When you decide who to manufacture clothing from, you will do well to consider sourcing raw materials from China. There are many reasons for this—and the main one is cost. You’d understand why manufacturers and wholesalers in China are cheaper and how you can source them for clothing production. But there’s more to it than that. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about sourcing apparel manufacturers in China, including the best ways to go about it.

Why You Should Source Apparel from China

– China is the largest apparel manufacturer in the world. It offers cheap labor as well as accessible raw materials. You can find reliable clothing manufacturers in China. Countries like Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are known for their clothing manufacturing prowess, but they cost more than Chinese apparel brands. Besides, clothing made in these countries may not be as high quality as those of Chinese brands.

– When buying clothing online, shipping times are long compared to other countries. For a short-sleeved t-shirt, your order may take weeks, while it takes only days to arrive from China’s garment manufacturing hubs.

– Finally, you can save money on apparel by sourcing from China. The cost per unit is cheaper than that of apparel manufactured elsewhere. 

1. Lower Labour Costs

The cost-effective apparel production in China makes it a popular choice for many clothing companies. One of the major advantages of sourcing apparel from China is the cost savings that can be achieved as a result. Labor costs in China are significantly lower than those in other countries, making it an ideal manufacturer for cost-conscious brands looking to reduce production costs.

Another advantage of sourcing apparel from China is the high quality and reliability of the product. Due to the country’s emphasis on quality assurance, manufacturers often ensure that all production processes are carried out to high standards. This ensures that the finished products always meet the specifications required by customers. Moreover, global demand for clothing is expected to increase significantly over the next few years as growing populations and shifting consumer preferences continue to drive demand for clothing-specific products. As a result, companies looking to supply high-quality clothing at affordable prices will turn to China as their manufacturing base.

2. Highly Skilled Workforce and Developed Factories

China has long been a leading manufacturer of clothing, and it has a highly skilled workforce when it comes to clothing production. Many clothing manufacturers in China are concentrated in regions such as Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. These regions have favourable climates and cost-effective labor, which makes them ideal locations for clothing production. The factories of Chinese clothing manufacturers are built for scale and equipped with good equipment to ensure high-quality production.

The clothing industry in China has invested heavily in processes and technology to meet large order demands. This has led to high-quality clothing at competitive prices. However, there are some concerns about the working conditions of the garment production process. To ensure high-quality clothing at a reasonable price, consumers must research before deciding where to purchase their clothing.

3. Efficient Supply Chain Capabilities

China is one of the most developed countries regarding supply chain capabilities, making it a popular sourcing location for apparel manufacturers. Chinese clothing manufacturers offer full-service packages to assist in reducing supply chain costs. They can help with everything from production planning to order fulfilment, greatly reducing time and cost burden for apparel producers. 

As China has a mature supply chain and business ecosystem, clothing production can be carried out efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to offering high-quality products at competitive prices, China’s apparel market will have a revenue of 303 billion USD in 2021. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% over the next few years. The minimum order quantity when importing clothing from China is 500-1000 pieces per product, making it an ideal location for producing high-quality and reduced-cost clothing. Overall, sourcing apparel from China offers cost-effective production, reliable quality, and quick turnaround time.

4. Experience with Product Manufacturing

China is a leading manufacturer of clothing items due to its ability to produce high-quality clothing at affordable prices. Some companies benefit from using overseas manufacturers in China, as labor standards and working conditions are typically unregulated and can lead to cost savings. However, businesses must choose reputable factories and inspect them when possible. Additionally, businesses can benefit from more options with overseas manufacturers, including fabrics and styles.

Many factories have been in operation for years, such as the company based in Jinjiang, Fujian, which was registered in 2005. Companies need to research before making purchase decisions and look for reviews from other customers who have previous experience with the manufacturer.

How to Find Manufacturers for Clothing in China

When looking to find clothing manufacturers in China, it’s essential to identify the top 10 garment factories in the country. These factories often produce high-quality garments at cost-effective prices, making them ideal clothing manufacturers for consumers. To ensure quality and cost-efficiency, it’s vital to research made-in-China clothing and the ultimate guide for buying from China. When purchasing, look for clothing made by a trusted partner with years of experience and high-quality materials. Utilize tips and strategies for finding the right manufacturer and factors such as quantity, cost, and quality of garments. By following these tips, consumers can find clothing manufacturers in China who can provide high-quality garments at affordable prices.

