China is one of the world’s largest hubs for apparel production, offering a wide variety of manufacturers that cater to different business models and needs. Whether you’re a startup brand or an established fashion company, understanding the types of clothing manufacturers in China will help you make informed sourcing decisions.

In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of clothing manufacturers in China and what to expect when working with them.

CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) Manufacturers in China

CMT factories in China offer production services where you provide all the materials and specifications.

What They Do:

• Cut the fabric according to your patterns
  
• Sew the garments based on your tech pack
  
• Finish the garments with trims and tags

Avantages :

• High control over materials and design
  
• Good for experienced buyers or brands with design teams

Considerations:

• You must source and ship all fabrics and accessories to the factory
  
• You need to prepare detailed documentation (e.g., patterns, size charts, labels)

Full Package (FPP) Clothing Manufacturers in China

FPP factories, also known as full-service manufacturers, handle the entire production process.

What They Do:

• Assist with design and sampling
  
• Source fabrics and trims locally
  
• Produce, pack, and ship finished products

Avantages :

• Ideal for startups or small businesses without design teams
  
• Saves time and reduces coordination effort

Considerations:

• Unit cost may be slightly higher due to the full service
  
• Communication is key—choose a factory with English-speaking staff

OEM Clothing Manufacturers in China

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) suppliers produce garments based on your unique designs under your brand name.

What They Do:

• Manufacture custom-designed clothing
  
• Apply your brand labels and packaging
  
• Follow your specifications closely

Avantages :

• Full brand control
  
• Scalable for medium to large orders

Considerations:

• Minimum order quantities (MOQs) may apply
  
• You’ll need to provide a tech pack or reference samples

ODM Clothing Manufacturers in China

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) factories in China offer their own designs, which you can modify and sell under your brand.

What They Do:

• Provide ready-made designs
  
• Allow you to add your brand or make slight modifications

Avantages :

• A fast and easy way to launch a product line
  
• Lower development costs

Considerations:

• Less unique design—other brands may use the same base styles
  
• Options de personnalisation limitées

Private Label Clothing Manufacturers in China

Marque privée manufacturers offer standard products that you can brand as your own.

What They Do:

• Produce pre-designed items like t-shirts, leggings, and hoodies
  
• Let you add your label, tag, and packaging

Avantages :

• Quick turnaround
  
• Cost-effective and low-risk

Considerations:

• Limited design originality
  
• Often used in fast fashion and e-commerce businesses

Small-Batch Clothing Manufacturers in China

These manufacturers specialize in low-MOQ production, ideal for small or new brands.

What They Do:

• Accept small orders (as low as 50–100 pieces per style)
  
• Offer flexible manufacturing services for testing or seasonal drops

Avantages :

• Lower financial risk for new businesses
  
• Great for niche, boutique, or custom fashion

Considerations:

• Higher unit cost per piece
  
• May have longer lead times due to smaller scale

People Trust ASG

As your trusted approvisionnement de produits agent in China, we help you find all kinds of products, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet your business needs.

Au cœur de nos préoccupations se trouvent des pratiques d’approvisionnement éthiques et responsables, garantissant que chaque produit acheté répond à des normes et à une qualité strictes.

Que vous cherchiez à élargir votre offre de produits, à rationaliser votre chaîne d'approvisionnement ou à trouver des solutions de fabrication rentables, notre équipe est là pour vous aider.

Conclusion

China offers a diverse landscape of clothing manufacturers to support every type of apparel business, from fast fashion to luxury custom brands. By understanding the differences between CMT, FPP, OEM, ODM, and private label suppliers, you can choose the ideal partner to help you build or grow your brand.

Whether you’re looking for small batch flexibility or large-scale production efficiency, China’s clothing industry has the right manufacturer for you.