10 Best Clothing Manufacturers & Factories in the UK
Table of Contents
Many fashion brands struggle to find reliable manufacturers in the UK. They need high-quality, ethical production but face limited options. This list simplifies the search.
Choosing the right factory affects product quality and brand reputation. Let’s explore the top manufacturers and the UK’s textile industry.
- Hawthorn International – Known for low MOQs and high-quality fabrics, ideal for startups and small brands.
- Sew It in London – Emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly clothing manufacturing practices.
- Centoclothing – Specializes in premium clothing production, including tracksuits and activewear.
- Hook and Eye UK – Specializes in bridging brands, offering comprehensive services from design to production.
- Bridge & Stitch – Focuses on ethical and sustainable clothing manufacturing for mid to high-end brands.
- White2Label Manufacturing – Offers end-to-end manufacturing with a focus on sustainability and low MOQs.
- Colourways Textiles – They specialize in manufacturing luxury T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and other premium jersey wear for high-end brands, lifestyle brands, and boutiques.
- Ro & Ritzy – Offers agile production capabilities with rapid turnaround times and sustainable sourcing.
- DSA Manufacturing UK – Provides a range of clothing manufacturing services with a focus on quality and reliability.
- Cookson & Clegg – Known for high-quality military, workwear, and outdoor clothing.
The United Kingdom boasts a rich history in textile manufacturing, offering a range of clothing manufacturers that cater to various needs. Here are ten notable clothing manufacturers and factories in the UK:
1. Hawthorn International
Hawthorn International is a leading clothing manufacturer based in London. They specialize in producing high-quality garments for fashion brands of all sizes, including startups and established labels.
Primary Products:
- Custom clothing for men, women, and children
- Casual wear
- Formal wear
- Sportswear
Pros:
- Low minimum order quantities (starting from 50 pieces per design)
- Fully customizable clothing options
- Hand-cut, stitched, and finished garments
- Four-stage quality control process
Cons:
- Production is based overseas, which may affect lead times
Discover bespoke clothing solutions with Hawthorn International.
2. Sew It in London
Sew It in London (SIIL) is a sustainable fashion apparel service and manufacturing provider located in Dagenham, UK. They offer high-quality services to both new and established businesses, focusing on sustainable and organic fabrics.
Primary Products:
- Women’s wear
- Men’s wear
- Kids’ wear
- Maternity clothing
- Bridal and occasion wear
Pros:
- Emphasis on sustainable and organic fabrics
- Small to medium production runs
- Comprehensive services including sampling, pattern cutting, and tech packs
- Support for startups with fashion business consultation programs
Cons:
- Minimum order quantities apply, which may not suit very small orders
Partner with Sew It in London for sustainable fashion manufacturing.
3. Centoclothing
Centoclothing is a UK-based clothing manufacturer known for its high-quality production and comprehensive services. They cater to various clothing types and offer both CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) and full package services.
Primary Products:
- Women’s fashion
- Men’s fashion
- Children’s clothing
- Activewear
Pros:
- Flexible order quantities
- Comprehensive services from design to production
- Experience with various clothing types
Cons:
- Specific details about minimum order quantities and lead times are not readily available
Elevate your brand with Centoclothing’s manufacturing expertise.
4. Hook and Eye UK
Hook and Eye UK specializes in blending trendy street-style designs with premium services. They cater to fashion brands of all sizes, offering custom tech packs and bulk manufacturing at competitive prices.
Primary Products:
- Streetwear
- Casual wear
- Custom designs
Pros:
- Suitable for both small and large fashion brands
- Competitive pricing
- Custom tech packs for emerging designers
Cons:
- Limited information on minimum order quantities
Bring your street-style designs to life with Hook and Eye UK.
5. Bridge & Stitch
Bridge & Stitch is a Nottingham-based clothing manufacturer offering a full range of services from design to production. They specialize in managing the entire manufacturing process, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Primary Products:
- Casual wear
- Sportswear
- Corporate clothing
- Children’s wear
Pros:
- Comprehensive project management
- Experience with various clothing types
- Focus on quality and detail
Cons:
- Minimum order quantities may apply
6. White2Label Manufacturing
White2Label Manufacturing is a UK-based company offering white-label clothing solutions. They cater to brands looking for customizable products without the need for extensive design input.
