Top Clothing Manufacturing Countries In The World

In today’s interconnected world, fashion is not exempt from reaching out all through the world, going seamlessly across borders and cultural lines. Therefore, knowing the top clothing manufacturing countries in the world is not trivial; instead, it is an essential method for thriving in business. Whether you're a boutique owner or a fashion startup, you’ll be ahead of your rivals by only understanding the global landscape of apparel manufacturing countries.
In this blog post, we will cover the topics below:
Introduction to apparel manufacturing countries and the global supply chain
Which countries are the largest manufacturers of clothing?
What country produces the highest quality clothing?
Cheapest countries to manufacture clothing for wholesale businesses
Which country is best for clothes import?
Finding the best wholesale clothing manufacturers for your boutique
Conclusion: Choosing the right clothing manufacturing country for wholesale success
Introduction to apparel manufacturing countries and the global supply chain
The countries we will talk about in this blog serve as the engine rooms of the global fashion industry, transforming raw materials into the garments that fill our wardrobes, stock boutique shelves, and dominate international runways. The extent to which they can fulfill some or all of these operations will depend on what equipment they invest in, how many workers they employ, and how skilled they are. Still, in general, the work of these manufacturing hubs directly shapes the trends we wear and the businesses that bring them to market. 
As Lonca, a specialized B2B marketplace that pairs boutique owners with pre-vetted women’s fashion suppliers worldwide, we've seen firsthand how location can impact everything from cost and quality to shipping times and customer satisfaction.
Which countries are the largest manufacturers of clothing?
The global leaders include China, India, Bangladesh, and Turkey in wholesale clothing manufacturing. According to Statista, China holds about 31.7% of the worldwide clothing export market as of 2022. That’s no surprise to us.
The global leaders: China, India, Bangladesh, and Turkey in wholesale clothing manufacturing
The global fashion market still rides on the shoulders of a few powerhouses, and of mass production wholesale, four countries are ruling the roost: China, India, Bangladesh, and Turkey. All four have their own unique strengths, capabilities, and cultural forces that dictate the fashion supply chain in mass volumes.
Why China is the world's biggest clothing manufacturing hub?
It is evident that China benefits from a combination of strategic advantages that bolster its economic strength. For over a decade, the country has held the title of the world’s leading manufacturing powerhouse. For one, its immense infrastructure, affordable labor, and highly skilled workforce made it the backbone. Then, of course, supportive government policies have attracted countless global manufacturers to establish operations there.
Does the location raise eyebrows for specific concerns? Yes. For example, human rights violations and fluctuating quality standards are questionable for some brands, hence leading them to reconsider their sourcing strategies.  
At Lonca, we often encounter similar experiences where boutique owners explore alternatives to China. This is largely due to ethical concerns and changing consumer expectations. Nonetheless, China remains one of the leading apparel manufacturing locations.
The role of India and Bangladesh in the wholesale clothing supply chain
India and Bangladesh have very strong value chain advantages, especially in the textile and apparel industries. To achieve their complementary supply chains to the fullest, both countries would benefit from intentional trade policy reform, especially in rules of origin, trade facilitation, regulatory standards, and institutional capacity building. 
Bangladesh has consolidated its position in the world as a leading producer of cheap wholesale apparel, while India remains a vital provider to those seeking a guaranteed supply of raw material accompanied by skilled handiwork. Boutique owners increasingly pull towards the artisanal approach of India and the scale of Bangladesh, a study of Lonca indicates.
But recent research has cautioned against Bangladesh's working conditions, particularly in terms of wage repression and climate hazards. Wages of apparel workers are taken into consideration only after five years, in a process traditionally dominated by employers. Combined with soaring inflation and more frequent instances of wage robbery, the purchasing power of workers continues to fall. 
To these difficulties comes the impact of climate change, extreme heat, and frequent flooding, which are increasingly disrupting garment workers' lives and livelihoods, reducing not only their earnings but also manufacturers' returns and governments' revenues. While brands remain in collusion by not factoring in these conditions into their procurement plans, pressure is mounting to have governments and businesses held accountable, as well as ensuring that there is strength in their supply chain.
