If you’re building a clothing brand, one of the first and most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right manufacturing partner. For custom clothing brands, China continues to be one of the most attractive sourcing destinations in the world. And it’s not just about lower production costs. What makes China stand out is its manufacturing infrastructure, speed, fabric variety, and the ability to scale with your brand’s growth.
As a factory owner based in Guangzhou and running Valtin Apparel, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for brand owners—especially startups—to find a supplier that not only delivers on quality but also communicates effectively, sticks to deadlines, and supports customization.
Whether you’re launching a new streetwear line or expanding your private label collection, this list will help you find the right partner to bring your custom T-shirt ideas to life.
10 Best T-Shirt Manufacturers in China for Custom Clothing Brands
Here’s a curated list of the best T-shirt manufacturers in China that you can rely on to build your brand:
- Valtin Apparel – A trusted partner for start-up designers and growing brands, offering comprehensive custom services and low MOQs.
- Dongshen Garment – Massive production capacity and compliance with top global certifications.
- Hongyu Apparel – Your partner for custom T-shirts, moderate MOQs, and fast delivery.
- Double Strong Industrial – High-capacity factory with a global client base and ODM expertise.
- Arlisman – Known for innovation and flexible customization, serving top overseas brands.
- Huazhang Garment – Certified production with advanced equipment and a broad product range.
- Appareify – Leading in sustainable and ethical fashion, using eco-friendly materials for your brand.
- Kailaimei Industrial – Trend-driven ODM manufacturer, trusted by international names like Tesla Motors.
- Secxon – A reliable partner for balancing quality and price, with over 20 years of experience in garment manufacturing.
- Steggor – Expert at a wide range of T-shirts and sportswear, with international certifications and large capacity.
Whether you’re building a new collection or scaling up your brand, these suppliers can turn your creative ideas into beautifully crafted T-shirts ready to hit the market.
1. Valtin Apparel – Guangzhou, China
If you’re looking for a reliable, flexible, and detail-oriented T-shirt manufacturer in China, I can confidently say—look no further than Valtin Apparel. We’re not just a supplier; we’re a partner to the clothing brands we work with. Based in Guangzhou, with direct access to the country’s largest fabric markets, we specialize in custom T-shirt production for startups, scaling brands, and international distributors.
Why Valtin Apparel Stands Out:
- Custom Everything: From fabric and fit to labels, hang tags, and packaging—we tailor it all to your brand identity.
- Fast Turnaround: Samples in 10–14 days, bulk production in 28–35 days.
- B2B Expertise: We work exclusively with brand owners, wholesalers, and fashion startups, so we understand what matters—consistent quality, reliable delivery, and smooth communication.
- Fabric Advantage: Thanks to our location, we can source a wide range of fabrics quickly and cost-effectively, even matching fabrics from your sample references.
- Print & Embroidery Expertise: Offers high-quality screen printing, heat transfer, sublimation, and embroidery services.
Best For:
New brand owners, fashion startups, and wholesale buyers who want premium T-shirts without the hassle of poor communication or unpredictable timelines.
If you have a design in mind but aren’t sure about fabric choices or construction techniques, our team is here to guide you through every step.
2. Dongshen Knitted Garment Co., Ltd. – Nanchang, China
Established in 2011, Nanchang Dongshen Knitted Garment Co., Ltd. has grown into a leading player in China’s knitwear manufacturing sector. Located in the Qingshan Lake High-tech Industrial Park, they specialize in T-shirts, polo shirts, knitted underwear, sweaters, and more—delivering consistent quality at impressive scale.
Why Dongshen Knitted Garment Stands Out:
- Massive Production Capacity: With 22 assembly lines and a monthly output of 2 million pieces, they’re ideal for brands that need large volumes on tight schedules.
- Fully Integrated Production: From weaving and dyeing to cutting, printing, embroidery, sewing, and finishing, they handle the entire production chain in-house—ensuring tight quality control and faster lead times.
- Certifications & Compliance: Accredited by top organizations like Walmart, JPC, SEDEX, BSCI, WRAP, Costco, and Macy’s—making them a reliable choice for buyers that prioritize compliance and ethical production.
- Diverse Product Range: Their product mix covers 45% men’s clothing, 35% women’s clothing, and 20% children’s clothing—meaning they can cater to various market segments with ease.
- Experienced Workforce: With 1,818 employees, including 388 supervisors and 1,430 skilled workers, they’re equipped to manage large, complex orders while maintaining flexibility.
