Every custom lingerie buyer asks the same question: "How long will it take?" The honest answer is a timeline, not a number — because the total depends on what you bring to the table. Here is the full OEM/ODM timeline we run at our factory, stage by stage, so you can plan your season with real dates instead of guesses.
The standard OEM timeline (your design)
| Stage | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Spec & quoting | 3–5 days | You share drawings, tech pack or reference samples; we quote fabric, trims and costs. |
| Pattern & sample | 7–14 days | Pattern-making, first sample, your approval. Revisions add 3–5 days each round. |
| Fabric & trims sourcing | 5–10 days | Custom fabrics and trims are ordered; stock fabrics are reserved. |
| Bulk production | 15–25 days | Cutting, sewing, QC — scaled to your order size. |
| Packing & shipping | 3–5 days + freight | Inspection, packing, documents; sea freight 25–40 days, air 3–7 days. |
Typical total: 6–9 weeks from approved sample to delivery by sea; 4–6 weeks by air.
The faster path: ODM and stock-plus
Not every custom order needs the full timeline:
- ODM (our design): the design already exists in our development pipeline — you customize colors, trims and packaging. Saves the 7–14 day design stage.
- Stock-style customization: light customization on existing styles (your labels, colors, packaging) reuses ready patterns and in-house fabric — often 3–4 weeks total.
- Ordering early: the single biggest lever is starting before the season. Valentine's stock ordered in October beats a rushed December air-freight order every time.
Tell us your deadline when you inquire — we'll tell you honestly which path fits. See the options on our Custom Design page.
What slows orders down (and how to avoid it)
- Vague specs: "like this photo but nicer" adds revision rounds. A tech pack or reference sample saves weeks.
- Unapproved samples: every day you wait to approve the sample pushes the schedule. Approve in writing, fast.
- Custom fabric from scratch: exclusive fabrics need production slots at mills — order them months ahead, or choose from our library.
- Unclear shipping terms: confirm FOB vs DDP before production ends, not after.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get a custom sample?
Pattern and first sample typically 7–14 days from confirmed specs. Rush options are available on request.
What's the fastest custom option?
Light customization on stock styles: 3–4 weeks from order to shipment. ODM styles (already developed) are next fastest.
How many sample rounds are included?
Usually one sample round is included in the development fee; revisions are charged at cost. Getting specs right upfront keeps it to one round.
Do you hold deadlines?
We quote realistic dates and track production against them. If anything shifts, you'll know before it happens — not after.
Plan your custom order with real dates
Share your design or deadline and we'll map the timeline to your season.
Get a Timeline Custom Design Service