List of Top 10 Clothing manufacturers in South Africa

South Africa has a growing textile and apparel industry, but finding reliable manufacturers can be challenging. Many businesses struggle to identify the best suppliers that meet their quality and price expectations.

If you are sourcing apparel in South Africa, you need to understand local manufacturers, wholesale markets, and shipping methods. Let’s dive into the details.

Time Clothing – Leading South African Manufacturer of Quality Sportswear and Corporate Apparel.
Reliance Clothing – Cape Town’s Premier Supplier of High-Quality Ladies’ and Children’s Garments.
Oh Two Clothing – Durban-Based Full-Service Apparel Manufacturer Specializing in Retail and Promotional Clothing.
Addictive Clothing – Affordable Fashionable Garments Manufacturer in Port Shepstone.
Kingsgate Clothing Group – Established South African Clothing Manufacturer with Diverse Apparel Offerings.
MaXhosa Africa – Luxury Knitwear Brand Celebrating Xhosa Heritage with International Acclaim.
Influence Clothing – Cape Town’s Private Label Apparel Manufacturer with Comprehensive Services.
Best Clothing and Gifts – Midrand-Based Supplier of a Wide Range of Apparel and Promotional Items.
Jacques Hau Clothing– Reputable South African Clothing Manufacturer with Over 20 Years of Experience.
Juan’re Clothing Manufacturers – Port Shepstone’s Leading Textile Manufacturer for Casual Wear.

South Africa boasts a vibrant clothing manufacturing industry, with numerous companies offering a wide range of apparel products.

Below is a curated list of the top 10 clothing manufacturers in the country, highlighting their specialties, primary products, pros, cons, and direct links to their official websites.

1. Time Clothing

Time Clothing, established in 1994, is a prominent manufacturer and supplier located just outside East London. They specialize in producing a diverse array of wholesale garments, catering to various sectors.

Primary Products:

Shirts and blouses
Trousers and chinos
Security wear
Workwear
Chef wear
Hospital wear
Jackets
Fishing and bush wear
Golfers
Schoolwear
Sportswear

Pros:

Extensive product range
Focus on quality and consistency
On-site production ensuring high standards

Cons:

Limited online presence
Primarily serves the South African market

Discover quality and variety with Time Clothing’s extensive apparel range.

2. Reliance Clothing

Reliance Clothing is a South African garment manufacturer known for its upmarket and bespoke manufacturing. They source high-quality fabrics, including South African cotton, to create stylish and affordable apparel for both men and women.

Primary Products:

T-shirts
Vests
Skirts
Dresses
Shorts
Activewear

Pros:

Utilizes high-quality, locally sourced fabrics
Offers a diverse range of stylish apparel
Committed to quality craftsmanship

Cons:

Smaller team size may limit large-scale production
Limited information on international shipping

Elevate your wardrobe with Reliance Clothing’s premium apparel.

3. Oh Two Clothing

Oh Two Clothing, based in Durban, has evolved over two decades into a leading manufacturer for the retail and promotional clothing industry. They offer in-house design, CMT (Cut, Make, Trim), and screen printing capabilities, managing all stages of the manufacturing process.

Primary Products:

T-shirts
Vests
Jackets
Hoodies
Golfers
Long sleeve T-shirts
Joggers
Dresses
Skirts
Activewear

Pros:

Fully vertical operation ensuring quality control
In-house design and customization services
Quick response production model

Cons:

Limited information on minimum order quantities
Primarily serves the South African market

Partner with Oh Two Clothing for comprehensive apparel manufacturing solutions.

4. Addictive Clothing

Addictive Clothing is a wholesale clothing manufacturer known for creating unique designs that express individual brand styles. They offer a wide range of apparel and provide customization options to meet specific retailer needs.

Primary Products:

Custom-designed apparel
Branded merchandise

Pros:

Specializes in unique, customizable designs
Flexible order quantities
Focus on quality and affordability

Cons:

Limited online information
May not cater to very large orders

Unleash your brand’s creativity with Addictive Clothing’s bespoke apparel solutions.

