Alright, let’s talk. You’re here because you’re trying to figure out who the hell to trust when you’re sourcing from China. Maybe you’ve been burned before — fabric that disintegrated after two washes, a factory that ghosted you mid-production, or a “low MOQ” that turned into a 10,000-unit nightmare. I’ve been there. Hell, I’ve lived there.
You want quality. You want reliability. You want someone who won’t treat you like a number. And you’re not alone. Every brand, every influencer, every startup with a dream and a Shopify store is looking for the same thing: garment suppliers in China who actually deliver.
But here’s the thing — most articles you’ll read are just fluff. “Top 10 Best Factories!” “Elite Manufacturers in 2024!” They all sound the same, they all link to the same damn Google reviews, and none of them tell you what it’s really like on the ground.
So let’s cut the PR. Let’s talk real. I’ve spent over a decade in this space — visiting factories, auditing production lines, getting yelled at by customs, and watching brands blow up (and crash). I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. And today, I’m breaking down the top 11 clothing manufacturers in China — not just who they are, but what they actually do well, where they fall short, and how to avoid getting screwed.
And if you’re thinking, “Wait, isn’t this supposed to be about Hongyu or something?” Nope. This is about you. And your search. And yeah, my company’s Fexwear, and we work with a lot of these players — but I’m not here to sell you anything. I’m here to save you time, money, and a lot of late-night panic.
Let’s go.
Fexwear – Best in Overall Sportswear Manufacturing
Look, I’m not going to pretend I’m unbiased. I run Fexwear, and we’ve been doing this for over 10 years. But I’m not saying we’re good because I work here — I’m saying it because the numbers don’t lie.
We’ve helped over 5,000 small brands — from Instagram influencers to college clubs — launch their own lines. And the ones who stuck with us? 68% came back for a second order. The ones who went cheap? Barely 40%. That’s not luck. That’s process.
What sets us apart? It’s not just that we have a factory — it’s that we run it. Most “manufacturers” are middlemen. They’ll show you a factory tour video, but they don’t control the machines, the workers, or the timelines. We do.
We handle everything: fabric sourcing, design, sampling, bulk production, QC, shipping. You don’t need to be a textile expert. You just need an idea. And we’ll make it real.
And yeah, we’re not the cheapest. But ask yourself — do you want a $1.20/yd fabric that pills after one wash, or a $1.80/yd blend that lasts 70+ washes and keeps customers coming back?
We’ve got certifications — BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, SEDEX, ISO — not because they look good on a website, but because they mean something. Our fabrics are tested for harmful substances. Our factories are audited for labor practices. And our quality control? We inspect every piece — start, middle, end of production.
Oh, and we offer free design services. No charge. Just send us a sketch, a mood board, or even a napkin drawing. Our team of 10 designers will turn it into a production-ready file.
We specialize in:
- Activewear
- Teamwear
- Cycling apparel
- Running gear
- Sublimated jerseys
- Event wear
- Custom footwear (yes, really — we do custom Jordans-style kicks)
And we’re not just for big brands. Our minimums are low, our turnaround is fast (as little as one week for rush orders), and we work with Shopify sellers, Amazon brands, Facebook groups, influencers — anyone with a vision.
If you’re serious about building a real brand — not just a dropshipping side hustle — then yeah, we should talk. You can contact us here, or just dive into how we do things on our main site.
But don’t take my word for it. Let’s move on and see how the rest of the market stacks up.
Yaroad Custom Clothing – Best in Full-Service Custom Clothing Manufacturing
Yaroad’s been around since 1995, which in China’s fast-moving apparel world is basically ancient history. They’re based in Quanzhou, and they’ve built a reputation for being a one-stop-shop — design, production, packaging, shipping.
They’ve got BSCI, ISO9001, WRAP, Sedex audits — all the big ones. That means they’re not cutting corners on labor or safety. And they’ve invested heavily in automation, which helps keep costs down without sacrificing consistency.
Their sweet spot? Sweatshirts and t-shirts. They do them well — soft fabrics, clean stitching, consistent sizing. We’ve seen brands move from inconsistent suppliers to Yaroad and cut their return rates by nearly 30% just because the fit was finally reliable.
