4 Proven Avenues Every Brand Should Explore
Sourcing the best manufacturers is just as important as designing your ideal brand. No matter how innovative or cutting edge your product is, if the manufacturer can't meet your quality, timeline, or ethical standards, your brand will struggle before your collection is even ready for launch.
After over 10 years of guiding brands through the process of finding the perfect-fit manufacturer, I’ve seen what works and what often doesn’t. While every brand’s journey is unique, most successful ones start with one (or more) of these four key avenues:
Google search of "Clothing Manufacturers UK"
1. Google Search Engine
For many new fashion brands, a simple Google search like “garment manufacturers for startups” is the very first step in attempting to find a starting point. It’s quick, free and often feels like the most natural place to begin as any fact finding would be. While it can offer some great leads, it also comes with a unique set of challenges.
Pros:
- Quick access to a wide range of options from UK and Europe to overseas manufacturers.
- No special requirements are needed to access information.
- Can lead you to directories, forums, blog posts, and manufacturer websites.
- Educates you on the type of manufacturers are out there.
- Tailored search options
Cons:
- If a manufacturer ranks high in your google search or has a sponsored listing this doesn’t indicate, they are the right fit.
- Overload of information that takes times to sort through.
- Fake websites do exist especially when searching for overseas factories, ensure careful due diligence.
Tips:
Use specific search terms like “low MOQ clothing manufacturers UK ”. Background check every site you find look for real contact information, third-party reviews, and how transparent their website is.
Fashion trade show for designers and brands to meet with manufacturers.
2. Industry Trade Shows & Fairs
Meeting a manufacturer face-to-face can be useful, trade shows like Pure London, London Edge, Source Fashion, London Textile Fair offer the opportunity to see samples, ask detailed questions, and introduce your brand to manufactures.
Pros:
- Instant access to the factory representatives.
- Ability to touch and feel product samples.
- Queries can be answered instantly without delay in information.
- Less research is needed.
- Fast decisions can be made as to weather a manufacturer can be the right fit for your brand.
Cons:
- Overwhelming for first time brands
- High MOQ commitments (usually a minimum of 300-500 units per style/colour)
- Making quick decisions and placing orders in the spur of the moment.
Tips: Come prepared with your tech pack or concept in hand so you can utilize the time you have with each manufacturer, while also having a range of questions you would like to know. Speak to as many manufacturers as possible then allow yourself time to evaluate your findings.
Online clothing manufacturer directories.
3. Online Directories
For many emerging start-up brands, online directories like Alibaba and AliExpress are one of the first stops. These platforms give you access to thousands of manufacturers across every industry you can think of.
Pros:
- Easy to access and search.
- Good for price comparisons and initial research.
- Huge variety of options.
- Great for value level brands.
- Easy to purchase pre-developed products.
- Print on demand products.
Cons:
- Quality can be sacrificed.
- Requires time and effort to vet properly.
- Communication difficulties and time zone differences.
- High turnover of samples needed to understand the workflow of the manufacturer.
- Usually does not offer sustainable options.
- Hard to evaluate company ethics and working conditions.
Tips: Look for manufacturers with verified credentials, trade assurance programs, and high communication engagement habits. All of which can be filtered and tailored to your search.
Garment manufacturer sourcing agent liaising with a wealth of factories
4. Sourcing Agents
If this is your first time sourcing a manufacturer (especially overseas), it could be an option to work with a sourcing agent to give you the support and guidance. These agents often have a network of manufacturers and understand how to negotiate.
Pros:
- Saves time
- Provides access to a wide range of manufacturers
- End-to-end production contact
Cons:
- Upfront cost for services
- Limited control - Working with an agent can put distance between you and the manufacturer
- Varying levels of transparency – the agent can generate a markup on each unit to make a profit
Tips: Always vet the agent or company before committing. Ask for a portfolio of work, client references, and clear outline of their process.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right manufacturing partner is not an easy process. The best path depends on your product type, budget, and timeline. What matters most is being open about how you start your search while being intentional and knowing what questions to ask along the way.
Creating a brand profile would be a great starting point too, this is a file you send over to the manufacturers you have sourced so they can understand who and what your brand is.
What is a brand profile? - A brand profile is a visual document that defines the core identity of your brand. It will demonstrate logo’s, mock ups of the garments, colour options, size requirements etc .
Start with one or two of these avenues, do your research, and never rush the process. The right manufacturer isn’t just a vendor they will become part of your brand’s future.
Love Team, Hook and Eye UK