1. Use 3rd Party Agencies to Source Chinese Clothing Suppliers

To source Chinese clothing suppliers, 3rd party organizations can be a great way to save time and avoid the risk of working with a less-than-reputable supplier. They can provide quality clothing at a cost-effective rate. However, it is important to research the best clothing manufacturer for your needs and ensure that the company is reputable. To ensure quality and safety, working with a manufacturer that upholds industry standards and follows the requisite safety protocols is vital. Additionally, working with an overseas manufacturer can give you cost savings while maintaining high safety standards. Whether you’re looking to source clothing from China or elsewhere, reach out to Alice James Global for help connecting you with the right manufacturer.

2. Find Chinese Clothing Manufacturers via Online B2B Marketplace

Finding a manufacturer for clothing in China can be challenging. There are multiple B2B websites and marketplaces to help you find a manufacturer. When searching for a manufacturer, consider their products’ production quantity, cost, and profitability. You can also use testimonials from previous customers to help filter out authentic manufacturers.

When shopping for clothing manufacturers, consider factors such as production quantity, cost, and profitability. It’s best to use an experienced third-party company that can help you connect with clothing manufacturers in China.

3. Find Clothing Manufacturers from Fashion Exhibitions in China

Sourcing clothing from China can be a challenging process. China hosts several fashion exhibitions and trade shows all over the country. These trade shows are a great opportunity to meet manufacturers and view their products. When sourcing clothing from China, it’s important to be aware of the clothing manufacturing industry in that country. There are many clothing manufacturing centres in China, with some of the top apparel production areas being Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. The Canton Fair is one of China’s largest apparel trade shows held annually in Guangzhou. Around 44 thousand companies in China deal in textile and apparel manufacturing.

4. Use LinkedIn to Find Chinese Clothing Suppliers

Finding clothing manufacturers in China can be a challenging task. One way to reach out to clothing manufacturers is through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Many clothing manufacturers promote their products on social media sites, so it’s important to search for them and connect with them on LinkedIn. You can use the search function to find clothing manufacturers in your industry or city and those based in China. Additionally, posting job openings on social media can help you find local textile manufacturing companies that may be able to supply you with clothing materials or services. The Company Groups feature on LinkedIn is another effective way to reach out to multiple clothing suppliers. This feature allows you to create groups dedicated to specific types of clothing materials or services, making it easy to stay up-to-date with the latest apparel trends and discover new suppliers.

Tips for Sourcing Clothing Manufacturers in China

To find apparel manufacturers in China, it’s important to establish a clear set of criteria for your sourcing requirements. This will help narrow down a large selection of options, as it becomes easier to filter out those that don’t meet your standards.

You can conduct factory audits to ensure that your chosen manufacturer follows best practices. This can help you identify areas for improvement and know whether the manufacturer meets your quality expectations.

When evaluating apparel manufacturers, consider factors such as production capacity, quality standards, compliance, industry experience, and customer service. Use online search engines, industry networking, and trade shows to find and connect with potential vendors. Establishing a relationship with the manufacturer before committing to a contract is important to ensure both parties understand expectations. By taking these steps, you can find apparel manufacturers in China that meet your specifications and are committed to high-quality clothing production

1. Find Wholesale Clothing Manufacturers According to Your Business Size

Small businesses are encouraged to seek clothing manufacturers to accommodate smaller minimum order requirements. Before making a purchase, it is important to research clothing manufacturers to ensure they are trustworthy and have a good customer service record. SaleHoo’s Verified Supplier Directory provides access to over 8,000 low-cost clothing suppliers and gives business owners a list of quality vendors from which to choose. In addition, manufacturer directories such as Jim Kennemer’s Top 10 Garment Factories list can provide helpful information to find the right supplier for a particular type of clothing.

2. Choose the Clothing Manufacturers Who Have a Formal Manufacturing System

There are around 44,000 textile and apparel manufacturing companies in China. These companies range from small-scale workshops to large-scale factories. Some of these factories produce high-quality clothing with minimum cost, while others may have high production costs and low quality. To find the best clothing manufacturer for your project, consider working with local suppliers with a track record of providing quality products at competitive prices. Also, check for safety regulations such as the European Union’s REACH regulation and California’s Proposition 65. Besides, avoid choosing clothing manufacturers that require minimum order quantities as it can lead to cost-inhibiting waste.

