Sialkot and Faisalabad have quietly become serious players in activewear manufacturing, and Pakistan's sportswear sourcing capability is often underestimated by international buyers. Here's what to know.
Why Pakistan for Activewear
Pakistan's activewear manufacturing hub — centered around Sialkot and increasingly Faisalabad — has invested heavily in performance fabric sourcing and dye sublimation printing infrastructure, driven originally by demand from international sporting goods brands.
Fabric Types Used in Activewear Sourcing
Common performance fabrics include dry-fit polyester, four-way stretch blends, moisture-wicking fabrics, and UV-protective fabrics — all widely available across Pakistani mills serving the export sportswear market.
The Role of Dye Sublimation in Activewear
Sublimation printing is especially suited to activewear because it prints directly into the polyester fibres rather than sitting on top, producing a fully breathable, all-over print finish that doesn't crack, peel, or add stiffness — critical for performance garments.
Product Categories Available
Sourcing options typically include running shorts, training t-shirts, compression leggings, track pants, sports bras, cycling shorts, yoga wear, and full sports sets with team or brand customization.
MOQ and Lead Times
Activewear generally starts around 50 pieces per style, with lead times of 40–55 days — broadly in line with other apparel categories, though sublimated all-over designs may add a few days for print production.
What to Look for in an Activewear Supplier
Confirm the supplier has genuine sublimation printing capability in-house (not outsourced, which adds time and reduces quality control), fabric with documented moisture-wicking or stretch performance data, and experience with team/club branding if that's your use case.
Common Sourcing Mistakes in Activewear
Choosing screen printing for all-over sportswear designs (it doesn't stretch well with the fabric and can crack), and underestimating how much fabric performance testing matters for a category where customers physically test the product through wear.
Sourcing activewear or team sportswear? OSD Apparels offers in-house dye sublimation and performance fabric sourcing. Request a Quote for your activewear line.