T-shirts are a staple in wardrobes around the world, but have you ever wondered how a simple piece of fabric becomes a finished T-shirt? The manufacturing process involves several key steps, each ensuring the garment’s durability, comfort, and design quality.
The T-shirt production process includes fabric selection, pattern creation, cutting, sewing, printing, quality control, and packaging. Each step is carefully executed to produce a comfortable, well-constructed T-shirt that meets high standards of quality.
Here’s a closer look at the step-by-step process of how T-shirts are made, from raw materials to the final product.
Step-by-Step Guide to the T-Shirt Manufacturing Process
1. Fabric Selection
The first step in t-shirt manufacturing is choosing the right fabric. T-shirts can be made from various materials, each with unique properties. The most common fabrics used include:
- Cotton: Soft, breathable, and comfortable, cotton is the most popular fabric choice for t-shirts. It’s ideal for casual wear and is widely used in plain and graphic tees.
- Polyester: Known for its durability and moisture-wicking properties, polyester is often used in athletic or performance t-shirts.
- Cotton-Polyester Blends: A combination of cotton and polyester provides the best of both worlds, offering softness with added durability and resistance to wrinkles.
- Bamboo, Hemp, and Organic Cotton: For eco-conscious consumers, sustainable fabrics are becoming increasingly popular. These materials are eco-friendly and offer a unique, comfortable feel.
The fabric is typically purchased in large rolls from fabric manufacturers, and the choice depends on the desired product’s purpose and target audience.
Comparing popular T-shirt fabrics
| Fabric | Softness | Durability | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | High | Medium | Medium | Everyday wear, comfort |
| Polyester | Medium | High | Low | Sportswear, bulk orders |
| Cotton-Poly | Medium | High | Low | Promotional, resale |
| Organic Cotton | High | Medium | High | Eco-conscious brands |
2. Design Creation
Once the fabric is selected, the design phase begins. This is a critical step for creating personalized or branded t-shirts. The design can be created in multiple ways:
- Graphic Design: Many t-shirts feature graphic prints or logos. These designs are created using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Text-based Designs: T-shirts often feature slogans, quotes, or brand names. These can be designed in various fonts and styles to fit the theme or message.
- Custom Patterns or Artwork: For unique and high-end t-shirts, custom patterns or artwork can be created by graphic designers or illustrators.
Once the design is finalized, it’s converted into a digital file that will be used for printing or embroidery.
3. Cutting the Fabric
With the fabric and design in place, the next step is cutting the fabric into t-shirt pieces. The fabric is spread out on large cutting tables, and the desired pattern (usually including front, back, sleeves, and collar) is placed over the fabric. Using advanced cutting machines or manual cutters, the fabric is cut into the required shapes and sizes.
For custom-sized orders or special cuts, manufacturers may also offer bespoke cutting to fit specific requirements.
Cutting tools used
| Tool | Used For | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Manual scissors | Small orders | Low |
| Straight knife | Medium-scale cutting | Medium |
| CNC laser cutter | Large orders, accuracy | High |
4. Sewing and Assembly
After the fabric is cut, the pieces are sewn together to form the basic structure of the t-shirt. This step involves several key stages:
- Stitching the Body: The front and back panels are sewn together at the sides, creating the body of the t-shirt.
- Attaching the Sleeves: The sleeves are then attached to the body, and the side seams are closed.
- Neckline Construction: The collar or neckline is sewn in, often using ribbed fabric for added stretch and comfort.
At this stage, the t-shirt is beginning to take shape, but it is still a plain, unfinished garment.
Common stitching types in T-shirts
| Stitch Type | Purpose | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Overlock | Seam strength, stretch | Side seam |
| Coverstitch | Hemming, necklines | Bottom edge |
| Straight stitch | Labels, topstitch | Neck tag area |
It’s critical to check samples for seam quality. I always test for stretch and strength, especially around the armholes and neckline.
5. Printing and Embellishments
One of the most exciting parts of the t-shirt manufacturing process is the addition of prints, logos, or designs. There are several methods for adding designs to t-shirts, including:
- Screen Printing: This is one of the most popular and cost-effective methods. It involves using a stencil (or screen) to apply layers of ink onto the fabric. It’s ideal for large batches of t-shirts and offers vibrant colors.