5. Kingsgate Clothing Group

Founded in 1955, Kingsgate Clothing Group has established itself as a fully integrated private label clothing manufacturer. They have overcome various challenges to become a prominent player in the industry, known for their grading and dyeing techniques.

Primary Products:

Lingerie
Dresses
Ripped denim
Plus-size clothing
Kids’ wear
Shirtdresses

Pros:

Long-standing industry experience
Diverse product offerings
Expertise in fabric treatment techniques

Cons:

Limited online presence
Primarily focuses on private label manufacturing

Experience tradition and innovation with Kingsgate Clothing Group’s diverse apparel range.

6. MaXhosa Africa

Founded in 2010 by designer Laduma Ngxokolo, MaXhosa Africa is a luxury fashion house rooted in the rich heritage of the Xhosa culture. The brand is renowned for its contemporary knitwear that incorporates traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns and motifs, creating a unique fusion of modern style and cultural authenticity.

Primary Products:

Men’s and women’s knitwear
Accessories
Home décor items

Pros:

Authentic representation of Xhosa culture
High-quality craftsmanship
International recognition and presence

Cons:

Premium pricing may be inaccessible to all consumers
Limited physical store locations

Experience the fusion of tradition and modernity with MaXhosa Africa’s exclusive collections.

7. Influence Clothing

Influence Clothing is a private label manufacturer committed to producing high-standard clothing lines. They work closely with clients to bring their brand visions to life, offering a range of apparel products.

Primary Products:

Custom-designed apparel
Private label clothing

Pros:

Focus on client collaboration
High standards of production
Offers customization options

Cons:

Limited public information
May have higher minimum order requirements

Bring your brand to life with Influence Clothing’s expert manufacturing services.

8. Best Clothing and Gifts

Best Clothing and Gifts is a manufacturer offering a wide range of apparel and promotional items. They cater to various industries, providing quality products suitable for corporate and casual wear.

Primary Products:

T-shirts
Golf shirts
Jackets
Caps
Corporate wear

Pros:

Diverse product range
Specializes in promotional items
Focus on quality and customer service

Cons:

Limited information on customization options
Primarily serves the South African market

Find the perfect blend of quality and variety with Best Clothing and Gifts.

9. Jacques Hau Clothing

Established in the late 1930s by Belgian tailor Jacques Louis Hau, Jacques Hau Clothing has grown into a leading clothing manufacturer and design center based in Thornton, Cape Town. With facilities in South Africa and Lesotho, the company employs over 1,500 people, serving clients worldwide.

Primary Products:

Boyswear
Girlswear
Ladieswear
Boys Sleepwear
Girls Sleepwear

Pros:

Comprehensive services including fabric development, design, manufacturing, and warehousing
Strong relationships with local and international fabric mills
Diverse product mix across knit and woven categories
Quick response times with efficient market delivery

Cons:

Primarily focused on large-scale production, which may not suit small orders
Limited online retail presence

Partner with Jacques Hau Clothing for world-class design and manufacturing solutions.

10. Juan're Clothing Manufacturers

Established in 2000, Juan’re Clothing Manufacturers combines craftsmanship and expertise to create authentic clothing that is both fashionable and functional. They are a preferred supplier to the Woolworths Group, reflecting their commitment to quality.

Primary Products:

Men’s clothing
Women’s clothing
Children’s clothing
Infants’ clothing

Pros:

Preferred supplier to major retailers
Focus on quality and craftsmanship
Offers a wide range of apparel

Cons:

Limited online presence
Primarily serves national retail customers

Experience quality and style with Juan’re Clothing Manufacturers’ diverse apparel offerings.

Is there any clothing wholesale market in Africa?

Africa’s clothing wholesale market is a mix of local production and imported goods, especially from China, Turkey, and India. Many businesses source their products from large markets or directly from manufacturers.

Yes, there are several clothing wholesale markets in Africa. The biggest ones include Oshodi Market (Nigeria), Mandela Market (South Africa), Kamukunji Market (Kenya), and Kantamanto Market (Ghana). These markets specialize in bulk apparel, including new and second-hand clothing.

