How to brief a sportswear manufacturer and get an accurate quote

1. The design

Show what you want made. A tech pack is ideal, but a mockup from a kit designer, a sketch or photos of a similar garment with notes on what to change are all workable starting points.

Include front and back views, and mark the position and approximate size of every logo, name and number.

2. Fabric and weight

Name the fabric type and GSM if you know them. If you do not, describe the use — sport, climate, match or training, retail or team — and ask for a recommendation.

3. Decoration method

Say whether you expect sublimation, screen print, embroidery or transfers, or ask which suits the design. The method has a large effect on price, especially for multi-color artwork.

4. Colors

Give Pantone references where color accuracy matters, such as club or brand colors. Screens vary, so a color chosen on a phone is only an approximation until it is matched to a reference.

5. Quantity and sizes

Give the total quantity per design and, if you can, the breakdown by size. If you are unsure, ask for prices at two or three quantities to see where the price breaks fall.

6. Labels and packaging

For a brand, say whether you need custom neck labels, care labels, hang tags and branded polybags. For a team, individual bagging by player name can be worth asking for.

7. Destination and deadline

Give the delivery country and any fixed date, such as the start of a season or a launch. Total lead time is sampling plus production plus shipping, so the earlier a deadline is known the better.

Shipping terms matter too: under FOB you arrange freight and import clearance; under DDP the shipment is delivered to your door with duties included in the price.

What you get back

With these details a manufacturer can confirm the unit price at each quantity, the minimum order, the sample cost and timing, and the production and shipping timeline — everything you need to decide.