China is responsible for producing nearly 60% of the world’s apparel. Renowned designer labels such as Burberry, Armani, and Prada leverage OEM factories in China, taking advantage of the country’s cost-effective labour and progressively improving quality of production.
In this guide, We’ll delve into the textile sector in China and provide insights on importing attire from the country. This information is especially valuable for clothing manufacturers for startups, highlighting how to find a garment manufacturer in China and the benefits of partnering with Chinese clothing brands and China manufacturers. You’re sure to gain substantial knowledge from this analysis.
China’s key Center for textile manufacturing are predominantly located in the Yangtze Delta and Pearl River Delta areas. For entities aiming to import garments from China, forming partnerships with suppliers based in these industrial zones comes highly recommended. But what stands behind this advice?
Engaging with clothing manufacturers and established brands in these Chinese industrial clusters offers three notable advantages for sourcing wholesale apparel.
This strategic approach not only connects you to reputable China manufacturers and Chinese clothing brands but also streamlines the process of how to find a garment manufacturer suited to your specific needs.
In this guide, We’ll delve into the textile sector in China and provide insights on importing attire from the country.
This information is especially valuable for clothing manufacturers, highlighting how to find a garment manufacturer in China and the benefits of partnering with Chinese clothing brands and China manufacturers. You’re sure to gain substantial knowledge from this analysis.
Lower purchasing costs
China’s extensive and cost-effective workforce enables clothing manufacturers in the country to provide more affordable pricing for their products.
Even when considering shipping costs and customs duties, partnering with Chinese clothing manufacturers remains a cost-efficient choice and established brands alike.
Additionally, the high concentration of similar manufacturers within specific regions offers a broad spectrum of price options, allowing you to choose the most competitive offer.
This diversity and affordability make finding a garment manufacturer in China particularly advantageous for businesses seeking to balance quality with cost.
More advanced equipment
Suppliers located in China’s industrial zones typically utilize cutting-edge machinery and equipment, ensuring they lead within the textile sector.
This advanced infrastructure allows them to adeptly fulfill specific demands regarding clothing styles and manufacturing techniques, offering a significant advantage and established entities seeking to collaborate with clothing manufacturers, China manufacturers, or Chinese clothing brands.
This capability underscores the importance of how to find a garment manufacturer in these regions for businesses aiming for quality and innovation in their apparel production.
High efficiency to customize
Working directly with manufacturers is notably more efficient, especially for customized orders. China’s wholesale clothing manufacturers often boast dedicated research and development teams, enabling you to share your product concepts with them for direct design and production assistance.
On the other hand, engaging with trading companies introduces an intermediary step, as your ideas must be relayed to the factories by them.
This not only prolongs the process of finalizing product details but also increases the risk of miscommunication regarding your design intentions.
Furthermore, We’ve categorized China’s clothing industrial clusters by type in the chart below.
This information is invaluable when you’re searching online for Chinese clothing manufacturers, as it assists in determining if a factory is situated within a recognized apparel hub, enhancing your sourcing strategy for clothing manufacturers and how to find a garment manufacturer in these key regions.
| CATEGORY | Primary distribution |
|---|---|
| Children’s apparel | Guangzhou; Hangzhou; Changshu;Jiangsu; |
| Women’s apparel | Guangzhou; Humen; Hangzhou; |
| Men’s apparel | Guangzhou; Hangzhou; DongGuan; |
| Underwear | Hangzhou; Foshan; Nanhai; Suzhuo; |
| Shirt | Puning; Yiwu; Shaoxing;Keqiao; |
| Trousers | Quanzhou; Hangzhou; Guangzhou;Fuzhou; |
| Wedding Apparel | Suzhou; Xiangcheng; Jinchang |
| Leather apparel | Haining; Xinji |
| Swimsuit | Jinjiang; Xingcheng; Yiwu |
| Sportswear | Shishi; Xiamen; Guangzhou |
| Replica clothing | Guangzhou; Humen; Dongguan; Putian |
| Down coat | Gaoyou; Changshu; Hangzhou |
Note: The districts listed are the primary ones for each category. While numerous other industrial clusters exist throughout China, the main concentration is in the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Fujian.
Where to Find China Clothing Manufacturers?
When searching for clothing manufacturers in China, various channels are available to suit your business needs. You can choose the most appropriate method based on your specific requirements:
- Chinese wholesale websites
- Sourcing agents in China
- Trade fairs
- Industrial clusters
Chinese Wholesale Websites
If you’re working with a constrained budget or operating an e-commerce store, the optimal approach to locating clothing manufacturers in China involves exploring Chinese wholesale websites.