- Heat Transfer Printing: This method uses heat to transfer a design onto the t-shirt. It’s commonly used for smaller batches and allows for intricate designs and high-detail prints.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: DTG is a digital printing method where the design is printed directly onto the fabric. It’s perfect for small runs and highly detailed images.
- Embroidery: For a more premium look, logos and text can be stitched directly onto the fabric. This is a popular option for corporate branding or high-end t-shirts.
- Sublimation Printing: Often used for polyester t-shirts, sublimation involves turning solid dye into gas to bond with the fabric, creating vivid and long-lasting designs.
After printing, the t-shirt is inspected to ensure the print is clean, accurate, and durable.
6. Finishing Touches
Once the t-shirt has been printed or embroidered, the finishing process begins. This includes:
- Tagging and Labeling: The t-shirt receives its care labels, brand tags, and size tags. This helps identify the manufacturer, washing instructions, and size of the garment.
- Quality Control: The t-shirt undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure it meets the quality standards. Any defects, such as stitching errors or print imperfections, are addressed.
- Ironing and Pressing: To give the t-shirt a polished, wrinkle-free appearance, it is pressed or ironed before packaging.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Washing | Softens and pre-shrinks |
| Ironing | Removes wrinkles |
| Inspection | Checks stitching, stains |
| Folding & Packing | Makes it ready for retail |
| Labeling | Adds brand or care info |
7. Packaging and Distribution
The final step in t-shirt manufacturing is packaging. T-shirts are folded, packed in protective plastic, and labeled for shipping. They are then sent to warehouses, retail stores, or directly to customers, depending on the order type.
For businesses placing bulk orders, the t-shirts are often packaged in large cartons for efficient storage and transport.
Common packaging options:
| Packaging Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Poly Bags | Cost-effective, protects from dust. |
| Eco-Friendly Packaging | Biodegradable and sustainable. |
| Branded Boxes | Premium presentation for high-end brands. |
T-shirts are shipped via sea freight for bulk orders or air courier for fast delivery. If you’re considering sustainability, see comparison of sustainable T-shirt brands to choose eco-friendly partners.
How are sustainable T-shirts made?
With the rise of eco-friendly fashion, many brands focus on sustainable T-shirt production.
Sustainable practices in T-shirt manufacturing:
✅ Using organic cotton – Grown without pesticides or chemicals.
✅ Recycled polyester – Made from plastic bottles to reduce waste.
✅ Water-based inks – Used in printing to minimize environmental impact.
✅ Ethical labor practices – Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.ainable T-shirt brands to choose eco-friendly partners.
Raw Materials Used in T-Shirt Manufacturing
The quality, comfort, and functionality of a T-shirt are heavily influenced by the raw materials used in its production. Understanding these materials helps highlight what makes a T-shirt feel and perform the way it does.
Types of Fabrics
- Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile, cotton is the most popular choice for everyday T-shirts, offering comfort and ease of care.
- Polyester: Durable and resistant to shrinking and stretching, polyester is commonly used in performance wear and activewear.
- Rayon: With its silk-like texture, rayon provides a luxurious drape, making it ideal for fashion-forward, lightweight designs.
- Bamboo: A sustainable and eco-friendly material known for its antimicrobial properties and incredibly soft feel.
- Blends: Combining multiple fibers, such as cotton-polyester or cotton-rayon, creates T-shirts that balance comfort, durability, and performance.
Other Components
- Threads: Strong, durable threads ensure the garment stays together through wear and washing.
- Dyes: High-quality dyes ensure vibrant, fade-resistant colors that maintain their appearance over time.
- Labels: These provide essential information, including care instructions and brand identity.
- Printing Materials: Custom graphics, logos, and designs are added to the T-shirt using inks or other printing technologies.
Challenges in T-Shirt Manufacturing
Environmental Concerns
T-shirt production can be resource-intensive, particularly in terms of water and energy consumption. However, the industry is moving toward sustainable practices, including the use of organic cotton, waterless dyeing methods, and eco-friendly production processes to minimize its environmental footprint.
Labor Issues
Ethical labor practices are a significant concern in the garment industry. Brands that commit to fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparency can build stronger relationships with customers and contribute to a more sustainable industry.
