Getting an accurate activewear manufacturer quote starts with providing the right information.
If you send a factory only product photos and ask, "How much for 500 pieces?", different manufacturers may calculate prices using different fabrics, construction methods, and customization assumptions.
This makes quotations difficult to compare.
To request a reliable activewear manufacturing quote, provide your product type, customization requirements, design references, fabric preferences, size and color breakdown, estimated quantities, branding details, and delivery requirements.
You do not need a complete tech pack for every initial inquiry. However, clearer specifications help manufacturers estimate costs more accurately and reduce unexpected price changes.
This guide explains what to send, how to organize your RFQ, and what to check when comparing supplier quotations.
Quick Answer: Activewear Manufacturer RFQ Checklist
An RFQ (Request for Quotation) describes what you want to manufacture and asks suppliers to provide prices and commercial terms.
Prepare the following information before contacting an activewear manufacturer.
| Information | Minimum for Initial Quote | For More Accurate Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Product & Manufacturing Model | Product type and customization level | Confirmed private label, ODM, or OEM scope |
| Design References | Photos, sketches, or reference sample | Tech pack with relevant specifications |
| Fabric Requirements | Preferred material and performance | Composition, GSM, stretch, and finishes |
| Sizes & Colors | Size range and number of colors | Quantity breakdown by style, color, and size |
| Branding & Packaging | Logo and packaging preferences | Artwork, placements, labels, and packaging details |
| Order Quantity | Estimated pieces per style | Confirmed quantities and pricing tiers |
| Delivery Requirements | Target date and destination country | Delivery location and agreed shipping terms |
Important: If some specifications are undecided, identify them as "To Be Confirmed" and ask the manufacturer to state the assumptions used for preliminary pricing.
A preliminary estimate helps you assess feasibility. A confirmed production quotation requires agreement on the product specifications, quantities, and commercial scope.
Step 1: Define Your Activewear Manufacturing Model
Your manufacturing model affects development requirements, MOQ, pricing, and lead time.
Private Label, ODM, or OEM?
| Manufacturing Model | What You Provide | Main Pricing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Private Label | Selected existing styles, logos, labels, and quantities | Garment cost, branding, and packaging |
| ODM | Existing manufacturer design with requested modifications | Materials, pattern changes, sampling |
| OEM | Original design and technical specifications | Development, materials, construction, and production |
For example, adding a logo to existing leggings requires less technical development than creating a custom compression fit with an original waistband pattern.
Manufacturers need to understand these differences before calculating costs.
If you are unsure which approach fits your brand, read our Private Label vs OEM vs ODM Activewear Guide.
What Should You Tell the Manufacturer?
State:
- Your preferred manufacturing model.
- Whether the design is original or based on an existing product.
- Which features require customization.
- Whether you are open to standard fabrics or existing patterns.
RFQ tip: Ask which modifications are included in the quotation and which require additional development charges.
Step 2: Send Design References, Samples, or a Tech Pack
Manufacturers need enough design information to estimate fabric consumption, construction complexity, and development requirements.
A complete tech pack helps improve quotation accuracy, but it is not always required for an initial estimate.
What Can You Send Without a Tech Pack?
| Available Information | Quotation Type |
|---|---|
| Product photos or sketches | Preliminary estimate based on assumptions |
| Physical reference sample | More detailed assessment of construction and materials |
| Technical specification or tech pack | More consistent costing against defined requirements |
For example, a leggings RFQ should identify the intended silhouette, waistband construction, pockets, fabric type, and any special features.
If you only have reference photos, explain which features should be retained or changed.
When Do You Need a Detailed Tech Pack?
For original OEM development, a more complete technical specification helps confirm fit, materials, components, and construction.
However, the RFQ stage should focus on providing sufficient information for costing—not finalizing every engineering detail.
For detailed instructions on technical flats, POM, fabric specifications, BOM, construction, and pre-sampling requirements, see our Activewear Tech Pack Guide.
What to confirm: Ask whether the quoted price is preliminary or based on approved specifications.
Step 3: Describe Fabric, Fit, and Construction Requirements
Fabric and construction choices can significantly affect manufacturing costs.
Two similar-looking leggings may require different materials, sewing operations, and quality checks.
Fabric Information for Quotation
Where possible, provide:
| Specification | Example |
|---|---|
| Fabric Composition | Nylon/elastane blend |
| Fabric Weight | Target 240 GSM |
| Stretch | Four-way stretch |
| Hand Feel | Soft brushed or smooth finish |
| Performance | Stretch recovery, moisture management, opacity |
| Fit | High-waisted with moderate compression |
These are illustrative requirements, not universal activewear specifications.
If you have not selected a fabric, describe the performance you need.