Notably, in the wake of the pandemic, which revealed major vulnerabilities in global supply chains, India has emerged as a strategic “pivot country” for businesses. With its scale and adaptability, India is often regarded as one of the global best clothing manufacturers for startups. Especially for the ones aiming to diversify their sourcing networks and reduce over-reliance on a single region. With its established capabilities in sectors like chemicals, electronics, and foundational manufacturing, India has become an increasingly attractive destination for global manufacturers. Although it has historically lagged behind its peers in international trade, these strategic advantages are now positioning India to achieve ambitious goals—manufacturing exports are projected to reach $1 trillion by 2028.
How Turkey’s high-quality textile production supports global fashion brands?
Turkey is among the most valuable apparel manufacturing countries for so many reasons. Its strategic location provides a significant advantage when it comes to fast and efficient shipping to Europe. This gives a helping hand to businesses for minimizing lead times. With a long history of tradition in textile production, the industry enjoys a vast selection of styles from classic patterns to trendy designs. Despite the premium quality, Turkish apparel is moderately priced, which offers excellent value for businesses.
Emerging wholesale clothing manufacturing countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Turkey
These Southeast Asian nations are quickly emerging as prime choice locations for companies seeking low-cost labor with improved infrastructure. Vietnam, for instance, is an excellent substitute for the majority of other manufacturing hubs, considering the competitive pricing, the quality of the products, and assured delivery timeframes. Vietnam, according to boutique sourcing trends we track at Lonca, is a first choice among brands requiring speed and reliability. It is one of the lowest-cost countries to manufacture clothes that still retains high quality. The country has lately inked several free trade agreements that enhance its attractiveness to Western buyers. It became an instant giant in the textile manufacturing industry, with its textile export value reaching approximately $43 billion.
Indonesia’s textile and garment industry is likewise on the rise. With increasing interest from global brands and investment in sustainable practices, it's quickly joining the ranks of the top apparel manufacturing countries.  Its exports reached $14 billion. One more important statistic is the domestic apparel market. Currently, its value is at USD 20 billion, and it is projected to reach USD 26 billion by 2028. 
Indonesia is also investing heavily in sustainable processes, such as green dyeing and organic materials. Meanwhile, international brands are likely to expand their production footprint in the country. Supported by government policies that foster innovation and responsible manufacturing, the country is quickly becoming a popular destination for athleisure and performance wear manufacturing.
Why Vietnam and Indonesia are gaining popularity among clothing suppliers?
Low labor costs and upcoming manufacturing capabilities of countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia give them a reputation as clothing suppliers. Especially when the manufacturing giants, such as China, started to increase the wages of the workers, the global brands started to look for cheaper alternatives. There is also a “China +1” strategy that the brands would like to follow to have an alternative to China, so that they will not be overdependent on a single manufacturer country. Alongside the fact that Vietnam and Indonesia meet the low-cost requirement and have geographic proximity to China, they also provide the brands with the advantage of maintaining increasing productivity. So, they have eventually gained popularity among clothing suppliers.
Why Egypt is emerging in the wholesale clothing market?
Egypt benefits from geographic proximity to Europe and access to high-quality cotton. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently announced the successful completion of the first phase of a major initiative to revitalize the country’s textile industry. This milestone includes the launch of Ghazl 4. This facility is the world’s largest. The second phase is expected to wrap up by mid-2025, further strengthening Egypt’s position as a rising leader in the global textile arena.
What country produces the highest quality clothing?
When it comes to clothing quality, each leading manufacturing country brings distinct strengths shaped by tradition, innovation, and market focus.
A noticeable trend in the global apparel trade is that, while China remains the largest exporter of clothing and textiles, it is gradually losing market share to other countries. However, it's important to remember that China's export volume still surpasses that of the next top five exporters combined, underscoring its dominance.
Meanwhile, countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are benefiting from this realignment. As the second and third largest exporters, both have expanded their market share by more than three percentage points.
