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Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and Fila, these global giants, though have unique positions in the athletic scene, all have one thing in common: long-term collaboration with Vietnam sportswear manufacturers.
Over the past decade, Vietnam’s rise in the global sportswear market has been nothing short of remarkable. By 2020, Adidas sourced 40% of its production from Vietnam (Nhan Dan, 2023), while Nike’s 2024 report highlighted Vietnam as its largest manufacturing base, producing 50% of its footwear and 28% of its apparel (The Investor, 2024).
Affordable production, high-quality skills, diverse material network, you might have heard some of the popular gists around the incredible force of Vietnam sportswear manufacturers. Yet, in reality, while these sound good, they are not enough info for you to bet on your supply chain.
And which manufacturer, in specifics, should you even begin to go off your search list?
While these factors are compelling, they alone aren’t enough to base your supply chain decisions on.
So, where should you even begin your search? Which manufacturers truly stand out?
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into Vietnam’s sportswear manufacturing landscape and introduce you to 10 trusted manufacturers that global brands trust—so you can build your venture on the foundation of proven success.
Why Vietnam? The Rise of a Sportswear Manufacturing Hub
A decade ago, if you asked global brands where they sourced their sportswear, the answer was likely China or Bangladesh, no hesitation. But today, Vietnam has carved out its place as a serious contender, becoming a popular hub of reputable sportswear manufacturers.
So, what’s driving this shift? What makes Vietnam stand out in an industry where speed, cost, and quality make all the difference?
- Skilled Workforce That Embodies Resilience: Vietnam’s garment industry isn’t new—it’s built on generations of skilled craftsmanship. What sets it apart today is the seamless fusion of traditional techniques with modern technical training. Whether it’s moisture-wicking fabrics, seamless construction, or high-performance stitching, Vietnamese manufacturers have honed their expertise to meet the demands of global sports brands, with proven track records and global credentials.
Consistently ranked among the world’s top three garment manufacturing hubs, Vietnam’s industry thrives on resilience. Having overcome a war-torn past, its workforce competes with the best, driven by a drive to constantly prove itself, offering exceptional craftsmanship and top-tier customer service.
Those viral Hoi An tailoring videos? Know that’s only the preview.
- Cost-Effective Production: Cost-effective production does not come cheap. While Vietnam’s labour costs are considerably lower than in Western countries, they are by no means cheap, given the commitment to quality and the work environment that sportswear manufacturers uphold.
With robust scaling, manufacturers can adjust pricing based on order size and offerings, providing different benefits to sportswear suppliers and bulk workout clothing orders. However, labour costs should always be considered in the context of local living standards.
- Strong Supply Chain: Vietnam’s well-established textile industry and strategic trade agreements create a seamless supply chain for garment production.
With international trade partnerships and specialized textile hubs, the nation’s manufacturers have easy access to high-quality raw materials and sought-after performance fabrics (e.g., moisture-wicking, UV-protective, thermal textiles).
Which efficiency is further enhanced by multiple trade agreements, simplifying exports—from FOB to FCA—by reducing tariffs and regulatory hurdles.
- Political Stability:
Vietnam’s pacifist foreign policy fosters a secure and reliable business climate. Sports apparel suppliers, brands, as well as manufacturers, benefit greatly from reduced risks associated with sudden policy changes, trade restrictions, or social unrest, gaining steady production and a stable supply chain.
Additionally, the government’s pro-business stance encourages foreign investment through favourable trade agreements, tax incentives, and infrastructure development.
👉 Data Point: The Vietnamese government actively supports the apparel manufacturing industry through strategic FTAs like EVFTA and CPTPP (Vietnam Briefing, 2024), ambitious growth plans targeting $100 billion in exports by 2030 (Inflow, 2024), and incentives for green manufacturing. State-backed initiatives, including Vinatex’s investments, further strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness.
Where and How to Find Vietnamese Sportswear Manufacturers
Now, like all major hubs, it’s buzzing, bustling, and busy. In general, finding your ideal manufacturing partner in the crowd can be overwhelming.
Here are some places where you can scout the ground first, risk-free and guaranteed scam-free:
- Attend Trade Shows and Industry Expos:
Global Sources Expo (all over the world), MAGIC Las Vegas (US), Asia Apparel Expo (Berlin), Texworld (Paris, New York, Hong Kong), Vietnam International Textile & Garment Industry Exhibition (VTG) – Events like these offer direct access to top manufacturers.
You can browse around, have direct discussions for product sampling and negotiation, and even catch first-hand insights of industry trends and innovations from industry experts.
- Browse Online Directories: Explore platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, Yellow Pages Vietnam, and the Vietnam Export List. Manufacturers and suppliers listed here are verified by the platform, with profiles detailing their production capabilities, compliance certifications, export history, facilities overview, and contacts for you to cross-check.
- Work with Local Sourcing Agencies:
Working with sourcing agencies in Vietnam provides a significant advantage when searching for reliable manufacturers.
These agencies not only bridge language gaps but also conduct thorough vetting, checking production capabilities, certifications, and business reputations.
Their insider knowledge of the local market enables them to match you with suppliers that align snugly with your specific needs while also securing better terms on your behalf. Ultimately, the top manufacturers in the industry aren’t always the perfect fit for every business.
Top 10 Vietnam Sportswear Manufacturers Trusted by Global Brands
Whether you’re a global sportswear giant, a private label, or a boutique brand, each comes with unique manufacturing needs. So, to help narrow down your search, here’s a breakdown of the top sportswear manufacturers based on their strengths.
