Sports jerseys โ cricket, football, basketball, hockey, athletics โ represent a substantial category. India's sports apparel cluster around Meerut and Ludhiana has scaled to commercial volumes with technical fabrics, sublimation printing and team-programme capability.
Common Categories
- Cricket kits (jersey, trouser, cap)
- Football jerseys (100% polyester or rPET)
- Basketball jerseys
- Cycling jerseys (technical, aero-fit)
- Athletics singlets and shorts
- Compression wear
- Rugby jerseys
Fabrics
- 100% polyester dry-fit โ Standard.
- Recycled polyester (rPET) โ Growing sustainability tier.
- Polyester-elastane (95/5) โ Compression fit.
- Micro-mesh polyester โ Ventilation.
Printing & Personalisation
- Sublimation printing โ Full-colour, unlimited design complexity.
- Screen printing โ Solid colour, higher volume.
- Player name and number personalisation.
- Team badge / crest.
- Sponsor logos.
MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)
- Football jersey (sublimated) โ 100 pcs, $5.20โ7.50 per piece
- Cricket kit (jersey + trouser) โ 100 sets, $16โ24 per set
- Basketball jersey โ 100 pcs, $6.50โ9 per piece
- Cycling jersey (technical) โ 100 pcs, $18โ28 per piece
- Compression tights โ 200 pcs, $8.50โ12 per piece
Lead Times
- Sampling: 3 weeks
- Bulk production: 30โ45 days
- Team programmes with personalisation: 40โ55 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment terms are standard for Indian textile imports?
Standard payment structure is 30% advance via TT (telegraphic transfer) plus 70% against copy of bill of lading. Letters of credit (LC) are recommended for first-time relationships or large orders ($50,000+). Established repeat buyers can negotiate DA/DP terms or open account. Avoid 100% advance payment except for very small sample orders.
How do I verify an Indian supplier before placing a large order?
Verify: IEC code (Indian Import-Export Code from DGFT), GST registration, physical factory address (via video call or third-party visit), references from 2+ existing international customers, SEDEX or BSCI social audit, relevant OEKO-TEX/GOTS scope certificates. Pre-shipment inspection is essential โ budget $250โ500 per shipment via SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas.
What HS code applies to my product for import duty?
HS code depends on fibre composition and construction. Silk items are Chapter 50; wool Chapter 51; cotton Chapter 52; knitted apparel Chapter 61; woven apparel Chapter 62; home textiles Chapter 63. Get a formal HS code determination from your destination customs broker before first import โ mis-classification causes customs delays and unexpected duty charges.
Can Indian suppliers ship directly to my end customer (dropshipping)?
Yes, dropshipping from India is technically possible. But it comes with challenges: 14โ35 day sea transit customer expectation management, unexpected destination duty charges, complex returns handling, quality control gaps per shipment. For most brands, a wholesale-import-then-fulfil model produces better customer experience than pure dropshipping.
Related Reading
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- Sweatshirts & Hoodies Wholesale from India: For Streetwear & Retail Brands โ Sweatshirts and hoodies are one of the fastest-growing apparel categories. A sourcing reference for streetwear brands and retailer...
- Private Label Textile Manufacturing in India: How OEM Programmes Work for International Brands โ A structured overview of how private-label and OEM textile programmes operate in India โ covering NDA, tech-pack development, samp...
- Knitwear Manufacturing in India: Sweaters, Cardigans & Pullovers for International Brands โ India's knitwear manufacturing capability has matured significantly โ from commodity acrylic sweaters to fully-fashioned cashmere...
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.