Venturing into the clothing business is no piece of cake- especially if you have zero experience. With the increase in competition from other small businesses, it’s difficult to make your brand memorable.
The solution? Start by offering one-of-a-kind products.
Domestic vs. Overseas Apparel Manufacturers
Domestic Apparel Manufacturers
Utilizing a domestic apparel manufacturer has several benefits, including better quality products and more regulated labor standards. Even though it might be pricier to create garments using a local supplier, you can use your marketing materials as an opportunity to show that you’re supporting the industry in your area. This helps solidify your brand image with consumers who know about garment manufacturing.
A pro of working with a national clothing manufacturer is that shipping time is quicker. Also, transportation costs are frequently less expensive than when working with an international organization. Nevertheless, a significant downside when keeping it local is that there normally is a more restricted product selection. If you want something rarer, it might be best to partner with a foreign supplier.
Overseas Apparel Manufacturers
If you want to create branded products for your company, utilizing an overseas apparel manufacturer may be a great option! You can often find these garment manufacturers at a fraction of the cost of domestic ones. Some of the most popular countries that offer these services include China, India, Taiwan and other Asian nations.
For many years, custom apparel manufacturers from China have been the most popular, and these companies produce all types of apparel for direct sales and online resale. However, it is important to note that the quality of products from overseas garment manufacturers may not be as high as that of their domestic counterparts. And keep in mind that the working conditions in their factories may not be regulated.
Another potential drawback is that your products may experience longer shipping times. In addition, shipping costs are usually more expensive than domestic garment manufacturers.
Before you opt for a domestic or overseas apparel manufacturer, assess your quality, quantity, speed and cost needs. Evaluate the pros and cons of each type of manufacturing to make an educated final decision.
Benefits of working with a garment manufacturer
There are numerous advantages to partnering with an apparel manufacturer.
Manufacturers’ Services
High-quality manufacturing services are available to you. Apparel manufacturers have the experience and equipment to produce products that meet your quality standards. You will want to build a long-term partnership with them so you can take advantage of their efficient production times and ability to capture trends quickly.
Order styles quickly
Having apparel inventory at your fingertips will be quick and easy. Most garment manufacturers have a speedy production process, meaning you won’t wait an extensive amount of time for your clothes to arrive. Fashion designers can get their styles out much quicker without worrying about finding the right manufacturer.
Save time and money
Utilizing garment manufacturers will save you money in the long run. They often offer cheaper prices per piece than if you produced the garments yourself, and they also have access to supplier discounts that individuals wouldn’t be able to find.
All in one
An in-house design team will save you the headache of hiring a specialist. You can use that extra time to focus on other aspects of your business that may be falling behind. Furthermore, these designers already have experience producing clothing within the style brands want to sell. They are more likely to be able to create designs that reflect what your company is trying to achieve aesthetically.
Different Kinds of Overseas Manufacturing Plants
When trying to find a clothing manufacturer, it is crucial to comprehend the kind of textile business you want in the industry. There are a few various types of garment manufacturers.
- Cut & sew manufacturer
A cut & sew manufacturer is a clothing company that produces garments to your specifications, often resulting in unique designs not easily found elsewhere. This could be a good manufacturing solution if you want fewer items or have a precise design.
- Wholesale manufacturer
Working with a wholesale manufacturer may be the best option if you’re not as particular about developing a unique style and are more focused on getting your product out faster. These types of companies produce garments and attach your desired label to them.
Why source apparel from China
The two main regions in China for apparel manufacturing are the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. If you’re looking to import apparel from China, it’s best to work with a supplier located in one of those areas. There are several reasons why:
Lower sourcing costs
You can take advantage of the nation’s expansive and inexpensive workforce by sourcing your garments from China. Even accounting for shipping costs and customs duties, working with a Chinese manufacturer is often more affordable than other options.
By having more clothing manufacturers in the same region, you can have a wider variety of pricing options and be more competitive.
More advanced equipment
By keeping up with the latest industry trends, belt suppliers can guarantee that they will be able to meet your specific garment style and craftsmanship requirements.
Highly efficient customization
If you need help bringing your vision to life or customizing an existing product, it is more efficient to work with a manufacturer. Wholesale garment manufacturers in China typically have a professional research and development team that can take your ideas and turn them into reality.
Contrary to what one may think, working with a trading company means that you need to communicate your ideas to them before they can pass on the idea to the garment factory. Coming to an agreement about product details is time-consuming, and there is always the potential to misunderstand the design.