Popular platforms for this purpose encompass Alibaba, DHgate, AliExpress, Made in China, and Global Sources, among others. Specifically noteworthy are Alibaba and DHgate, which we will detail further.
Alibaba
Alibaba stands as a leading B2B e-commerce platform in China, offering a wide range of clothing at highly competitive prices. It serves as an excellent starting point for those seeking custom clothing manufacturers in China.
Yet, it’s important to note that Alibaba also hosts many trading companies that may present themselves as factories. To distinguish between actual manufacturers and traders, here are a couple of strategies:
Firstly, a genuine clothing manufacturer typically specializes in a specific product category. If you encounter a supplier whose offerings are focused solely on one type of clothing, they’re likely a manufacturer. Conversely, as illustrated below, if a supplier’s website showcases a diverse range of products, like wedding attire alongside beauty items, it suggests they’re more likely a trader than a factory.
Additionally, the majority of clothing manufacturers on Alibaba tend to establish high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) to secure their profits. In contrast, traders often offer much lower MOQs, sometimes as few as just a few dozen, for their in-stock products. This difference can be a useful indicator when trying to determine whether you’re dealing with a manufacturer or a trader.
DHgate
For those seeking China clothing manufacturers willing to handle smaller quantities, DHgate presents itself as an ideal option.
This platform hosts numerous Chinese clothing factories, with the advantage of generally lower MOQ requirements compared to Alibaba.
However, it’s crucial to equip yourself with knowledge on safe purchasing practices on DHgate before engaging with suppliers on the platform.
This preparatory step can help ensure a secure and successful transaction with clothing manufacturers or e-commerce businesses looking to source from China.
Note: Regardless of the wholesale platform you select for your purchases, remember that negotiating with suppliers over pricing is always an option. As a general rule, the larger your order volume, the better the price point you can negotiate.
Sourcing Agents
In addition to the mentioned online platforms, engaging with a China sourcing agent is another strategy worth considering.
You can discover sourcing agents in China through Google searches or on freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.
These agents are invaluable for accessing a wider range of China clothing manufacturers, especially those not easily found on wholesale websites.
They also offer comprehensive services, including monitoring production processes, conducting quality checks, and managing logistics for shipping.
Furthermore, sourcing companies are skilled at procuring and tailoring standard clothing designs, an economical choice given the high costs and extensive time required to develop and produce entirely new fashion designs.
At SKAB, a premier sourcing firm based in Guangdong, we’re equipped with a vast network of factory resources for clothing.
Our expertise allows us to assist clothing manufacturers for startups and established brands alike in sourcing and customizing essential apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and specialized items such as sportswear, underwear, and a variety of leggings.
We cater to the needs of both China manufacturers and Chinese clothing brands seeking to streamline how to find a garment manufacturer.
Industrial Clusters
If your journey takes you to China, consider exploring the clothing industrial clusters first-hand. Previously, We detailed the locations of these clusters and their areas of specialization. This information allows you to choose the one that matches your needs.
In addition to direct factory visits, numerous wholesale markets within these clusters offer a wealth of sourcing opportunities.
Guangdong is home to some of the largest wholesale clothing markets in China, with Guangzhou’s markets standing out as the most renowned and expansive.
It’s common for suppliers in markets across other cities to source their collections from Guangzhou.
Here’s a list of markets where you can source wholesale clothing in China:
- Thirteen Hong Market (十三行)
- Shahe Market (沙河)
- Baima Market (白马)
- Jindu Clothing Wholesale City (锦都服装批发城)
- Sungang Taoyuan Foreign Trade Clothing City (笋岗桃园外贸服装城)
Additionally, for those seeking even more competitive pricing, leftover markets are an excellent option.
We’ll share more insights into finding these markets, aiding clothing manufacturers for startups, China manufacturers, and Chinese clothing brands in discovering how to find a garment manufacturer or wholesale supplier efficiently.
Trade Fairs
If your schedule and budget allow, attending Chinese trade fairs is a highly recommended approach.
These events offer the opportunity for face-to-face discussions with Chinese clothing suppliers, giving you a clearer insight into whether they can fulfill your requirements.
Typically, suppliers who participate in these fairs bring a wealth of experience.
You’ll encounter numerous clothing manufacturers that might not have a presence on digital marketplaces.
The Canton Fair stands out as the top recommendation, occurring biannually with three phases per session.
For those seeking China wholesale clothing suppliers, the third phase is most relevant, typically happening every May and November.
This setting is invaluable for clothing manufacturers, China manufacturers, and Chinese clothing brands looking to directly engage and establish connections, simplifying the process of how to find a garment manufacturer in China.
