Fit & Active: Sourcing Sportswear

Phase 3.

1. Seamless Technology

  • Seamless: Knitted directly into a tube (Santoni machines). No side seams. Stretchy.
  • Cut & Sew: Traditional fabric panels sewn together.

2. Fabrics (Spandex/Lycra)

  • Lululemon dupe: Everyone wants the "Buttery Soft" feel (Nylon + High % Spandex).
  • Squat Proof: Is the fabric see-through when stretched? Test it immediately.

3. Production Hub

  • Yiwu: Seamless underwear/sportswear hub.
  • Fujian (Jinjiang): Known for sports jackets and shoes.

Summary

Leggings are a saturated market. Look for functional niches: "Pocket Leggings", "Maternity Activewear", or "Tennis Skirts".