The global activewear market is booming. From high-performance yoga sets to functional gym wear, the demand for quality athletic apparel has never been higher. For brands, retailers, and private labels, finding the right manufacturing partner is the most critical step to success.
China remains the world's premier destination for activewear manufacturing, offering a complete supply chain, advanced fabric technology, and skilled craftsmanship. However, with thousands of factories to choose from, how do you find the one that fits your brand's specific needs?
If you’re building a performance apparel brand, custom activewear line, or athleisure collection, choosing the right activewear manufacturer is key. Below are 8 leading activewear manufacturers in China that offer full OEM/ODM services, flexible MOQ, and premium production for global brands, from yoga apparel and gym wear to running gear and fitness sets.
Runtang Textile: An integrated "one-stop" manufacturer controlling everything from fabric knitting to garment finishing, offering premium quality and flexible MOQs.
Aolafree: A specialist in seamless activewear technology, utilizing advanced Santoni machines to create high-stretch, comfortable yoga and gym sets.
China Activewear: A comprehensive OEM/ODM supplier providing a wide variety of custom sportswear solutions for brands looking for extensive catalog options.
Eation Sportswear: A modern manufacturer focused on intelligent production systems and trend-responsive services, ideal for small to medium-sized fashion brands.
Ingor Sports: A versatile factory capable of producing both adult and children's activewear, with a strong commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Hucai Sportswear: An established Dongguan-based manufacturer with decades of experience in producing high-performance fitness gear and compression wear.
AEL Apparel: A startup-friendly partner specializing in custom clothing solutions, known for supporting new labels with lower minimum order quantities.
Yotex Apparel: A service-oriented supplier focusing on the North American and European markets, offering hassle-free logistics and full-package production.
Runtang Textile
Runtang Textile stands out as a unique "one-stop" solution in the activewear industry. Unlike many factories that only sew, Runtang controls the entire production chain—from knitting the fabric to finishing the final garment. Located in Foshan, the heart of China’s knitwear industry, Runtang leverages over 14 years of experience to deliver premium quality at competitive prices.
Highlights:
One-stop clothing manufacturing partner with flexible customization.
Can support gym leggings, tops, and performance pieces via customized production.
Strong expertise in fabrics and trims.
Why Choose Runtang:
Vertical Integration: Since they manufacture their own fabric (Jersey, French Terry, Rib Knit), they have better control over material quality and costs compared to simple "cut & sew" factories.
Flexible MOQ: Runtang is known for supporting growing brands with flexible Minimum Order Quantities, making it easier to test new styles without huge inventory risks.
Speed: With a massive 60,000 square meter facility and in-house fabric supply, their turnaround time from sample to bulk delivery is faster than the industry average.
One-Stop Service: From fabric development to custom branding (private label), they handle it all.
Aolafree
AOLAFREE is a Shenzhen-located activewear manufacturer specializing in custom sportswear with low MOQs (starting ~150 pcs per color). If your brand focuses on seamless technology (products knitted in one piece without side seams), Aolafree is a top contender. Established in 2012, they specialize specifically in the seamless sector, utilizing advanced Santoni machines to create high-stretch, comfortable activewear.
Highlights:
Low MOQ + flexible production for startups
Seamless knitting and advanced cutting equipment
Worldwide shipping & brand customization support
Why Choose Aolafree:
Seamless Specialization: They are experts in seamless knitting technology, which is a high-demand category in the current activewear market (think Gymshark style).
Export Experience: With a strong focus on Western markets (Europe, USA, Australia), they understand the sizing and quality standards required by international brands.
Design Support: They offer robust ODM services, helping brands turn concepts into 3D designs and physical samples quickly.
China Activewear
It is a Guangdong-based activewear manufacturer with decades of experience producing high-performance fitness apparel for international brands. China Activewear markets itself as a comprehensive solution provider specifically tailored for international fashion brands and private labels. Unlike traditional factories that might be rigid, China Activewear emphasizes its ability to adapt to a wide variety of styles and client requirements. They focus heavily on the service aspect of manufacturing, aiming to make the complex process of custom apparel easy for overseas buyers.
Highlights:
3,900㎡ smart facilities with advanced quality standards (OEKO-TEX certified).
In-house R&D team with thousands of original patterns.
6-stage inspection + full customization (labels, UPC, grading).
Why Choose China Activewear:
Customization Expert: As their name suggests, they specialize in taking a client's specific vision and turning it into reality. They are particularly strong in handling complex custom prints and specific branding requirements.
Service-Oriented: They position themselves as a partner for brands that need guidance through the OEM process, offering clear communication regarding tech packs and sampling.
Trend Responsiveness: They maintain a keen eye on current Western fashion trends, making them a good choice for brands that want to sell "Instagram-worthy" activewear.
Eation Sportswear
Eation (also styled Eationwear) is a large OEM/ODM activewear partner with modern automated production lines in Dongguan. It positions itself as a modern, efficient manufacturer for small to medium-sized activewear brands. They emphasize "Intelligent Manufacturing" and have a reputation for being very responsive to current fashion trends in the fitness world.
Highlights:
Two factories totalling 20,000 m², ~500,000 pcs monthly output.
Full private label support from sample to bulk orders.
Strong multi-stage quality control with AQL standards.
Why Choose Eation:
Smart Production: They utilize intelligent hanging systems in their production lines, which improve efficiency and reduce garment handling defects.
Trend Awareness: Eation closely follows global activewear trends, often helping clients produce styles that are currently popular on social media.
Supportive Service: They are recognized for their strong communication skills and expertise in helping brands navigate the complexities of tech packs and sampling.
Ingor Sportswear
Founded in 2009, Ingor Sports has grown into a versatile manufacturer located in Guangzhou. While they excel in adult activewear, they also demonstrate a distinct capability in producing children's activewear, a growing niche.
Highlights:
17+ years OEM/ODM experience in yoga, gym, running & workout wear.
BSCI, ISO 9001 and other certifications assure quality.
Why Choose Ingor:
Versatility: Whether you need adult gym wear or a "Mommy and Me" matching yoga set, Ingor can handle both adult and children's sizing effectively.
Sustainability Focus: They have been increasing their use of eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable production practices, catering to the green market.
Experienced Team: Their team includes experienced merchandisers who are fluent in English and understand the specific testing requirements for different markets (especially for kidswear safety).
HCSportswear(Hucai Sportswear)
Hucai brings 25+ years of sportswear manufacturing experience with strong design and OEM/ODM offerings, ideal for European, American, and Middle Eastern markets. They are less about fast fashion trends and more about producing durable, high-performance gear that withstands intense workouts. Their long history suggests a highly organized production floor and strict quality control protocols.
Highlights:
Full activewear supply from a fab selection for delivery.
Modern production systems (MES) and multi-step QC processes.
Manufacturing Pedigree: With over two decades of experience, Hucai has deeply established supply chains and mature production lines, ensuring consistency in bulk orders.
Technical Focus: They excel in producing garments that require functional performance, such as compression wear that needs specific stretch-recovery properties or moisture-wicking capabilities.
Infrastructure: Their facility is equipped with specialized machinery for flatlock stitching and other durability-focused sewing techniques essential for serious gym gear.
AEL Apparel
AEL Apparel is a broader custom clothing manufacturer with a strong fashion design background — capable of producing activewear as part of larger wardrobe collections. Unlike massive factories that ignore small brands, AEL has built its business model around flexibility, customization, and helping new labels get off the ground.
Highlights:
Customized production of active pieces alongside casual and lifestyle garments.
Streamlined process from design → prototype → final delivery.
Sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen are available.
Why Choose AEL:
Startup Friendly: They are very vocal about supporting small businesses and startups with lower Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) than the industry giants.
Fast Turnaround: AEL prides itself on speed, offering quick sample production and faster-than-average bulk delivery for smaller orders.
Wide Range: They don't just do activewear; their capabilities extend to streetwear and swimwear, making them a good partner for lifestyle brands.
Yotex Apparel
Yotex is a Shanghai & Fujian-based manufacturer providing one-stop OEM services and functional activewear solutions with global supply chain reach. It operates with a service-first mindset, focusing heavily on the North American and European markets. They are not just a factory but a supply chain partner that offers "Landed Duty Paid" (LDP) services to the US, simplifying the import process for buyers.
Highlights:
OEM/ODM production with sustainable compliance systems.
Sportswear categories from jackets, leggings, to hoodies.
Functional performance, cloth tech and flatlock stitching expertise.
