What is the difference between OEM and ODM linen clothing manufacturers?
What Is the Difference Between OEM and ODM Linen Clothing Manufacturers?
The difference between OEM and ODM linen clothing manufacturers lies in who provides the product design: OEM manufacturers produce linen garments based on the buyer's designs, while ODM manufacturers develop and manufacture linen garments based on their own designs or design support.
Both models are widely used in linen apparel manufacturing, depending on a brand's resources and development needs.
OEM vs. ODM in Linen Clothing Manufacturing Explained
OEM linen clothing manufacturers produce garments strictly according to the buyer’s provided designs, such as tech packs, CAD files, or reference samples.
In an OEM model, the brand provides:
Garment design and specifications
Measurements and size charts
Construction details and trims
Branding requirements
The manufacturer handles:
Linen fabric sourcing and testing
Pattern making and grading
Sampling and bulk production
Washing, finishing, and quality control
Best for:
Established brands
Brands with in-house designers
Repeat styles and scaled production
2. ODM Linen Clothing Manufacturers (Original Design Manufacturing)
ODM linen clothing manufacturers provide design and development support, creating linen garment styles based on a brand’s concept, market needs, or inspiration.
In an ODM model, the manufacturer provides:
Style design and pattern development
Fabric and trim recommendations
Fit optimization for linen fabrics
Sample development and revisions
The brand typically provides:
Brand direction or references
Target market and price range
Final approval and branding
Best for:
Startup or emerging brands
Brands new to linen apparel
Capsule collections and market testing
Key Differences Between OEM and ODM Linen Manufacturers
Why the Difference Matters for Linen Apparel
Linen is a natural fiber with specific shrinkage, wash, and construction requirements, so choosing OEM or ODM affects development risk, cost, and time-to-market.
OEM works best when designs are already proven
ODM reduces risk for brands unfamiliar with linen behavior
Many brands combine both models over time.
Can a Linen Manufacturer Offer Both OEM and ODM?
Yes. Most professional linen clothing manufacturers offer both OEM and ODM services, allowing brands to choose the model that fits each project.
A common approach:
Start with ODM for initial design and sampling
Switch to OEM for repeat bulk production
This hybrid strategy balances speed, cost, and control.
Linenwind's OEM & ODM Capabilities (Brand Example)
At Linenwind, we provide both OEM and ODM services for linen apparel, supporting brands from early design development to stable bulk production.
Our capabilities include:
🌿 Eco-friendly linen and sustainable production
⚙ Full in-house OEM & ODM services
🛎 Low MOQ of 60 pieces
🔍 Linen-specific quality control and wash management
🤝 Dedicated account managers
🧵 20 years of apparel manufacturing experience
👉 Learn more about our services:Linen clothing OEM ODM
Final Takeaway
The difference between OEM and ODM linen clothing manufacturers is that OEM produces linen garments based on the buyer’s designs, while ODM provides design and development support in addition to manufacturing. Both models are widely used, and many manufacturers offer both.
👉 Contact us to choose the right OEM or ODM model for your linen collection: