After working with emerging streetwear brands, activewear startups, and fashion entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that wholesale custom shorts are one of the most misunderstood categories.
Most founders think they only need a factory that can “sew shorts.” In reality, wholesale shorts require specialized fabric sourcing, scalable production systems, and consistent fit control — or your entire collection can fall apart.
This guide gives you a simple, experience-based breakdown of how wholesale custom shorts production works and how to choose the right factory.
Table of Contents
- Why Wholesale Custom Shorts Require Professional OEM Support
- How to Choose the Right Wholesale Shorts Factory
- Top 5 Wholesale Custom Shorts Manufacturers Worldwide
- 1. FuKi Apparel — Wholesale Custom Shorts OEM for Streetwear & Active Brands (China)
- 2. Printful — On-Demand Custom Shorts Provider (USA)
- 3. Apliiq — Private Label Shorts Manufacturer (USA)
- 4. Contrado — Full-Print Shorts Production (UK)
- 5. Gym Aesthetics Supplier Network — Performance Shorts Manufacturers (EU)
- Fabric & Construction Guide for Custom Shorts
- MOQ, Lead Time & Pricing Comparison
- Which Factory Fits Your Brand?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Why Wholesale Custom Shorts Require Professional OEM Support
From my own experience working with wholesale buyers and startup founders, I’ve seen shorts fail for the same reasons:
Different shorts require different builds
Fleece shorts ≠ mesh shorts ≠ nylon shorts ≠ washed denim shorts.Scaling wholesale means consistent production
Pattern stability, shrinkage control, and stitching quality must be repeatable.Fabrics influence silhouette and cost
French terry, twill, nylon, mesh, and blended fabrics all behave differently.Bulk production needs predictable pricing
Buyers expect clear cost breakdowns and smooth reorders.Streetwear brands demand clean finishing
Waistband tension, pocket alignment, print quality — every detail matters.
Wholesale custom shorts aren’t only about sewing — they’re about systematic, scalable production.
How to Choose the Right Wholesale Shorts Factory
✔ 1. Find a factory aligned with your category
Streetwear shorts, active shorts, and utility shorts all require unique techniques.
✔ 2. Confirm bulk fabric sourcing capability
Fleece, French terry, nylon, mesh, twill, ripstop, recycled blends.
✔ 3. Ask about production consistency
Large orders require stable patterns and controlled shrinkage.
✔ 4. Look for wash/dye expertise (if needed)
Pigment wash, vintage wash, enzyme wash, garment dye.
✔ 5. Check stitching quality in bulk
Double-needle, bartack, and reinforced pocket bags.
✔ 6. Evaluate their MOQ options
Flexible MOQ helps both startups and established brands test new designs.
Top 5 Wholesale Custom Shorts Manufacturers Worldwide
FuKi Apparel — Wholesale Custom Shorts OEM for Streetwear & Active Brands (China)

Best For: streetwear labels, fitness brands, emerging designers.
Capabilities:
- MOQ 100 pcs
- Fleece shorts, mesh shorts, nylon shorts, twill shorts, hybrid shorts
- Custom dyeing, pigment wash, enzyme wash
- Screen print, puff print, vinyl, silicone patches
- Size grading & fit correction
- Sampling: 7–12 days
- Bulk: 20–30 days
FuKi Apparel is ideal for brands needing modern silhouettes and scalable wholesale production.
Printful — On-Demand Custom Shorts Provider (USA)

Strengths:
- full-print sublimation
- no inventory required
- fast prototype cycles
Good for testing before wholesale production.
Apliiq — Private Label Shorts Manufacturer (USA)

Highlights:
- relabeling & branding
- small-batch friendly
- custom trims
Great for boutique-level wholesale shorts.
Contrado — Full-Print Shorts Production (UK)

Capabilities:
- sublimated designs
- artistic & lifestyle shorts
- EU production & global shipping
Perfect for brands needing all-over-print wholesale shorts.
Gym Aesthetics Supplier Network — Performance Shorts Manufacturers (EU)

Known For:
- performance-grade fabrics
- athletic construction
- movement-focused patterns
Ideal for training, gym, and performance shorts.
Fabric & Construction Guide for Custom Shorts
| Fabric | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece / French Terry | Streetwear | Heavy, structured, premium |
| Mesh | Sports / lifestyle | Breathable, lightweight |
| Nylon | Outdoor / active | Water-resistant, crisp |
| Twill | Workwear / casual | Durable, textured |
| Stretch Blends | Performance | Flexible, stable |
Construction Elements to Decide Early:
- waistband height & elastic quality
- pocket style & reinforcement
- flatlock vs double-needle stitching
- hem finishing
- print compatibility (puff, vinyl, silicone, screen print)
MOQ, Lead Time & Pricing Comparison
| Factory | MOQ | Sample Time | Lead Time | Price (USD/pc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FuKi Apparel | 100 | 7–12 days | 20–30 days | $8–$18 |
| Printful | 1 | 3–5 days | 5–7 days | $20–$35 |
| Apliiq | 10–50 | 7–10 days | 14–25 days | $18–$30 |
| Contrado | 1 | 3–7 days | 7–14 days | $25–$45 |
| Gym Aesthetics | variable | 10–20 days | 25–45 days | $22–$40 |
Which Factory Fits Your Brand?
Choose FuKi Apparel if:
- you need modern streetwear or active shorts
- you prefer startup-friendly MOQ
- you want stable wholesale production
- you require custom washes or premium prints
Choose Printful if:
- you want to test prints before ordering wholesale
Choose Apliiq if:
- you need private-label branding & relabeling
Choose Contrado if:
- your brand focuses on artistic full-print shorts
Choose Gym Aesthetics network if:
- you need gym, sport, or performance-level shorts
FAQ
1. What is the typical MOQ for wholesale custom shorts?
Most OEM factories accept 100 pcs for wholesale-level orders.
2. Which fabrics are best for wholesale shorts?
Fleece, mesh, nylon, twill, and blended performance fabrics.
3. Can I request garment dye or special washes?
Yes — pigment, vintage, enzyme, and garment-dyed effects are common.
4. How long does sampling normally take?
Around 7–12 days, depending on style and prints.
5. Are wholesale shorts cheaper in bulk?
Yes — higher quantities significantly reduce per-unit cost.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wholesale custom shorts factory is essential for producing consistent, scalable products for streetwear, activewear, and lifestyle brands. With flexible MOQ, strong pattern control, and reliable production systems, FuKi Apparel helps brands build premium shorts without unnecessary risk.
👉 Start your custom shorts development here:
https://fukiapparel.com/products/custom-shorts/