For example:
We are developing high-waisted yoga leggings and need a soft four-way-stretch fabric with good recovery and opacity during squats. Please recommend suitable material options and provide pricing based on your suggested specifications.
Wearzio's fabric sourcing services can support material selection for custom activewear development.
Construction Details That Affect Pricing
Different product categories require different construction considerations.
- Leggings: Waistband structure, gusset, pockets, and seam placement.
- Sports bras: Support requirements, padding, lining, and straps.
- Running shorts: Waistband, liner, pockets, and ventilation.
Special stitching, bonded seams, custom trims, or functional finishes may affect costs.
If performance claims require testing, ask whether the manufacturer can arrange the relevant tests and quote them separately.
RFQ tip: When specifications are undecided, request pricing for a recommended standard option and a more customized alternative.
Step 4: Provide Order Quantity, Sizes, and Colors
Manufacturers need to understand not only your total order volume but also how quantities are distributed across styles, colors, and sizes.
These details can affect material sourcing, production planning, and MOQ requirements.
Example: Activewear Order Quantity Breakdown
Suppose your brand plans to order 300 leggings in two colors.
| Size | Black | Navy |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 10 | 10 |
| S | 30 | 25 |
| M | 50 | 45 |
| L | 45 | 40 |
| XL | 25 | 20 |
| Total | 160 | 140 |
Illustrative quantity breakdown, not Wearzio's minimum order quantity.
This helps manufacturers evaluate color minimums, cutting quantities, and available fabric options.
A 300-piece order in two colors may have a different cost structure from 300 pieces divided across six colors.
What If Your Order Quantity Is Not Final?
Request quotations at several quantity levels.
For example:
Please quote 200, 500, and 1,000 pieces per style, and indicate the MOQ applicable to each color or fabric option.
Ask whether minimum quantities apply per style, color, fabric, or total order.
This is especially important when comparing manufacturers offering different customization models.
Step 5: Confirm Branding, Labels, and Packaging
Branding requirements should be included in your RFQ because they can affect material costs, production operations, and minimum quantities.
What Branding Information Should You Send?
Specify your preferred options:
- Heat-transfer, silicone, or screen-printed logos.
- Embroidery, where suitable for the garment.
- Woven, printed, or heat-transfer labels.
- Care and size labels.
- Custom hangtags or branded trims.
Where available, provide logo artwork, approximate dimensions, colors, and placement references.
If your branding method is undecided, ask for available options and their additional costs.
Packaging Requirements
Mention whether you need:
- Standard individual packaging.
- Custom branded bags.
- Hangtags and barcode labels.
- Size stickers.
- Special carton labels or assortments.
These details may affect production cost and fulfillment preparation.
Wearzio's private label services include branding, labels, and packaging options.
RFQ tip: Ask suppliers to identify branding and packaging charges separately when they are not included in the garment unit price.
Step 6: State Your Timeline, Destination, and Quotation Requirements
Your RFQ should explain when and where you need the finished products.
| Information | What to Provide |
|---|---|
| Sampling | Whether product development or approval samples are required |
| Timeline | Target sampling and delivery dates |
| Destination | Destination city and country or port |
| Order Quantity | Initial order and anticipated reorder volume |
| Shipping | Preferred delivery terms, if known |
| Target Budget | Optional target cost range |
If you are unfamiliar with shipping terms, ask the manufacturer which quotation basis they can offer and what is included.
For example, EXW, FOB, and delivered quotations may cover different costs and responsibilities.
What Should Be Included in the Manufacturer's Quote?
Request:
- Unit prices at the requested quantity tiers.
- MOQ per style, color, or fabric, where applicable.
- Fabric and construction assumptions.
- Sampling and development charges.
- Branding and packaging costs.
- Estimated sampling and production lead times.
- Currency, shipping terms, and payment conditions.
- Quote validity, exclusions, and pending specifications.
How Do You Compare Quotes Fairly?
A lower unit price does not automatically mean a lower total manufacturing cost.
For example, one quotation may exclude packaging, development, or freight charges that another includes.
Before comparing suppliers, check:
| Comparison Item | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Product Specification | Are fabrics and construction equivalent? |
| Quantity | Are pricing tiers and color allocations comparable? |
| Included Services | Are branding, packaging, and development included? |
| Delivery Terms | Are quotations based on the same shipping scope? |
| Price Status | Is the price preliminary or confirmed? |
The objective is to compare quotations for the same product and commercial scope—not simply select the lowest unit price.
Activewear RFQ Email Template: Copy and Send
Use the following template when requesting a quotation from an activewear manufacturer.
Replace the bracketed details with your project information. For undecided specifications, write "To Be Confirmed" or "Please Recommend."
