Custom Swimming Shorts for E-commerce Website Client

An UK-based independent online retailer reached out to LeelineSourcing for the customization of a specific model of men’s swimming shorts.

Client Overview: This UK entity is renowned for crafting Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategies for Shopify standalone sites, bolstered by a dedicated marketing team and numerous dropshipping channels for efficient logistics management.

Product Spectrum: Their diverse range spans everyday items, electronics, and clothing, with a strong emphasis on enhancing product and service value through innovative functionality and practical solutions for consumers.

Expansion Needs: With the broadening of their product line, the company sought a sourcing partner well-versed in the intricacies of the Chinese supply chain, capable of adeptly managing and tracking orders. LeelineSourcing, known for its proficiency in dropshipping services, emerged as a reliable long-term collaborator for the UK firm.

The products were successfully delivered within a 2-month timeframe, following extensive collaboration among LeelineSourcing, the manufacturing partners, and the client.

This period included stages of proofing, sample validation, and production. Subsequently, the client debuted the products on their standalone website, marking a successful launch. Media coverage of the product post-launch can be found via the provided link.

Client requests for custom swim shorts

Following discussions with our European client, they have specified their needs for a custom order of men’s swimming shorts.

Client Request Summary:

1. Item: Men’s Swimming Shorts
2. Destination: USA
3. Order Quantity: 305 pcs
4. Budget: $** to $**

Detailed Specifications:

1. Material: The shorts should be made of 94% polyester and 6% elastane, ensuring four-way stretchability and water resistance.
2. Accessories: Each pair of shorts should include a lanyard.
3. Logo: The logo should be applied via hot stamping in silver white color.
4. Zipper: Use YKK brand zippers for reliability and quality.

We found factories in our supplier pool that are suitable for the client’s process requirements and communicated with them

We engaged with suitable factories from our supplier pool that align with the client’s process specifications and discussed the product’s proofing details, procedural requirements, and potential challenges.

Swim Shorts Manufacturer – ***** Apparel Co.

After communicating with the factory, the company team held an internal meeting to discuss the details and difficulties of the order

Following discussions with the factory and the client, our team convened to address the intricacies and challenges of the order. Here are the identified issues and their respective solutions:

I. Water Resistance and Quick Drying of Fabric

• Challenge: Achieving the desired level of water repellency and quick-drying properties in the fabric.
• Solution: We explored three waterproof fabric types: standard, durable, and splash-proof. Opting for Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treated fabric, capable of withstanding up to 20 washes, we ensured a combination of moisture resistance and quick drying, enhanced with UV protection for additional skin safety.

II. Color Printing on Shorts

• Challenge: Issues such as ink accumulation, burrs, unclear printing, and color bleeding were identified.
• Solution: We adjusted the printing parameters including layout height and hardness, ink viscosity, drying speed, and printing pressure, alongside revising the base color viscosity and print sequence to achieve clear, distinct prints.

III. Design and Functional Enhancement of Pockets

• Challenge: The basic design of the shorts required additional pockets for enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal.
• Solution: We incorporated more pockets with functional YKK zippers, considering the design, detail, and positioning to balance functionality with style. This included adding exposed hip pockets for a casual, yet functional element.

IV. Logo Application

• Challenge: Ensuring the logo’s size, fullness, three-dimensionality, and color durability posed a challenge.
• Solution: We chose the hot stamping technique for its efficiency and effectiveness in producing visually appealing, durable logos on fabric, fulfilling both aesthetic and practical requirements.

V. Stitching and Fabric Splicing

• Challenge: Overlapping seams, wrinkles, and uneven stitching were potential issues.
• Solution: Implementing precise folding and stitching techniques ensured smooth seams and consistent stitching, enhancing the overall quality and appearance of the shorts.

Purchaser Tiven in LeelineSourcing finalized the details and prepared the first prototype

Purchasing manager Tiven from LeelineSourcing, along with account manager Jessica, engaged with the men’s swimming shorts supplier, ***** Apparel Ltd. They conducted an on-site meeting to conclude on the specifics and proceeded to develop the initial prototype, focusing on selecting the appropriate materials and detailing the manufacturing processes.

The first version of the prototype matched the design by 98% and the client was very satisfied

Within a span of 10 days, the initial prototype was crafted, closely aligning with the client’s specifications. The material, color patterns, pocket styling, and overall architecture of the swimming shorts achieved a remarkable 98% match to the intended design, meeting the client’s expectations with high satisfaction. Following a video review and approval from the client, the prototype samples were dispatched to the client in Europe via DHL Express for final confirmation.

The client approved the prototype and placed the order with LeelineSourcing

Upon reviewing the prototype samples, the client expressed their satisfaction and proceeded to place an order with LeelineSourcing. They specified a delivery timeline of 20 days to their designated forwarding agent.

LeelineSourcing initiated the production order and maintained diligent oversight of the shipments throughout the manufacturing process.

Our team conducted thorough on-site inspections of each item at the factory. Upon successful completion of these spot checks, we instructed the factory to proceed with the shipping. Concurrently, we prepared all necessary export documentation and officially declared the shipment, ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery process.