Best For:
Brands, retailers, and distributors who need a large-scale manufacturer that’s both compliant and capable of delivering high-quality knitwear across a range of categories. Dongshen’s vertical integration and impressi
3. Hongyu Apparel – Guangdong, China
Founded in 2003, Hongyu Apparel has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for independent fashion brands and start-up designers. Located in Guangdong, they offer a comprehensive, one-stop solution that covers everything from fabric sourcing to final delivery. This means you can rely on them to manage the entire supply chain for your custom T-shirt and sweater production—so you can focus on growing your brand.
Why Hongyu Apparel Stands Out:
- Custom Clothing Expertise: Whether you’re a start-up brand testing new designs or an established label refining your collection, Hongyu Apparel adapts to your needs.
- Full-Service Approach: Their team oversees the entire production journey—ensuring quality at every step and saving you time and hassle.
- Key Products: T-shirts designed for comfort and casual style, and sweaters that blend warmth with fashionable layering—perfect for brands that want a balanced mix of seasonal staples.
Best For:
Start-up designers and growing fashion brands seeking a reliable manufacturer that understands the importance of flexibility and detail. Hongyu Apparel’s focus on customer satisfaction and their ability to handle different order sizes make them a versatile partner for custom apparel production.
4. Double Strong Industrial Co., Ltd. – Nanchang, China
Established in 2003, Nanchang Double Strong Industrial Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive garment processing and manufacturing company that takes pride in handling every aspect of apparel production—from initial design and graphics to final delivery and global export. With a dedicated team of over 400 skilled employees and more than 280 sets of advanced production equipment, they’ve built a reputation for reliability and scale.
Why Nanchang Double Strong Industrial Stands Out:
- Full-Service Manufacturing: Their in-house capabilities cover everything from graphic design and sampling to mass production and shipping, ensuring a seamless experience for B2B buyers.
- Impressive Production Capacity: They can produce up to 10,000 T-shirts daily, 8,000 polo shirts daily, and 5,000 zippered shirts daily—ideal for brands looking to scale or maintain consistent inventory.
- Global Reach: With products exported to over 40 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, and Japan, they have a proven track record of meeting diverse market needs.
- Certifications & Compliance: Certified with ISO9001:2000, and holding import/export rights and various factory inspection approvals.
Key Products:
- T-shirts, polo shirts, zippered shirts
- Pajamas, underwear sets, children’s wear, and sportswear
Best For:
Established brands and larger distributors seeking a one-stop solution for custom T-shirts and an array of other garments. Double Strong’s robust capacity and extensive export experience make them a reliable partner for large-scale orders and multi-style collections.
5. Arlisman – Zhongshan, China
Founded in 1999, Zhongshan Arlisman Garment Factory has established itself as a leader in custom T-shirt manufacturing and design innovation. Known for their flexibility and attention to detail, they are particularly skilled at transforming your creative vision into tangible products.
Why Arlisman Stands Out:
- Wide Range of Styles: From men’s, women’s, and children’s T-shirts to promotional and election campaign shirts Arlisman offers a broad range of styles and fits (including straight cut and slim fit, UK and US sizing).
- Fabric Flexibility: Choose from 100% cotton for casual wear, polyester for sportswear, or blends like 60% cotton/40% polyester for added performance.
- Printing & Embroidery Options: Whether you need screen printing, digital printing, or embroidery for logos and graphics, they deliver high-quality results. You can also order plain T-shirts and customize them yourself later.
Best For:
Fashion brands and distributors who need full-service customization and appreciate flexibility in both design and production. Arlisman’s ability to turn your ideas into well-made garments makes them an ideal partner for creative and quality-focused buyers.
6. Huazhang Garment Co., Ltd. – Nanchang, China
Founded in 2011, Nanchang Huazhang Garment Co., Ltd. has quickly grown into a well-regarded player in China’s T-shirt and knitwear manufacturing scene. Strategically located in the Changdong Industrial Zone—an area famous for its knitting, dyeing, and apparel production—their factory is set up for both high capacity and high-quality output.
Why Huazhang Garment Stands Out:
- Large-Scale Production: With 6 intelligent hanging system production lines and specialized printing workshops (including sublimation and automatic printing), they can handle substantial orders without compromising quality.
- Monthly Output: Capable of producing approximately 360,000 pieces of knit garments monthly, including T-shirts, polo shirts, fleece wear, and casual or children’s wear.
- Certifications: They’ve been audited and certified by WRAP, BSCI, and DISNEY—important for brands needing compliance and social responsibility credentials.
- Global Reach: Their products are exported to North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, showing their reliability in meeting global standards and timelines.
