Late stock can ruin a product launch or leave a team without kits on match day. The good news: lead times in sportswear manufacturing are predictable once you know the stages. This guide breaks down each step, with the timelines we work to at Naxon Sports.
The Full Timeline at a Glance
- Enquiry and quotation — usually 1–2 days
- Design, mock-up and tech pack review — a few days, depending on how ready your design is
- Sampling — usually 5–7 days at Naxon Sports
- Sample shipping and your approval — depends on courier time and how quickly you give feedback
- Bulk production — usually 2–5 weeks, depending on quantity and customization
- Shipping — days by express courier, weeks by sea freight
Stage 1: Enquiry and Quotation
The faster you share complete information — design, quantity per size, fabric preference, decoration and delivery country — the faster you get an accurate quote. Missing details mean back-and-forth messages and lost days.
Stage 2: Design and Tech Pack
If you already have a finished tech pack, this stage is quick. If you only have an idea or a reference photo, the factory needs time to prepare mock-ups and confirm measurements. For team kits, our online designer can speed this up.
Stage 3: Sampling
Sampling is where fit, fabric, colour and print are checked. At Naxon Sports most samples take about 5–7 days. If you request changes, allow time for a second sample. Skipping the sample to save a week is the most common cause of expensive delays later.
Stage 4: Approval
This is the stage buyers control. Give clear, complete feedback in one message — fit, colours, logo size and placement — and approve in writing. Every day of waiting here moves your delivery date.
Stage 5: Bulk Production
Bulk production at Naxon Sports usually takes 2–5 weeks. What changes the time:
- Quantity — larger orders take longer to cut, print and stitch.
- Decoration — sublimation, embroidery and multi-step prints add time.
- Special fabrics or trims — custom-dyed fabric or special zips may need to be sourced first.
- Personalisation — individual names and numbers on team kits add checking time.
- Season — demand peaks before major sports seasons, so book early.
Stage 6: Shipping
- Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) — fastest, best for samples, small and medium orders, and urgent restocks.
- Air freight — a middle option for larger orders.
- Sea freight — slowest, but the lowest cost per kilo for large orders.
Customs clearance in your country can add a few days. Make sure your import paperwork is ready before goods arrive. More on shipping: USA, UK, Europe.
Planning Timelines
Launching a new brand
Start talking to your manufacturer at least 2–3 months before your launch date. This leaves time for one or two rounds of samples, product photography and shipping.
Team kits for a new season
Place your order 6–8 weeks before the first match, and collect player names, numbers and sizes before you order — late roster changes are the biggest cause of delays for clubs. See: how to order custom soccer kits.
Reorders
Reorders of an approved product are faster because no new sample is needed. Track your sell-through and reorder before stock runs out.
7 Ways to Speed Up Your Order
- Send a complete tech pack and size breakdown in your first message.
- Use Pantone codes for colours.
- Send vector logo files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG).
- Give all sample feedback in one message.
- Approve and pay deposits promptly.
- Avoid changing the design after sample approval.
- Book early before peak sports seasons.
FAQs
How long does a custom sportswear sample take?
At Naxon Sports, most samples take about 5–7 days to produce, plus courier time.
How long does bulk production take?
Usually 2–5 weeks, depending on quantity and customization.
Can you rush an order?
Sometimes, depending on our production schedule and your product. Contact us early and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
Get a Quote From Naxon Sports
Send us your design, quantity and destination and we will reply with a clear price, fabric options and timeline. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp.