Top 10 UK Clothing Manufacturers for Startups and Growing Brands

Who this guide is for

If you’re launching or scaling a UK-made story (or need low MOQs to test demand), this shortlist gives you 10 reliable UK clothing manufacturers by specialty, plus clear MOQs and services so you can shortlist in minutes—not days.
How to use it fast:

• Scan the table below first. Match your category + MOQ.
• Shortlist 2–3 partners and request quotes the same day.
• If you’re weighing UK vs China for cost/scale, I added notes where production is UK-only vs UK-managed overseas—so you can benchmark apples to apples later with Valtin Apparel.

How I selected these UK manufacturers

I prioritised startup-friendly MOQs, transparent service scopes (design → sampling → bulk), and clear category strengths (streetwear, luxury/sampling, performance/stretch). All facts (MOQs, services, locations) are verified from each company’s site below. Citations follow each row.

Quick-glance comparison

(Services: CMT = Cut/Make/Trim; FPP = Full-package production; WL = White-label)

Company	Specialty	Stated MOQ	Best for	Services	Location notes
White2Label Manufacturing	Startup on-ramp: WL basics → bespoke	WL from 25 pcs/style/colour; Custom 100 pcs/style/colour	Hoodies/tees streetwear capsules	WL, FPP; UK + overseas options	London team; can produce in UK/China/Italy/Portugal/Turkey.
Hawthorn	Fully-custom casualwear/streetwear	From 50 pcs/design (design-dependent)	Custom sets where spec + price matter	FPP (prototype → bulk); overseas manufacture	London HQ; factories overseas / global supply chain.
Hook & Eye UK	Design-led street/loungewear; tech packs	From 50 pcs/design/colour	Founders wanting one team from CAD → bulk	Tech packs, sampling, managed bulk (AQL 1.5)	UK-based; integrated China manufacturing team.
ClothingManufacturersUK	UK-made, ethical London factory	50 pcs/style & 250 pcs/order	“Made in London” story with low styles	CMT & production (London)	London factory; transparent order math.
Fabrika London	High-end sampling & pattern; RTW	Not stated (small-batch)	Premium RTW where make/fit matters	Sampling, patterns, production studio	East London studio/manufacturer.
B Fashion Studio	Luxury development room + small runs	Not stated (small-run production)	Couture-leaning RTW, silk/tailored, jersey	Tech packs, patterns, sampling, production	Greenwich, London; welcomes startups.
Tanya Dimitrova	Ultra-flex studio production	MOQ: 1 garment; ~80 units/week capacity	Tiny capsules, bridal/evening, made-to-order	Patterns, toiles, sampling, small/med runs	West London studio near Queen’s Park.
Diamond Styles Ltd	Established CMT with real weekly capacity	50 units per size & style; ~2,000/week	Multi-style programs; broad fabric handling	CMT from small capsule → bulk	UK CMT; experienced with stretch → heavy.
DSA Manufacturing	Full-service with China production	100 pcs/style/colour; samples 2–4 wks, bulk 4–8 wks	Startups OK with overseas make + UK account mgmt	FPP; UK office, China facilities	States production mainly in China.
Pinkfudge	4-way stretch specialists (cheer/athleisure)	Not stated (enquire)	Teamwear, leggings, bikinis, performance sets	Design, patterning/grading, CMT, sublimation/HTV	Basingstoke, UK; in-house stretch experts.

Notes & quirks you’ll care about:

• White2Label’s WL program pages sometimes show a 75-unit per order option; their FAQ clarifies WL can start at 25 pcs per style/colour and bespoke at 100—confirm during enquiry which track you’re on.
• Hook & Eye publicly states AQL 1.5 quality control and an integrated China bulk team; if you need UK-origin for labelling, clarify origin early.
• ClothingManufacturersUK frames MOQs as 50/style but 250/order—use their examples to plan styles/colour splits before you mail a tech pack.
• Tanya Dimitrova is one of the lowest-barrier entries in London (MOQ 1) but caps weekly throughput—great for premium capsules, not mass.

