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China is famous for its innovations and technological advancements. However, its fashion industry needs to be talked about more. The Chinese clothing industry is an underrated sector.
The country’s fashion has transcended many centuries and rivals conventional clothing styles. Now, there is a growing interest in Chinese clothing brands.
If you want to enter the industry but don’t know the sourcing process, you are in luck. This article introduces you to the Chinese fashion industry and the best brands. Keep reading for a thorough overview of China’s fashion market.
Understanding China’s Fashion Market
China’s fashion industry has been growing fast. This growth is thanks to the vast population and increase in disposable incomes. I can see this growth is spectacular.
Statista says the Chinese fashion industry will grow above $236 billion in 2024. The biggest fashion markets are in Guangzhou and Shanghai. These centers are home to top creatives. Hence, they attract brands and designers from every corner of the world.
They convene here and make an impressive selection of clothes. E-commerce has also contributed to the industry’s growth. Online stores like Tmall make clothes readily accessible to the global market.
Reasons to Choose Chinese Clothing Brands
If you have unique clothing designs to create under your brand name, you can find China private label manufacturers to do so.
Another reason to consider Chinese brands is competitive pricing. The industry has lower production costs. Hence, they release good-quality fashion items at a fraction of the Western cost.
Furthermore, Chinese fashion brands are growing in recognition and influence. Now, the designers are regulars at international fashion shows. Their works have also been featured more in well-known fashion magazines.
The increased recognition means the style is appreciated. The looks and aesthetics complement contemporary fashion. The growing influence is proof of the creativity of the Chinese fashion industry.
Finally, diversity is another compelling reason to explore Chinese fashion. There are over a billion people in China.
This vast population means that there are different taste buds for fashion. The vast amount of taste buds also means different styles and offerings.
For instance, there are luxury and affordable fashion brands. Moreover, there are also avant-garde pieces and everyday wear. The wide range of preferences means you will likely find what matches your interests.
So, you can start importing clothing and textiles from China. If you need help to perform quality control in China, connect with us.
Top Luxury Clothing Brands in China
China’s luxury fashion brands are one of the most sought-after globally. The uniqueness they usher to the scene is breathtaking. You can find Chinese Boutique Clothing Wholesalers who work with these brands, and source your clothes directly from them.
If you are into high fashion, this heading has the best brands. Below are top-rated brands that have overturned the global fashion industry:
1) Shanghai Tang
Location | Shanghai, China |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 1994 |
No. of employees | 100+ |
Main Products | Clothing for men and women |
It is a luxury brand started in Hong Kong but has since expanded to several countries, including China. This fashion brand offers products that blend old outfit styles with modern designs.
Moreover, the brand uses high-quality raw materials and craftsmanship to create the best products. It takes only a glimpse at its products to know this.
Overall, Shanghai Tang offers a range of products, from men’s shirts to stunning gowns. It is also not limited to clothing but provides traditional ceramic wares.
Pricing: High-end. Shanghai Tang’s prices reflect the brand’s luxury positioning.
2) Bosideng
Location | Shanghai, China |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 1976 |
No. of employees | 11,000+ |
Main Products | Men’s Clothing and Women’s Clothing |
Bosideng is known for its sophisticated and masculine designs. The company prioritizes stylish men’s wear. The company has had over 40 years of experience. Plus, it is both globally and locally recognized with several awards.
Undoubtedly, the luxury brand appeals to a wide audience. Its unconventional yet attractive style makes it an easy favorite among fashion enthusiasts.
Pricing: Premium, but offers a range of products at various price points.
3) Septwolves
Location | Jinjiang, Quanzhou, China |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 1990 |
No. of employees | 2,400+ |
Main Products | Men’s Clothing |
Septwolves is a well-respected Chinese luxury brand. The brand designs take a flexible approach and use light materials. Septwolves’s cuts are natural and feature patterns like animal and flower prints.
It has been at the frontier of Chinese fashion for over thirty years. Now, several creatives are supporting the brand. This way, the brand gets the attention it needs to flourish.