Sample RFQ Email for an Activewear Brand
Subject: RFQ – Custom Activewear Manufacturing for [Brand Name]
Dear Sales Team,
We are [Brand Name], an activewear brand based in [Country]. We are looking for a manufacturing partner and would appreciate a quotation based on the following requirements.
1. Product Information
- Product: [Leggings / Sports Bras / Shorts / Other]
- Manufacturing model: [Private Label / ODM / OEM]
- Design references: [Tech pack / Photos / Physical sample]
- Customization requirements: [Brief description]
2. Fabric and Construction
- Composition: [Preferred material or Please Recommend]
- Fabric weight: [Target GSM or To Be Confirmed]
- Performance: [Stretch, recovery, moisture management, etc.]
- Construction: [Waistband, seams, pockets, lining]
3. Order Quantity
- Estimated volume: [Pieces per style]
- Colors: [Number of colors]
- Sizes: [XS–XL or other]
- Quantity breakdown: [Attached / To Be Confirmed]
4. Branding and Packaging
- Logo method: [Heat Transfer / Embroidery / Other]
- Labels: [Custom labels required / Standard]
- Packaging: [Standard / Custom]
5. Timeline and Destination
- Target delivery date: [Date]
- Destination: [City, Country]
- Preferred shipping terms: [If known]
Please provide:
- Unit prices at the requested quantity levels.
- MOQ requirements by style and color.
- Sampling costs and estimated development time.
- Estimated bulk production lead time.
- Branding and packaging charges.
- Shipping and payment terms.
- Quotation validity and exclusions.
Please identify any assumptions or specifications that must be confirmed before final pricing.
Thank you. We look forward to reviewing your quotation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Brand Name]
[Email / WhatsApp]
What Files Should You Attach?
Depending on your development stage, include:
- Design sketches, product references, or tech pack.
- Photos showing important product features.
- Estimated size and color breakdown.
- Logo artwork.
- Packaging references, where applicable.
You can also name files clearly, for example:
Brand_Leggings_Design_Reference.pdfBrand_Quantity_Breakdown.xlsxBrand_Logo_Artwork.ai
A well-organized RFQ reduces clarification rounds and helps manufacturers respond more consistently.
Common Mistakes That Delay Activewear Manufacturer Quotes
Incomplete or inconsistent RFQs make quotation comparisons less reliable.
| Common Mistake | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Sending only photos and asking for a unit price | Explain product features and request a clear costing basis |
| Providing total quantity without color breakdown | Share quantities per style and color |
| Requesting "premium fabric" without details | Describe material or performance requirements |
| Leaving branding undefined | Explain preferred logo and packaging options |
| Comparing quotes with different specifications | Standardize the quotation scope |
| Treating preliminary prices as final | Reconfirm pricing after specifications are approved |
If fabric, construction, branding, or quantities change significantly, request an updated quotation.
FAQ: Activewear Manufacturer Quotation Requests
1. Do I Need a Tech Pack to Get an Activewear Manufacturer Quote?
No. You can request preliminary pricing using sketches, reference photos, or a physical sample.
A detailed tech pack helps manufacturers prepare more specific quotations, particularly for original OEM products.
2. Can I Request a Quote Without Finalizing My Fabric?
Yes. Describe the intended fit, hand feel, and performance requirements.
Ask the manufacturer to recommend suitable materials and explain any pricing assumptions.
3. Should I Tell the Manufacturer My Target Budget?
Sharing a target cost range is optional.
It may help manufacturers recommend realistic materials and production options. You can also request initial quotations before discussing a target price.
4. How Long Does an Activewear Manufacturing Quote Take?
Quotation turnaround depends on design complexity, available specifications, and whether fabric or component sourcing is required.
Ask the manufacturer to confirm its expected response time.
5. Is the Initial Quote the Final Production Price?
Not necessarily.
Final pricing may change after fabric selection, sampling, construction approval, quantity confirmation, or other specification changes.
Request written confirmation of the final quotation before placing a production order.
Conclusion: Prepare a Clear RFQ Before Requesting Pricing
A well-prepared activewear RFQ helps manufacturers understand your requirements and provide more accurate, comparable quotations.
Before requesting prices, identify your manufacturing model, share available design information, describe material and construction needs, provide estimated quantities, and clarify branding and delivery requirements.
You do not need every technical specification finalized before contacting a manufacturer. You do need to distinguish confirmed requirements from assumptions and unresolved decisions.
At Wearzio, we support private label, ODM, and OEM activewear development and manufacturing.
Whether you have a complete tech pack or are still exploring product options, our team can review your requirements and discuss an appropriate quotation approach.
Contact Wearzio to Request an Activewear Manufacturing Quote