Future Trends in T-Shirt Manufacturing
- Sustainable Practices: The demand for eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton is increasing, as consumers prioritize sustainability.
- Technological Innovations: The future of T-shirt manufacturing includes innovations like automation, 3D printing, and the development of smart textiles, which are reshaping the way garments are produced.
By understanding the materials and processes involved in T-shirt manufacturing, consumers and businesses can make more informed choices, contributing to both the quality of the product and the sustainability of the industry.
How Does the T-Shirt Production Process Start in China?
T-shirts typically begin with fiber sourcing and yarn production in China. Spun fibers are twisted into yarn, tested for strength and colorfastness, then woven or knitted into fabric. Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd., with over 39 years of experience, oversees the entire supply chain—from fabric development to bulk production—ensuring consistent quality for OEM orders and wholesale partnerships.
Why Choose Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. for Your T-Shirt Manufacturing Needs?
1. Trusted by Leading Global Brands
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. is proud to be a partner of renowned brands such as American Eagle Outfitters, Uniqlo, Zara, Gap, Levi’s, and Lee. Our ability to consistently deliver high-quality, customizable t-shirts has made us a preferred partner for these major global companies.
2. High-Quality Customization
We offer customization services for t-shirts, including screen printing, DTG printing, embroidery, and custom labeling. Our high-density fabrics provide an excellent surface for printing or embroidery, ensuring a professional-looking end product that lasts.
3. Flexible Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Whether you’re a startup or an established business, we cater to your needs with low minimum order quantities (MOQ of 100 pieces). This makes it easier for smaller businesses or startups to access high-quality custom t-shirts without the need for large upfront orders.
4. Efficient & Ethical Manufacturing
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. ensures ethical manufacturing practices, maintaining a focus on fair labor standards and sustainable practices. We provide transparency in our production process, ensuring that your brand is aligned with positive environmental and social values.
5 STEPS OF QUALITY INSPECTIONS
Such as customized size chart, collar length, sleeves and pants width/length, which crucial as they are determine the comfort and fit of the clothing.
Providing instruction on sewing method and Craft,like stitching and sewing thread use,which are important to ensure the product quality.
Tech pack guide with the details of fabric and weight will be uesed, the factory can select correct fabric according to the requirements, to ensuring the sample or bulk products are meets the needs.
Tech pack also need to include quality requirements, such as yarn quality standard, sewing density,ironing,and packaging ect. Which help supplier understand client’s requirements and standard of whole process, ensuring the products meets the needs during the production.
The Product will include all accessories like logo, label, tags, zipper, packaging ect., which will make sure to Calculate accurate quotation and production delivery time.
Why Global Brands Choose Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.?
Our use of modern technology, trained artisans, advanced knitting systems, and multi-stage QC makes us a leading name in Garments production.
Production Capacity
- 30 million+ pieces annually
- 12,000 employees skilled workers
- 24/7 production capability
- Flexible MOQ (small batch to bulk)
Quality Assurance
- ISO-certified processes
- Multi-level inspection
- Premium yarn and fabric sourcing
- Zero-defect manufacturing commitment
Design & Development
- In-house design team
- Custom pattern development
- Trend forecasting & styling guidance
- Rapid sampling turnaround
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
State-of-the-art production facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled workforce delivering superior quality leggings at scale.
Production Excellence
%Automated Production Lines
140 fully automated production lines with advanced cutting and sewing technology for consistent quality.
🧪Quality Control Laboratory
In-house testing facility ensuring fabric durability, color fastness, and performance standards.
♻Sustainable Practices
Eco-friendly manufacturing processes with recycled materials and water conservation systems.
Why Brands Choose Newasia Garment Co., Ltd.
At Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. , we specialize in small-batch orders (100pcs MOQ) and high-quality logo custom, making us the ideal partner for startups, brands, and businesses looking for flexible, reliable, and cost-effective apparel manufacturing.
Key Reasons to Work With Us
- Low MOQ & Fast Turnaround
- 100pcs minimum order – Perfect for testing designs or small businesses.
- 5-10 days for sample and 15-30 days to produce – Quick delivery without compromising quality.
- Screen printing, embroidery, DTG, Rhinestone Application – Choose the best method for your logo.
- Free design support – Our team helps optimize artwork for the best results.