White2Label Manufacturing (London)

If you want a low-risk onramp, White2Label splits nicely into white-label (stock blanks) for quick tests and bespoke (custom) once you’ve proven demand. Their published MOQs are clear: 25 pcs per style/colour for white-label and 100 pcs per style/colour for bespoke; they also state they can manufacture in the UK or overseas (including China, Italy, Portugal, Turkey), which gives you scale options without switching account teams.

Typical timelines: For their white-label route, they cite ~3–4 weeks turnaround. Bespoke timelines vary with fabrics and make-up. Always confirm dates against your launch window in the first email.

Best for: Streetwear basics (hoodies/tees), first capsule drops, and brands that want to start locally and later scale volume overseas under one roof.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• 3–5 product links or reference photos + target route (White-label vs Bespoke)
• Estimated sizes split (e.g., S–XL) and units per style/colour (hit 25 or 100)
• Fabric expectations (GSM/handfeel or a known blank you like)
• Decoration method (DTF/emb/screen) and placement artwork (even draft)
• Required in-hand date + ship-to country

Be careful:

• The white-label page advertises a 75-unit per order option (split across styles/colours). That’s a total-order MOQ. If you need 25 per style/colour, use their FAQ language in your enquiry to avoid confusion.
• Bespoke MOQs are non-negotiable and can rise with tricky fabrics/finishes. Build one “Plan B” fabric in your brief to keep timing.

Hawthorn (London HQ; global production)

Hawthorn is popular with startups for fully custom product with MOQs from 50 pcs per design (design-dependent). They run a structured flow from prototype (sample) to bulk, and even note that a sample of each design is included with every order—useful when you’re cost-sensitive but still want a pre-production check.

Typical timelines: They state 2–4 weeks to produce a pre-production prototype after order placement, then ~4–6 weeks for bulk after sample approval (complexity/workload dependent). That’s a realistic baseline for overseas manufacture managed from the UK.

Best for: Custom casualwear/streetwear sets where you want breadth of styles, brand details (labels, trims), and a cleaner price at 50+ units than you’ll usually get domestically.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Tech pack or at least a spec sheet (measurements, construction notes)
• Fabric call-outs (or ask for sourcing options by weight/content)
• MOQ per design you can commit to (start from 50) and colourways
• Branding trims (main/size/care labels; swing tags) and packaging needs
• Target ex-works/landed budget and the in-hand date

Be careful:

• “From 50” is design-dependent—complex pieces can price out or require higher mins. If your BOM is heavy (zips/panels), send a “good/better/best” spec so they can quote tiers.
• Lead times are quoted post-sample sign-off; build buffer for artwork approvals, fabric lab dips, and any size-set amendments.

Hook & Eye UK (Birmingham)

They’re very “hands-on” from tech packs → sampling → managed bulk, and they publish clear startup levers: MOQs start at 50 units per design/colour, samples ~4–8 weeks, bulk ~4–8 weeks + shipping, and bulk is fulfilled by their integrated manufacturing team in China (UK studio manages the process). That combo is ideal when you want UK communication but overseas pricing at low volumes.

Quality signal to note: Their content repeatedly cites production at AQL ~1.5 (a stricter quality tolerance than many low-MOQ shops). Because a few posts also mention 2.5 in places, I advise stating your target AQL in the PO so QC is contractually aligned.

Best for: Streetwear/bridging brands that need design support, low MOQs, and one team to own development and overseas bulk.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• State your route (full custom) and confirm MOQ 50/design/colour and min 2 designs.
• Include reference images/tech pack draft, target fabric (weight/content), decoration method, size run.
• Target in-hand date; ask them to quote sampling (4–8 wks) and bulk (4–8 wks + shipping) for your BOM.
• Add your preferred AQL (e.g., 1.5) and request what QC reports they provide.

Be careful:

• Country of origin: bulk is made in China—fine for cost/scale, but if you need “Made in UK” on labels, clarify origin early.
• Timeline math: the quoted bulk lead time assumes sampling is already completed—budget both stages.

