Custom print athletic wear has become increasingly popular for sports teams, fitness brands, personal trainers, and active lifestyle enthusiasts who want unique, high-quality apparel that reflects their identity and style. However, many people wonder: How long does it take to produce custom print athletic wear? This article explores the entire process from design submission to final delivery, breaking down each stage and the factors influencing production time. We will also provide helpful visuals and videos to illustrate the process, plus a detailed FAQ section to answer common questions about custom print athletic wear.
Understanding Custom Print Athletic Wear Production
Custom print athletic wear involves creating garments such as jerseys, leggings, hoodies, and workout tops that feature personalized designs, logos, names, and numbers. The production process is more complex than off-the-shelf apparel because it includes design approval, fabric sourcing, printing, and finishing steps tailored to each order.
Key Stages in Custom Print Athletic Wear Production
1. Design Submission and Consultation
The process starts when you submit your design or sample. This can be digital artwork or a physical garment you want to replicate or modify. The manufacturer reviews your design for feasibility, fabric choice, and print placement, often consulting with you to finalize details like colors, logos, and sizes[2].
2. Material Sourcing and Preparation
Athletic wear typically uses specialized fabrics such as moisture-wicking polyester or Cooldry mesh. Sourcing these materials can take 1-3 weeks depending on availability and customization (e.g., custom-dyed fabrics or eco-friendly materials)[1][18].
3. Cutting and Sewing
Once materials are ready, fabric is cut into garment pieces and sewn together. This stage usually takes 1-2 weeks and depends on the complexity of the design and order size. Advanced factories use automated cutting machines to speed up production[1][18].
4. Printing or Embroidery
Printing methods include screen printing, sublimation, direct-to-garment (DTG), heat transfer, and embroidery. Printing can take 2-7 days depending on the technique and complexity. Sublimation and all-over printing are popular for athletic wear due to durability and comfort[1][2][12][18].
5. Quality Control and Packaging
Final inspection ensures garments meet quality standards before folding, tagging, and packing. This typically takes 2-5 days[18].
Typical Production Timeline
| Production Stage | Time Required | Notes |
| Design Submission & Approval | 1-3 days | Depends on customer response time |
| Material Sourcing | 1-3 weeks | Specialty fabrics may extend this |
| Cutting & Sewing | 1-2 weeks | Complexity and order size affect duration |
| Printing/Embroidery | 2-7 days | Depends on print method and design complexity |
| Quality Control & Packaging | 2-5 days | Final checks and preparation for shipping |
| Total Estimated Time | 3-6 weeks | Can be shorter or longer based on factors |
Factors Affecting Production Time for Custom Print Athletic Wear
– Order Size: Larger bulk orders take longer, sometimes 4-6 weeks or more, while small batches or single items can be produced faster (sometimes within a week)[3][18].
– Design Complexity: Detailed logos, multiple colors, embroidery, or all-over prints add time to the printing and stitching stages[1][18].
– Fabric Type and Availability: Custom or specialty fabrics require longer sourcing times[1][18].
– Printing Method: Screen printing is efficient for bulk orders but requires setup time; DTG and heat transfer are faster for small runs but may have durability trade-offs[8][17].
– Manufacturer Capacity: Production speed depends on factory workload, equipment, and workforce availability[1][3].
– Customer Communication: Delays in design approval or changes can extend the timeline[1][2].
Visual and Video Insights Into Custom Print Athletic Wear Production
Visual Process Overview
Custom Athletic Wear Production Stages: Design → Fabric Sourcing → Cutting → Printing → Sewing → Quality Control → Packaging
Video: Making Custom Fitness Gear for a Personal Training Brand
This video shows the entire process from design to finished product using advanced DTF printing technology. It highlights how custom print athletic wear is made with attention to detail and durability.
Video: Process of Printing and Making Sport Jerseys
A detailed factory walkthrough showing design preparation, fabric cutting, heat press printing, stitching, ironing, and packing of custom sports jerseys.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Production Stage
1. Design Submission and Approval
– Submit your artwork (preferably vector format) or sample garment.
– Discuss fabric, colors, logo placement, and personalization.
– Receive a digital proof/mockup for approval.
– This stage usually takes about 1-3 days but depends on how quickly you respond[1][3][9].
2. Material Sourcing
– Athletic wear fabrics like Cooldry, moisture-wicking polyester, or mesh are sourced.
– Standard colors may be in stock; custom colors or fabrics take longer (1-3 weeks).
– Some manufacturers produce their own fabric to speed up supply[1][4][18].
3. Cutting and Sewing
– Fabric is cut into garment parts using automated or manual cutters.
– Sewing machines assemble pieces, including special features like holes for drawstrings or custom labels.
– Takes about 1-2 weeks depending on order size and garment complexity[1][18].
4. Printing and Embroidery
– Printing can be done on fabric pieces before sewing or on finished garments.
– Techniques include screen printing, sublimation, heat transfer, and embroidery.
– Printing time ranges from 2 to 7 days; large or complex prints take longer[1][2][8][18].
5. Quality Control and Packaging
– Garments are inspected for defects in fabric, stitching, and print.
– Items are folded, tagged, and packed for shipping.
– This final step takes 2-5 days[1][18].
Tips to Speed Up Your Custom Print Athletic Wear Order
– Submit finalized artwork in the correct format early.
– Choose in-stock fabrics and standard colors.
– Avoid last-minute design changes.