How To Find A Garment Manufacturer?
Customizing and private labelling clothes with China clothing manufacturers involves a structured five-step process:
Share Your Ideas or Samples: Communicate your custom clothing requirements to multiple suppliers (recommend contacting at least 2-3) or provide them with a sample of what you’re looking for. If creating a design draft isn’t your forte, simply sending a picture of the desired custom clothing to the China supplier can work.
Confirm Details and Receive a Quotation: Discuss specifics such as design, materials, and quantities with factories. Choose the supplier that offers the best combination of price, communication, and service for your project.
Create a Pre-production Sample: Selected suppliers will produce a pre-production (PP) sample to verify the design and materials. Typically, there’s a charge for this sample, which is often refunded once you proceed with a bulk order.
Initiate Mass Production: Upon sample approval, the chosen factory will procure the necessary fabrics and materials and begin manufacturing your clothing line.
Quality Inspection and Shipment: Upon completion of production, the factory’s quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) teams inspect the final products for any defects or discrepancies in stitching, fabric quality, and accessories before shipment is arranged.
This structured approach ensures that clothing manufacturers for startups and established brands can effectively partner with China manufacturers to produce high-quality, customized apparel.
Where To Find The Cheapest Clothing?
Discovering that some Chinese suppliers sell clothes by weight might astonish you, yet this practice is quite standard in China.
The country is home to four well-known leftover stock markets. For those in search of affordable apparel, especially clothing manufacturers for startups looking to find a garment manufacturer or source from China manufacturers and Chinese clothing brands, these markets are invaluable.
They offer a unique way to acquire clothing at significantly reduced costs, making them a must-visit for cost-conscious businesses.
Yiwu Wuai Leftover Stock Market
Situated in Yiwu, this location boasts the largest number of inventory stores in China, making it a prime destination for those seeking to connect with clothing manufacturers, China manufacturers, and Chinese clothing brands.
Jindong Garment Trade Center
Situated in Guangzhou and spanning over 100,000 square meters, this marketplace is renowned for its diverse array of clothing options. It’s particularly notable for sportswear, with numerous stores specializing in this segment.
This vast space offers a wealth of opportunities for clothing manufacturers, China manufacturers, and those seeking to collaborate with Chinese clothing brands, making it an essential destination for anyone looking to find a garment manufacturer or source quality sportswear at competitive prices.
Guang Da Clothing Trade Center
This marketplace, established in 2005 and located in Guangzhou, is a treasure trove for finding a wide range of affordable clothing items, including jackets, down coats, and more.
It serves as a prime spot for clothing manufacturers for startups, China manufacturers, and Chinese clothing brands, providing ample opportunities to source quality garments at low prices.
Whether you’re looking to find a garment manufacturer or simply wish to expand your inventory with cost-effective options, this Guangzhou market is an essential destination.
Yiwu Mehu Leftover Stock Street
Also situated in Yiwu, this location holds the distinction of being the first street specialized in selling leftover stock in the city.
Here, you can discover an extensive range of clothing categories, offering a broad spectrum of options for clothing manufacturers for startups, China manufacturers, and those interested in Chinese clothing brands.
It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to find a garment manufacturer or to explore diverse apparel options at competitive prices, making it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to diversify their product offerings.
Guangzhou Baima Garment Market
Located in Guangzhou, this is one of the largest and most popular clothing wholesale markets in China. It’s known for a wide variety of clothing at low prices, catering to all ages and styles.
Guangzhou Liuhua Clothing Wholesale Market Complex
This complex houses several markets, including the Guangzhou Baima Garment Market, and is known for wholesale clothing catering to a wide range of preferences and sizes.
Sellers often acquire leftover stock or garments with slight imperfections that are still wearable from factories, reselling them in surplus markets. In such scenarios, the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) can soar to tens of thousands.
This method represents just one approach to managing excess inventory and doesn’t necessarily imply low-quality clothing.
For those operating offline stores or street stalls, purchasing from Chinese surplus stock markets is highly recommended. These venues are treasure troves of high-quality, yet affordable apparel.
Moreover, not every item in these inventory markets is sold by weight; many garments are still sold individually.
This diversity in selling methods offers flexibility for clothing manufacturers, China manufacturers, and Chinese clothing brands looking for cost-effective solutions and strategies on how to find a garment manufacturer for their unique business needs.
How To Find Clothing Manufacturers For Startups?
For new startups, partnering directly with manufacturers might not always be the best strategy. While collaboration with manufacturers offers customization benefits, it comes with its own set of challenges.