ClothingManufacturersUK (London)

Clear “Made in London” proposition with transparent order math: 50 units per style (can split across colourways/sizes) and 250 units per order minimum, with examples showing how to split styles. That clarity makes planning capsules straightforward—and it’s genuinely UK production.

What they offer: In-house London services from pattern, grading, sampling through CMT bulk, with a stated production window of ~4–8 weeks depending on complexity.

Best for: Brands that need a credible “Made in London” story, small runs across womenswear/menswear/sportswear/loungewear/children’s, and fast communication with factory access for fittings.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Confirm you can meet 50/style and 250/order; propose your style/colour/size split (use their examples).
• Attach tech pack(s) or sketches with measurement chart + BOM + trims/labels.
• State target delivery window and whether you’ll supply fabrics or want them to source.
• Ask for a development → production critical path and fitting session availability.

Be careful:

• Order maths bites: If you exceed 5 styles, you can’t keep the total at 250 unless some styles exceed 50 units—plan the split carefully to avoid scope creep.
• Lead-time realism: They publish local production ~4–8 weeks; book a slot early and ensure fabrics/trims are on hand to protect the window.

Fabrika London (Greenwich)

Fabrika is a high-end sampling and pattern studio that also offers small-batch CMT production—great when fit and finish matter more than chasing the lowest unit price. Their services are clearly laid out: pattern making, sample making, grading, and CMT. They’re based in the Design District, Greenwich (SE10), and showcase work for designers like Bug Clothing, Gilda & Pearl, Matty Bovan—useful social proof for premium RTW.

Best for: Premium RTW and runway-adjacent projects where you want tight patterns and meticulous sampling before committing to a small production run.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• One style per email (keep it clean): sketch/refs + measurements + intended fabric.
• Say you need sampling → small-batch CMT and share your target in-hand date.
• Include a fit intent note (e.g., tailored through waist; relaxed shoulder) so the pattern team nails it early.
• Ask for pattern + sample + CMT quotes as separate lines so you can scale in stages.

Be careful:

• They’re built for quality, not volume—MOQs aren’t posted publicly and will depend on complexity. Treat them as your development hub and keep production runs focused to protect lead times.

B Fashion Studio (Greenwich)

A luxury development sample room in Greenwich (SE10) that specialises in small-run production. They offer bespoke pattern cutting, tech-pack services, and consulting, and they explicitly welcome startups and students—handy if you’re newer to premium construction but need credible London make. Their client roster includes names like 16Arlington, J.W. Anderson, Miss Sohee, Safiyaa, Casablanca, Pangaia, spanning silks, tailored pieces, jersey, swimwear, and intimates.

Best for: Couture-leaning RTW and premium capsules where you need development guidance plus small-run UK production across delicate or mixed fabrications. Address for your vendor form: Unit 11, 14 Feathers Place, Greenwich, London SE10 9NE.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Attach tech pack or spec sheet; if you don’t have one, ask for tech-pack support in the quote.
• Call out fabric types (e.g., silk satin, stretch jersey) and construction notes that affect make.
• State your target run size (small run) and timeline; request sampling → production slots together.
• Ask for a fitting schedule and whether they can attend on-body/toile reviews.

Be careful:

• As a luxury-leaning room, lead times can book out around fashion weeks—get on their calendar before you start fabric buying. MOQs aren’t posted; enquire early with realistic quantities for delicate fabrics.

Tanya Dimitrova (West London)

Ultra-flexible London studio with one of the lowest entry barriers I’ve seen: MOQ is 1 garment and a weekly capacity of ~80 units. They offer creative pattern cutting, toile fittings, sampling, and small/medium production, and they’re a short walk from Queen’s Park (Bakerloo Line)—handy for in-person fittings. If you want to run made-to-order or tiny capsules without dead stock, this is a rare fit.

