How to Source Custom Mens Jackets for Outdoor Apparel Brand OEM?

Identify Suitable Fabrics Based on Functional Features

While sourcing custom mens outdoor jackets, selecting suitable fabrics is crucial as it is the basis for all functional designs. In outdoor situations such as hiking, camping, and mountain climbing, the fabrics used need to be waterproof, breathable, and wear resistant. Fabrics used for outdoor jackets, even after washing, should be able to withstand hydrostatic pressures equal to or greater than 50kpa, and surface moisture resistance of grade 4 or less to be considered satisfactory. Blended fabrics of polyester and spandex are popular because of their quick drying and elastic capabilities, and textiles made from recycled plastic are quickly becoming a favorite of global positioned sustainable brands. In the outdoor jacket custom design market, the lack of attention on breathability results in a poor user experience in the final jackets. In real life scenarios, it is critical to determine the fabric's air permeability. When selecting the fabric, do not make a big effort on the waterproofness to the detriment of breathability.

Supplier Certifications and Qualifications

Apart from product design, selecting a viable OEM supplier is of paramount importance. Good suppliers should possess all available international certifications and have industry compliance. For example, a manufacturer with a WRAP gold certification shows ethical production and quality management, and a supplier who has certifications from third parties like Bureau Veritas indicates production safety. Assessing the supplier's production capacity and adequate technical equipment, such as intelligent production lines, is essential. Furthermore, a qualified design team is a plus. In most practical partnerships, brands seeking only low-cost suppliers and disregarding the suppliers’ credentials are heaped with challenges of substandard goods and diminished supply capabilities. Good suppliers have defined quality management systems and are able to share quality control records and production footpaths.

Understanding the Proofing and Quality Control Process

Consistency across custom apparel design and finished product offerings is ensured at the proofing stage, while the firm’s quality control processes offer assurance of product quality. A reliable OEM provider will have proofing specialists, such as experienced pattern makers and proofing specialists, as well as automated proofing cutter technology to increase the accuracy of proofing. To help brands prototype and launch custom apparel quicker, they typically guarantee sample delivery within 7 to 10 business days. Quality control processes are multilayered; quality control inspectors conduct primary inspections, and pre-packaging inspectors do secondary inspections. This ‘double inspection’ process is effective at managing product quality, as the defect rate of products is typically decreased. To avoid design discrepancy, it is recommended that brands document sample details to their supplier.

Bespoke Design Integrated with Outdoor Requirements

The bespoke design of outdoor jackets should integrate the outdoor functionality and the outdoor ergonomics seamlessly. In structural terms, the center front of the jacket should feature water resistant zippers or plackets that are wind resistant, and snow and wind preventers should be applied at the cuffs and neck line to suit varied weather conditions outdoors. For the finer details, elasticized waistbands and multi pockets that facilitate the carrying of small articles required for outdoor exercise are added. Some professional OEM providers offer fully customized packages to suit the specifications of your brand, including free design, custom tags, labels, and packing components. In design collaborations, brands are to advise the OEM or supplier's design team on the use cases and the intended market for the product so that the design meets the functionality and the strategic brand alignment.

Supply Chain Stability and Flexible Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Stability in the supply chain is critical to the enduring partnership of brands and OEM suppliers. For new outdoor brands, and small to medium-sized brands, stability and flexibility in MOQ are more pertinent. Large-scale, professional suppliers are capable of both large and small batch flexibility, and are able to meet the demands of established brands while also accommodating the needs of newer brands. This is possible due to their raw material and production scheduling capabilities. Annually, these suppliers are able to produce millions of units. Top-tier suppliers also posses the ability to manage the entire supply chain, and adapt counter to a brand’s order or production schedule. This ensures timely and consistent delivery. Additionally, the supplier’s after-sales, or service, support is also critical to the supply chain, as it can contribute and mitigate the operational risk to the brand by quickly dispossessed of the repaired or replaced products.

One Stop OEM Services as a Way to Enhance Collaborative Efficiency

The highly efficient OEM collaboration for custom jackets involves working with an OEM with all-in-one services. Such a supplier has the capacity to combine the design, proofing, production, and logistics, thereby cutting down brand communication and time cost during the entire collaboration. With customization of fabrics and matching of accessories, and all the way from sample approvals to bulk production, the whole production cycle is seamlessly interconnected through one-stop collaborative services. Having been in the industry for 33 years, Yilong has a workforce of over 800 employees. Our production facility is over 47,000 square meters and is fitted with the latest in Intelligent Manufacturing. Yilong also has a fully equipped and professionally staffed design and sampling facility and as a result, we offer the best in One Stop OEM Services to global outdoor brands. Yilong is also a WRAP gold certified and BV Factory Inspected facility with an effective in-house Quality Control System and reliable Supply Chain Management. This ensures Yilong’s Custom Mens Jackets are a perfect fit for Outdoor Brands.