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Outdoor Voices isn’t just another athleisure brand—it built a following by making technical clothing feel relaxed, wearable, and fun. But where are their products made, and what can we learn from how they manage manufacturing?
Outdoor Voices uses a blended sourcing model1 with third-party manufacturers in the U.S., China, Vietnam, and Peru. Their approach balances small-batch U.S. runs with large-scale offshore production—while keeping sustainability and fabric innovation in focus.
I used to think all cool, clean activewear brands sourced the same way. But Outdoor Voices does things a bit differently—mixing local and overseas production in a smart way that gives their brand a unique feel.
Outdoor Voices: A Quick Brand Overview
Outdoor Voices made athleisure less about performance and more about lifestyle. It’s not about lifting heavy or sprinting—it’s about #DoingThings.
Outdoor Voices positioned itself as a feel-good brand in the athleisure boom, using minimalist design and eco-fabrics to target consumers who care more about vibe than speed.
Sunlit Meditation
The Rise of the Athleisure Movement
In the 2010s, fashion shifted. Leggings became everyday wear. People started choosing comfort over formalwear—and OV leaned in hard.
- Target market: Millennial and Gen Z women
- Core idea: Movement over performance
- Key styles: Leggings, exercise dresses, matching sets
Brand Positioning – Casual, Minimalist, Sustainable
Outdoor Voices avoids flashy logos or high-impact looks. Their branding is soft, approachable, and values-driven.
- Visuals: Earth tones, color blocking, soft palettes
- Message: Inclusive, recreational, conscious
- Values: Sustainability, body positivity, accessible movement
Where Are Outdoor Voices Products Made?
Outdoor Voices mixes U.S. production with offshore manufacturing to meet both small-batch needs and scalable demand.
They manufacture in the U.S., China, Vietnam, and Peru—leveraging both nearshore and offshore partners for flexibility and margin control.
Known Countries: USA, China, Vietnam, Peru
Each location serves a different function in their strategy:
| Country | Function |
|---|---|
| USA | Small-batch lines, ethical branding |
| China | Bulk production, fabric sourcing |
| Vietnam | Knitwear and soft-touch goods |
| Peru | Pima cotton and blended fabric goods |
Types of Factories: Third-Party OEMs + U.S. Small-Batch Production
They don’t own factories. Like most DTC brands, OV works with third-party vendors.
- OEM model: Outdoor Voices handles design, partners manufacture
- U.S. production: Often focused on promotional or seasonal collections
- Offshore: Handles larger, more cost-effective runs
Focus on Blended Sourcing – Nearshore + Offshore Mix
The hybrid model allows for:
- Faster launches on local styles
- Cost efficiency overseas
- Flexibility in inventory planning
What’s Unique About Outdoor Voices’ Manufacturing Approach?
Beyond the factory locations, their unique edge comes from fabric feel, small-batch runs, and an earthy, sustainable brand story.
Outdoor Voices prioritizes soft-touch fabrics2, sustainability narratives, and localized production as part of their consumer appeal.
Signature Fabrics – Textured Compression, CloudKnit
The real magic? Their custom fabrics.
- Textured Compression: Smooth, stretchy, but structured
- CloudKnit: Ultra-soft brushed blend for comfort
- RecPoly: Made from recycled bottles
These fabrics aren’t just soft—they define the product experience.
Sustainability Claims and How They Source Eco-Materials
OV markets heavily on eco values. Here’s how they back it up:
- Recycled synthetics: Like RecPoly and CloudKnit blends
- U.S. cotton: Ethically grown for some lines
- Transparent sourcing: Regular supplier disclosures
Made-in-USA Lines vs Global Sourcing
Some products are made in L.A. and promoted as "Made in the USA"—especially limited-edition capsules.
- USA = Brand storytelling
- Offshore = Profit margin + scale
- Both = Smart sourcing balance
How to Manufacture Similar Products – Key Considerations
Want to create a soft-touch, OV-inspired athleisure line? Here’s what to plan for.
To manufacture like Outdoor Voices, focus on fabric feel, fit for comfort, and a manufacturer who can handle low MOQs with consistent quality.
Choosing Soft-Touch Technical Fabrics
Focus on materials that feel good and move with the body:
| Fabric Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Brushed poly/spandex | Cozy feel for leggings |
| Interlock knits | Great for dresses/tops |
| Recycled yarns | Align with eco messaging |
Understanding Athleisure Fit and Construction
Athleisure is less structured than performancewear—but still needs:
- Clean seams
- No see-through stretch
- Gentle compression for shape
Fit should feel casual but look elevated.
How to Manage Quality Control and Color Consistency
Outdoor Voices uses soft pastels and custom color-blocking. To match this:
- Pre-test dye lots
- Request lab dips
- Use the same mill for solids and prints
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Startups
Start lean, but plan ahead:
- 300 pcs per style is realistic
- Limit to 2–3 colors at launch
- Ask for MOQ flexibility on size runs
OEM Guide: Finding a Manufacturer Like Outdoor Voices Uses
The right partner makes or breaks your brand—especially when fabrics and fits are this specific.
Look for an OEM/ODM supplier that understands soft fabrics, color quality, and low-volume runs with high consistency.
What to Look for in an Activewear Manufacturer
Prioritize:
- Experience with brushed and knit fabrics
- Strong pattern development team
- Open to MOQ negotiation
Benefits of Working with a Chinese ODM/OEM
China still leads in innovation and scale:
- Vast fabric libraries
- Advanced knitting technology
- Faster lead times on samples and bulk
At Modaknits, we’ve supported multiple brands building OV-style collections—both visually and functionally.
Questions to Ask When Selecting Your Factory
Make sure to ask:
- “Do you have experience with brushed or CloudKnit-like fabrics?”
- “Can you offer fabric swatches and lab dips?”
- “What’s your sampling timeline and MOQ flexibility?”
Conclusion
Outdoor Voices proves you don’t need to manufacture everything in one place. With the right mix of materials, suppliers, and brand vision, startups can build something just as compelling.
