Understanding Clothing Manufacturing: CMT, FPP, OEM, and ODM Explained
In the apparel industry, two of the most common types of manufacturing are Cut Make Trim (CMT) and Full Package Production (FPP). However, there are also two other models—Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM)—that are lesser-known but still play significant roles.
In the apparel industry, two of the most common types of manufacturing are Cut Make Trim (CMT) and Full Package Production (FPP). However, there are also two other models—Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM)—that are lesser-known but still play significant roles.
Drawing on my 15+ years of experience in the industry, I’ll guide you through these four types of manufacturers, their pros and cons, and help you decide which one might be best suited for your needs. Whether you’re a startup clothing brand or a freelance designer looking for a manufacturer for your clients, this guide is for you.
What is Garment Manufacturing?
Garment manufacturing is the process of producing clothing. It involves several steps, from design and development to pattern making, material sourcing, cutting, sewing, finishing, and delivery. Depending on the manufacturer, some may handle everything, while others focus on specific stages of production.
Chiffon Draped Split Maxi Dress
Types of Clothing Manufacturers
1. Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) Manufacturer
In a CMT setup, the manufacturer takes care of three tasks: cutting the fabric (cut), sewing the garments (make), and adding the necessary trims (trim). The fashion brand is responsible for providing materials and patterns, meaning the manufacturer assembles the pieces you’ve supplied.
Pros of CMT Manufacturing:
More control: You manage the sourcing of materials and pattern creation, giving you greater influence over the production process.
Lower MOQ: CMT manufacturers often accept smaller order quantities, which is ideal for smaller brands or those just starting out.
Cost-effective for experienced brands: If you already have suppliers and a trusted pattern maker, CMT can be a more affordable option.
Cons of CMT Manufacturing:
Requires more management: You need to coordinate with pattern makers and material suppliers, which can lead to delays if any issues arise with the materials.
Smaller manufacturers: CMT manufacturers tend to be smaller, so as your brand grows, you might need to switch to an FPP for better capacity.
More work for you: CMT is ideal for those with experience in garment manufacturing and who can manage the production process efficiently.
2. Full Package Production (FPP) Manufacturer
FPP is a one-stop-shop where the manufacturer handles the entire production process—from sourcing materials to packaging the finished product. FPP includes everything CMT offers, plus additional services like design, development, and quality control.
Pros of FPP Manufacturing:
Convenience: FPP manufacturers manage every step, making it a hassle-free option for brands, especially those new to the production process.
Expertise: Many FPP manufacturers offer guidance on tech packs and help select materials, which is valuable for newer brands.
Single point of contact: You’ll only need to deal with one manufacturer, streamlining communication and reducing complexity.
Premium Satin Knot Maxi Dress
Cons of FPP Manufacturing:
Less control: Because the manufacturer manages the entire process, customization options may be limited, which can be challenging if your designs are highly unique.
Higher costs: The convenience of having everything handled comes with a price—FPP can be more expensive than CMT.
Higher MOQ: FPP manufacturers often require larger minimum order quantities, which may be difficult for smaller brands to meet.
3. Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)
OEM manufacturers produce garments based on specifications you provide. Similar to FPP, the manufacturer handles everything from fabric sourcing to finishing. However, the key difference is that in OEM, you supply the design.
Pros of OEM Manufacturing:
Full production control: You can provide your own designs, and the manufacturer takes care of the rest.
Customizable: OEM is ideal for brands that already have their designs but want to outsource the manufacturing process.
Cons of OEM Manufacturing:
Design limitations: The manufacturer strictly follows your specifications, so there’s limited flexibility for changes or tweaks during the production process.
4. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM)
In ODM, manufacturers offer pre-designed products that you can customize to some extent, such as adjusting trims, labels, and branding. It’s often referred to as “white labeling,” where you tweak an existing product to make it your own.
Pros of ODM Manufacturing:
Faster production: Since the designs are already available, it’s quicker to get products made compared to developing a new design from scratch.
Exclusive branding: Some ODM manufacturers offer private labeling, where they ensure your design isn’t sold to other brands.
Cons of ODM Manufacturing:
Limited customization: You may only be able to change certain aspects of the design, like labels or trims, which can restrict your creative control.
Potential for mass production: Since the design is pre-existing, there’s a chance that the same product is being produced by other brands.
Conclusion
Each type of manufacturer—CMT, FPP, OEM, and ODM—offers distinct advantages depending on your needs, budget, and level of involvement in the manufacturing process. For smaller brands or those starting out, CMT and FPP offer flexibility and ease, while OEM and ODM are more suited for those who have specific design requirements or want to focus on branding rather than design development.
Understanding these options will help you choose the right manufacturing partner for your brand. Whether you're just beginning or are already an established fashion designer, knowing the ins and outs of garment production is crucial to creating a successful collection.