Best For:
Fashion brands, large distributors, and businesses needing certified production and scalable capacity. HUAZHANG’s combination of certifications, advanced equipment, and competitive pricing makes them an attractive option for serious buyers with substantial orders.
7. Appareify – Guangzhou, China
Founded in 2017, Appareify has quickly become a top choice for brands focused on sustainability and ethical practices. Based in Guangzhou, this forward-thinking factory blends fashion innovation with a deep commitment to the environment—setting a new standard for custom T-shirt manufacturing in China.
Why Appareify Stands Out:
- Sustainability at the Core: Appareify’s operations focus on using organic, biodegradable, and recycled materials—ensuring your brand’s T-shirts have a smaller environmental footprint. Even their packaging is eco-friendly, supporting a fully sustainable supply chain.
- Superior Craftsmanship: Their team of skilled craftsmen, apparel R&D experts, and designers deliver high-quality garments that balance style with durability—a must for building long-lasting brands.
- Private Labeling & OEM Services: Appareify excels at creating unique garments tailored to your brand’s DNA. From logo placement to color and style, their private labeling services make your collection truly yours.
- Efficient Production: With turnaround times as quick as 7–20 working days (and even 3 days for urgent orders), they’re ideal for brands needing both speed and sustainability.
Best For:
Brands and start-ups that prioritize sustainability, ethical production, and unique design. If you want to align your brand with eco-friendly practices and ensure your T-shirts are as kind to the planet as they are to your customers, Appareify is an excellent partner.
8. Kailaimei Industrial Co. – Humen, China
Founded in 2001, Dongguan Kailaimei Industrial Co. has become a respected name in the garment manufacturing sector—blending design innovation with high-quality production. Based in Humen, a city renowned for its garment industry, they’ve carved a niche by closely following global fashion trends and collaborating with some of the world’s most recognized brands.
Why Kailaimei Stands Out:
- ODM Expertise for Global Brands: Kailaimei specializes in original design manufacturing for top overseas brands such as the Philippines’ SUYEN CORPORATION, Canada’s MARIE CLAIRE, Venezuela’s MELAO, and even serving as the only designated China-based clothing producer for Tesla Motors.
- Massive Development Pipeline: Each quarter, they develop between 2,000 and 3,000 new models, ensuring they’re always in step with international trends and buyer demands.
- Versatile Fabric Range: From natural cotton, linen, and wool to corduroy, denim, and technical fabrics, they cater to diverse client needs.
- High Production Capacity: With an average of 5 million garments exported annually, they’re a powerhouse for brands that need consistent quality at scale.
Best For:
Fashion brands and retailers with a strong design vision who want to leverage a manufacturer experienced in both large-scale production and working with global clients. Kailaimei’s flexibility and impressive track record make them a solid choice for premium and trend-driven T-shirt production.
9. Secxon – China
With more than 20 years of experience, Secxon has carved out a solid reputation as a T-shirt manufacturer that balances quality, price, and flexibility. Their approach centers on listening to your ideas and translating them into high-quality T-shirts—whether you’re after a classic cut, performance wear, or a fashion-forward statement.
Why Secxon Stands Out:
- Versatile T-Shirt Expertise: They cover all T-shirt categories—heavy-weight, light-weight, business/leisure styles, and sportswear. This adaptability allows you to create a collection that aligns with your brand’s identity.
- Fabric Solutions: Secxon offers an impressive range of fabrics—like 100% cotton, cotton-spandex blends, and cotton-polyester blends. They’ll guide you on the best fabric choices based on your brand positioning and target market.
- Comprehensive Services: Secxon is vertically integrated, which means they handle everything in-house—from sampling and fabric updates to large-scale production. They also update clients on new fabric options, helping brands stay ahead of the trends.
- Commitment to Ethical Production: Quality comes first, and sustainability is woven into their practices—an appealing factor for modern fashion brands looking to resonate with conscious consumers.
Best For:
Fashion brands, department stores, online retailers, and designers looking for a reliable partner with deep expertise and flexibility. Secxon’s consultative approach and willingness to adapt make them a great fit for brands at various stages of growth.
10. Steggor – Wuhu, China
With nearly 10 years of experience, AnHui Steggor Co., Ltd. has become a trusted name in the knitted garment manufacturing industry. They blend manufacturing and trading seamlessly, offering clients reliable and flexible service across a wide range of knitted wear.
Why Steggor Stands Out:
- Integrated Industrial Chain: Located in FanChang County, Wuhu City—an area with a well-developed garment industry ecosystem—they have direct access to weaving, dyeing, printing, embroidery, and trims suppliers. This gives them a significant advantage in both speed and responsiveness.
