OEM / ODM · Finishing
Finishing changes the fabric itself. You feel it more than you see it.
Optional: see which finishes suit your garment, how each one is proved, and what it adds to lead time. Pre-shrinking is always included; the rest is up to you, or to us.
Choose a garment
Optional: skip and just ask for a quote →Finishing is carried out by our partner dyeing and finishing mills, to the spec we agree with you. Figures below are typical values.
The make-or-break finish for T-shirts is pre-shrinking: buyers won’t pay extra for it, but they will return garments without it.
Included as standard
Always done, never skipped.
Recommended for this garment
Pre-selected because of how this garment is used. Untick if you don’t need it.
Optional
Add only if you want the effect.
For hoodies it’s shedding and pilling: if those two fail, every other finish is wasted.
Included as standard
Always done, never skipped.
Recommended for this garment
Pre-selected because of how this garment is used. Untick if you don’t need it.
Optional
Add only if you want the effect.
For polos it’s mercerising: to Western buyers, un-mercerised piqué reads as cheap workwear.
Included as standard
Always done, never skipped.
Recommended for this garment
Pre-selected because of how this garment is used. Untick if you don’t need it.
Optional
Add only if you want the effect.
For sets it’s verifiable performance: these buyers ask for test reports; photos and claims don’t count.
Included as standard
Always done, never skipped.
Recommended for this garment
Pre-selected because of how this garment is used. Untick if you don’t need it.
Optional
Add only if you want the effect.
Your finishing ·
Continue in the tech pack builder →How finishing is proved
Most finishes can’t be judged from a photo. Each one on this page is tagged with how you can check it:
- ◉ Visible
- A visible change in the fabric: lustre, texture, wash effect, water beading.
- ✋ Feel it
- Judged by hand on the sample: softness, drape, brushed surface.
- ▤ Test report
- A lab or in-house test result: shrinkage, pilling grade, UPF, cooling value.
- ◇ Hangtag claim
- A performance claim carried on the hangtag, supported by the finish spec.
Why finishing is different
Priced per batch, not per piece
Finishing runs a full dye or wash batch, so special washes don’t suit very small orders.
Adds 3–7 days
Heat-setting, washing and drying can’t be rushed the way a print can.
Felt, not seen
Its value shows in the hand, the specification and the test report, not the photo.
Which finish on which garment
● common ○ optional — not used
| Finish | T-shirt | Hoodie | Polo | Set | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-shrinking / heat-setting | ● | ● | ● | ● | All four, cheapest and never skipped |
| Softener wash | ● | ● | ● | ○ | Mostly silicone softener |
| Bio-polishing | ● | ○ | ● | ○ | More common on light fabric and piqué |
| Anti-pilling | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | A must on brushed fleece |
| Mercerising | — | — | ● | — | Polo only |
| Liquid ammonia | — | — | ○ | — | Premium polos |
| Brushing / fleece | ○ | ● | — | ○ | Mainly hoodies |
| Garment wash | ○ | ● | ○ | ○ | Vintage hoodies are the classic case |
| Crinkle / emboss | ● | ● | ○ | ○ | Conflicts with print; choose one |
| Burnout | ● | ○ | — | — | Poly-cotton only |
| Coating / laminate | — | ○ | — | ● | Performance sets |
| DWR | ○ | ○ | ○ | ● | Mainly sets |
| Functional (wicking / UPF / anti-odour / cooling) | ○ | ○ | ● | ● | None of these can be photographed |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is garment finishing?
Finishing treats the fabric or garment after knitting and dyeing to change how it feels, looks or performs: pre-shrinking, softener washes, mercerising, brushing, garment washing, water repellency, wicking and more.
Is pre-shrinking always included?
Yes. Pre-shrinking and heat-setting are done on all four of our lines. It is the cheapest finish and the one that prevents most shrinkage complaints.
Why does a mercerised polo cost more?
Mercerising is an extra caustic treatment at the finishing mill that adds lustre, strength and colour depth to piqué. It adds processing time and cost, but it is what makes a polo look premium rather than basic workwear.
How do I know a performance finish works?
Wicking, UV protection, cooling and anti-odour finishes can’t be seen. Ask for the test method and result for your fabric, and keep claims on hangtags consistent with them.
Who does the finishing?
Our partner dyeing and finishing mills, to the specification agreed for your order. We manage the spec, approval samples and testing.
RFQ · Tech pack or brief welcome