Why Choose Yotex:
Hassle-Free Logistics: Their experience with LDP shipping means they can handle the shipping, duties, and customs clearance, delivering goods directly to your door (especially for US clients).
Fabric Innovation: Located near the functional fabric hubs of East China, they have excellent sourcing capabilities for technical and recycled materials.
Professionalism: Yotex is known for its organized workflow and transparent communication, often providing detailed production updates.
Advanced fabric tech, R&D team, and high-quality production
Location
MOQ
Key Products
Key Strengths
Certifications
Garment Runtang Textile
Foshan, Guangdong
Low and Customizable MOQ
Gym leggings, tops, performance wear
Flexible customization, quality fabric, full-service support
ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX
AOLAFREE Activewear
Shenzhen, Guangdong
~150 pcs per color
Yoga wear, leggings, bras, gym wear
Low MOQ, fast sampling, private label support
BSCI, ISO 9001
China Activewear
Guangdong
Medium MOQ
Yoga sets, leggings, fitness tops
Advanced fabric tech, R&D team, high quality production
OEKO-TEX, BSCI
Eation Sportswear
Dongguan, Guangdong
Medium to High MOQ
Activewear sets, gym wear, sports bras
High production capacity, eco-friendly options, private label
How to Choose the Right Activewear Manufacturer in China?
Choosing the right activewear manufacturer in China can be a critical decision for your brand. Whether you're looking to create a high-performance fitness line, athleisure wear, or sustainable activewear, the decision should align with your brand goals, product needs, and production capabilities. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.
Determine Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
The MOQ varies greatly across manufacturers. Some manufacturers have low MOQs, which are great for small or new brands that are testing their products in the market, while others cater to large companies with bulk production needs.
For Startups: Avoid massive factories that demand 1,000+ pieces per color. Look for manufacturer partners who support "growth MOQs" (e.g., 200–300 pieces per style). This allows you to test the market with less inventory risk.
For Established Brands: Ensure the factory has scalable capacity (e.g., 50,000+ pieces/month) so they don't become a bottleneck as you expand.
Evaluate Manufacturing Capabilities
The Fabric Factor
Activewear quality is 80% determined by the fabric. So please make sure the manufacturer you choose can meet your specific production requirements.
Cut & Sew Factories: Most suppliers purchase fabric from outside markets. This means they have less control over quality consistency, color matching, and rising material costs.
Vertical Manufacturers (Like Runtang): These factories knit their own fabric in-house. This is a massive advantage. It means they control the yarn quality, the stretch recovery, and the "hand-feel" from the very start.
Specialized Machinery and Stitching Capabilities
Regular sewing machines cannot handle high-stretch activewear. You need to ensure the factory has the right technology to produce durable, comfortable gear. For example, if you’re focusing on leggings or sports bras, look for manufacturers like China Activewear or Yotex Apparel, which excel in performance fabrics and seamless designs.
Customization and Design Services
Look for manufacturers that offer full customization — from fabric selection to labeling and packaging. Some, like Garment Runtang Textile and Yotex Apparel, offer private label options and the ability to help develop your designs.
Certifications and Quality Standards
It's crucial to partner with a manufacturer that adheres to international quality standards and compliance certifications. This ensures that the products meet your expectations in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability.
ISO 9001: Indicates good manufacturing practices and quality control.
OEKO-TEX: Certifies that the fabrics are free from harmful chemicals.
BSCI: Ensures ethical manufacturing practices in the factory.
GRS (Global Recycle Standard): Verifies the use of recycled materials in products.
Consider Communication and Customer Support
Responds quickly to your queries
Has a good understanding of Western markets
Can guide you through the entire process, from design to shipping
Manufacturers like AEL Apparel and Runtang Textile offer great customer support and have dedicated teams that assist with design and product development.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
If sustainability is a core part of your brand’s identity, ensure that your chosen manufacturer aligns with your environmental and ethical values:
Look for factories that use sustainable materials.
Check if they follow ethical labor practices (e.g., fair wages, safe working conditions).
Choose manufacturers that minimize waste and support recycling initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right activewear manufacturer is crucial to your brand's success. Focus on finding a partner that matches your production needs, quality standards, and brand ethos. Remember to do thorough research, evaluate their capabilities, and test the products with samples before committing to large-scale production.
By considering the points above, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and start a successful collaboration that will help your activewear brand stand out in a competitive market.
