Activewear Sampling: Process, Cost and Timeline
The sample is where your activewear idea becomes a real garment, and the approved sample becomes the reference for bulk production. This guide explains what to send, how each step works, what sampling costs and how long it takes.
- Time: 12–15 days for the first sample.
- Cost: US$10–15 per style, refunded once your bulk order reaches the MOQ.
- Pattern development and revisions: free; usually one to two rounds.
- Courier: paid separately, depending on the destination.
- Colors: stock colors are sampled in the correct color; custom colors are confirmed separately.
- No tech pack needed to start.
Why sampling matters
A sample shows how your design works in real fabric, on a real body. It is where you check the fit, the feel, the opacity and your branding before you commit to bulk. Once you approve it, the sample, its measurements and its materials become the reference that bulk production is checked against.
What you need to start a sample
Send whatever you have. Any of these is enough to start:
- A tech pack with drawings, measurements and materials; see our tech pack checklist.
- A reference garment sent to us, with notes on what to change.
- Photos or product links of styles you like.
- One of our existing styles, with your changes and branding.
Add your fabric preference, colors, size range and logo. If you do not have a tech pack, our pattern makers develop the pattern at no extra cost.
The sampling process, step by step
- Brief and route review. We confirm the category, fit, fabric and whether the style suits Cut & Sew or seamless.
- Fabric, pattern and trims. We select the fabric, make the pattern and prepare trims, logo and labels.
- Sample making. The sample is cut, sewn or knitted in our sample room. This takes 12–15 days.
- Your review. You try the sample, check it against the brief and send comments.
- Revisions. We adjust the pattern or details and make a revised sample if needed. Revisions are free; most styles need one to two rounds.
- Pre-production approval. You approve the final sample, materials and measurements. This approved sample is the reference for bulk production.
How much does an activewear sample cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sample fee | US$10–15 per style |
| Pattern development | Free |
| Revised samples | Free, usually one to two rounds |
| Courier | Paid separately, depending on the destination |
| Refund | Sample fee refunded once your bulk order reaches the MOQ |
The MOQ is 200 pieces per style, per color for Cut & Sew and 500 for seamless; our MOQ guide explains how it is counted.
Sample colors and fabrics
If you choose from our available fabric colors, your sample is made in the correct color and fabric. For a custom color matched to your Pantone reference, the first sample is made in the closest stock color so you can approve the fit, and the custom color is confirmed separately with a color card or fabric swatch before bulk production.
How long does sampling take?
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| First sample | 12–15 days |
| Your review and comments | Depends on you |
| Revised sample, if needed | One to two rounds |
| Bulk production | About 35 days after sample approval |
| From brief to finished bulk | About 7 weeks |
The quickest way to shorten the timeline is to send a complete brief and decide your branding before the first sample, so the first sample is as close to final as possible.
How to review an activewear sample
- Try it on and move: squat, lunge, stretch and bend, not just stand.
- Measure it against your size chart or tech pack at the key points: waist, hip, inseam and length.
- Check opacity with a deep squat in good light.
- Check the waistband stays in place and does not roll.
- Check seams and stretch: seams should stretch with the fabric without cracking.
- Check branding: logo position, size and finish, labels and packaging.
For leggings, our leggings sample testing guide walks through each test step by step, including a wash test.
How to write clear fit comments
Good comments get you a better second sample. Give measurements rather than impressions (“raise the rise by 1.5 cm” instead of “the waist feels low”), add photos with arrows, number your comments and mark which ones matter most. If several people review the sample, send one combined set of comments.
Fit sample vs pre-production sample
The fit sample is used to develop the shape and measurements, and it may be revised. The pre-production sample is the final, approved version in the bulk materials, with your branding; it is the standard that bulk production is inspected against.
What happens after sample approval
Bulk fabric and trims are checked against the approved sample, then the garments are cut, sewn or knitted, inspected with AQL 2.5 sampling and packed with your labels. Bulk production takes about 35 days after approval. See our development process and quality control pages, or read how to start a private label activewear line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an activewear sample take?
At MIDYOGA, the first sample takes 12–15 days from the confirmed brief. Bulk production takes about 35 days after sample approval.
How much does an activewear sample cost?
The sample fee is US$10–15 per style. Pattern development and revised samples are free, and courier costs are paid separately.
Is the sample fee refundable?
Yes. The sample fee is fully refunded once your bulk order reaches the MOQ: 200 pieces per style, per color for Cut & Sew and 500 for seamless.
Does the sample fee include shipping?
No. Samples are sent by international courier, and the courier cost depends on the destination. It is paid separately from the sample fee.
How many sample rounds are usually needed?
Usually one to two. Revised samples are free; you pay the sample fee only once per style.
Can I get a sample without a tech pack?
Yes. Send a reference photo, product link, sketch or physical reference garment, or choose one of our existing styles. Our pattern makers develop the pattern at no extra cost.
Start with a sample.
Share your tech pack, reference photos or the style you have in mind. We confirm the sample details and fee within 24 hours. Only your work email is required.
- A tech packShare technical drawings, measurements and material requirements.
- A reference productShare a photo, product link or sample, with the details you want to develop.
- An early ideaDescribe the category, intended activity and wearing experience.