Activewear & Sportswear Manufacturing

Overview

Vietnam has emerged as a global powerhouse in activewear and sportswear manufacturing, with over $10 billion in annual exports. The country is home to some of the world’s most advanced athletic apparel production facilities, serving major brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma.

Key Statistics

• Export Value: $10+ billion annually in activewear and sportswear
• Nike Production: 51% of Nike’s global footwear production
• Adidas Production: 40% of Adidas’ global production
• Major Markets: USA, Europe, Japan, Australia
• Growth Rate: 10-15% annual growth in activewear segment

Why Vietnam for Activewear?

Specialized Manufacturing Expertise

Vietnamese activewear manufacturers have developed deep expertise in performance apparel:

1. Technical Fabrics: Advanced moisture-wicking, compression, and quick-dry materials
2. Seamless Technology: State-of-the-art seamless knitting machines
3. Performance Testing: On-site testing facilities for durability and function
4. Sustainable Materials: Growing use of recycled polyester and eco-friendly fabrics

Production Capabilities

Products Manufactured

• Yoga & Fitness Wear: Leggings, yoga pants, sports bras, tank tops
• Running & Training: Athletic shorts, compression wear, performance tops
• Team Sports: Jerseys, uniforms, sublimated sportswear
• Athleisure: Gym-to-street versatile activewear
• Outdoor Performance: Technical outerwear, base layers

Manufacturing Processes

• Cut & Sew: Traditional and advanced cutting techniques
• Seamless Knitting: Whole-garment knitting technology
• Sublimation Printing: Full-color, durable graphics
• Flatlock Seaming: Comfortable, durable seam construction
• Performance Finishing: Anti-bacterial, UV protection treatments

Manufacturing Regions

Southern Vietnam (Primary Hub)

Ho Chi Minh City

• Largest concentration of activewear factories
• Access to fabric suppliers and trims
• Established logistics infrastructure
• Proximity to port facilities

Binh Duong Province

• Major Nike and Adidas supplier base
• Industrial parks with modern facilities
• Vertically integrated production
• Strong labor pool

Dong Nai Province

• Mix of large and mid-size factories
• Competitive labor costs
• Good infrastructure
• Growing activewear sector

Northern Vietnam (Emerging)

Hanoi Region

• Growing activewear manufacturing
• Access to northern markets
• Skilled workforce
• Government support

Quality & Certifications

Vietnamese activewear manufacturers maintain rigorous quality standards:

• WRAP: Workplace compliance and ethical manufacturing
• BSCI: Social compliance initiative
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Chemical safety for textiles
• Bluesign: Sustainable textile production
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems

Major Brands Sourcing from Vietnam

Vietnam serves as a primary manufacturing hub for:

• Nike: 51% of global footwear and significant apparel production
• Adidas: 40% of global production across footwear and apparel
• Under Armour: Major production partner for performance wear
• Puma: Growing production base in Vietnam
• Lululemon: Supplier relationships for technical athleisure

Typical Production Parameters

Order Quantities

• Small brands: 500-1,000 pieces per style
• Medium brands: 2,000-5,000 pieces per style
• Large brands: 10,000+ pieces per style

Lead Times

• Sample development: 2-4 weeks
• Production: 45-90 days from order to shipment
• Rush orders: Possible with premium pricing

Pricing

• Basic activewear: $8-15 per unit FOB
• Technical performance wear: $15-25 per unit FOB
• Premium activewear: $25-35+ per unit FOB
• Pricing varies by fabric, complexity, and order quantity

Materials & Innovation

Performance Fabrics

• Moisture-Wicking: Quick-dry polyester and nylon blends
• Compression: Spandex and elastane blends for muscle support
• Breathable: Mesh panels and engineered ventilation
• Sustainable: Recycled polyester, bamboo, and organic cotton

Advanced Technologies

• Seamless knitting for maximum comfort
• Laser cutting for precision
• Ultrasonic welding for bonded seams
• Smart textiles with integrated technology

Sustainability in Activewear

Vietnamese manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices:

• Recycled Materials: Post-consumer recycled polyester
• Water Conservation: Advanced dyeing techniques
• Renewable Energy: Solar-powered facilities
• Waste Reduction: Fabric scrap recycling programs
• Chemical Management: Bluesign and ZDHC compliance

Getting Started

Vietnam’s activewear manufacturing sector offers opportunities for brands at every stage:

1. Emerging Brands: MOQs as low as 500 pieces with development support
2. Growing Brands: Scalable production with quality consistency
3. Established Brands: Large-scale production with advanced capabilities

The combination of technical expertise, competitive pricing, and proven quality makes Vietnam an ideal partner for activewear brands seeking reliable manufacturing.

Supply Chain Advantages

• Fabric Sourcing: Local and imported technical fabrics
• Trim Suppliers: Zippers, elastics, labels readily available
• Testing Labs: SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas presence
• Logistics: Established shipping routes to major markets
• Free Trade Agreements: EVFTA, CPTPP reduce tariffs

Vietnam’s activewear industry continues to evolve, with manufacturers investing in advanced technology, sustainable practices, and expanded capabilities to serve the growing global demand for performance apparel.