One major hurdle is the high Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) required by clothing factories in China.
These high MOQs are in place to offset production costs but necessitate a larger initial investment from you.
Furthermore, predicting market reception for your clothing line can be uncertain at the outset.
Stockpiling large quantities of apparel entails the risk of unsold inventory, making manufacturer collaboration more apt for established or expanding businesses.
For startups or smaller enterprises, a more viable approach is to engage with trading companies or explore dropshipping options from China.
This strategy allows for market testing with minimal stock and investment, reducing financial risk.
As your business grows, transitioning to a partnership with a reputable Chinese clothing manufacturer becomes more feasible and advantageous for sustained growth.
This path provides a prudent balance between risk management and scalability for clothing manufacturers for startups, aiding in the careful expansion of your brand without overcommitting resources prematurely.
How to Buy Small Quantities From China Manufacturers?
Small order buyers often look online for clothing manufacturers to cut costs. Large businesses rarely visit China for sourcing.
They prefer using a China sourcing agent for supply chain management. Online sourcing suits small quantity needs best.
Big factories need large orders for profit. Small workshops, however, offer low MOQs and cater to specific customer demands.
But, this choice might mean higher prices or compromised quality. Small workshops allow purchasing in low quantities, but at a cost or with quality concerns.
High costs for small orders stem from labor and material expenses. For example, a clothing factory buying zippers and buttons faces MOQs from suppliers. Unused materials lead to waste.
Moreover, let’s look at customizing T-shirts. When aiming to work with private label clothing manufacturers to add a logo to T-shirts, embroidery and screen printing emerge as two primary techniques.
However, the cost for customizing T-shirts varies with order size.
For instance, in a project where we assisted a client with embroidering logos on T-shirts, the embroidery service quoted a fixed fee around $30-40 for 100 T-shirts, in contrast to $150-160 for a batch of 1000.
As a result, the unit cost for producing a T-shirt is elevated with smaller orders.
How to Source Wholesale Designer Clothing from China?
China. Nevertheless, numerous suppliers offer replica apparel. These can be found on various online marketplaces like Alibaba, Made in China, DHgate, and AliExpress, among others.
It’s important to be aware that purchasing replica clothing in bulk may lead to complications during customs clearance, especially with inspections.
Moreover, not every logistics provider is equipped to handle the customs clearance for replica items.
Therefore, it’s crucial to select a freight forwarder experienced in navigating the shipment of replica goods with unique strategies for successful delivery.
Are Clothing Made in China Good Quality?
The perception of products labeled “Made in China” or “Made in PRC” has historically been mixed among importers, with concerns often centered around quality. However, this stereotype is gradually shifting.
As reported by Quartz, an international news organization with a business focus, the quality of Chinese-made clothing has seen considerable improvements in recent years. This progress is attributed to significant investments in staff training and garment production technology by China’s garment industry.
Additionally, working conditions in Chinese garment factories have seen enhancements, contributing to the overall uplift in production quality.
With China’s clothing exports growing annually, factories are becoming increasingly meticulous about the details of their products. While this doesn’t imply that all Chinese-made goods are of the highest quality, it indicates a positive development trend within China’s garment manufacturing sector.
Buyers’ expectations for Chinese-made products are rising, reflecting the industry’s ongoing evolution and commitment to quality improvement.
List of The Best Clothing Manufacturers in China.
Here’s a list of the best clothing manufacturers
in China for your consideration. However, determining their suitability for your needs requires direct communication to understand their capabilities and services better.It’s crucial to focus on addressing potential challenges and learning effective problem-solving strategies, rather than solely concentrating on finding a list of factories.This proactive approach will help ensure you partner with the best clothing manufacturers for startups and secure quality suppliers for your business.
Dongguan Humen Yihao Clothing Co., Ltd. Specializes in women’s clothing, offering both OEM and ODM services.
Guangzhou Nixiya Garment Co., Ltd.: Known for a wide range of fashionable women’s apparel.
Shenzhen Global Weiye Clothing Co., Ltd.: A leading manufacturer of custom T-shirts and casual wear with extensive customization options.
Jiangxi Mass Garment Co., Ltd.: Offers a broad spectrum of clothing items, including sportswear and casual wear, with strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.
Hangzhou Yilei Import & Export Co., Ltd.: Specializes in children’s and adults’ clothing, providing services from design to production.
Lancai Garment: located in Humen, one of the clothing clusters in China. They mainly deal in women’s clothes like dresses, skirts, blouses, sportswear, etc. They have passed certifications like ISO 9001, SMETA, and BSCI.