Trying to source clothes from China but overwhelmed by city names like Guangzhou, Zhejiang, or Dongguan? You’re not alone—many buyers struggle to figure out where to go.
The best place for manufacturing clothes in China depends on your product type. Guangzhou leads in fashion, Zhejiang in accessories and kidswear, and Jiangsu in technical apparel.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top garment hubs in China so you can choose the right region for your sourcing goals.
Which Chinese city leads in apparel production?
China’s garment industry isn’t centralized—each province has a distinct specialty. Picking the wrong city can mean delays, poor quality, or mismatched capabilities.
Guangzhou is the top city for apparel production, known for trend-driven styles, fast sampling, and a massive textile market ecosystem.
Why Guangzhou leads:
- Trend Capital: Fast fashion thrives here—styles change weekly.
- Fabric Markets: Zhongda Fabric Market fuels quick development.
- Small MOQs Possible: Ideal for startup brands testing new ideas.
- Production Speed: Factories offer short lead times and flexible capacity.
But not all products are ideal here. For accessories or heavy customization, other cities may serve you better.
Is Guangzhou best for kidswear manufacturing?
Many buyers think Guangzhou is the default for all clothing. But is it really the best city for children’s apparel?
While Guangzhou offers good options, Zhejiang—especially cities like Yiwu and Ningbo—is stronger for kidswear manufacturing due to its factory clusters and export focus.
Comparing Kidswear Manufacturing Hubs:
| Location | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | Design-driven, fast fashion styles | Higher costs, crowded peak season |
| Zhejiang | Structured factories, lower cost | Slower development cycles |
| Jiangsu | Premium materials, strong QC | Higher MOQ, longer lead time |
Zhejiang is home to factories like ours at Fumao Clothing, where we serve European and U.S. babywear buyers with stable quality, full OEM support, and clean production lines.
Where to find OEM garment factories in China?
Buyers like Ron want OEM factories they can trust—not middlemen, not trade agents. But finding them isn’t easy without local experience.
You can find OEM garment factories in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces—regions with dense industrial zones and fabric supply chains.
How to Identify a True OEM Garment Factory:
- Owns Factory: Ask for photos and production video walkthroughs.
- Custom Capability: Can handle tech packs, spec sheets, size grading.
- Compliance: Look for BSCI, WRAP, or ISO certificates.
- English Support: Sales team must communicate clearly with foreign buyers.
Cities with Strong OEM Capabilities:
| City | Province | OEM Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | Guangdong | Fashion, women’s, streetwear |
| Dongguan | Guangdong | Sportswear, technical garments |
| Yiwu | Zhejiang | Kidswear, accessories |
| Changshu | Jiangsu | Outerwear, workwear |
| Qingdao | Shandong | Knitwear, uniforms |
I always recommend buyers visit factories or request a live video call to confirm setup before bulk orders.
What makes Zhejiang strong in clothing exports?
Zhejiang might not be as flashy as Guangzhou, but it quietly powers a massive share of China’s clothing exports. Why is that?
Zhejiang’s strength lies in its efficient industrial clusters, low production cost, skilled labor force, and strategic port access for fast international shipping.
Key Reasons Zhejiang Excels:
- Clustered Ecosystem: Sewing, printing, embroidery, packaging—all within short distances.
- Accessory Base: Strong in belts, hats, scarves, headwear, and baby items.
- Port Access: Ningbo and Shanghai ports offer faster global delivery.
- OEM Specialization: Thousands of export-focused garment factories.
At Fumao, we use Zhejiang’s integrated network to reduce turnaround time while maintaining strict QC standards. Our clients often comment that our delivery is weeks faster than competitors in other cities.
Conclusion
Whether you need fast fashion, custom kidswear, or reliable OEM services, China offers a region for every sourcing need. From the trend factories of Guangzhou to the export giants in Zhejiang, the key is knowing where to look—and who to trust.