Pricing: Luxury, with prices that reflect the brand’s high-end position
4) Gujin
Location | Shanghai, China |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 1936 |
No. of employees | – |
Main Products | Men’s and Women’s Clothing |
Gujin, also a Chinese Time-Honored Brand, started in 1936. The brand started with European-style bras. Now, they diversify to include Chinese bras.
There are several bra sizes. There are also specializations and craftsmanship. Hence, these pieces often have a stunning look. Gujin designs are as much about art as fashion, so they stand out.
Pricing: High-end, with a focus on unique, artisanal pieces
5) Li-Ning
Location | M10_12, Guangzhou |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 1990 |
No. of employees | 4,000+ |
Main Products | Sportswear |
Li-Ning was first a sportswear brand before becoming bigger. It is now part of China’s luxury fashion market. The brand collaborates and does runway shows. But it is well-known for its innovative designs that fuse sportswear and fashion. This feature allows the brand to appeal to a wider audience.
Pricing: Affordable to high-end, various products cater to different price points.
6) Shein
Location | Guangzhou, China |
Type of organization | Luxury Fashion Brand |
Year Established | 2008 |
No. of employees | 10, 000+ |
Main Products | Trendy Fashion Wear |
Shein is well-known for its affordable yet stylish pieces. It offers trendy fashion wear and is globally accepted. This brand is successful because it is adaptable. It can easily tweak its offering to match trendy demands. Moreover, its catalog appeals better to teenagers and the younger generation.
A notable feature of Shein is its collaboration with top designers. These collaborations enable the brand to elevate its style by creating limited-edition pieces that attract fashionistas.
This strategy boosts Shein’s brand image and enhances its appeal to a broader audience.
Pricing: Shein is much more affordable than other luxury options.
Is it worth it for luxury fashion brands in China to sell on Amazon?
As an Amazon seller aiming to thrive in the competitive U.S. / EU market, it is not always worth importing a Chinese brand of luxury items. to keep your head above water. Let’s break it down:
Price and Profit Margins
High-end Chinese brands like Shanghai Tang or Li-Ning come with premium price tags, which means higher upfront costs for importing. To make these products profitable on Amazon, you’ll need a customer base willing to pay a premium.
If your target audience is focused on luxury, this can work well. However, focusing on more affordable options might make more sense if you’re looking to scale quickly with volume sales.
Branding and licensing restrictions: Most luxury brands have made some restrictions on reselling, especially on Amazon. Before importing, make sure that you have permission to sell and that you hold a license.
U.S. Market Demand
Are these brands recognized by U.S. customers? Luxury Chinese brands are not as well-established in the U.S. market as their Western counterparts. If you plan to sell them, consider the added costs of marketing and educating your audience about the brand’s value.
A Smarter Alternative: Private Labeling
If you’re focused on high-quality, unique designs, then working with Chinese manufacturers to create your own private label may be a better business proposition. You have full control over branding and higher margins.
Should You Source Clothing From Chinese Street Markets or Established Chinese Brands?
The decision depends on your strategy and target audience:
Chinese Street Markets
Pros:
Street markets, such as the Yiwu Market or Guangzhou’s Baima Market, have a wide range of clothes at very low prices. These are perfect for selling in budget-friendly categories on Amazon, assuming you want to sell high volumes with smaller margins.
Cons:
Quality can be spotty, and products may not meet the expectations of U.S. buyers. There is also a greater chance of finding counterfeit items.
Established Chinese Brands
Pros:
The likes of Shein, Bosideng, or Septwolves provide much better quality, with modern designs. These cater to mid-tier and high-tier markets, with people willing to pay for style and durability.
Cons:
The prices are higher, and one needs to calculate if the combined costs of shipping, customs, and marketing will still leave room for profits.
How to Decide
If your target audience is budget-sensitive and looking for cheap clothes, street markets are the way to go.
If you want to attract clients who are conscious of quality and brand recognition, then established brands or even better, customized, ones will be the way to go.
A Middle Ground: OEM/ODM Manufacturing
Consider a collaboration with Chinese manufacturers to produce custom clothing under your own label-OEM/ODM. This way, you can provide high-quality, tailored products that match the preferences of your audience.
You also get to have an edge in branding and a better grip on your profit margins.