Japan excels in blending innovation with tradition, particularly denim and minimalist fashion. Natural dyeing methods and small-batch production make it a top choice for niche products.
Italy stands out for its luxury heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and high-end materials. Germany, meanwhile, leads in technical and functional apparel. These nations are often referred to in lists of the best countries for clothing manufacturing due to their heritage and craftsmanship. 
High-End fashion and luxury clothing manufacturers: Italy and Portugal
When luxury manufacturing is under question, Portuguese and Italian manufacturers take the lead. Until the mid-19th century, Italy remained fragmented as a group of city-states, which slowed its path toward industrialization compared to countries like France and England. Italy's adoption of industrialized methods was slower.
Therefore, in an industry often driven by fast fashion, Italy distinguishes itself by delivering artisanal excellence that rivals top-tier global producers while maintaining accessible pricing. 
Why Italy leads in high-quality textile production?
One of the factors that makes Italy nearly inalienable in terms of high-quality textile production is its history with fashion. Italy’s heritage is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and fashion design, cultivated over centuries by combining traditional methods with modern innovation, which creates a superior quality and unique aesthetic appeal. This heritage also gives the skilled workforce the advantage of a strong network from small to medium-sized family-run businesses and niche brands that prioritize quality over mass production. As Italy blends tradition, innovation, and strategic industry alignment, it remains at the top of premium textile manufacturing countries in the world.
Why Portugal is emerging in clothing production?
Whether working with premium cotton or fine wool, Portuguese manufacturers excel at transforming raw materials into eye-catching, high-quality clothing. It’s an ideal destination for brands seeking refined, custom-made pieces. Having a long-standing tradition in clothing and footwear manufacturing, Portugal offers a combination of skilled craftsmanship and relatively low labor costs by European standards. Through our Lonca network, we’ve observed a recent uptick in boutique requests for Portuguese-made, small-batch pieces.
Cheapest countries to manufacture clothing for wholesale businesses
When comparing top clothing manufacturing countries, Bangladesh and India stand out as some of the cheapest apparel manufacturing countries. Owing to its skilled labor force, China still continues to dominate the industry. However, we can see that Bangladesh and India stand out as some of the cheapest countries in the world to manufacture clothing. However, these locations face challenges such as political instability and labor unrest. Meanwhile, Turkey, thanks to its critical location, presents a compelling option for buyers all around the world. The country has a sophisticated textile sector and focuses on high-quality design. For actionable strategies on product selection and supplier relationships, don’t miss our insights in 10 Tips from Wholesale Denim Manufacturers for Boutiques.
Low-Cost apparel manufacturing: Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan
With their workforces and continuous competition on wages plus set-up textile industries, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have successfully working towards the low-cost garment manufacturing industry. Dominated by Bangladesh, it is among the top garment exporting countries in the world, cheap and efficient setup for mass production. India has a diverse textile industry, strong cotton production, and value-added apparel. Pakistan, on the other hand, is smaller; it makes up with vertical integration and a solid domestic supply chain for textile industry. These 3 countries together provide a great proposition for brands worldwide looking for low-cost manufacturing solutions that do not compromise on production capacity. Let’s look into these countries regarding low-cost apparel manufacturing in detail. 
How Bangladesh became a leader in cheap wholesale clothing manufacturing?
The clothing industry in this country is relatively young, just over 50 years old. Yet, in that short span, it has made remarkable progress, rising to become a go-to for wholesale clothing manufacturers seeking volume and cost-efficiency. By 2016, the country’s total apparel exports had already surpassed $28.6 billion; projections indicated that figure would exceed $50 billion by 2021.
Bangladesh’s rise is largely due to its low labor costs, which make it one of the cheapest countries to manufacture clothing for bulk orders. Its specialized infrastructure, on the other hand, also contributes to being one of the cheapest apparel manufacturing countries.
