Why Vietnam for Activewear?
Vietnam is not an emerging activewear destination — it's an established one. Major global sports brands manufacture here because the garment industry has decades of experience in performance fabrics, technical construction, and export-quality finishing. For NZ brands looking to launch or scale an activewear range, Vietnam offers what China offers — but often with lower MOQs, more flexibility on smaller runs, and a growing commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Epic Sourcing's Vietnamese-speaking team has direct factory relationships across Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding manufacturing provinces. We know which factories produce activewear versus which ones claim to but don't.
What Activewear Can You Source from Vietnam?
Vietnamese factories are strong across the full activewear category:
- Leggings and tights — full-length, 7/8, cycling, compression, printed
- Sports bras — low, medium, and high-impact; bonded, seamed, and racerback constructions
- Bike shorts and biker shorts — with and without pads
- Training tops and tanks — racerbacks, crop tops, longline
- Hoodies and sweats — fleece, French terry, technical fabrics
- Shorts — running, training, board shorts, volleyball shorts
- Matching sets — two and three-piece co-ord sets for retail and wholesale
- Yoga and pilates wear — buttery-soft fabrics, seamless options available
Fabrics Available from Vietnamese Factories
Fabric selection is one of the most important decisions in activewear development. Vietnamese factories typically work with:
- Nylon-spandex blends — 80/20 or 78/22, the standard for premium leggings. Smooth, opaque, excellent four-way stretch.
- Polyester-spandex blends — more affordable, good for training shorts and tops.
- Recycled fabrics (rPET) — growing availability for brands with sustainability positioning. Made from recycled plastic bottles.
- Moisture-wicking performance fabrics — treated for sweat management, quick-dry
- Supplex and Tactel — premium nylon fabrics with a matte, cotton-like hand feel
Epic Sourcing can help you select the right fabric for your performance requirements, price point, and brand positioning.
The Tech Pack Question
Most established factories in Vietnam require a tech pack for custom activewear development. A tech pack is a technical document that specifies:
- Garment measurements and size grading
- Fabric and trim specifications
- Construction details and stitch types
- Label and hangtag requirements
- Colourways and print or embroidery specifications
If you don't have a tech pack, Epic Sourcing can advise on how to develop one, or work with simpler specifications for first samples if you're at an early stage. The clearer your brief, the faster and more accurately factories can produce your sample.
How Epic Sourcing Sources Activewear from Vietnam
Step 1: Discovery Call
We learn about your activewear range — styles, fabrics, target price point, MOQs, and timeline. We give you an honest assessment of what's achievable in Vietnam.
Step 2: Factory Shortlist
We identify 2–3 vetted factories suited to your range. We filter out traders and agents, and present you with genuine manufacturers with relevant production experience.
Step 3: Sample Development
We coordinate your initial sample or set of samples. Once received, we review construction, fit, fabric handle, and finishing against your brief — and report back with photos and notes before you approve.
Step 4: Bulk Production & QC
After sample approval and order confirmation, we oversee production and conduct pre-shipment inspection before goods are loaded — checking count, measurements, stitching quality, and packaging.
Step 5: Freight & Compliance
We coordinate with your freight forwarder and ensure all documentation is correct. Your goods arrive NZ Customs-compliant.
Vietnam vs China for Activewear — Honest Comparison
For NZ brands wanting lower MOQs, competitive pricing, and supply chain diversification — Vietnam is an excellent choice for activewear.
Ready to Launch Your Activewear Range?
Let's Talk Fabrics, MOQs, and Factories.
Book a free discovery call. Tell us what styles you want to develop and we'll give you a realistic picture — factory options, fabric costs, MOQs, and timeline. No pressure, no obligation.
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