Best for: Premium capsules, bridal/evening RTW, designer drops, and MTO workflows where cashflow and fit precision matter more than unit cost.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• State your run size (e.g., 10–40 units) and whether it’s MTO or stock.
• Attach a spec or tech-pack draft: measurements, key construction notes, intended fabric.
• Request pattern + toile + sample as separate lines, then small/medium production pricing.
• Propose a fit review date in their studio; share your in-hand deadline and size split.

Be careful:

• Below 5 garments, they’ll charge sampling rates—totally fair for couture-level attention, but budget accordingly. Treat Tanya’s studio as your development hub and keep SKUs focused for smoother throughput.

Diamond Styles Ltd (UK CMT)

A long-established CMT house (founded in 1981) with clear thresholds: MOQ 50 units per size & style and capacity ~2,000 units/week. They position for everything from small capsule to bulk, with short lead times. If you’ve validated styles and need dependable throughput, this is pragmatic UK production.

Best for: Multi-style programs, especially when you need a UK CMT partner comfortable across stretch to heavier fabrics and can scale once a capsule lands.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Confirm you meet 50 units per size & style and outline your style:colour:size split.
• Attach tech packs (spec + measurement chart + BOM) and list supplied vs. sourced materials.
• Share target in-hand date, ask for CMT lead time based on your fabrics, and request a weekly output plan.
• Ask what QC reporting they provide and whether you can book an in-factory fit.

Be careful:

• Per-size MOQ bites if you run many sizes—trim your size curve (or combine sizes) on first drops to hit their economics, then widen on repeats.

DSA Manufacturing (UK account team; production mainly in China)

Clear, startup-friendly rules and predictable timelines. They publish MOQ 100 per style/colour (mixed sizes allowed), samples ~2–4 weeks, and bulk ~4–8 weeks. DSA also states production mainly takes place at facilities in China, with the UK team managing design, tech packs, patterns, sampling, QC and freight—useful if you want overseas pricing with UK comms.

Best for: Street/casual sets where you need FPP (design → sampling → trims, labels, packaging) and consistent timelines at 100+ units per style.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Tech pack(s) or specs; fabric/content + target GSM.
• MOQ commitment: 100 per style/colour; your colourways + size split.
• Branding: main/size/care labels, swing tags, packaging.
• Target in-hand date; ask them to quote sample (2–4 wks) + bulk (4–8 wks) and confirm origin.

Be careful:

• Origin label: they state manufacturing mainly in China—if you must claim “Made in UK,” this isn’t the right fit; if you’re price-anchoring, it’s ideal.
• Higher MOQs for some products: seamless wear/organic cotton can require more than 100—flag these early to avoid surprises.

Pinkfudge (Basingstoke) — 4-way stretch specialists

Pinkfudge is a UK designer-manufacturer specialising in performance, sport, and athleisure with deep know-how in 4-way stretch. Services include CMT, design, patterning/grading, plus heat-press vinyl and dye-sublimation printing—handy for teamwear and gymwear capsules.

Best for: Cheerleading uniforms, leggings, bikinis, performance sets, and branded athleisure where fabric stretch/recovery and print durability matter.

First email to get a quick “yes”:

• Style list with intended stretch fabric (e.g., nylon/elastane 250–300gsm) and use case (training vs. competition).
• Print method (sublimation or HTV) + wash/performance expectations.
• Size curve + tolerance targets (stretch garments need clear tolerances).
• Ask for CMT + print quotes and earliest sampling slot.

Be careful:

• MOQ not stated publicly—expect a conversation tied to fabric/print method and colourways; request their minimums per style/colour up front.
• Stretch fit is unforgiving: include intended compression level and squat-proof tests in your brief; book a fit session if possible. (General best practice for stretchwear.)

When to stay UK — and when to scale in China (my factory-owner take)

Use UK partners for speed, micro-MOQs, fittings access, and a “Made in Britain” story. Shift volume to China when you need fabric breadth, unit-cost efficiency at 200+ pieces, and deeper capacity.

Stay UK when…

• You’re testing a market with ≤100 units per style or you need fit labs/fittings with the team.
• Lead time is tight for a local drop (and you already have fabric on hand).
• The brand requires UK origin for marketing or labelling.

