In the garment industry, “OEM” and “ODM” refer to two distinct manufacturing models. Those brands use to produce their clothing lines. The choice between OEM and ODM depends on a brand’s specific needs, resources, and desired level of control over the product development process.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): An OEM manufactures products based on designs and specifications provided by the client (the brand). The client has full creative control over the design, material selection, and product development, while the OEM’s role is to produce the garments exactly according to these requirements.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): An ODM not only manufactures but also designs the products. The manufacturer has existing product designs, and the client (the brand) can choose from these designs, making minor modifications (e.g., branding, colours, packaging) to sell them under their brand name. This is often referred to as “private labelling” or “white labelling.
