No. Many stretch but fail to recover.
Q: Typical MOQ for OEM compression?
A: Usually 100–300 units per style.
If you’re developing OEM compression apparel and need a factory that understands
fabric stretch, recovery, and long-term performance,
👉 Fukigymwear – OEM Compression Apparel Manufacturer offers full fabric testing, flexible MOQs, and performance-driven production control.