Scale in China when…

• You’ve validated demand and can order 200+ units per style to unlock savings.
• You need specialty fabrics/trims at scale (melange fleece, bonded knits, recycled blends, complex zippers) and repeatable dye lots.
• You want tighter cost control for wholesale margins or retail promotions.

Benchmark to keep handy (Valtin Apparel — China)

• MOQ: 200 pcs (4 sizes, 1 colour)
• Samples: 10–14 days; Bulk: 28–35 days
• Sample fee: 100–200 USD (fabric/design dependent)
• Factory: Valtin Apparel (3 production lines); Custom labels, hang tags, packaging
• Fabric sourcing: Next to China’s largest fabric market (easy matching if you send originals)
• Payment: TT, 50% deposit, 50% before shipment
  If you want an apples-to-apples comparison against a UK quote, email your tech packs to Info@valtinapparel.com and I’ll spec both routes plainly—no pressure, just the math.

How to brief any factory for a fast “yes”

A precise brief = fewer emails, faster sampling, cleaner pricing.

Include, at minimum

• Style list with photos/sketches + intended fabric (content + weight/GSM).
• Tech pack or spec sheet: measurement chart in your base size, construction notes, seam allowances, tolerances.
• Units per style/colour + size split (e.g., S–XL = 10/20/20/10).
• Branding: main/size/care labels (artwork), swing tag spec, packaging (polybag or box).
• Decoration: print/emb method, placements, max colours.
• QC target: state AQL 1.5 (or your target) in the PO.
• Timeline: in-hand date, ship-to country, and whether you’ll supply fabric/trims.
• Origin: confirm country of manufacture (matters for labelling, duty, story).

Common pitfalls (avoid these)

• Vague fabric notes (“thick fleece”) → give GSM and fibre content.
• No tolerance table on stretch garments → size drift and returns.
• Artwork not vectorised → decoration delays.
• Booking production before fabric is confirmed → missed slots.

Pricing reality check (and simple landed-cost math you can steal)

BLUF: Small UK runs carry setup and handling costs that dilute over more units. Your job is to plan MOQs and styles so fixed costs spread efficiently.

1) See how setup spreads
Let setup (patterns, markers, print screens, admin) = £300 per style.

• At 50 units → £300 ÷ 50 = £6.00/unit
• At 200 units → £300 ÷ 200 = £1.50/unit
  That £4.50 swing often decides UK vs. China viability.

2) Use this per-unit formula
Unit Cost = (Fabric + Trims + CMT + Decoration + Setup/Units + Packaging + QC) × (1 + Waste%) + Freight/Unit

3) Quick example (illustrative)

• Fabric + trims: £8.50
• CMT: £9.50
• Decoration: £2.00
• Setup/Units: £6.00 (50 units)
• Packaging + QC: £0.90
  Subtotal = 8.50 + 9.50 + 2.00 + 6.00 + 0.90 = £26.90
  Waste buffer (3%): 26.90 × 0.03 = £0.81
  Freight per unit (domestic): £0.50
  Estimated unit cost @ 50 units ≈ £26.90 + £0.81 + £0.50 = £28.21

Repeat the math at 200 units with setup/Units = £1.50 to see scale impact.

4) Price setting tip
Target margin math (wholesale example):
If cost = £28.21 and you need 60% gross margin, wholesale = cost ÷ (1 − 0.60) = 28.21 ÷ 0.40 = £70.53.
Reality-check that against your market and adjust spec or MOQ.

Final thoughts (and next step)

If I were launching today, I’d shortlist two UK partners that best match your category/MOQ from this guide, and in parallel get a benchmark quote from Valtin Apparel (200+ units). Seeing both numbers, timelines, and origin clearly is how you avoid surprises and missed seasons.

Want a second set of eyes on your brief—or a fast China quote to compare?
Ping me at info@valtinapparel.com with your tech packs (or sketches + measurements). I’ll reply with fabric/trim suggestions that fit your MOQ.