The Battle Between Local Manufacturing & Global Sourcing: Your Clothing Types Will Decide For You

This week's poll tapped on a topic that everyone cares about in the fashion production industry, the battle between local manufacturing and global sourcing. Which option do fashion brands opt for? Will they go for local manufacturers to become more sustainable or global suppliers for more options? Let's find out in this poll recap.

Poll Result: It Is The Type Of Clothings You Produce That Decide Which Manufacturing Approach You Should Go For?

Our poll results indicate a decisive trend: 67% of respondents believe the choice between local and global manufacturing depends on the type of clothing, while 33% favor global sourcing for its broader options, and notably, none solely opted for local manufacturing.?

Which Clothing Type Fits Which Manufacturing Location?

When deciding where to produce your clothing line, it's crucial to consider the type of garments you're making, as different regions excel in different aspects of textile production. Here's a breakdown of which clothing types are best suited for manufacturing in specific locations:

• Vietnam: Known for producing silk clothing, sportswear, and activewear, Vietnam is also adept at handling casual, everyday wear (source: How To Find Vietnam Clothing, Garment, And Apparel Manufacturers // Complete Guide — Cosmo Sourcing). This suggests a strong local manufacturing capability that could benefit brands looking to tap into these specific markets.
• China: The go-to for fast fashion. Brands with rapid design turnovers might find China’s production speeds and capacity advantageous.
• Europe: Famed for high-quality materials like leather, silk, and wool, European manufacturing is synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship, particularly in regions celebrated for their 'Made in Italy' label (source: What is 'Made in Italy' Clothing?).

The decision is clear: start with the type of clothing you want to produce, and this will guide you to the most suitable manufacturing approach.

Read more: Top 5 Countries That Have The Best Fashion Manufacturers?

Inflow’s Take On This Matter: Always More Opportunities Going Global?

At Inflow, while we recognize that the type of clothing dictates whether to source locally or globally, we generally lean towards global production. But here's the kicker – going global doesn’t mean sacrificing sustainability.

As an on-demand fashion manufacturing tech company, we provide a sustainable solution for brands looking to produce internationally. Our platform allows for the production of highly demanded designs only, minimizing the risk of surplus stock. Moreover, our robust supply chain management platform enables you to monitor every production step from afar, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with frequent travel.

In conclusion, while local manufacturing has its merits, especially for specific types of clothing, the global approach offers expansive opportunities without compromising on sustainability, thanks to modern technology and efficient logistics. So, when deciding on your production strategy, consider the type of clothing first, and let that guide your choice between local and global sourcing.

Other reading materials:?

Inflow’s on-demand manufacturing approach: Inflow - Your On-demand Fashion Manufacturing Partner?

Inflow’s supply chain management platform: Streamlining Apparel Production: How Inflow’s Tech-driven Manufacturing Platform Cut Lead Time for Fashion Brands?