How to choose custom clothing manufacturers in China is very important when starting your clothing brand. Most founders begin with ideas for designs, logos and the overall style of their brand. But after the design stage is completed, production is then the next big challenge. One of the most important decisions you are going to make at an early stage is that of getting the right custom clothing manufacturers in China.
The company you manufacture with can play a large role in the success of your brand. Consistent quality, deadlines and long-term growth are reliable and consistent at a factory. Partnering with the wrong person can cause delays, inconsistent products and communication issues causing all processes to slow down.
China has been one of the leading apparel manufacturing centres in the world for decades. Many startups and old brands manufacture clothing there because the industry is very mature and the supply chain is well developed. Still with thousands of factories available it is important to find the right factory for the job with proper research.
Below are some very practical tips to guide clothing brands in selecting a custom clothing manufacturer in China.
Why Choose Custom Clothing Manufacturers in China
Before looking for a custom clothing manufacturers in China it helps to know why China is still such a popular production location.
Complete Supply Chain
China’s greatest strength is a cohesive supply chain. In many garment production areas, fabric mills, dyeing enterprises, printing workshops, embroidery suppliers, and sewing factories exist in the same area.
Because these resources are close to each other the production process is more rapid and easier to manage.
For example, a brand that desires hoodies with several production steps: both embroidery and screen printing can be completed in the same area. This allows the production time to be reduced, while keeping production in order.
Extensive Years of Manufacturing Experience
Another reason that brands of choice China is experience. Many custom clothing manufacturers in China have produced clothing for years and experience working with clients with different countries.
Because of this, they are generally aware of international standards of production and common expectations of quality. In being experienced, product development becomes easier, more so for new brands.
Define Your Product before You Contact Factories
A mistake that new clothing brands make is to contact the manufacturers before having their product clearly defined.
Prepare Key Product Details
Most factories will ask a number of questions before giving a quotation. These usually include:
- What type of fabric is it to be made from?
- How much is the weight of the fabric or GSM?
If the work I purchased was printed or embroidered, - What are the estimated order quantity?
If these details are not clear, communication can be slow and inefficient.
Be Specific with Your Description
Saying “I want to produce hoodies” is too general. A better explanation would be: “I want to have 300 oversized hoodies made up from 420gsm cotton fleece and screen printed.” But the more specific you are, the easier it would be for custom clothing manufacturers in China to give you correct pricing and production timelines.
Look for Relevant Experience in Manufacturers
Not all clothing factories make the same types of clothes. Some specialise in sportswear, while others specialise in streetwear, knitwear or fashion apparel.
Pick a Factory That Knows Your Product
If your brand is focused on making heavy hoodies or graphic T-shirts, for example, it is helpful to work with a factory where they already fabricate similar products. These garments need specific knowledge in regards to fabric weight, fit and in regards to printing techniques.
Review Previous Work
Ask manufacturers to assuage production examples or photos of the products made previously. Pay attention to the quality of stitching, the finishing of the fabric and the results of printing.
Factories who already know your product category usually make the development much easier.
Evaluate Communication Early.
Communication is one of the biggest parts of working with a custom clothing manufacturers in China.
Watch to See What Their First Responses Are
When you first make contact with a factory, be keen to the way in which they respond to you. Do they respond clearly? Do they ask useful questions about your product? Do they provide an understanding of the process in a simple manner?
Early communications are often indicative of how the cooperation is going to work during production.
Keep Communication Simple and to the Point
Even when English is the language of both sides there can be misunderstandings. Mistakes are less likely to happen later in the process if simple descriptions and clear instructions are used.
Good manufacturers usually try to fully understand your project before they send you a quotation.
Know Minimum Order Quantity
Minimum Order Quantity commonly known as MOQ is the smallest number of garments that custom clothing manufacturers in China is ready to produce.
Why Factories Set MOQs
Factories have a minimum order size – in order to keep production efficient. Regular necessities may include:
- 100 pieces per design
- 300 pieces per color
- Or several hundred pieces to an order
For new brands these numbers seem high.
Options for Smaller Brands
Some manufacturers have lower MOQs particularly for start-ups who are testing their first collection. In certain cases custom clothing manufacturers in China will accept orders of perhaps 50 to 100 pieces, per style.
However, smaller orders, come with a slightly higher cost per unit, as this is normal in garment production.
Always Start With a Sample
Sampling is an important step before mass production starts.
Review the Care for the Product
Most factories will develop a sample garment from your testimonial. This gives you the chance to test out the product and ensure that all appears to be fine.
During sampling check such things as the quality and size of the fabric, placement of the prints, and stitching.
Expect Small Adjustments
It is often the case that the first sample needs to be adjusted. For instance, you may want to change sleeve length or you may want to adjust the print size.
Many brands go through two or three samples revisions before finalizing the product.
Don’t Factory Choose Merck Based on Price Alone
Price is an important factor when comparing manufacturers but it should not be the only factor.
Very low prices may also at times equal lower quality fabrics, or a rushed production.
Instead of looking solely on cost, assess value, primarily in the quality of the products, communications and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right custom clothing manufacturers in China takes time but one of the most important steps when building a clothing brand.
By paying attention to product clarity, factory experience, communication, sampling and production standards, you can find a reliable manufacturing partner with far greater chances.