In addition, I have tabulated the various apparel industry clusters in China. These are based on the categories seen below. The next time you search for Chinese clothing manufacturers online, this data will come in handy as it’ll help show if the factory is situated within an apparel cluster or not.
| Clothes category | The main industrial cluster distribution |
| Men’s Clothing | Zengcheng, Guangzhou, Hangzhou |
| Woman’s clothing | Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Dongguan Humen |
| Children’s Clothing | Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Changshu |
| Wedding Apparel | Guangzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Changshu |
| Underwear | Hangzhou, Foshan, Nanhai, Chaozhou |
| Shirt | Puning, Yiwu, Shaoxing |
| Leather Apparel | Haining, Xinji |
| Denim | Xintang, Changzhou, Zhongshan |
| Woolen Sweater | Dongguan Dalang, Tongxiang |
| Down Jacket | Gaoyou, Shishi, Guangzhou |
| Swimsuit | Jinjiang, Xingcheng, Yiwu |
| Replica Clothing | Guangzhou, Dongguan Humen, Putian |
Please note that I have only listed the first industry cluster for each region. Of course, China has many other areas with thriving businesses. However, most of these are located in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
Choosing the right apparel manufacturer
After you’ve browsed the resources above, your business will likely have several potential clothing manufacturers. The next step is to refine your list.
These are the six main points you should think about when picking an apparel manufacturer:
- Price and quality: You’ll want to find a clothing manufacturer that offers both good quality garments and affordable prices.
- Shipping time: Make sure the manufacturer can deliver your order on time without delays.
- Experience: Look for a manufacturer with a lot of experience in the industry who can help you create the perfect product.
- Quality control: Verify that the manufacturer has strict quality control measures to ensure that your order is produced flawlessly.
- Garment construction: Make sure the garments are constructed well, with attention to detail in every stitch.
- Customer service: The manufacturer should be responsive and helpful, offering excellent customer service throughout the process.
Although not always possible, we highly recommend you visit a clothing manufacturer before investing in their process. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they can handle your order by seeing their factory and talking with employees.
Where are the Chinese clothing manufacturers?
You can explore various channels to find a clothing manufacturer for your business.
- Chinese wholesale websites
- Sourcing agents
- Industry Clusters / China Wholesale Market
- Trade fairs
China Wholesale Sites
Some of the most well-known China wholesale websites are listed below, where you can find a clothing manufacturer. These sites commonly include Alibaba, DHgate, Made in China, Global Sources, etc.
- Read the reviews
When looking for a clothing manufacturer on B2B platforms, it is important to read the reviews. This will help you determine the quality of the manufacturer’s products.
- Look for a factory with experience in your niche.
Not all factories are created equal. Finding a clothing manufacturer with experience in your niche is important. This will ensure that you get high-quality products that meet your specific needs.
- Ask for samples
Before you commit to a clothing manufacturer, asking for samples is always a good idea. This will allow you to see the quality of the products they produce.
- Price
Use price comparison websites to find the best deals, and always ask for quotes before committing to a purchase.
- licenses and certifications
Always double-check that your supplier has the proper licenses and certifications.
Purchasing agents
Working with a Chinese sourcing agent is a great idea if you’re interested in pursuing offline options. You can find plenty of agents by searching online on platforms such as Google, Upwork, and Fiverr.
Once you have found a few potential agents, you must do your due diligence before selecting one. Some things you may want to consider include the following:
- The agent’s experience and credentials
- The quality of the factories they work with
- The range of products they offer
- The level of customer service they provide
Once you have narrowed your choices, you must contact each agent and ask them a few questions to better understand what they can offer. Some questions you may want to ask to include the following:
- What types of products do you specialize in?
- What types of factories do you work with?
- Can you provide me with some references?
- What is your process for placing an order?
- What kind of customer service do you offer?
Industry Clusters/China Wholesale Markets
When you want to find an apparel manufacturer, the first step is identifying the right industry clusters. China’s three main garment manufacturing regions are Guangzhou, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu.
For example, Guangzhou has many migrant workers and lower labor costs, while Zhejiang has a higher concentration of skilled workers and better-quality factories. Once you have identified the region that best suits your needs, you can then begin to visit factories and wholesale markets in that area.
Wholesale clothing from China can be found in the following markets.
- 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)
Trade Fairs
Attending a trade fair is one of the best solutions to finding a reputable and reliable supplier, given that you have enough budget. This is especially true if you’re looking for suppliers in China. Trade fairs provide an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential suppliers and get a feel for their capabilities.
The Canton Fair is one of the largest and most well-known trade fairs in China, and it’s a great place to start your search for a qualified supplier.
Known as the China Import and Export Fair, the Canton Fair is held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn. It is China’s oldest, largest, and most representative trade fair. Every year, nearly 25,000 exhibitors from over 210 countries and regions participate in the fair, attracting more than 200,000 buyers from over 210 countries and regions. The Canton Fair is an excellent platform for clothing manufacturers to showcase their products and build relationships with foreign buyers.
The Canton Fair should be on your list of options if you’re serious about finding a clothing manufacturer.
Wrapping up
I truly hope that this article was helpful to you as you navigate the process of finding a clothing manufacturer. If you still need guidance, don’t be afraid to shoot us an email for support. At Garment Lezhou, we have over a decade of experience in custom clothing manufacturing and are always happy to help with your specific needs!