Long sleeve shirts

When sourcing long sleeve shirts, prioritize fabric weight (GSM) and composition. For formal dress shirts, a thread count of 80s to 120s ensures a premium feel, while for casual or workwear, a weight of 180-220 GSM provides durability. Ensure the supplier uses combed cotton to prevent pilling and check for colorfastness (Grade 4 or higher) to ensure the dye remains stable after multiple washes.

Compliance varies by destination. For the US market, products must comply with CPSIA (especially for lead content in buttons/zippers) and FTC labeling requirements (fiber content and care instructions). For the EU market, adherence to REACH regulations regarding chemical dyes and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification is highly recommended to guarantee the absence of harmful substances.

Focus on the Stitches Per Inch (SPI); high-quality shirts typically feature 14-18 SPI. Inspect the seam reinforcement, particularly at the armholes and side seams (using felled seams for strength). For long sleeve designs, verify the cuff construction and the presence of interlining in the collar to ensure it maintains its shape after laundering.

Professional suppliers on Made-in-China.com should offer private labeling, custom embroidery or screen printing, and bespoke sizing charts. Inquire about their ability to provide tech packs and whether they can handle specialized finishes such as wrinkle-resistance (Non-iron), moisture-wicking, or anti-bacterial treatments.

Always utilize Trade Assurance or secure payment terms offered by reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com. Before placing a bulk order, request a pre-production sample (PPS) to verify quality. For large-scale orders, hire a third-party inspection service (like SGS or Intertek) to conduct a During Production Check (DUPRO) or a Final Random Inspection (FRI) before the balance payment is made.

Negotiate based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than just the unit price. Ask for tiered pricing (e.g., 500, 1000, and 5000 units) to understand the supplier's margin. If you are a startup, look for suppliers offering flexible MOQs (e.g., 50-100 pieces per color) but be prepared to pay a slight premium. Mention long-term partnership potential to secure better credit terms in the future.

Apparel is volume-sensitive. For smaller batches, Air Freight is faster but expensive; for bulk, Sea Freight (LCL or FCL) is more economical. Clarify the Incoterms (e.g., FOB vs. DDP). If shipping to the US or EU, ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Origin to potentially benefit from preferential tariff rates or to comply with customs entry requirements.

Never assume 'Standard Size.' Provide the supplier with a detailed size spec sheet in centimeters or inches. Note that Asian, European, and American sizing scales differ significantly. Request the supplier to perform a shrinkage test (usually aiming for less than 3%) to ensure the shirts do not become undersized after the first wash.