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If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these two locations for workwear manufacturers but haven’t made the final cut, this guide might be just what you need.
With cost efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain reliability as priorities, which country offers the best balance of quality, pricing, and ethical production for your work garments—and ultimately, your brand’s long-term success?
Read on for key differences, industry insights, and essential factors to consider when looking for workwear manufacturers in 2025.
Industry Overview: Why Workwear Sourcing is Changing in 2025
Workwear is no longer just about durability. It’s about innovation, compliance, and sustainability.
- Sustainability is no longer optional: The demand for eco-friendly materials is skyrocketing, and buyers expect greener, ethically made options that align with modern values.
- Supply chain resilience is a must: From political shifts to natural disasters, recent years have proven that supplier diversification is crucial for stability and risk management.
- Cost structures are shifting: Labor and production costs are evolving, forcing brands to reassess the affordability and efficiency of key manufacturing hubs.
- Regulations are tightening: Stricter safety and compliance standards mean manufacturers must step up to meet global requirements and industry expectations.
So, how do workwear manufacturers in Vietnam and China compare?
China: The Manufacturing Giant with Scale
China has long been the go-to destination for wholesale workwear suppliers. With vast industrial zones and a well-established infrastructure, it offers:
- Competitive pricing: Due to economies of scale, costs can be lower, making China a preferred choice for wholesale workwear suppliers handling large bulk, high MOQ orders.
- Diverse material sourcing: Access to a wide variety of fabrics and finishes, supported by strong local and global supply chain networks.
- Advanced technology integration: Known as a high-tech country, workwear manufacturers in China are often quipped with high-tech automation, AI-driven quality control, and cutting-edge production lines for maximum efficiency.
However, sourcing from China comes with challenges:
- Rising labor costs: Wages in key manufacturing regions have increased (ChinaBriefing, 2025).
- Geopolitical tensions: Ongoing US-China trade tensions impact pricing structures, tariffs, and lead times for workwear manufacturers.
- Sustainability concerns: Some factories lack transparency in ethical practices, with well-known cases like SHEIN raising red flags.
- Overproduction risks: Bulk production may require higher minimum order quantities, increasing excess inventory and storage costs.
Vietnam: The Rising Star in Workwear Manufacturing
As garment businesses rethink their supply chains, Vietnam is proving to be a strong alternative, offering:
- Competitive labor costs: Generally lower than in China, keeping production affordable.
- Strong ethical manufacturing: Most factories, from small to large-scale, adhere to international labor standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Free trade agreements (FTAs): Vietnam benefits from multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), including the EVFTA and BTA, allowing reduced tariffs and expanding textile and garment exports to key markets like the EU and US.
- Growing expertise in technical garments: From camo tactical uniforms to reflective clothing, Vietnam has become a trusted hub for hi-vis wholesale suppliers and performance workwear brands, manufacturing for global names like Carhartt, Dickies, and Portwest. The “Made in Vietnam” label, recognized for its quality and durability, has also become a powerful asset in positioning and consumer trust for brands striving for such.
- Flexible production scales: Vietnam accommodates both small-batch orders for niche markets and mid-sized production for growing brands, providing greater manufacturing agility.
This makes Vietnam especially attractive for emerging wholesale workwear suppliers and niche brands looking for expansion ventures.
That said, there are considerations:
- Smaller production scale: While Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is expanding, it still falls short of China’s massive output capacity. High-volume, fast-turnaround orders may require longer lead times or multiple suppliers.
- Limited raw materials: Certain specialized fabrics may still need to be imported from China, so businesses should assess material availability early to prevent delays.
- Developing automation: Vietnam’s garment sector is advancing, but automation and AI-driven manufacturing are not yet as common as in China.
Takeaways: Which Workwear Manufacturers Is the Best Fit for You?
When choosing between Vietnamese and Chinese workwear manufacturers, consider:
- Budget: If cost is the top priority, China may still hold an edge due to economies of scale and an extensive supplier network. However, Vietnam remains a competitive alternative with lower labor costs and tariff advantages in certain markets.
- Sustainability & Ethics: Vietnam leads in responsible manufacturing, with many factories adhering to international labor and environmental standards.
- Order Size: For large bulk orders, China’s high-capacity production and automation make it the stronger choice. However, Vietnam excels in smaller, highly customized orders, offering more flexibility for niche demands and growing brands.
- MOQ Flexibility: If you need smaller orders with customized designs, Vietnam provides better options with lower minimum order quantities. This makes it ideal for brands testing new products or catering to niche markets with specialized designs.
Vietnam and China each offer unique advantages, so your choice will depend on your brand’s priorities—whether it’s cost efficiency, sustainability, or production flexibility.
Your Search – Shortlisted
Top 5 Workwear Manufacturers in China
Mass Production – Ideal for Large Orders:
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Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings: One of the world’s largest manufacturers of athletic and casual footwear, producing for global giants like Nike and Adidas.
Specialties: High-capacity footwear production, advanced automation.
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Shenzhou International Group Holdings: A leading knitwear supplier serving global sportswear brands like Nike and Uniqlo.
Specialties: Large-scale knitwear and sportswear manufacturing.
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Crystal International Group: Diverse production capabilities across denim, casual wear, sportswear, and intimate wear.
Specialties: High-volume, multi-category production.
Small to Medium Brands – Flexible MOQs:
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Esquel Group: Renowned for its quality cotton shirts and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Specialties: Custom shirt production, sustainable practices, smaller-batch production options.
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H&Fourwing: A fashion-forward supplier focusing on smaller-scale, high-quality production for emerging designers.
Specialties: Custom designs, smaller MOQs, and detailed craftsmanship.
Top 5 Workwear Manufacturers in Vietnam
Mass Production – Ideal for Large Orders
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Viet Tien Garment Corporation: One of Vietnam’s largest and oldest garment manufacturers, producing workwear, formalwear, and uniforms for international markets.
Specialties: Large-scale production with strong quality control.
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Nha Be Garment Corporation: Established in 1977, this manufacturer produces everything from casualwear to formal suits at scale.
Specialties: High-capacity production for diverse product lines.
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GARCO 10: A major supplier known for knitwear, uniforms, and children’s clothing.
Specialties: Bulk order capabilities, focus on knitwear and workwear.
Small to Medium Brands – Flexible MOQs:
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May 10: Offers specialised production for women’s apparel and custom workwear, with a reputation for quality over quantity.
Specialties: Smaller-batch production with customisation options.
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Dacotex Group: What sets Dacotex apart is its high flexibility—accommodating both low MOQs and large-scale orders without compromising on quality.
The company produces a wide range of all-season uniforms tailored for diverse industries, including tactical, medical, corporate, and industrial sectors. This makes Dacotex a unique one-stop solution for brands seeking versatility and reliability in their manufacturing partner.
Specialties: Custom workwear, flexible order sizes, ethical manufacturing, and expertise across multiple uniform categories.
Learn more about working with uniform manufacturers in Vietnam: Read
Next Steps
As Vietnam strengthens its position in workwear manufacturing, now is the time to reassess your sourcing strategy.
Whether you aim to establish yourself as a leading wholesale workwear supplier or specialize in hi-vis uniforms, choosing the right manufacturing partner is crucial for your brand’s long-term success.
Looking for a reliable uniform manufacturing partner? Connect with Dacotex Group today for high-quality, ethically made workwear solutions.