- Versatile Product Range: From T-shirts and polo shirts to sweatshirts, fleece jackets, dresses, and pants, they cater to a broad range of clothing needs for men, women, and children.
- Fast Sampling and Quick Feedback: Their proximity to every stage of the production process ensures that samples can be developed rapidly and that they can adjust to changing market demands with agility.
- Global Standards: Certified by the European BSCI and the GRS (Global Recycling Standard), Steggor meets high ethical and environmental standards—an essential factor for modern, sustainability-conscious brands.
- Global Market Reach: Their products are exported to Europe, America, Australia, and other markets, showcasing their ability to meet international standards and diverse client needs.
Best For:
Fashion brands, online retailers, and clothing distributors seeking a flexible, fast-moving manufacturer for custom T-shirt lines and other knitted apparel. Steggor’s strategic location and comprehensive vertical integration make them a competitive partner for brands that want high-quality, custom solutions.
What to Look for in a T-Shirt Manufacturer
Choosing the right T-shirt manufacturer isn’t just about finding someone who can produce garments cheaply—especially when you’re building a brand that stands for quality and style. Based on my experience working with B2B clients from around the world, here are the key factors you should evaluate when selecting a manufacturing partner:
1. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
As a new or growing brand, large MOQs can be a deal-breaker. Look for factories that offer manageable order quantities—typically starting at around 200 pieces like we do at Valtin Apparel. This allows you to test designs without overstocking.
2. Customization Capabilities
If you’re launching a custom brand, your manufacturer needs to go beyond basic tees. You want options for:
- Custom fabrics and weights
- Your own label and hang tags
- Unique colorways and trims
- Custom packaging to elevate your unboxing experience
A good supplier will offer these services in-house or through trusted partners.
3. Fabric Sourcing
Fabric is the foundation of any good T-shirt. Whether you’re looking for organic cotton, performance blends, or oversized knits, access to a diverse fabric market is key. Being located near the largest fabric market in China allows us to source almost any textile our clients can dream of—even matching original samples.
4. Production Lead Times
Speed matters. Late shipments can mean missing entire seasons—something we’ve seen far too often with other factories. Always ask for clear timelines. At Valtin Apparel, we typically deliver samples within 10–14 days and bulk orders in 28–35 days.
5. Communication and Responsiveness
This is one of the biggest pain points we hear from new clients. A factory may be skilled technically, but if the communication is slow, vague, or disorganized, it causes serious delays. You need a responsive, English-speaking team that treats your brand with care.
6. Payment Terms and Trust
For new buyers, payment terms like 50% upfront and 50% before shipment (our standard practice) strike a balance between risk management and trust-building. Beware of overly rigid or opaque payment structures.
Tips for Successfully Working with a Chinese T-Shirt Manufacturer
Choosing the right manufacturer is just the first step. To ensure a smooth production experience and get the best results, here’s what I recommend based on years of working with clients like Hidy:
Be Clear and Detailed in Your Specs
The more precise you are about your T-shirt’s details—like fabric weight, fit, colors, printing or embroidery—the better the final product will be. Share reference samples or detailed tech packs if possible. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the sample you receive matches your expectations.
Communicate Openly and Promptly
Communication gaps are one of the biggest causes of delays and errors. Make sure you’re in regular contact with your manufacturer’s sales team. At Valtin Apparel, we prioritize fast responses and clear updates—this is something to expect from any good supplier.
Test with Samples Before Scaling
Never skip the sample stage. It’s your chance to confirm the quality, fit, and finishing details before committing to a larger order. It’s also a great time to identify any tweaks needed to perfect your design.
Understand and Plan for Lead Times
Even the best factories need time for production. Plan ahead so you’re not stuck rushing or paying extra for air shipments. Share your timeline early with your supplier so they can prioritize your order.
Clarify Payment Terms and Invoicing
Discuss payment terms upfront—like our standard 50% deposit and 50% balance before shipment. This helps avoid confusion or unexpected issues later on.
Build a Long-Term Relationship
The best relationships are built on trust and transparency. If you treat your supplier as a partner, they’ll be more likely to prioritize your brand and even suggest improvements that help you stand out in the market.
Final Thoughts
Sourcing T-shirts in China doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a growing number of reliable, high-quality manufacturers, you’re in a strong position to create T-shirts that align with your brand’s vision—whether you’re a new label testing the waters or an established brand expanding your product line.
If you’re looking for a partner who truly understands the challenges and opportunities of building a clothing brand, Valtin Apparel is here to help you every step of the way.
We’re committed to making sure your ideas don’t just stay on paper—they come to life in the form of beautifully crafted T-shirts that your customers will love.
