Shirts

Buyers should prioritize fabric composition and weight (GSM). For formal shirts, a 100% long-staple cotton with a yarn count of 80s or 100s ensures a premium feel. For casual or workwear, CVC (Chief Value Cotton) or TC (Tetoron Cotton) blends offer better wrinkle resistance and durability. Always verify the colorfastness rating (Grade 4 or above) to ensure the dye does not bleed during industrial laundering.

Compliance varies by region: for the US market, shirts must comply with CPSIA (for children's wear) 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 is highly recommended to guarantee the absence of harmful substances. Additionally, ensure the factory holds a BSCI or Sedex audit report to meet social responsibility benchmarks.

Focus on the Stitches Per Inch (SPI); high-quality dress shirts typically feature 18-22 SPI. Inspect the seam finishing, looking for felled seams which provide a cleaner look and higher strength than overlocked seams. Check for pattern matching at the pockets and plackets, and ensure button attachment is secure, preferably using a cross-stitch method with a shank for longevity.

A professional supplier should offer tech pack development and CAD pattern making. Key customization options include private labeling (woven labels and heat-transfer tags), custom buttons (engraved logo), and specialized finishes like Easy-Care, Non-Iron, or Anti-Bacterial treatments. Ensure the supplier can provide pre-production samples (PPS) for approval before mass cutting.

The primary risks include size discrepancy and fabric substitution. To mitigate these, provide a detailed size chart (spec sheet) with a tolerance of +/- 1cm. Use Made-in-China.com's Secured Trading Service to ensure payment is only released after the goods pass inspection. Hiring a third-party inspection agency (like SGS or Intertek) to perform a Final Random Inspection (FRI) is critical to prevent receiving sub-standard inventory.

Negotiate based on fabric utilization and order volume. If your volume is low, ask for stock fabric options to reduce the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). For large orders, request a tiered pricing structure where the unit price drops by 5-10% as volume doubles. Always clarify if the quoted price is FOB (Free On Board), as this is the standard for garment exports, allowing you to control your own shipping costs.

For high-value dress shirts, use GOH (Garment on Hanger) containers to prevent deep creasing and reduce pressing costs upon arrival. For standard bulk orders, Sea Freight (LCL or FCL) is the most economical. If you are testing a new market with a small batch, Air Freight is faster but significantly more expensive. Ensure the supplier provides a Packing List, Commercial Invoice, and Certificate of Origin to facilitate smooth Customs Clearance.