3. Divide Clothing Manufacturers to Best Use Their Specialities

There are over 44,000 clothing manufacturers in China, and many specialize in certain types of clothing. For example, some manufacturers may focus on high-quality knitwear while others make children’s clothing. It’s important to choose a manufacturer based on their specialization within certain goods, as this will allow for harnessing their expertise to get the best products. To ensure that you get high-quality clothing, it is crucial to thoroughly research different clothing manufacturers and choose the one that best suits your needs. By dividing clothing manufacturers by their specialties, you can ensure you get high-quality clothing at a price that suits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Are Clothing Manufacturers in China?

China is the world’s largest clothing manufacturer, as apparel production accounted for more than 50% of global apparel production in 2015. The apparel industry is considered a high-tech industry with high-quality products manufactured at high-end costs.
China has large garment manufacturing hubs in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Shandong provinces. It also has a strong knitwear industry in Shanxi Province and coastal sweatshops in Guangdong. Moreover, China’s clothing-making industry is vibrant and dynamic, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP. 
The increasing labor cost drives the shift from labour-intensive practices to better-automated ones in the country. In particular, the increasing wages in China are driving the clothing industry to invest in robots and IT machinery as a cost-saving measure.
Besides that, China’s domestic demand for clothing is increasing as its population grows rapidly. There are more than 28,000 exporting enterprises in Guangdong province alone. Besides the textile industry, clothing production includes jeans, t-shirts, and footwear like sandals and shoes.

Are Chinese Garments Good Quality?

– Generally, the quality of clothing from China can range from poor to excellent, depending on the manufacturer and their service record.
– Chinese garment manufacturing industry is growing rapidly and currently accounts for approximately 13% of global garment production. 
– Types of clothing, garments, textiles, and apparel made in China include casual wear, shirts/tops, outerwear, underwear, formal wear, technical fabrics, children’s clothing, home and furniture textiles, labels, ready-made garments, woven goods. Some of the popular clothing types are t-shirts/ tops/ sweat-shirts (one-piece clothing with sleeves), vests (two-piece clothing with waistband), shorts (one-piece clothing with legs), jeans (one-piece clothing with belt), trousers (two-piece clothing with legs), swimwear (one-piece garment worn on the body), underwear (underwear), scarves (single or double piece garment wrapped around the body), jumpers/ jackets/ coats (outerwear), swimwear/shorts/ tops (one-piece clothing worn on the body), etc.
– One way to ensure good quality garments is to be careful when working with a manufacturer. It’s essential to do your research before selecting a vendor, as this will help you avoid unreliable or fraudulent products.

– Generally, the quality of clothing from China can range from poor to excellent, depending on the manufacturer and their service record.

– Chinese garment manufacturing industry is growing rapidly and currently accounts for approximately 13% of global garment production. 

– Types of clothing, garments, textiles, and apparel made in China include casual wear, shirts/tops, outerwear, underwear, formal wear, technical fabrics, children’s clothing, home and furniture textiles, labels, ready-made garments, woven goods. Some of the popular clothing types are t-shirts/ tops/ sweat-shirts (one-piece clothing with sleeves), vests (two-piece clothing with waistband), shorts (one-piece clothing with legs), jeans (one-piece clothing with belt), trousers (two-piece clothing with legs), swimwear (one-piece garment worn on the body), underwear (underwear), scarves (single or double piece garment wrapped around the body), jumpers/ jackets/ coats (outerwear), swimwear/shorts/ tops (one-piece clothing worn on the body), etc.

– One way to ensure good quality garments is to be careful when working with a manufacturer. It’s essential to do your research before selecting a vendor, as this will help you avoid unreliable or fraudulent products.

Conclusion

With the right clothing manufacturer and supplier relationships, sourcing apparel in China can help you drive cost-savings, time-savings, and quality solutions. Further, working with a Chinese apparel manufacturer can help you gain a deeper understanding of the industry and access to underutilized production expertise. If you’d like to learn more about sourcing clothing in China, click here.