- Located in the heart of China’s textile hub(Guangzhou), ensuring fast material sourcing & lower costs.
- 2000+ fabric options – From organic cotton to performance blends.
- Quality You Can Trust
- Strict QC process – Every piece inspected before shipping.
- ISO,BSCI certificate – Safe, durable, and eco-friendly materials.
Global Shipping & Easy Communication
- Door-to-door logistics (DDP available).
- 24/7 support via WhatsApp, Email, WeChat.
Our Services
You need a good T-shirt manufacturer that will go the extra mile for you to get it right. You will need solid support in the development stages. And then, of course, you will also need solid planning to keep your delivery on-schedule, so you don’t miss your product launch. Professional quality control is a must if you want to have brand-level products on the shelves.
We can create your unique design and add graphics and logos to your jersey.
Different countries, different brands all have different sizes. Our team will help you make the optimised sizing chart for your target market
We have professional designers who can design different styles of Jackets for you.
Our clothes are available in a variety of materials such as cotton, spandex and polyester.
No need to find other packaging factories, we can provide you with custom packaging services for clothing, including labels, tags, cartons.
We can customize various colors for you. You can also choose from our color card.
Certified Professional Clothing Producer
We are very proud of these certificates! They represent Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. ’s amazing achievements and accreditations. They show how much we care about quality, safety, and professionalism.
We’re proud to say that we have obtained BSCI and ISO 90001 certificates, and inspection certificates for filling materials such as down and cotton. We follow international standards throughout our production process and take responsibility for the quality of our products.
As one of China’s leading clothing manufacturers, we are pleased to be recognized by respected organizations. These certifications underscore our reliability as a trusted supplier to the global apparel industry.
Trusted Certificates：
Why Choose Us
 Independent base We have our own laboratory and can independently develop fabrics , China  Professional certification Certification: ISO 9001, ISO 14001，BSCI，GRS |  Full-equipped Full-equipped, from fiber manufacturing, yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing and processing to finished product production  Rich experience Professional, large and experienced design team, combined with the latest artificial intelligence technology |  Our Facilities 12,000 skilled employees, daily production capacity exceeds 100,000 pieces  Fashion exhibition Participated in domestic and foreign fashion weeks and exhibitions many times |
Trusted by Global Clients
Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.’s production advantages
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. offers tailored sportswear services, including custom designs, colors, fabrics, logos, patterns, and sizes. With a low minimum order quantity (MOQ of 150 pieces), they cater to startups, wholesalers, and established brands, making it ideal for small businesses and growing companies.
Use moisture wicking, breathable, quick-drying and sustainable fabrics to ensure the comfort and durability of sportswear such as yoga, fitness, running, cycling, etc. Customers can choose high-quality, environmentally friendly and high-performance textile materials.
The factory is equipped with advanced equipment such as seamless knitting machines, sublimation printing, laser cutting, embroidery and digital heat transfer technology to ensure production accuracy and high-quality finished products.
Adopt AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards and conduct multi-stage quality inspections from raw materials to final packaging to ensure that each product meets international quality standards. The factory is ISO and BSCI certified.
Provide fast production and delivery services, with production time of about 5-10days for customized samples, 15-30 working days for bulk orders , and about 30-35 working days for complex designs, ensuring that customers receive products in time.
An experienced professional team provides 3D design support and confirms the final design within 24 hours
We have an international design team that integrates global fashion trends to provide designs that combine functionality, style, and casual sportswear to meet the needs of different markets and consumers.
We collaborate with top logistics partners to offer diverse shipping options—express, air, sea, and land. Our professional sales and after-sales team ensures quick responses and provides custom branding services, including logos, labels, and packaging.
Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. – All-round advantages of China’s top Sleeveless T-Shirt manufacturer
As China’s leading Sleeveless T-Shirt manufacturer, Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. has become the preferred partner of many well-known sports brands and emerging entrepreneurs around the world with its excellent product strength, efficient production capacity and one-stop service system. We are committed to providing customers with customized solutions that combine fashion, functionality and brand value.
✅ 1. Strong customization capabilities (OEM/ODM one-stop service)
Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. is good at providing full-process customization services from design and development, style proofing, fabric recommendation, Logo customization to packaging solutions based on customer brand positioning and market trends to meet the market needs of different countries and regions.