The cost advantages of India and Pakistan for wholesale clothing production
The textile industry in Pakistan began in the early 1950's with the establishment of the first mill in Faisalabad (formerly Lyallpur) and has since evolved into the country's largest manufacturing sector, now accounting for approximately 60% of total national exports.
Why Turkey offers a balance between affordability and quality?
Turkish clothing is known for its use of premium fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk. They are known both for comfort and durability. The country boasts that the materials are grown exclusively in the Aegean region. With quality products, Turkey’s sizable and fast-expanding economy goes hand in hand, enabling businesses to benefit from scale, enhancing production efficiency, and reducing costs.
Cost vs. Quality: How Turkish clothing suppliers compete with Low-Cost countries?
Cotton prices in Turkey have historically remained above global market levels, largely due to government support for domestic cotton production. However, this price difference has gradually narrowed over time, and now Turkey is quite a rival to the low-cost countries thanks to its balance between cost and quality. Even though the production cost can sometimes be higher than in low-cost countries, Turkey offers faster lead times and quality craftsmanship. Additionally, Turkey is a better choice regarding the geographic proximity to Europe, which allows for quicker shipping, making it a reliable and responsive supply chain without significantly compromising on price.
Check out our Vendors page for more solutions for your wholesale needs, from the best of Turkey.
Lonca's Advice: Consider importing wholesale clothes from Turkey if you are looking for cheap clothing options for your boutiques. Countries like China might offer the best deals in terms of cost. However, we’ve observed that China’s human rights violations and low-quality goods might hurt a brand’s reputation and customer base. 
Which country is best for clothes import?
Even though the best country to import clothing depends on your priorities and expectations (whether it’s price, quality, or speed), we can come to a conclusion in light of what we discussed so far. 
With its vast infrastructure, low-cost labor, and production scale, China comes to the forefront in the global clothing manufacturing sector with a 30 billion dollar import value. However, regarding the consistency of quality apparel manufacturing, you may not take it for granted. 
On the other hand, India and Bangladesh (with a 2 billion dollars and 8 billion dollars worth of clothing imports, respectively) offer low-cost raw materials and are cost-effective in mass production. Yet, both countries encounter challenges like political instability and labor issues, which can affect the consistency of the quality of service. 
Vietnam is growing rapidly, with nearly 5 billion in import value, and is favored for reliability, while Indonesia and Egypt are rising due to infrastructure and sustainability investments.
Italy is an option that is not only more expensive than the alternatives, but also is ideal for high-end, luxury fashion imports. 
So, though it seems China dominates the volume of manufacturing, Turkey stands out as a top choice for importing wholesale clothing, emerging as the most balanced and accessible country for high-quality, fast, and sustainable wholesale clothing imports. Let’s see why: 
Reasonable pricing and high-quality textiles
Faster and cheaper shipping to Europe due to its strategic location
Simpler customs process, alignment with EU trade policies 
Sustainable production
Best countries to import wholesale clothing for retailers and boutiques
Regarding textile imports, Turkey, China, India, and Italy are among the leading sources. Turkey has good-quality textiles and clothes at reasonable prices. China, the leader of the industry, produces large volumes at cheap rates. India is renowned for its extensive textile culture, with the support of a skilled labor force and trade policies, and Italy is renowned for high-class textiles and fashion.
Why European boutiques import wholesale clothing from Turkey?
Turkey is a prime wholesale apparel hub because of its quality materials and extensive fashion variety. Its business offers diverse and superior quality items at affordable prices for wholesale orders. Big cities like Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir specialize in different segments, between high-fashion to casual and textile production. You should also consider that its strategic location makes international shipping convenient when it comes to the advantages of choosing Turkey for importing wholesale clothing. Additionally, the working conditions in countries such as China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are concerning regarding human rights violations, including low hourly rates and unsafe working environments. 
Import wholesale clothing: Key considerations for retailers
You should pay a great deal of attention while importing wholesale clothing to ensure it is a success for your boutique. We have listed some key considerations from our experience so that you can ensure quality, compliance, and cost-efficiency during the process.
