UK Clothing Manufacturers vs Overseas: An Honest Comparison
By The Velocity Wear Team
Clothing manufacturers UK gets about nineteen hundred searches a month at a low difficulty. Most of the people searching are new or growing brands trying to decide where to produce. Full disclosure: we're a UK and Pakistan operation, so we see both sides every day. Here's the honest comparison.
UK manufacturing: the strengths
- Proximity: visit the factory, see samples quickly, fix problems in person.
- Short shipping and no import duties for UK sales.
- A genuine Made in UK story, if the garment really qualifies.
- Easier communication and time zones.
UK manufacturing: the trade-offs
- Higher labour costs mean higher unit prices.
- Limited capacity for some processes, especially fabric knitting and dyeing.
- Many UK makers source fabric from abroad anyway.
- Minimums can still be significant for cut-and-sew.
Overseas manufacturing: the strengths
- Lower unit costs, especially at volume.
- Deep supply chains: fabric, trims and dyeing close together.
- Capacity to scale quickly.
- Skills in specific garment types.
Overseas manufacturing: the trade-offs
- Longer shipping and import duties and VAT to factor in.
- Communication across time zones.
- Harder to visit and audit personally.
- Some factories set high minimums.
Minimums matter more than location
For a small brand, the minimum order often decides more than geography. A factory asking for 300 per colour isn't viable at launch, wherever it is. Our minimum is 20 per design with sizes mixed, which is designed for brands at that stage.
Labelling and origin claims
Label garments accurately. Fibre composition is legally required in the UK. Don't claim Made in UK unless the product genuinely qualifies, and be careful with vague sustainability claims under the CMA's Green Claims Code.
Sustainability, honestly
Local production can reduce transport emissions, but fabric, dyeing, energy and overproduction often matter more. Ordering the right quantity, choosing durable garments and avoiding unsold stock are among the biggest levers for any brand.
Questions to ask any manufacturer
- 1What's the minimum per design, and can sizes be mixed?
- 2Can I get a sample first?
- 3What's the lead time from approval?
- 4Where is the fabric from?
- 5What do you invoice in, and are duties included?
Quick checklist
- Is a Made in UK claim central to your brand?
- Can your margins support UK unit costs?
- What minimum can you afford to hold?
- How fast do you need reorders?
- Are your labels and claims accurate?
Calculating landed cost for UK brands
Compare the full cost of getting stock into your hands. For overseas production, include unit price, decoration, labels, freight, customs duties where applicable, import VAT and delivery. For UK production, include unit price, decoration and delivery. Import VAT can often be reclaimed by VAT-registered businesses, but it affects cash flow. Put both options into a spreadsheet at your real order quantity.
Communication and samples
Whatever the location, clear communication decides quality. Written specs, reference photos, measured size charts and approved samples prevent most problems. Ask how the manufacturer handles questions during production and who your contact is.
Reorders and speed
Fast reorders matter when a design sells out. Ask each manufacturer how long a repeat order takes and whether they keep your specs on file. Our production runs 10 to 15 working days from artwork approval, and repeat orders reuse your approved spec.
Starting small with either
The biggest risk for new brands isn't where clothes are made, it's making too many. Start with small quantities, learn what sells, and scale production as demand proves itself.
Our terms
Minimum 20 per design, 10 to 15 working days from artwork approval, invoicing in GBP among seven currencies, and samples before you commit. See custom hoodies and custom t-shirts, and our UK brand checklist.