For High-Performance & Technical Sportswear
These sportswear manufacturers are experts in advanced textile solutions and high-performance sports apparel:
✅ Sheico Group – Cu Chi
Supplies: Billabong, Xcel, Patagonia, and ScubaPro
Why Choose Them? Watersports wear and safety equipment specialists for brands wanting to make a splash in the aquatic sports sector.
✅ Maxport Limited Vietnam – Hanoi
Supplies: Kathmandu, Lululemon
Why Choose Them? Masters of outdoor and performance sportswear, specializing in advanced technology and technical apparel with top-tier craftsmanship.
✅ ICM Factory Direct – Binh Duong
Supplies: Ironman Triathlon, Super League
Why Choose Them? ICM Factory Direct delivers custom-engineered sportswear, performance-driven apparels with 3D design expertise.
For Private Labels & Emerging Brands Seeking Low MOQs & Flexibility
If you’re looking for small-batch production from 1000 and LOWER MOQ, quick turnaround times, or flexible order sizes, these manufacturers are ideal:
✅ Saigo Sport – Ho Chi Minh city
Supplies: Boutique and local sports brands.
Why Choose Them? Provides flexible order sizes with MOQs as low as 200 pieces and tailored solutions to fit niche sportswear needs.
✅ Thai Son S.P – Ho Chi Minh city
Supplies: Fishers Finery, Intersport Elverys
Why Choose Them? TS offers flexible MOQs, in-house fabric production, and family-business hospitality to boot.
✅ Project SGN
Supplies: Emerging designers, established labels, and runway participants.
Why Choose Them? Project SGN specializes in low MOQ, premium/ runway-ready apparel manufacturing for growing and scaling businesses.
✅ Dony Garment – Ho Chi Minh city
Supplies: Toop Sports, Yatta Golf
Why Choose Them? With MOQs as low as 50, Dony provides scalable manufacturing backed by high-quality certifications.
For Large-Scale Production & Global Sports Brands
If you need high-volume manufacturing, these manufacturers supply for some of the biggest names in the industry:
✅ Dugarco – Ho Chi Minh city
Supplies: Hazzys, The North Face, KÜHL
Why Choose Them? Experts in handling bulk workout clothes and custom sportswear orders at scale.
✅ Tex-Giang – Tien Giang
Supplies: Helly Henson, Kathmandu
Why Choose Them? Specializing in bulk workout apparel, with a diverse range of sports categories.
✅ Dacotex Group – Ho Chi Minh city/ Binh Duong
Supplies: Fila, Under Armour, CCM, Johnnie-O
Why Choose Them? Trusted by US, UK, and EU brands, Dacotex produces a variety of athleisure and sport-performance apparel with a strong commitment to sustainability.
👉 Extra resources on golf shirt manufacturing and manufacturers: Top 5 Qualities of Reliable Golf Shirt Manufacturers.
Whether you choose Vietnam or another manufacturing hub, navigating large orders with foreign partners comes with its share of challenges and unknowns. These FAQs from our customers might shed light on some of your queries.
Q: How do I determine if a manufacturer is the right fit for my brand?
A: Look for manufacturers with experience producing similar products and a proven track record with international brands.
Checking references, past collaborations, and customer reviews can provide valuable insights.
Q: How should I vet the sportswear manufacturers?
A:
- Certifications: Look for WRAP, SA8000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 certifications for a start. These certifications indicate adherence to global manufacturing standards.
- Proven Track Record: Check out their customer portfolio and see the brands they’ve worked with. If connections allow, take it a step further by reaching out to a brand’s merchandising team for an honest, detailed review of their working relationship.
- Transparent Production Processes: Ask for a factory tour, whether virtual or in-person, to get a firsthand look at their facilities, equipment, and working conditions. This ensures transparency and helps you gauge their production capabilities.]
Q: How can I evaluate a manufacturer’s actual facilities and production capabilities?
A: Schedule a virtual or in-person factory tour to assess their infrastructure, workforce, and quality control processes.
Additionally, request detailed production reports or third-party audit certifications for further verification.
Q: What are the typical MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) for Vietnamese sportswear manufacturers?
A: MOQs vary by sportswear manufacturers—some specialize in large-scale bulk production, while others accommodate custom sportswear brands with lower minimums. Design complexity, patterns, and color variations can also impact order requirements.
To streamline the process, discuss order volume as early as possible, ideally at first contact, while thoroughly noting your design specifications with the manufacturer. If you’re looking for a reference range, a good starting point would be 300-500-1000 units/pieces.
Q: I’m new to this. What are ODM and OEM?
A: These terms announce the production model of the regarded manufacturing facility.
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ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): The factory provides ready-made designs that you can customize with your brand’s logo, colors, and minor modifications.
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OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): The manufacturer produces sportswear based on your unique specifications, allowing for full design, fabric, and fit customisation. A go-to ideal for highly-unique custom sports wear.
👉 Deep dive into the concepts to figure out which one is the best for you: Read
Ready to Source from Vietnam?
The world’s biggest sportswear brands don’t choose Vietnam by accident—they choose it for quality, expertise, professionalism, and agile scalability.
Now, it’s your turn.
Whether you’re launching a new collection, scaling production, or securing a reliable, high-performance supply chain, Dacotex Group is here at your service.
With 20+ years of industry leadership and trusted by Under Armour, CCM, and Fila, we specialize in premium sportswear, gym apparel, and performance gear for every season—from skiing and fishing to golf and endurance sports. Ready to craft and refine your vision and designs to perfection.
Join the world’s top brands in choosing Vietnam, and Dacotex.
Get in touch today at in**@**************om.vn
👉 Explore our catalogue: Dacotex’s Sportswear and Athletic Clothing
