Top 5 Sourcing Hubs for Apparel Buyers in 2025
A concise guide to the five major sourcing hubs apparel buyers should watch in 2025 — strengths, opportunities and what to expect from each market.
The apparel industry is evolving rapidly, and sourcing strategies are changing with it. Below are five key hubs buyers should consider in 2025, with a short overview of strengths and opportunities for each.
1. Bangladesh – Affordable Production with Growing Sustainability
Bangladesh continues to be a powerhouse in garment manufacturing, especially for price-competitive, high-volume production. Recent investments in safety and sustainability have improved its appeal to global buyers.
2. Vietnam – Quality and Efficiency
Vietnam offers excellent lead times and consistent quality for a wide range of apparel segments. Its strength lies in nimble factories and growing technical expertise for higher-value items.
3. China – Innovation and Fabric Strength
China remains strong for technical fabrics, vertical integration, and rapid product development. It's ideal when advanced supply chain capabilities and speed-to-market are priorities.
4. India – Textiles and Value-Added Products
India is an important hub for textiles and value-added garments, especially where fabric sourcing and customization are required at scale.
5. Turkey – Speed to Market
Turkey is often chosen for near-market production serving European buyers who prioritise speed, flexibility, and shorter lead times.
Buyers should balance cost, lead time, sustainability, and quality when selecting a sourcing hub. A diversified sourcing strategy across these five markets often provides the best risk-adjusted outcome