ODM Manufacturing: Product Development for Sportswear & Apparel | Thiz International
Product developer working on apparel sketches, fabric swatches and samples

ODM Manufacturing

ODM Manufacturing: From Your Idea to a Finished Product

Don't have a tech pack? Thiz International develops sportswear, apparel and GAA products with you, from a sketch, reference product or simple brief, through sampling and into bulk production under your brand.

ODM Manufacturing Services: What the Process Includes

ODM manufacturing combines product development and manufacturing in one service. You bring the idea and the market knowledge; we turn it into a specification, a sample and then a finished product.

It suits brands launching new products, distributors building their own range, and businesses that know what they want to sell but don't have in-house designers or pattern makers.

Already have a tech pack? See OEM
You bring

The idea

A sketch, reference product, photo or written brief.

We develop

The product

Design, materials, patterns, sizing and samples.

You receive

Finished stock

Produced, branded and packed under your name.

Where Your ODM Project Can Start

There's no single right way to begin. These are the most common starting points, and what we need from you for each.

A sketch or moodboard

You have a look in mind. We translate your drawings and inspiration into a technical specification and first sample.

Send us: sketches, moodboard, colour ideas, target customer

A reference product

You like an existing product but want it changed: a different fit, fabric, feature or price point.

Send us: the product or photos, and what you want changed

A written brief

You know the product, customer and price you're aiming for. We propose designs and materials to match.

Send us: product type, use, target price, market, quantities

One of our base styles

Start from a proven style and customise fabric, fit, colours, details and branding to make it yours.

Send us: the style you like and the changes you want

ODM Manufacturing: Product Development Services

ODM means we handle the technical work between your idea and a production-ready product. Depending on your project, this can include:

Design Development

Turning ideas into technical drawings and design options.

Tech Pack Creation

A written specification of materials, measurements and construction.

Pattern Making & Sizing

Patterns and size grading to your target fit and size range.

Material Sourcing

Fabrics, components and trims suggested to suit use and budget.

Colour Development

Colours matched to your Pantone references or physical samples.

Costing

Design and material choices aligned with your target price.

Prototype Sampling

Samples for you to test, wear-trial and refine.

Branding & Packaging

Logo placement, labels, tags and packaging for your brand.

How an ODM Project Moves From Brief to Bulk

Development runs in four phases, with some work happening in parallel. Your approvals, shown in red, decide when the project moves forward.

DiscoverDevelopSampleProduce
Brief & researchYour idea, market and target price
Concepts & designSketches and design options
Design approvalYou choose the direction
Materials, tech pack & costingSpecification and quotation
Prototype & fit samplesTested and refined
Final sample approvalThe standard for bulk
Bulk production & shippingMade to the approved sample
Our development workYour approval

Developed Around Your Target Price

A great product that can't sell at your price point doesn't help your business. Tell us your target price early, and we'll develop the product with the right balance of cost and quality.

Fabric swatches, trims and labels laid out for product costing

Materials

Fabric type, weight and composition have the biggest effect on cost and feel. We suggest alternatives that keep the look while meeting your budget.

Construction

Panel count, seam types and features add cost. Simplifying where customers won't notice keeps money for the details they will.

Decoration

Sublimation, printing and embroidery cost differently depending on size, colours and placement.

Trims & hardware

Zips, drawcords, eyelets and fastenings range widely in price and quality.

Labels & packaging

Woven or printed labels, tags and packaging options can be matched to your retail positioning.

Order quantity

Quantity per style and colour affects unit price, so planning your range helps the numbers work.

Agree Design Ownership Before Development Starts

In ODM projects, it's important that both sides are clear on who owns the developed design and how it can be used. We discuss this with you at the start and confirm it in writing before development begins.

  • Who owns the final design and tech pack
  • Whether the design is exclusive to your brand
  • How your artwork and logos may be used
  • Confidentiality of the information you share

Is ODM or OEM Right for Your Project?

Both end with your branded product. The difference is who creates the design and specification.

This page

Choose ODM if…

  • You have an idea, sketch or reference, but no tech pack
  • You don't have in-house designers or pattern makers
  • You want help choosing materials to hit a target price
  • You're launching a new product or a new brand
Start an ODM Project
Our OEM service

Choose OEM if…

  • You already have a complete tech pack or specification
  • Your design, fit and materials are fixed
  • You need a manufacturer to produce it exactly as specified
  • You're moving existing products to a new supplier
View OEM Manufacturing

Plan Product Specifications and Design Protection

Before development begins, document your product brief, design approvals, ownership, confidentiality and permitted use in writing. For broader guidance on intellectual property, consult the World Intellectual Property Organization resources for businesses.

ODM Manufacturing FAQs

Common questions about developing a product with Thiz International. Can't find your answer? Contact our team.

What is ODM manufacturing?

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means we develop the product with you, from an idea, sketch, reference product or brief, then manufacture it under your brand.

What is the difference between ODM and OEM?

With ODM, we help create the design and specification. With OEM, you supply a finished design or tech pack and we produce it exactly as specified.

Do I need a tech pack for ODM?

No. That's the main reason buyers choose ODM. We can create the specification with you from sketches, photos, reference products or a written brief.

Which products can you develop on an ODM basis?

ODM development is available across our range: GAA equipment, GAA jerseys and tops, sportswear, casual wear and fitness wear.

Who owns the design developed in an ODM project?

Design ownership, exclusivity and confidentiality are discussed at the start of the project and confirmed in writing before development begins.

Can you develop a product to our target price?

Yes. Share your target price early, and we'll suggest materials, construction, decoration and trims that balance cost and quality.

How many samples are made during development?

It depends on the product and how many changes are needed. Prototype and fit samples are refined until you approve a final sample.

How long does ODM development take?

Timelines depend on product complexity, sampling rounds and material sourcing. We agree a development timeline with you once we've reviewed your brief.

Can you add our branding and packaging?

Yes. Logos, labels, swing tags and packaging can be developed alongside the product so it's ready to sell under your brand.

Do you work with new brands?

Yes. ODM is often the best route for new brands. Share your idea and quantities, and we'll explain how the process and minimum quantities apply.

Need ODM Manufacturing? Let's Develop Your Product Together.

Send your sketch, reference product or brief to Thiz International. Our team will review it and suggest the best way to turn it into a finished product for your brand.

  • Sketches or moodboards
  • Reference products
  • Target price & quantities