Look, I’ve been in this game long enough to know when someone’s selling smoke. I’ve sat in factory meetings in Guangdong where the manager speaks three languages and still can’t explain their QC process. I’ve seen brands blow $50K on a launch batch that never made it past customs because they picked a “manufacturer” who didn’t even own their own cutting tables.
So when I say these six B2B clothing manufacturers are worth your time, it’s not because they have slick websites or Instagrammable mood boards. It’s because I’ve walked their floors, checked their logs, and watched them handle last-minute changes without breaking a sweat.
If you’re a startup founder, a boutique brand owner, or a sourcing manager tired of being strung along by middlemen, this is for you. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just real notes from someone who’s been burned and come back smarter.
And hey — if you’re just starting out and need help figuring out where to even begin, check out what we do at Fexwear. We started this whole thing because we were sick of seeing good ideas ruined by bad production partners.
Now, let’s get into it.
1. Bryden – The One That Treats Designers Like Co-Creators
Let me tell you about Bryden. I first heard about them from a friend launching a yoga-luxury line. She said, “They didn’t just make my clothes — they helped me fix them.” That caught my attention.
Turns out, Bryden operates more like a creative studio than a factory. They’re based in Redhill, Singapore — not China, not Bangladesh — which already tells you something. They’re targeting premium brands that want innovation baked into the process, not bolted on after.
I visited them last year. What stood out wasn’t the equipment (though it was top-tier), but how integrated their tech team was. They use 3D prototyping software that lets you simulate drape, stretch, and even movement. You upload a sketch, and within hours, you can see how the fabric behaves when someone squats or raises their arms. For activewear? Gold.
They specialize in activewear and shirts — not just basic tees, but performance-driven pieces. One client I met was using a moisture-wicking bamboo blend that Bryden helped source from a supplier in Vietnam. The fabric passed ISO 11092 for thermal comfort testing. Not many factories even know that standard exists, let alone test for it.
But here’s the catch: Bryden isn’t for everyone. If you want to send a PDF and disappear for eight weeks, this isn’t your shop. They expect weekly check-ins. They’ll push back on your design if they think the seam placement will fail under stress. That kind of partnership is amazing — if you’re ready for it.
Based on what I’ve seen across three brands using them, MOQs start around 300 units per style, which is high for micro-brands but reasonable for those scaling. Lead time? 8–10 weeks, depending on fabric sourcing.
One thing I’ll say — they’re not cheap. But when I saw a client’s leggings sell out in 48 hours because the fit was that good, I got it. You’re not just paying for production. You’re buying design insurance.
2. Affix Apparel – The Customization King (But Be Ready to Wait)
Affix Apparel? Yeah, I’ve worked with them. Not directly — we partnered on a project for a streetwear brand that wanted every hoodie to have a slightly different distress pattern. Sounds gimmicky, right? But done right, it feels exclusive.
They’re based in California, which already means higher costs — but also faster turnaround for US brands and better communication sync. No 12-hour time zone lag.
What sets Affix apart is their obsession with customization. Need a tank top with asymmetrical straps and a hidden pocket? Done. Want your hoodie drawstrings in a contrasting color with metal aglets? No problem. They’ll even adjust stitching tension based on your fabric weight — something most factories treat as “one setting fits all.”
I remember one order where the client wanted custom embroidery on the sleeve, but the design had fine lines that kept breaking thread. Most factories would’ve said “tough luck.” Affix brought in a technician to recalibrate the machine, changed the stabilizer, and ran a test batch. Took two extra days — but the result was clean.
That’s the trade-off: flexibility comes with time. Their standard lead time is 10–12 weeks, and if you change your mind halfway? Add another 2–3 weeks. I’ve seen brands panic because they didn’t account for this.
They focus on tank tops and hoodies — basics, sure, but elevated. One brand used a recycled polyester fleece that Affix sourced from a mill in Oregon. It had a slightly rougher texture, but held color better. We ran a small batch of 150 units — MOQ was low, which is rare for quality US production.
Pro tip: If you’re doing a capsule collection and want full creative control, Affix is solid. But don’t come here if you’re racing a holiday deadline.
And if you’re thinking about fabric choices for performance wear, I’d recommend checking out our guide on fabric recommendations for sportswear — we break down what actually works in real-world conditions, not just on paper.
3. Fexwear – The Balanced Player That Doesn’t Overpromise
Alright, let’s talk about us — Fexwear.
I don’t usually plug my own shop, but since we’re being real here: we built this company because we kept seeing the same pattern. Brands would find a factory overseas, get excited about low prices, then get burned on quality, delivery, or communication.
We’re based in Wuhan, China — Qiaokou District, to be exact. Room 511, Taihe Plaza. If you ever want to visit, just reach out . We’ll meet you with coffee and a fabric swatch book.
We don’t do flashy. We do consistency.
Our sweet spot? Blazer suits and swimwear. Yeah, that’s an odd combo on paper. But think about it: both require precision. A blazer needs clean lines, proper lining, and structured shoulders. Swimwear needs stretch recovery, chlorine resistance, and secure stitching. Mess up either, and your brand looks amateur.
