How to choose fabrics when sourcing underwear from a Chinese underwear manufacturer - Underwear

This guide explains how to choose fabrics when sourcing underwear from a chinese underwear manufacturer - underwear from a practical B2B sourcing perspective, helping brands reduce sampling risk, control quality, and make faster purchasing decisions.

When sourcing underwear from a Chinese underwear manufacturer, it is important to choose the right fabric. There are many different types of fabrics available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we'll discuss the most common types of fabrics used in underwear manufacturing and explain why you might want to choose them for your next project. How should I choose fabrics for underwear manufacturing?

1. When sourcing fabrics from Chinese underwear manufacturers, it is important to consider the following factors.

Fabric weight and drapability

When sourcing fabrics from a Chinese underwear manufacturer, it is important to consider the weight and drape of the fabric.

Key Insights for Buyers

• The wrong fabric weight can cause a garment to be uncomfortable to wear, while the wrong drape can cause a garment to look bulky or cheap.
• Fabric weight is usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm). More gsm means the fabric is thicker. The correct fabric weight will depend on the type of underwear you are making.
• ① If you are making a sports bra, you will need a fabric with a high gram weight (about 250 to 300 gsm) to provide support.
• ② If you are making a sexy underwear set, you will need a lower gram weight fabric (about 100 to150 grams) so that it is sheer and lightweight.
• ③ Plain boxer shorts are usually made of a medium weight fabric (about 200 to 250 grams).

Action Checklist

1. Confirm fabric, size grading, and trim specifications before sampling.
2. Lock in MOQ, lead time, and quality checkpoints in writing.
3. Request pre-production confirmation for labels, packaging, and compliance standards.
4. Use a pilot run to validate fit, durability, and customer feedback before scale-up.

If you are planning OEM/ODM underwear sourcing, prepare your tech pack and target quantity first to speed up quotation and sample approval.