September 1, 2026
How Hijab OEM Manufacturing Works: From Your Design Brief to Finished Product
- OEM hijab manufacturing involves six stages: brief and quotation, sample production, sample approval, bulk production, quality inspection, and shipping.
- The total timeline from brief to delivery is typically 6–10 weeks for standard modal or jersey hijabs; custom print hijabs add 1–2 weeks for print file preparation and colour matching.
- The most common cause of OEM order delays is unclear or late sample approval — brands that approve samples within 2–3 days of receipt reduce their total timeline by 1–2 weeks on average.
- QIUYAN requires a 30% deposit at order placement and 70% before shipment — a standard payment structure for Yiwu-based garment manufacturers.
- All QIUYAN OEM orders include a pre-shipment inspection report; third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek) can be arranged at the buyer's cost.
Stage 1: Brief and quotation (1–3 working days)
The OEM process begins when you share your product brief with the manufacturer. A clear brief reduces back-and-forth and gets you to quotation faster. Your brief should include:
- Fabric: modal, bamboo jersey, cotton jersey, liquid jersey, or a specific blend
- GSM: if you have a preference (e.g. 175 g/m² for a medium-weight everyday hijab)
- Size: standard 180×70 cm, or custom dimensions
- Colour: Pantone references or colour swatches; or "match to our existing product" with a sample provided
- Quantity: per colour and per style
- Print: yes/no; if yes, print method and design files
- Finishing: raw edge, rolled hem, overlock; any embellishments (tassel, lace, etc.)
- Packaging: polybag, header card, gift box, custom labelling requirements
- Delivery: required delivery date and preferred shipping method
Based on this brief, QIUYAN will provide a unit price quotation within 2 working days.
Stage 2: Sample production (5–7 working days)
Once you approve the quotation and pay the sample fee (refundable against bulk order value above a minimum threshold), QIUYAN produces a production sample — a finished hijab made in the specified fabric, colour, size, and finishing, exactly as it would be produced in bulk.
What the sample demonstrates: - Exact fabric hand feel and drape - Colour accuracy (compared against Pantone reference or provided swatch) - Hemming and finishing quality - Print quality and colour rendering (for print orders) - Labelling placement
The sample is shipped to you by international express (DHL, FedEx). You inspect it and either approve or request revisions.
Common revision requests: - Colour adjustment (slightly warmer, cooler, lighter, darker) - GSM adjustment (heavier or lighter fabric) - Hem width adjustment - Print scale or positioning adjustment
Revisions are incorporated into a second sample if required, adding 3–5 working days.
Stage 3: Sample approval and order placement
Once you approve the sample in writing (email confirmation is standard), you place the formal bulk order by: 1. Confirming the final specification (sometimes called a "purchase order" or "PI confirmation") 2. Paying the 30% deposit
At QIUYAN, order placement triggers the sourcing of fabric (if not already in stock) and the allocation of production capacity. Popular colours and fabric types are held in stock; less common specifications may require 3–5 additional days for fabric sourcing.
Stage 4: Bulk production (12–18 working days)
Bulk production for a standard modal or jersey hijab order of 200–1000 pcs takes 12–18 working days. Larger orders (2,000+ pcs) may require 20–25 working days.
What happens during production: 1. Fabric incoming inspection (GSM verification, colour check, defect scanning) 2. Cutting — fabric is cut to pattern dimensions using automated cutters for precision 3. Hemming — rolled hem, overlock, or raw edge as specified 4. Finishing — embellishments (tassel, lace, trim) if applicable 5. Printing — for print orders, fabric goes through the print line after hemming 6. Labelling — woven labels or printed labels sewn into specified position 7. Pressing and folding — finished hijabs are steamed and folded to packaging specification 8. 100% inspection — every piece is individually inspected against the approved sample
Stage 5: Quality inspection and pre-shipment documentation
QIUYAN performs 100% finished product inspection on every order. For OEM orders, inspection covers: - Dimensions (length, width, hem width) — tolerance ±1 cm - Colour (compared against approved sample under D65 lighting) - Print accuracy (colour match, registration, edge definition for print orders) - Finishing (hem integrity, label placement, no loose threads, no needle holes) - Metal detection (mandatory for EU/US retail hijabs)
A pre-shipment inspection report is provided with every order, documenting the inspection results and confirmed piece count.
Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) can be arranged at the buyer's cost if required for import compliance or internal audit purposes.
Stage 6: Shipping and delivery
Upon payment of the 70% balance, goods are packaged for shipment and handed to the freight forwarder. Standard shipping options from Yiwu:
| Method | Transit time (to UK/US) | Typical cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight (express) | 5–8 days | $8–12 per kg |
| Air freight (standard) | 10–14 days | $5–8 per kg |
| Sea freight (LCL) | 30–40 days | $200–400 per CBM |
| Sea freight (FCL) | 25–35 days | From $1,200 per 20' container |
For orders under 100 kg, air freight is usually cost-effective. For larger orders, sea freight is significantly cheaper but adds 3–5 weeks to delivery.
What to prepare before contacting a manufacturer
To get the most from your first OEM enquiry, prepare: 1. A clear fabric brief — fabric type, GSM, approximate colour palette 2. A target retail price point — this helps the manufacturer guide you to the right fabric and specification 3. Your delivery requirement — when do you need goods in-hand? 4. Your quantity estimate — even an approximate number helps (e.g. "500–800 pcs across 6–8 colours") 5. Print files if applicable — high-resolution AI or PDF, CMYK colour space
You do not need a finished product design — QIUYAN's team can assist with style direction, colour pairing, and print design referrals if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How long does the full OEM process take from first contact?
+Do I need to pay for samples?
+What file formats do you accept for print designs?
+Can I visit the factory before placing an order?
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