We’ve been around since 2003 — started as a subcontractor for bigger factories, then built our own team. Now we handle everything from pattern-making to packaging.
What do we prioritize? Timely delivery, consistent quality, and clear communication. No surprises. If we say 8 weeks, it’s 8 weeks. If we promise a fabric match, we’ll send three swatches until it’s right.
We’ve worked with over 200 brands — from solo designers to mid-sized labels. One client launched a resort wear line with us. They needed 500 units of a one-shoulder swimsuit with removable straps. Tricky? Yeah. But we ran a prototype, tested the elastic tension, and adjusted the gusset width so it wouldn’t ride up. First batch had a 98% approval rate in QC.
We’re not the cheapest. We’re not the fastest. But we’re the one you can count on when everything else goes sideways.
And if you ever need help choosing between fabrics — say, recycled nylon vs. polyester for swimwear — we’ve got resources to help. Like that fabric guide we put together after a client lost a whole batch to pilling.
4. Prototype – The Creative Problem Solver (But Watch the Scope)
Prototype is the wildcard.
They’re based in Bali — not exactly a manufacturing hub, but a creative one. And that shows. These guys don’t just sew clothes. They solve problems.
I worked with them on a project where the client wanted activewear made from upcycled fishing nets. Sounds cool, right? But the yarn was inconsistent — some batches were stiff, others too stretchy. Most factories would’ve said no. Prototype brought in a textile engineer, adjusted the knitting tension, and pre-washed every roll to stabilize it.
That’s their strength: creative solutions.
They make activewear and sarongs — which sounds random, but makes sense when you realize both are about movement and drape. Their sarongs? Hand-dyed, limited runs, often made with natural indigo or turmeric. One brand sold out of 200 units in two days just because the color story was so unique.
But here’s the rub: they’re not great for highly specialized technical gear. I had a client ask for compression leggings with medical-grade support. Prototype tried, but their machines weren’t calibrated for that level of precision. We had to pivot.
So yeah, they’re brilliant — but only if your needs fit their wheelhouse.
If you’re building a brand around craftsmanship and narrative, Prototype is worth the wait.
5. Create Fashion Brand – The Eco-Conscious Workhorse
Portugal. That’s where CFB (Create Fashion Brand) lives.
And let me tell you — when it comes to eco-responsibility, they’re not playing around. They’ve got GOTS certification, solar-powered facilities, and a zero-waste cutting system. I’ve seen their water recycling setup — they reuse 90% of process water.
They make t-shirts and hoodies, but not the fast-fashion kind. We’re talking organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL™ blends. One brand used a 100% GOTS-certified cotton that felt like butter. Sold at $48 a tee and still flew off shelves.
But here’s the trade-off: limited material options. If you want a wild new fabric from a lab in Taiwan, they probably won’t carry it. They stick to what’s proven, sustainable, and auditable.
I’ve seen brands get frustrated because they wanted a shiny metallic fabric — CFB said no. Too much microplastic shedding. Good for the planet, maybe not for the brand’s aesthetic.
If your brand’s soul is sustainability, CFB is your partner.
6. Hawthorn – The Full-Service Brand Builder
Hawthorn? These guys are the full package.
Based in London, they don’t just manufacture — they help you build the brand. From concept to delivery, they’ll guide you through design, sourcing, prototyping, and even packaging.
They make jackets and shirts — outerwear specialists. One client launched a rain jacket line with taped seams and recycled insulation. Hawthorn handled everything: fabric sourcing, waterproof testing (they use AATCC 35), and even the hangtags.
But — and this is a big but — it’s expensive. Their MOQ is 300 units, and their rates reflect UK labor costs. I’ve seen brands with tight budgets get sticker shock.
Still, if you’re serious about launching something premium, Hawthorn’s worth it.
Alright, I’m beat. It’s 11 PM, and I just spent three hours chasing a fabric shipment from Ningbo. If you’re still reading this, you’re probably as obsessed with this stuff as I am.
So tell me — which of these manufacturers have you worked with? Or better yet, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before picking your first factory?
Drop a comment. Or just send us a note. We’re here.
FAQs
Q: Which of these has the lowest MOQ?
A: Prototype — 100 units. We’ve used them for test batches when clients weren’t ready to commit. Based on our order logs from 2022–2023.
Q: Who’s best for fast turnaround?
Fexwear. 6–8 weeks, sometimes less for repeat clients. We’ve done rush orders in 5 weeks — but only if fabric’s ready.
Q: Any of these do eco-friendly fabrics?
CFB and Affix. CFB’s GOTS-certified, Affix uses GRS. We verified both in client audits.
Q: Can I visit these factories?
Yes — except Hawthorn (they don’t allow drop-ins). Bryden and Fexwear welcome visits. Just schedule.
Q: Who handles small brands best?
Affix and Prototype. They don’t treat you like a nuisance. We’ve seen them bend over backwards for first-time founders.
Q: Any red flags to watch for?
If they won’t share certifications or QC reports — run. We had a client lose $30K on a batch that failed REACH testing. Avoidable.