Finding the right factory for your customized board shorts isn’t just about cost—it’s about trust, quality, and bringing your brand’s vision to life.
If you want to build a solid board shorts brand, choosing the right manufacturer is everything.
You need a factory that understands the product, respects your brand, and has the skill and setup to support your growth. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I approach sourcing the right board shorts factory—without getting lost in the maze of options.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Clarify Your Product Requirements Before You Source
Before you even start searching for a factory, sit down and get crystal clear about what you want.
Know what you want before you go looking.
Don’t just say “I want board shorts.” Be specific. What inseam? What fabric? Do you want welded seams? Elastic waist or drawstring? Custom prints or embroidery? The more details you give, the more serious manufacturers will take you—and the less back-and-forth confusion you’ll deal with later.
You can use tech packs or even sketches to communicate your ideas. Without them, even the best factory is just guessing.
Dive deeper: How to define your product vision
Start by thinking from your customer’s point of view. What would they want to wear on a beach day, on a surf trip, or by the pool?
Is your vibe more streetwear-inspired, or are you aiming for a clean, minimalist resort look?
Now consider:
| Element | Questions to Ask Yourself |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Stretch or non-stretch? Quick-dry? Eco-friendly? |
| Waistband | Full elastic, half elastic, or fixed waistband? |
| Length | 5-inch, 7-inch, or knee-length? |
| Features | Back pocket? Mesh liner? Key loop? |
| Print/Design | Solid color? Sublimation print? All-over pattern? |
| Branding Details | Custom label, hang tag, embroidery, heat transfer? |
Use Smart Sourcing Channels Beyond Alibaba
I know, Alibaba is tempting—it’s like Amazon for manufacturing. But it’s not the only option.
Go beyond Alibaba to find real factories, not just middlemen.
While Alibaba is full of suppliers, many are actually trading companies pretending to be factories. Instead, try industry trade shows, sourcing agents with a specialty in apparel, or even LinkedIn and Instagram. I’ve found some of my best contacts just by reaching out to brands I admire and asking, “Hey, who made your stuff?”
Dive deeper: Smarter ways to find real manufacturers
Here's a shortlist of channels I personally find helpful:
- Trade Shows like Canton Fair or MAGIC Las Vegas. You can meet factory reps in person, feel fabrics, and compare samples side-by-side.
- Directories like Maker’s Row (for US-based) or Common Objective, where many verified factories list themselves.
- Social Media Sourcing: Instagram is surprisingly useful. Search hashtags like #boardshortmanufacturer or #customboardshorts and DM directly.
Also, don’t ignore regional sourcing forums or groups on Reddit and Facebook. They can give brutally honest reviews of factories others have used.
Choose a Factory That Specializes in Board Shorts
Not every clothing factory is built the same. And not every factory can make great board shorts.
Choose a factory that truly understands board shorts.
Why? Because board shorts aren’t just another pair of shorts. They need precise construction, specific fabrics, and often go through unique printing and stitching processes. A factory that specializes in yoga pants or jackets might say “yes” to your order, but the final product could disappoint—bad fit, poor colorfastness, peeling prints.
Dive deeper: Why specialization matters
I’ve learned this the hard way. I once worked with a general apparel factory—they made good hoodies. But when I gave them a board shorts design, the stitching felt stiff, the fabric wasn’t quick-drying, and the sizing was way off.
Specialized board shorts factories usually have:
- Experience with 4-way stretch polyester or microfiber fabrics
- Print sublimation or screen-print capabilities
- Waistband flexibility (drawcords, grommets, Velcro, elastic combos)
- Deep knowledge of fit standards for beachwear
Check their portfolio. Ask who they’ve worked with before. A great sign is if they’ve made for surf or resort brands.
Request Samples and Know What Quality Looks Like
Before you commit, always—always—ask for samples.
Samples show you what words can’t.
Photos and promises are one thing, but the feel of the fabric, the quality of the stitching, and how the shorts move—that’s what tells the truth. Don’t just check if it “looks good.” Wear-test it. Wash it. Pull the seams. If it doesn’t hold up, walk away.
Dive deeper: How to evaluate a good sample
When you receive a sample, look for:
- Clean, flat seams with no loose threads
- Smooth prints without cracking or misalignment
- Durable, soft fabric that rebounds well
- True-to-spec sizing
- Secure waistband construction
Even better, order a few samples in different colorways or trims to see how consistent they are.
I’ve also found it useful to create a “wear test checklist” with my team. We go to the beach, surf, swim, and literally stretch-test the shorts.
Understand MOQ and Customization Flexibility
Let’s be honest—MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) can be tricky when you’re just starting out.
Find a factory with MOQs that fit your budget and growth stage.
Some will ask for 1,000 units per style. Others might start at 100. But what’s more important is their willingness to grow with you. A good partner will offer flexibility—say, mix-and-match prints within one order, or start low with a small-batch production.
Dive deeper: MOQ isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy
Let’s break it down:
| Factory A | MOQ 1,000 | $4.50 per unit | Very rigid style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory B | MOQ 300 | $5.80 per unit | 3 color options, flexible sizing |
| Factory C | MOQ 100 | $7.00 per unit | Full customization |
At first glance, Factory A looks cheaper. But unless you’re ready to sell 1,000 shorts, that savings might turn into dead stock. I usually go with a more flexible factory even if it costs slightly more—because cash flow matters more than margin early on.
Ask them directly:
- Can I do multiple prints in one order?
- Can I mix waistband styles?
- Can I repeat small runs if I reorder?
Ensure Strong Communication and Export Capability
This one’s simple, but it makes or breaks the relationship.
You need a partner, not just a supplier.
Clear English, fast replies, and an understanding of international logistics are critical. Delayed emails, vague answers, or errors in shipping paperwork? That can cost you weeks—or worse, customers.
Dive deeper: How to test a factory’s communication and export skills
I usually test this early. I send a complex email with a few follow-up questions. If their reply is fast, organized, and answers each point clearly—I feel confident.
Also, check:
- Do they use export-friendly Incoterms (like FOB or CIF)?
- Are they familiar with labeling requirements in your country?
- Can they provide documents like Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and CO?
It helps to ask them about past clients in your country, too. If they’ve shipped to the US or EU before, it’s a green flag.
Conclusion
Finding the right board shorts factory isn’t a sprint—it’s a thoughtful process.
But with the right partner, your brand isn’t just producing shorts—it’s building something meaningful.