Key Wholesale Markets in Africa

Each country has its own major wholesale clothing market. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Why are these markets important?

Affordable Pricing – They provide bulk clothing at low costs.
Variety – Options range from traditional African wear to global fast fashion.
Accessibility – They are major hubs for businesses sourcing in Africa.

If you’re in the fashion business, understanding these markets is essential for sourcing competitively.

Why are used clothes from China the most popular in Africa?

The African second-hand clothing market is massive, and China plays a leading role in supplying these goods. Many local businesses rely on imported used clothes for affordability and variety.

Used clothes from China are popular in Africa because they are cheap, high in volume, and offer diverse styles. The cost advantage and China’s efficient export network make them the top supplier.

The Business of Second-Hand Clothes

Used clothing (commonly called “mitumba” in East Africa) is a major industry. Here’s why China dominates:

1. Low Costs and High Supply

China produces massive amounts of clothing, leading to a high volume of second-hand apparel. Because production costs in China are lower, even used clothes remain affordable.

2. Diverse Styles and Fashion Trends

African markets demand various styles, from Western brands to everyday wear. China exports trendy, well-sorted, and diverse clothing that aligns with customer preferences.

3. Efficient Logistics and Bulk Shipping

China has well-established logistics routes to Africa, including ports and railway networks. This makes the transportation of used clothing faster and cheaper.

4. Economic Impact

For Businesses: Second-hand clothes create a resale market with high profit margins.
For Consumers: Affordable options make fashion accessible to low-income populations.

Although some African governments are trying to limit second-hand clothing imports to boost local manufacturing, demand remains strong.

Where can I buy a cheap African dress online?

African fashion is growing in popularity worldwide, and many people look for affordable options online. The challenge is finding reliable platforms that offer quality at good prices.

You can buy cheap African dresses online from Jumia, Alibaba, Afrikrea, Etsy, and DHgate. These platforms offer a variety of styles, from traditional to modern African prints.

Best Online Stores for African Fashion

If you’re looking for affordable African dresses, here are the best platforms:

How to Choose the Right Online Store?

Check Reviews & Ratings – Look for customer feedback before purchasing.
Compare Prices & Shipping – Some platforms have better bulk discounts and delivery options.
Verify Payment Methods – Make sure the platform supports secure payments.

Shopping online is convenient, but verifying the seller is key to avoiding scams.

What are the major ways of shipping goods to South Africa?

Shipping to South Africa can be complicated due to customs, regulations, and costs. Importers need to understand their best options.

The major shipping methods to South Africa include air freight, sea freight, rail transport, and courier services. Each option varies in cost, speed, and capacity.

Comparing Shipping Methods

Each shipping method has its advantages and challenges. Here’s how they compare:

Choosing the Best Shipping Method

For Small Orders: Use courier services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
For Large Shipments: Sea freight is the cheapest but takes longer.
For Urgent Shipments: Air freight is fast but expensive.
For Regional Trade: Rail transport is an option for neighboring countries.

Key Factors to Consider

Customs and Import Duties – South Africa has strict regulations, so check tariff rates.
Shipping Insurance – Protects against losses or damages.
Delivery Time – Plan based on business needs.

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your budget, urgency, and the type of goods you’re importing.

Conclusion

South Africa’s clothing industry is growing, with strong manufacturing, wholesale markets, and trade networks.

Whether you’re sourcing apparel, looking for second-hand clothing, or shipping goods, understanding these factors is key to business success.

What are your Feelings ?

Jerry Lee

Your Personal Fashion Consultant

Hello everyone, I’m Jerry Lee, the founder of jinfengapparel.com. I have been operating a factory in China that produces women’s clothing for 16 years. The purpose of this article is to share knowledge about women’s apparel from the perspective of a Chinese supplier.

List of Top 10 Clothing manufacturers in South Africa

Table of Contents

1. Time Clothing

2. Reliance Clothing

3. Oh Two Clothing

4. Addictive Clothing

5. Kingsgate Clothing Group

6. MaXhosa Africa

7. Influence Clothing

8. Best Clothing and Gifts

9. Jacques Hau Clothing

10. Juan're Clothing Manufacturers