✅ 2. Selection of high-performance functional fabrics
We strictly select a variety of high-tech fabrics such as breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, antibacterial, and environmentally friendly regeneration, which are widely used in sports scenes such as yoga, fitness, Pilates, cycling, etc., taking into account comfort, functionality and sustainable development.
✅ 3. Advanced production equipment and technology
The factory is equipped with a series of internationally advanced equipment such as seamless knitting, laser cutting, thermal sublimation printing, digital transfer, precision sewing and gluing technology to ensure efficient and high-quality production efficiency and support complex design and high-end customization needs.
✅ 4. International certification and strict quality inspection system
Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. has passed many international certifications such as BSCI, ISO9001, OEKO-TEX, strictly follows the AQL international quality standards, and implements multiple quality inspection processes to ensure that each product meets the quality requirements of international brands.
✅ 5. Flexible MOQ support, adaptable to different development stages
Whether it is a start-up brand testing the market or a mature brand shipping in large quantities, Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. can provide a flexible combination of small batch trial orders + large-scale mass production to help customers efficiently layout the market.
✅ 6. Fast proofing and efficient delivery
We have a professional proofing team and a quick response mechanism. The proofing cycle is as fast as 5-10 days, and the mass production cycle is an average of 15-30 days, helping customers quickly verify products and quickly put them on the market.
✅ 7. Global customer trust and cooperation experience
So far, Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.has provided high-quality OEM services to more than 100 yoga and sports brands around the world, with customers in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and other regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
We specialize in flexible production solutions to support emerging brands and growing businesses.
- For highly customised or technical garments (such as specialised denim washes or intricate embroidery), MOQ requirements may range from 200 to 300 units.
- Our standard MOQ ranges from 100 to 300 units per design, depending on fabric availability and production complexity.
- For best pricing efficiency, MOQ is typically based on 300 per style per colour.
- You can mix colors and sizes within the same style and fabric for greater flexibility.
Q2: What Services Do You Offer?
We provide full-cycle fashion support, including:
- Sourcing: Local and global raw material, fabric R&D, and procurement (trims) with cost optimization.
- Manufacturing: Custom manufacturing with quality control checkpoints.
- Design & Development: Assistance with tech packs, trend research, and collection building.
- Logistics: Shipping coordination to your warehouse or 3PL.
- Sustainability Consulting: Eco-fabric sourcing, ethical production planning.
Q3: Can I Customize My Designs Fully?
We work with both OEM (your design, our production) and ODM (our templates customized for you) models. Customization options include:
- Fabric type and color
- Fit and sizing
- Printing (screen, DTG, sublimation, embroidery)
- Accessories (zippers, buttons, cords)
- Labels, hangtags, branded packaging
Q4: What are your sustainability practices?
We’re committed to responsible manufacturing through:
- Waste reduction programs and ethical labor practices (BSCI certified)
- GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled material options
- OEKO-TEX® certified dyes and processing
- Energy-efficient production technology
Q5: What Are Your Lead Times?
For in-stock items: ships worldwide within 3–7 days For custom orders: production lead time 15–30 days Urgent / Express Options: Available at a premium. Timing can vary depending on fabric development, approval cycles, and order complexity.
Q6: What is your production capacity?
Our facility employs 12,000 skilled employees, daily production capacity exceeds 100,000 pieces. We handle orders from 100 pieces to 50,000+ units across:
- Activewear and sportswear
- Denim and casual wear
- Children’s clothing
- Technical apparel
Q7: Where are your garments produced?
Our headquarters are based in China, where we operate our own vertically integrated factory. Our infrastructure and strategically placed worldwide manufacturing facilities allow us to offer extremely competitive pricing for fully custom clothing. offer flexible production options tailored to your needs. All manufacturing is supervised by our quality control team to ensure consistent standards.
Conclusion: Start Your Custom T-Shirt Manufacturing with Newasia Garment Co., Ltd.
Whether you’re looking to manufacture t-shirts for personal branding, bulk orders, or corporate uniforms, understanding the manufacturing process is essential. By partnering with Newasia Garment Co., Ltd., you gain access to high-quality, customizable apparel that meets your specific requirements. From fabric selection to final shipping, we are here to help you create the perfect t-shirt for your business or brand.
Read more: How Are T-Shirts Manufactured