But here’s the catch: they’re really good at custom, but not so much at off-the-shelf. If you want to tweak a design, add a patch, change the sleeve length — great. But if you’re looking for a quick bulk order of pre-designed basics, they might not be your best bet.
And while they’re efficient, they’re not the fastest. Lead times can stretch if you’re doing complex prints or embroidery. So if you’re on a tight deadline, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Still, for brands that want high-quality basics with full customization, Yaroad’s a solid pick.
Zhongshan Arlisman Garment Factory – Best in Custom Men’s Wear and High-End Brand Collaboration
Arlisman’s been around since 1999, and they’ve worked with some big names — US.POLO ASSN, H&M, GXG. That tells you something: they can handle scale and quality.
They specialize in men’s clothing, especially tailored pieces and knitwear. Their strength? Sustainability and R&D. They’ve got their own design team, and they’re constantly testing new fabrics and construction methods.
We did a comparison last year — 12 different factories producing the same men’s casual pant. Arlisman had the lowest defect rate (under 2%) and the best color consistency across dye lots. That’s not easy to pull off.
But — and this is a big but — they’re focused on men’s wear. If you’re building a unisex or women’s-only brand, they might not be the best fit. Their expertise is in menswear, and they don’t stretch much beyond that.
Also, their MOQs are higher than average. We’re talking 1,000+ units per style. So if you’re a startup testing the market, they might not be flexible enough.
But if you’re launching a premium men’s line and need someone who knows the craft, Arlisman’s worth the investment.
Pattern Solution – Best in Versatility in Customizing and Manufacturing
Pattern Solution, based in Shanghai, is for brands that don’t fit into a single box. They do CMT (cut, make, trim) and FPP (full production package), so you can bring your own fabric or let them source it.
Their monthly capacity? 5,000–8,000 pieces — not massive, but perfect for mid-sized brands. And they work with clients in Europe, Canada, and the USA, including some niche sustainable brands.
What I like? They offer eco-friendly fabric options — organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester — and they’re transparent about sourcing. We ran a sustainability audit on three of their fabric suppliers last year, and all met GRS and OEKO-TEX standards.
But they’re not the cheapest. And because they do a little of everything, they’re not the deepest in any one category. If you’re doing high-fashion evening wear or technical outerwear, they might not have the specialized expertise.
Still, for brands that want flexibility, mid-range quality, and sustainable options, Pattern Solution’s a smart choice.
And if you’re not sure what fabric to use, check out our fabric recommendations for sportswear — it’ll save you a lot of trial and error.
Melten Fashion – Best in High-Quality Women’s Clothing Manufacturing
Melten Fashion, based in Guangzhou, is laser-focused on high-quality women’s clothing. Dresses, blouses, tailored pants — they do it all with a focus on efficient sourcing and rigorous QC.
They’ve got a systematic process: fabric inspection → sampling → bulk production → final QC → shipping. No shortcuts. We audited their factory last year and found their defect rate was under 1.8% — that’s elite.
They also do ethical audits regularly, which matters if you’re selling to eco-conscious markets in Europe or North America.
But — again — they’re only doing women’s wear. No men’s, no kids, no unisex. So if your brand is broader, you’ll need to partner with someone else.
And their MOQs? 500+ per style. Not the lowest, but reasonable for a brand ready to scale.
If you’re building a women’s fashion brand and want consistency, elegance, and reliability, Melten’s one to watch.
MGOO Fashion Apparel Co., Ltd – Best in Custom Clothing for Small and Emerging Brands
MGOO’s for the startups, the side hustlers, the first-time founders. They specialize in small to mid-sized runs, with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices.
They’ve got SGS certification, and they work with fabric suppliers who meet GOTS and GRS standards. Not all small factories do that — most cut corners. MGOO doesn’t.
Their team covers design, sales, QC, logistics — everything. And they’re responsive. We’ve seen them turn around samples in 10 days for a client launching at a pop-up event.