Tips to Shop for Chinese Fashion Brands
Well, the Chinese fashion market might seem crowded. Of course, it is a massive trading hub that rivals most top global markets.
However, using this market has become way easier in today’s age. Thanks to e-commerce and Chinese wholesale websites, you can browse through several brands. Here are crucial tips to help you find your way in a crowded space.
1) Online Popular Chinese E-commerce Platforms
Popular online e-commerce platform offers easy access to top fashion China suppliers. Some notable mentions are:
These platforms offer a vast selection of Chinese clothing brands. Also, if you have doubts about any supplier’s quality, you can refer to the reviews and ratings.
That said, you must verify the Chinese supplier’s legitimacy before buying anything. The e-commerce platform offers this metric to ensure buyers make informed decisions.
2) International Websites Featuring Chinese Brands
Several Chinese brands are online due to technological advancements. Examples are Farfetch and SSENSE. These brands get products from the top Chinese designers and upload them. This way, buyers like you can easily access high-quality pieces from the market.
2) Engage a Local Agent
A China-based sourcing agent can provide insight into market trends, negotiate prices, and arrange factory visits.
Find a sourcing agent to conduct factory audits and ascertain whether the supplier is legitimate. A sourcing agent will be your eyes on the ground, ensuring an inspection of the products before shipment, hence keeping off low-quality goods. Partner with Owlsourcing to streamline your sourcing process. As a trusted sourcing agent. Contact us
3) Trade Shows
Events like CHIC or Shenzhen Fashion Week allow you to meet suppliers face-to-face and assess their offerings directly.
4) Sizing and Measurement Considerations
Image Source: Pexels
My final take-home tip is to be attentive to sizing. It is a common mistake, and most buyers overlook it. Western and Chinese sizing differ and can cause a lot of confusion. Hence, always consult the size chart or measure yourself for the right fit.
Pros and Cons of Shopping With Chinese Fashion Brands
Now you know how to use this fashion market. But what are the pros of Chinese fashion brands? Also, is there any downside to these brands? Check out;
1) Competetive Quality
Chinese fashion is quality. It features luxury raw materials and excellent craftsmanship. The Chinese fashion market is a great place to start if you want the best products. You can still consider employing a Third-Party Quality Inspection in China.
2) Flexible Production
The Chinese fashion industry can tweak production to meet the demands. Plus, they are so quick and effective. Hence, choosing them makes you more likely to get trendy items faster.
Here are some downsides to choosing Chinese fashion:
When sourcing clothing from China to sell on Amazon, quality control is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face.
The Chinese market is vast, and while it offers excellent opportunities to find affordable and stylish products, it’s also flooded with low-quality items and counterfeit brands.
1) Understand the Difference in Standards
What “good quality” entails might differ from region to region. Some suppliers might use cheaper materials or poor craftsmanship to reduce costs.
Ensure you communicate your quality expectations clearly from the outset, including specific fabric types, stitching details, or durability requirements.
2) Watch Out for Counterfeit Products
China is the hub of knock-offs and fake branded goods. Importing counterfeit items may lead to legal trouble on Amazon, like having your seller account suspended.
Always avoid branded items unless the supplier can prove they are officially authorized to sell those products.
3) Intricacies of Importing
Importing from Chinese fashion brands can come with some issues. You can face customs duty and delays during active days.
Read More:
- Alibaba Alternatives: 12 Sites Like Alibaba to Source
- Top Products Imported from China: Exploring Deep
- How to Import Baby Clothing from China
- Top Cities for Sourcing in China
Final Thoughts!
Chinese fashion brands provide the right combination of old and modern styles. As a result, they are the best option for anyone who wants to expand their store collection.
You would find luxury options and affordable clothes. The market features a variety of options. Hence, you always get something new when you visit the market. Plus, the clothes are top-quality.
Remember, the Chinese fashion industry will expand in the coming years. Now is the best time to make a relationship with the growing Chinese fashion brands. Of course, it is hard to find a manufacturer in China. You can make it easy by connecting with the right sourcing agent.
Partner with OwlSourcing if you want to import from China. We can initiate your contact with the supplier. We already know the most promising clothing suppliers. So, we can ensure you get the best possible deals from fashion brands.