Primary Products:
- Activewear
- Streetwear
- Loungewear
- Accessories
Pros:
- White-label solutions for quick branding
- Variety of clothing options
- Suitable for brands looking to expand product lines quickly
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to fully bespoke manufacturing
Expand your brand effortlessly with White2Label Manufacturing.
7. Colourways Textiles
Colourways Textiles specializes in premium T-shirts, sweatshirts, and polo shirts for luxury and lifestyle brands. They focus on high-quality fabrics and finishes.
Primary Products:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Polo shirts
Pros:
- Specialization in premium products
- Suitable for luxury brands
- High-quality fabrics and craftsmanship
Cons:
- May not cater to brands looking for a wider range of products
Choose Colourways Textiles for premium casual wear manufacturing.
8. Ro & Ritzy
Ro & Ritzy is known for its versatility in clothing manufacturing, catering to a wide range of fashion styles and requirements. They offer services that adapt to the unique needs of each brand.
Primary Products:
- Diverse fashion styles
- Custom designs
Pros:
- Versatile manufacturing capabilities
- Ability to cater to unique brand requirements
- Experience with various fashion styles
Cons:
- Specific details on services and minimum orders are limited
Experience versatile manufacturing solutions with Ro & Ritzy.
9. DSA Manufacturing UK
DSA Manufacturing UK specializes in helping startups and established brands with their manufacturing needs. They offer a range of services from design to production, focusing on quality and efficiency.
Primary Products:
- Activewear
- Streetwear
- Swimwear
- Accessories
Pros:
- Ideal for startups
- Comprehensive services
- Focus on quality and timely delivery
Cons:
- Minimum order quantities may apply
Kickstart your brand with DSA Manufacturing UK’s expert services.
10. Cookson & Clegg
Cookson & Clegg has a rich history in manufacturing high-quality military, workwear, and outdoor clothing. They offer a full manufacturing service, ensuring durability and excellence.
Primary Products:
- Military clothing
- Workwear
- Outdoor apparel
Pros:
- Expertise in durable clothing
- Comprehensive manufacturing services
- Established reputation
Cons:
- May not cater to fashion-focused brands
Trust Cookson & Clegg for durable and high-quality apparel manufacturing.
How many clothing factories are in the UK?
The UK once had a thriving textile industry. Today, domestic clothing production is much smaller but still strong in specialized sectors.
The UK has over 4,000 clothing manufacturers. These factories range from small workshops to large-scale production units, focusing on high-quality and ethical manufacturing.
The Shift in UK Manufacturing
The UK’s clothing industry declined in the late 20th century due to outsourcing. However, local manufacturing is making a comeback. High-end brands, ethical production, and fast fashion needs are driving demand for UK-based factories.
The shift toward ethical sourcing and local production has helped sustain the industry. Many factories now specialize in luxury, bespoke, and sustainable fashion.
Which city is famous for the textile industry in the UK?
The UK has a rich textile history. Some cities were once global leaders in fabric production.
Manchester is the most famous city for textiles in the UK. Known as ‘Cottonopolis’ in the 19th century, it played a major role in the Industrial Revolution and remains a hub for textile businesses.
Manchester: The Heart of British Textiles
Manchester’s textile industry dates back to the 18th century. The city’s damp climate was ideal for cotton spinning, and its factories powered the Industrial Revolution.
- Historical significance: Once the world’s largest textile producer.
- Modern role: Home to fashion brands, textile mills, and manufacturers.
- Education & innovation: The University of Manchester leads textile research.
Other Key Cities for Clothing Manufacturing
While Manchester remains iconic, other UK cities contribute to the textile industry.
The UK’s textile industry is evolving. While mass production moved overseas, British factories now focus on quality, sustainability, and heritage.
Conclusion
The UK has over 4,000 clothing manufacturers, with Manchester as its textile hub. Choosing the right factory ensures quality and ethical production.
The industry is shifting toward sustainability and premium manufacturing, making UK factories an excellent choice for brands.
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.
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