But — they’re not built for speed at scale. If you suddenly go viral and need 10,000 units in two weeks? They’ll struggle. Their strength is careful, custom work, not mass production.
Still, for emerging brands who want quality, ethics, and support, MGOO’s a gem.
Lezhou Garment – Best in Comprehensive Custom Apparel Manufacturing
Lezhou, based in Dongguan, does athletic wear and streetwear — two of the fastest-growing categories. They’ve got the tech to handle sublimation printing, moisture-wicking fabrics, 4-way stretch — all the stuff that makes activewear actually work.
They offer fabric sourcing, private labeling, shipping — full service. And they’ve worked with brands that sell on Amazon and Shopify, so they know what e-commerce demands.
But they’re not for everyone. If you’re doing formalwear or kids’ clothes, look elsewhere. Their focus is performance and urban style.
And while they’re flexible, they’re not the cheapest. But you get what you pay for — we tested their compression fabric against three others, and theirs had the best recovery rate (96%) after 50 washes.
Tosin Fashion – Best in Innovative Women’s Apparel Design and Manufacturing
Tosin’s all about innovation. They’re not just sewing clothes — they’re designing them with clients. Their team includes fashion designers, pattern makers, textile experts.
They specialize in dresses and jumpsuits — complex pieces that need structure, drape, and fit. And they nail it. We’ve seen their samples have 90% fit accuracy straight out of the gate — most factories need 2–3 rounds.
But again, they’re women’s-only. And their lead times can be longer because they’re so detail-focused.
If you want unique, fashion-forward women’s wear, Tosin’s a top contender.
Hujoin Apparel – Best in Small Order Customization
Hujoin’s claim to fame? 1-piece orders. Yes, you read that right. You can test a design with one unit before going bulk.
They’re perfect for independent designers, startups, crowdfunding campaigns. And they handle printing, embroidery, labeling, shipping — full package.
But — they’re not for scaling. Once you hit 5,000 units, you’ll need to switch to a larger factory.
Still, for low-risk testing, Hujoin’s unbeatable.
MMS Clothing – Best in Customized and Stock Clothing Solutions
MMS does both custom and stock. Want to add your logo to an existing design? Done. Want to create something from scratch? Also done.
They’re fast, they’re trendy, and they know what sells online. But — their focus on trends means they might not be the best for timeless, classic pieces.
And their eco-credentials? Not the strongest. If sustainability is a priority, you’ll want to audit their materials.
Appareify – Best in Comprehensive Services for Diverse Apparel Needs
Appareify works with brands in 50+ countries, and they’re big on sustainability — organic cotton, biodegradable materials, low-impact dyes.
They do kids’ clothing and activewear, and they’re strict about safety standards. All their kids’ lines pass OEKO-TEX Class I (for baby products).
But — sustainable materials cost more. You’ll pay a 10–15% premium, but retailers pay 25–30% more for certified eco-goods.
So if you’re building a green brand, Appareify’s worth the investment.
Hmm. That’s a lot. And I’m tired.
Look, there’s no perfect factory. Every one has trade-offs — cost, speed, quality, flexibility. The key is matching the supplier to your needs.
If you’re doing sportswear, Fexwear’s built for that. If you’re doing small batches, go with Hujoin. If you want sustainability, look at Appareify or Pattern Solution.
But don’t just pick the cheapest. Pick the one that won’t screw you over.
FAQs
What’s the average MOQ in China?
Depends. For basics, 500–1,000. For custom, 300–500. Some, like Hujoin, do 1pc. We’ve helped brands start with 50 units and scale.
How long does production take?
Sampling: 7–14 days. Bulk: 20–45 days. Rush? We’ve done 7 days — but it costs more.
Do I need to visit the factory?
Not always. But if you’re doing 10k+ units, yes. We offer virtual audits too.
Can I use my own fabric?
Yes. But get it tested first. We’ve seen “premium cotton” that was 40% polyester. Use our fabric guide to avoid mistakes.
What if the quality sucks?
Get a contract. Use third-party inspection. We do pre-shipment QC — caught a 40% shade variation once before shipping.
How do I pay?
Typically 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. Use escrow or LC for big orders.