If you want to sell sportswear under your own name, you will meet two terms again and again: private label and OEM. Both mean a factory makes the product and you sell it as your brand. The difference is where the design starts, and that changes what you need to prepare, how fast you can launch and how unique your product is.
This guide explains both in plain words, compares them side by side and helps you decide which route fits your brand.
What is private label sportswear?
With private label, you start from a style the factory already makes, such as a jersey, hoodie or pair of shorts. You add your colours, artwork and logo, and the product carries your labels, hang tags and packaging. Your customers see your brand, not the factory’s.
What is OEM sportswear?
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. In sportswear it usually means the factory makes a product to your design: you send a sketch, a design file or a reference sample, and the factory turns it into a mockup, then a sample, then bulk production.
Private label vs OEM at a glance
| Private label | OEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the design starts | A style from the factory’s range | Your own design, sketch or sample |
| What you send | Logo, colours and artwork | Design file, sketch or reference sample |
| How unique it is | Your look on a proven style | A product made to your own idea |
| Time to launch | Usually faster, the style already exists | A little longer, the product is developed first |
| Best for | New brands, shops and dealers | Brands with a product already in mind |
Which one should you choose?
Choose private label if:
- You want to launch quickly with styles that are already proven
- Your brand is mainly about your artwork, colours and logo
- You are testing the market before investing in your own designs
Choose OEM if:
- You have a product idea that does not exist in a factory range yet
- You want a cut, panel layout or detail that makes your product different
- You already have a sketch, design file or reference sample
Many brands start with private label and move some products to OEM once they know what sells.
What to send for each route
| Private label | OEM |
|---|---|
| The styles you want from our range | Your sketch, design file or reference sample |
| Your logo and artwork | Your logo and artwork |
| Colours for each design | Colours and any details you need |
| Quantities per design | Quantities per design |
| Labels, hang tags or poly bags you want | Labels, hang tags or poly bags you want |
How both routes work at FJ Sportswear
- Minimum: 10 pieces per design, and those pieces can be in mixed sizes or colours.
- Mockup: free for every design.
- Sample: paid, about 3 weeks. Depending on the order, the sample cost can sometimes be credited against bulk.
- Bulk: 3–4 weeks after approval, depending on quantity.
- Branding: woven or printed labels, hang tags and custom poly bags. FJ branding is not required anywhere.
- Reorders: we can make the same design again, even below 10 pieces.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting with OEM for every product before you know what sells
- Sending a design without colours, sizes or quantities
- Skipping the sample on your first order
- Forgetting labels and packaging until after bulk is finished
Ready to start your own line? See our private label and OEM service, check how our low MOQ works, or request a sample. We reply within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between private label and OEM sportswear?
Private label starts from a style in the factory’s range, with your design and branding added. OEM is made to your own design, sketch or reference sample.
Does FJ Sportswear do both private label and OEM?
Yes. Both start from 10 pieces per design, with a free mockup and a paid sample before bulk.
Can my products ship without any FJ Sportswear branding?
Yes. FJ branding is not required. Your products can carry only your own labels, hang tags and poly bags.
How long does private label or OEM production take?
About 3 weeks for a paid sample, then 3–4 weeks for bulk production after approval, depending on quantity.
What is the minimum order?
10 pieces per design, and the pieces can be in mixed sizes or colours.