If you're starting out with your clothing brand, you'll reach a point where you need to decide where to manufacture your clothing. Asia or Europe? What are the advantages? In this article, you will discover the biggest advantages of various locations, how to choose a production location, and how to find a producer in the country you choose.

Production in Asia

As a new startup, the low prices in Asian countries may seem tempting. However, without a large network and contacts in these countries, it often happens that you fall into the hands of scammers who either never respond after an order or fail to meet quality promises. Some Asian countries also lack effective laws to protect against forced labor. Additionally, environmental protection laws are often absent in these countries, which can be a sore point for many potential customers.

Production in Europe

In Europe, we have the advantage of useful agreements and cross-border laws that build trust. Due to the short distances, you also have a better chance of meeting your business partners in person. Furthermore, you benefit from lower tariffs, shipping costs, and delivery times. Thanks to laws, there is generally more reliability in terms of quality, and if you are not satisfied, it is much easier to file a complaint or return products. However, the most important aspect is the image you want to convey to your customers. In the end, they care a lot about whether the fashion was made with love or, in the worst case, under forced labor. This only leads to stress and, in the worst case, a scandal.

Popular options in Europe

Now you will learn which countries in Europe have special advantages as production sites. Depending on what matters most to you, by the end of the article, you will find out how it is easiest to find numerous producers in your desired country with Suplify.

Portugal - Rising in Fashion Production

In recent years, more and more fashion brands have been producing in Portugal. The reasons for Portugal's attractiveness are as follows:

• The surplus of skilled workers in the far-western European countries leads to lower labor costs and thus lower product prices.
• Due to high demand for production in Portugal, the number of skilled workers in the fashion industry is growing. Many choices of true craftsmanship can be found there.
• The high demand has also led to the use of the most modern machines and textile technologies.

List of Portuguese producers: Portuguese Producers

Turkey - Bridge Between Europe and Asia

As part of both Asia and Europe, Turkey has a unique position:

• For producers based in Turkey, it is easier to access a variety of materials, as importing from Asia is simpler and cheaper.
• Turkey often offers lower prices than EU countries, as the labor market is less regulated, and a different currency is used.

List of Turkish producers: Turkish Producers

Italy: The Epicenter of Luxury

Italy is globally renowned for its luxury fashion and craftsmanship:

• The "Made in Italy" label signifies quality and elegance, lending prestige to your brand.
• Italy is known for creativity, whether in the automotive or fashion industry.
• What Italian tradition represents includes certain clothing styles that are found nowhere else in the world.

List of Italian producers: Italian Producers

Germany - Textile Refinement

While Germany is not known as a primary location for clothing production, it excels in textile refinement:

• High-quality standards are often present in Germany. German companies value this, and regular quality controls are typical.
• Strict laws in Germany ensure environmentally friendly production, which can positively influence your fashion brand's reputation.
• Germany, in the heart of Europe, has a perfect location, resulting in shorter delivery times.
• In Germany, skilled workers are highly qualified. In the refinement process, you can receive excellent assistance and advice.

If you're seeking the highest quality, you might consider textile refinement in Germany.

List of textile refineries in Germany: Textile Refineries in Germany

Which Product in Which Country?

Over time, different countries have specialized in specific types of clothing. For example, the Italian cut is renowned worldwide for suits. Products like hoodies, on the other hand, can be produced almost anywhere. To find producers for specific products, you can simply select the desired product on Suplify, and you'll get results from various countries. You can also filter the search results by Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) to find the producer that best suits your requirements.

Which Country Is Best Now?

The choice of the best country for your fashion brand depends on various factors, including budget, desired quality, security, and style. The decision should be carefully weighed, as it can have a significant impact on your brand.

It's advisable to conduct thorough research and contact potential manufacturers to assess their skills and prices. If you can't decide on a country yet, you can also search for producers in all countries simultaneously on Suplify.

How Do I Find a Manufacturer?

Once you've chosen a country, you can use Suplify to search for producers. Select a country, a product, and, if you wish, a MOQ, and start a search. Then you can view the results and choose a suitable producer for you. The results will display the products produced by the producer, their location, MOQ, and payment details. You'll also find the producer's website, where you can contact them.

In our blog post Finding a Fashion Producer, we explain in detail what to look for when searching for and contacting producers. This information can help you choose the right production partner.

The choice of the right production location is crucial for the success of your fashion brand. Europe offers a variety of options tailored to different needs. Take the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons and find the best production location for your brand.