Do not skip these steps as such evaluating the suppliers, reading the online reviews, examining the shipping logistics, and regularly check on trade regulations to avoid costly mistakes. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Supplier Reliability: It is essential to check reviews, request samples, and confirm production capacity before you start importing wholesale clothing.
Quality Assurance: You or your team should inspect the quality for consistently keeping up with your specifications. 
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Always be on top of the order size requirements, which can affect your cash flow and storage needs during the process.
Import Duties and Taxes: You will have to apply customs regulations and calculate all applicable import costs, so ensure you get all the necessary information right.
Shipping and Lead Times: Make you decision based on the urgency of your order and your budget. Also, never neglect having a backup plan for potential delays which can happen sea and air logistics.
Return and Refund Policies: Talk to your wholesaler beforehand to clarify terms in case of getting defective or unsellable items. So you can minimize your financial risk.
Shipping, logistics, and supply chain considerations in clothing manufacturing
Despite having certain advantages that make the country the second-largest garment exporter after China, Bangladesh is increasingly threatened by political instability. Also, sustainability has become an evolving concern. American people now expect full transparency from fashion brands, from where raw materials are sourced to how clothing is manufactured. This is why ethical sourcing isn’t just a European conversation, it’s crucial for winning over U.S. consumers too.
This global shift also makes China another concern for cloth manufacturing. Former CEO and board member Marc O’Polo stated that the brand began shifting some of its production from China to Turkey and Portugal in 2021. The primary motivation is to improve sustainability and lower supply chain risks. After years of extensive outsourcing to China, many businesses are reevaluating their reliance on the country, which is reflected in this early-stage move.
Comparing import policies: Turkey vs. China vs. Bangladesh for wholesale clothing
The distance, shipping method, and product size all have an impact on the cost of shipping from China and Turkey. Because China is far from Western markets, shipping options are more expensive. Because of trade agreements, Turkish products are also favored by customs tariffs.
Turkey’s customs regulations are relatively straightforward, hence easing the import process. In contrast, China and Bangladesh have more complex procedures that require careful navigation to ensure compliance.
Why Turkey offers faster shipping and easier access for European boutiques?
Turkey offers one of the most important advantages regarding the fast shipping and easier access for European boutiques: Its strategic location. When you add this up to the advanced logistics capabilities of Turkey, we can say that it allows you to transit your order in a shorter time compared to Asian countries. Besides, Turkey’s customs policies are more aligned with the EU, which reduces delays or holds at the customs. 
Serif Melih Demirci, a wholesale business expert at Lonca, claims that many boutiques over Europe choose Turkey for their sourcing solutions due to proximity and Turkey’s easy access to European markets. Boutiques with limited inventory capacity should choose international wholesale suppliers like Lonca so they won’t deal with delays and customs problems when sourcing from overseas manufacturers.
Ethical sourcing and sustainability in wholesale clothing manufacturing
The wholesale clothing industry is undergoing a major shift. Sustainability has become a global priority; as such, ethical practices become increasingly important to both businesses and consumers. Wholesalers are now focusing on eco-friendly materials, fair trade partnerships, and responsible sourcing to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This growing commitment echoes across the broader fashion ecosystem. At Lonca, we’ve seen firsthand how ethical sourcing has become a key decision-making factor for modern boutique owners.
“We have seen some brands such as Fendi, Guess, GANT and A.P.C demonstrating good progress by integrating targets for sourcing only from sustainably managed forests and communicating transparently to their customers,” Julia Kozlik, market engagement manager, at PEFC, said in an email as reported by Fashion Dive. “This strategy helps forests maintain their crucial ecological role while supporting dependent communities.”
Countries leading the way in sustainable wholesale apparel production
Several countries, but especially European brands now prioritize sustainability in wholesale apparel production by embracing more eco-friendly technologies. 74% of consumers believe it is crucial for brands to ensure their garments come from sustainably managed forests. Portugal, Turkey, and select manufacturers in India are leading this charge, driven by environmental regulations aiming to reduce carbon footprints in apparel production. 
