How to find reliable clothing manufacturers in China
Last updated: 10 Jun 2025
Searching for clothing manufacturers in China? Take a look at our complete guide
Key takeaways
- China exports over 30% of the world’s apparel, making it a key sourcing destination for global brands
- Use B2B marketplaces like Alibaba and 1688 to find verified manufacturers
- Attend trade fairs like the Canton Fair to meet manufacturers directly, assess product quality, and build relationships
- Conduct due diligence, including background checks and factory inspections before finalising a manufacturer
- Negotiate prices and payment terms upfront, especially for large orders, to secure the best deal for your brand
Introduction
In 2022, China was the country of origin for over 30% of the world’s total apparel exports–more than 28 European Union countries combined. China is also one of the world’s largest apparel-exporting countries because of its robust manufacturing industry. In 2023, the country’s exported clothing and textiles were estimated to be over $293.6 billion.
Manufacturing and sourcing clothes from China have become strategic and obvious paths for many global retail and wholesale businesses. However, the key to a clothing brand’s success lies in finding quality manufacturers and developing strong relationships.
In this blog, we look at the top ways to find quality clothing manufacturers in China to support your brand’s growth.
Table of Contents
Steps to find clothing manufacturers in China
1. Get your pre-requisites ready
Before you reach out to any new manufacturers, you need to have all the pre-requisite information and documents ready. This ensures manufacturers clearly understand your expectations and manufacturing goals.
- Clothing product goals: Put together information about your brand and the kind of clothes you require
- Manufacturing goals: Determine all the skills and capabilities your ideal manufacturer should have
- Deadlines: Create a manufacturing timeline depending on how soon you want the products to be ready
- Quantity: Decide on the initial quantity you’ll require. Most manufacturers offer discounts on larger MOQs, so it’s important to share the initial quantity upfront
- Product sample or design: If you have a working prototype or design for the product, you should have it ready to share
2. Search for manufacturers
You can use online directories, Google searches, or B2B marketplaces to look for a manufacturer.
B2B marketplaces
Online marketplaces like 1688.com and Alibaba can help you connect directly with manufacturers. However, these marketplaces also have wholesalers, so make sure know whether you’re connecting with a wholesaler or a manufacturer.
Oftentimes, wholesalers add their own commissions to the product prices and they may also not be able to customize products to your needs. Both 1668 and Alibaba have supplier verification tags that you can use to connect with vetted manufacturers. 1688 also details the manufacturing unit, including factory inspection reports, staff details, location and manufacturing capabilities.
Read more: How to buy products from 1688 to Australia
Alibaba supports international payment methods, making it easy for global businesses to source products. 1688.com is primarily focused on domestic buyers and doesn’t support international payments. The only authorized way to pay 1688 suppliers directly is through World Pay. With your World Account, you can pay suppliers in 1688.com in their local currency at competitive exchange rates (up to 0.8%)
Industry network
You can use your industry network to find clothing manufacturers in China. Referrals are always a good way to find genuine manufacturers.
Trade fairs
If you’re willing to travel to China, consider visiting trade fairs to meet multiple manufacturers in the same place. You can interact with manufacturers face-to-face, check the product quality directly and ask any questions that you might have.
The largest trade fair in China is the Canton Fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou. It’s a three-week event where hundreds and thousands of manufacturers from all over China come together to showcase their product range. Clothing suppliers usually set up their stalls in week 3.
Sourcing agents
If you have been struggling to find reliable and trustworthy manufacturers, you can also consider partnering with sourcing agents who can connect with manufacturers on your behalf and manage the entire sourcing process end-to-end.
A big disadvantage of teaming up with sourcing agents is that you’ll have to give them a portion of your profit margins as commission. Your sourcing agent may not even connect you directly with the manufacturer, making it difficult to build long-lasting relationships.
- Open 15+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Take control of spending with the World Card, a business expense card that saves you more with 1% cashback. Learn more
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
3. Filter and vet the manufacturers
Your initial search will give you a number of potential clothing manufacturers and this is the stage at which you filter the list. Start by contacting the manufacturers directly and sharing the requirements outlined in the first step.
Dig deeper and discuss more granular information like:
- Components and products required in manufacturing
- The materials that should be used for manufacturing clothes
- Whether the manufacturer can help you create a prototype (if you need one)
- The price per item for the given MOQ
You should also conduct factory verification for all the potential manufacturers. It is a crucial step in ensuring you’re partnering with a reliable manufacturer. Due diligence can confirm that the manufacturer’s claims about quality and capabilities are accurate.
Here are the different steps you can follow for due diligence
a. Start with a basic background check of the manufacturer
b. Ask the manufacturer to share relevant quality certifications and audit reports. Some of the major quality standards and certifications that you should look for include:
- WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
- ISO certifications
- SA8000
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- AQL Standards
c. Search for references and connect with people who have already sourced clothes from the same manufacturer
d. Ask about the ethical sourcing and sustainable practices followed
e. If possible, you should visit the factory or hire a third-party inspection company to do the same
4. Ask for product samples
You should definitely ask for product samples from all of your shortlisted clothing manufacturers after you have conducted a thorough background check. Ensure you clarify your requirements and provide detailed product specifications, including sizes, prints, colours and quality. You can also offer feedback and request multiple samples to check for consistency and delivery timelines.
5. Negotiate on prices
There’s always room for negotiation with manufacturers, especially if you’re placing large MOQ orders. Here are a few price negotiation strategies you can consider:
- Ask for a breakdown of costs to better understand where you can decrease the overall price
- Ask for discounted prices for large MOQs
- Discuss payment terms in advance to avoid any conflicts later
- Always compare quotes from different suppliers
Ensure timely payments to suppliers for long-term relationships
WorldFirst lets you pay manufacturers and suppliers in China like they are just around the corner. The World Account is a multi-currency account that allows you to set up virtual local currency accounts in 15+ currencies, including CNH, GBP, USD, CAD, EUR, AUD and NZD.
With a World Account, you can:
Pay suppliers faster: Send same-day or next-day payments at competitive interbank/mid-market rates (Cut off times apply)
Securely pay 1668 suppliers: World Pay is the only way to make international payments to suppliers on 1668.com
Protect your profit margins: Lock-in exchange rates for up to 24 months through forward contracts
No hidden fees: Transparent and competitive transaction fees to collect, convert and manage funds in multiple currencies
Instant payments: Payments are free and instant between World Accounts
Collect from marketplaces: Collect payments from 130+ global marketplaces, including Amazon, AliExpress, Etsy and eBay. Hold the funds to pay suppliers or withdraw funds to your bank account anytime
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
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