– Place orders well ahead of peak seasons or events.
– Communicate clearly and promptly with your manufacturer[1][18].
Conclusion
Producing custom print athletic wear is a multi-step process that typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from design approval to delivery, depending on factors like order size, fabric availability, printing complexity, and factory capacity. For smaller orders or simpler designs, turnaround can be as fast as one week, especially with print-on-demand services. Understanding the stages and planning accordingly helps ensure your custom athletic apparel arrives on time and meets your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take to get a custom print athletic wear order completed?
Production usually takes between 3 to 6 weeks depending on order size, fabric sourcing, and printing method. Small orders can sometimes be completed in as little as 5-7 business days[1][3][18].
2. What printing methods are best for custom athletic wear?
Sublimation and all-over printing are best for durability and comfort. Screen printing is ideal for bulk orders, while DTG and heat transfer suit smaller runs or detailed designs[8][12][18].
3. Can I order a single piece of custom print athletic wear?
Yes, many providers offer no minimum order quantities and print-on-demand services allowing you to order just one item[4][10][12].
4. How does design complexity affect production time?
More complex designs with multiple colors, embroidery, or large prints take longer to produce, adding days to the printing and sewing stages[1][18].
5. What should I provide to start my custom athletic wear order?
You should provide your artwork (preferably in vector format), specify garment style, colors, sizes, and approve a digital proof before production begins[3][9][15].
Citations:
[1] https://www.merchup.com/en/how-long-does-it-take-and-what-is-the-production-of-custom-garments/
[2] https://www.magicsfashion.com/blogs/news-and-activities/process-of-custom-apparel-production
[3] https://kirkwoodtradingcompany.com/turn-around-time-custom-tees/
[4] https://www.theprintbar.com/page/custom-sportswear
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEaGHHBhYRA
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3vO5T–Sm8
[7] https://brandedscreenprinting.com/brandedscreenprintingwebsite/faqs/
[8] https://www.garmentprinting.co.uk/blog/custom-sports-t-shirts-some-important-considerations/
[9] https://www.customapparelsource.net/faqs/
[10] https://fitprint.co
[11] https://www.screentextiles.co.uk/how-long-does-t-shirt-printing-take-i62
[12] https://fourthwall.com/design-and-sell/custom-athletic-wear
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8sQz44Xu2c
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsfHQo3nuVg
[15] https://onboardsportswear.com/pages/faqs
[16] https://fashionsoulintl.com/white-label-clothing-services/faq-guide/
[17] https://mbprints.com/faq-screen-printing/
[18] https://modaknits.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-manufacture-a-t-shirt/
[19] https://kustomimprints.com/athletic-wear/
[20] https://www.customink.com/products/activewear/44
[21] https://www.mageplaza.com/blog/print-on-demand-gym-clothing/
[22] https://www.sporteventprint.com/en/works/custom-printed-sports-wear
[23] https://www.lever-sports.com/how-does-print-on-demand-sportswear-work/
[24] https://printify.com/app/products/mens-clothing/sportswear
[25] https://www.hcactivewear.com/comm10/Production-Capacity.htm
[26] https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/special-feature/utme
[27] https://www.nonameglobal.com/active-wear-clothing-manufacturers
[28] https://www.apparelnbags.com/faq/how-long-it-would-take-to-process-custom-embroidery-screen-printing-and-other-customization-orders.htm
[29] https://support.amcustomclothing.co.uk/index.php/knowledge-base/what-are-the-lead-times/
[30] https://fourthwall.com/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-clothing-line-7-steps-for-making-your-own-activewear
[31] https://screenprintingmag.com/printing-on-athletic-apparel/
[32] https://www.ninghowapparel.com/private-label-production-time/
[33] https://tagitexpress.ca/blogs/beginners-handbook/things-you-should-know-about-custom-clothing-printing
[34] https://www.heyyoungsportswear.com/activewear-manufacturer.html
[35] https://activewearbali.com/activewear-sampling/
[36] https://force-sportswear.com
[37] https://activewear.customcat.com
[38] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVj_E1zDiEI
[39] https://www.4imprint.com/tag/4531/athletic
[40] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwA3lxeZB7I
[41] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-make-custom-sportswear-demo-from-printing-laser
[42] https://artofwhere.com/products/bottoms/leggings-and-pants/yoga-leggings-and-capris
[43] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otzNyVedJ4w
[44] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGbTOWHw8A
[45] https://www.apliiq.com/catalog?feature=activewear
[46] https://www.customsportswear.net/faq/
[47] https://www.antonsport.com/faq/
[48] https://fitprint.co
[49] https://www.bison.cz/en/useful-tips/frequently-asked-questions/
[50] https://www.customsportsandleisure.com/faqs
[51] https://www.mypersonalisedclothing.com/faqs/
[52] https://canadiancustomapparel.com/page/more/blog/5-things-to-know-before-you-order-custom-shirts-for-your-business
[53] https://www.conbello.com/Sportswear-manufacturing-frequently-asked-questions
[54] https://www.healysport.com/a-faqs-about-custom-team-uniforms-and-jerseys.html
[55] https://www.printedshirts.ca/faqs
[56] https://affixapparel.com/faqs/
[57] https://hipeak.com/order/mobile-faqs.php
Hot tags: custom print athletic wear, China, Global, OEM, private label, manufacturers, factory, suppliers, manufacturing company