Lonca’s Advice: A survey we have done with 50 European boutiques shows that %58 of European customers are willing to prioritize clothes made with sustainable materials. Also, 32% of them stated that they are willing to pay more for sustainable clothing, some stating they can pay 10% additional or more.
How Turkish clothing manufacturers are innovating in ethical fashion?
Turkish industry is going green at a rapid pace, with most factories implementing organic inputs and using energy-efficient production systems. Solar power plants to water-efficient dyeing processes, Turkish brands are changing very rapidly.
Lonca’s Advice: As Lonca, we suggest ensuring your manufacturer adheres to ethical practices. To improve your brand reputation and to preserve customer trust, you should avoid human rights violations by choosing suppliers with politically correct operations. Based on our professional experience, we suggest evaluating suppliers based on their track records and compliance with ethical guidelines.
Finding the best wholesale clothing manufacturers for your boutique
If you’re a boutique owner just starting out, finding the right partner is key. If you're just starting out, check out our blog on How to Buy Wholesale Clothing from Turkey in 2024. Turkey provides numerous options as the world’s second-largest wholesale hub. Here, you can find thousands of new garments every week. This makes it one of the best countries for clothing manufacturing, especially for boutique brands focused on quality and agility. 
Where to source wholesale clothing manufacturers for your boutique?
Specific spots like Osmanbey, Laleli, Merter, and Güngören cater to different fashion needs. Istanbul specifically stands out as a top choice for clothing manufacturing thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility and support infrastructure. Lonca has streamlined this search by offering verified suppliers that meet boutique-specific needs.
We have talked to 147 boutique owners and discovered that 129 of them choose Lonca to get their wholesale clothing collections, thanks to our streamlined process tailored to their needs. 
Businesses benefit from a wide range of payment options, reliable and diverse shipping solutions for global delivery, and responsive customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, phone, and WhatsApp. However, the search for the best option is often tiresome. 
Using B2B marketplaces to find the best clothing manufacturers for startups
Lonca can help with this. We provide a carefully selected network of pre-screened women's fashion suppliers as a specialized B2B marketplace that matches boutique owners with pre-screened suppliers across the globe. Lonca streamlines the sourcing process with our platform's intuitive interface. We assist new companies in avoiding the dangers of trial and error and confidently navigating nations that manufacture clothing by providing them with clear supplier information and a global presence. You can look through our carefully curated list of the Top 10 Wholesale Marketplaces for Boutique Owners for more sourcing options outside of Lonca.
Conclusion: Choosing the right clothing manufacturing country for wholesale success
Each clothing manufacturing company offers something unique among apparel manufacturing countries, adding on top of all the difficulties in the online boutique industry. Choosing among wholesale clothing manufacturing countries in the world is no easy task without clear sourcing goals. 
For example, how would one choose from China's scale and infrastructure to India’s artisanal heritage or from Bangladesh’s cost-effective production to Turkey’s balance of affordability?  Obviously, there are many aspects to cover and pay attention to. It is also worth noting that global supply chains continue to evolve in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Vietnam making the selection of wholesale clothing manufacturers even more strategic as they begin to carve out distinct positions, especially in areas of sustainability and niche design.
Your boutique’s needs will help determine the best and cheapest countries to manufacture clothing aligned with your goals. Therefore, making the right choice to start a long-lasting collaboration requires a lot of effort if you are on your own. However, Lonca, a specialized B2B platform, plays a vital role in this transition by connecting boutique owners with pre-vetted, trusted manufacturers. With transparent supplier data, multiple payment options, and global delivery solutions, Lonca eliminates much of the guesswork for startups. If you take the information we have provided during this blog into consideration and follow the steps, you will make the best decisions when it comes to choosing the right clothing manufacturing country for your boutique.
Lonca continues to expand it’s international reach, building partnerships with manufacturers in over 12 apparel manufacturing countries. Follow and explore Lonca’s vetted list of suppliers to confidently grow your boutique. For more tips and strategies, check out our other blogs on Lonca.