When brands reach out to Blue Associates Sportswear to bring their ideas to life, one of the first questions they ask us is: “Where should we manufacture, in China or Europe?”
It’s a big decision that affects everything from price and lead times to quality and how customers perceive your brand. While both European manufacturers and Far East manufacturers offer advantages, the right choice depends on your priorities - whether that’s production cost, speed, flexibility, or sustainability.
After more than 25 years in sportswear manufacture, we’ve worked with world class factories in both regions. Each offers clear advantages, but also trade-offs that every brand should understand before choosing a direction.
Let’s take a closer look at what really separates working with a sportswear factory in China from one in Europe, and how that choice shapes your business.
Cost and Sourcing
For most brands, production cost is the first consideration. Factories in China, and across the Far East, have built their reputation on competitive pricing. Labour costs are generally lower, and large-scale production means they can produce garments efficiently and economically. China also benefits from being at the centre of the world’s textile supply chain, meaning most fabrics, trims, and accessories can be sourced locally, reducing material costs and transport times between suppliers.
In Europe, things are a bit different. Labour is much more expensive, and manufacturers must follow stricter employment and environmental standards. These factors naturally push up costs. However, the quality and working conditions are often more tightly controlled, and modern European factories are increasingly investing in automation and technology to bridge the gap on efficiency.
A Far East manufacturer is typically best for volume based cost efficiency, while a European partner offers shorter supply chains and a premium, “Made in Europe” reputation that can justify higher retail prices.
Development Fees and Sampling Costs
Before bulk production even starts, you’ll need to go through product development - creating tech packs, first prototypes, and pre-production samples before you are ready to place the bulk order.
In China, development fees are usually lower or sometimes refunded entirely if you commit to bulk orders. Factories often absorb early development costs, viewing them as part of the long-term partnership with a brand.
In Europe, development and sampling costs are higher upfront. Factories here typically charge per sample, with additional fees for pattern creation and any trim development.
The overall process is usually very similar between China and Europe: both regions follow structured development stages, from initial design to final pre-production samples. Timelines for creating prototypes and revisions are also roughly comparable. The main difference is the cost for the samples, and additional upfront costs for development in Europe. Again, these costs can be justified if you are looking for the “Made in Europe” reputation.
For a further overview of development and sampling in China versus Europe, have a look at this article by Texworks Lab
https://www.texworkslab.com/en/textile-manufacturing-china-vs-europ
Flexibility and Order Sizes
Another major difference lies in flexibility. Far East factories are built for scale and their production lines are designed to handle thousands of units at a time, which means they typically require higher minimum order quantities. For established brands producing large seasonal ranges, this is ideal as it keeps the cost per unit low and ensures consistency across every piece.
For smaller or start up brands, however, those minimums can sometimes feel out of reach. This is where European manufacturing can be beneficial. Many European factories are more open to smaller production runs, giving brands the freedom to test the market, launch limited collections, or refine designs before committing to larger orders.
At Blue Associates Sportswear, we often help new brands navigate this exact challenge. We have over 25 years of experience working with factories in both Europe and the Far East. Over this time, we’ve built strong relationships with many Far East manufacturers who are willing to accept smaller orders because they believe in the future of the brand and want to grow alongside it. This means that whether you choose China or Europe, small runs are absolutely possible, giving you the flexibility to scale up as your brand develops.
Lead Times and Speed to Market
When it comes to production and sample lead times, there isn’t much difference between European factories and those in China or other parts of the Far East. Samples can be developed and reviewed in a similar timeframe, and production runs are often comparable as well.
The real advantage of working with a European factory comes with shipping. European shipping is faster, which means products arrive sooner and brands can restock or adjust orders based on real-time demand. Faster delivery can make a noticeable difference, even if the production and sample timelines are similar.
For more insight on European supply chains and market demand, take a look at
https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/apparel/what-demand
On the other hand, when producing in China or other parts of the Far East the shipping can add extra weeks and cost. Sea freight can take six to ten weeks, and even air freight, while faster, is expensive.
For brands that can plan their collections far in advance, this might be a suitable shipping option. But if your brand is fast-moving, the quicker turnaround and faster shipping from a European factory can be a real game changer.
Quality and Oversight
Quality is a key consideration when choosing where to manufacture, but both European and Chinese factories are capable of producing high quality sportswear when you work with the right partner.
Many Chinese factories have invested heavily in technology, training, and quality systems and now produce garments for some of the world’s top performance brands.
To see more on China’s manufacturing capabilities, have a look at this article from Trade Aider
https://www.tradeaiders.com/discover-the-secret-of-the-growth-of-china-sportswear-manufacturers.html
European factories offer similar quality standards, often with the added benefit of being closer to home, which allows for more visibility and control. You can visit your European factory, review samples mid production, and build strong relationships with the team making your products. This hands-on approach can be especially useful during early development or when working on complex designs that require fine-tuning.
Both regions maintain strict regulations and certifications, including OEKO-TEX and GOTS, supporting ethical and sustainable production. Whether in Europe or China, the key is choosing a trusted partner and ensuring regular quality checks throughout the process
Brand Image and Perception
Where you manufacture says a lot about your brand.
For some companies, being able to label products as “Made in Europe” adds clear value. It communicates quality, craftsmanship, and a commitment to ethical production. It also appeals to eco-conscious customers who prefer locally made goods with a smaller environmental footprint.
For others, especially those focused on accessibility and competitive pricing, producing in the Far East helps them keep retail prices realistic without sacrificing performance. Many of the world’s biggest activewear labels rely on Far East manufacturers because of their efficiency, advanced technology, and strong material supply chains.
Some brands often use a mix of both. Core, high volume products might be made in China, while smaller, premium collections or new launches are produced in Europe. This hybrid approach balances cost efficiency with flexibility, to achieve a perfect balance.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Brand
So, which is better - China or Europe?
The answer depends entirely on your business model. Both regions have their place in today’s sportswear industry, and both can deliver outstanding quality if managed properly. What matters most is finding a partner who understands your goals, your values, and your customers.
If you’re producing large volumes, aiming for competitive pricing, and can plan several months ahead, the Far East manufacturer route makes a lot of sense. You’ll benefit from lower production costs and access to an incredible network of textile expertise.
If your brand is smaller, more premium, or focused on sustainability, a European manufacturer can offer shorter lead times, closer oversight, and stronger brand alignment. You’ll pay more per unit, but the benefits can outweigh the cost.
How Blue Associates Sportswear Can Help?
At Blue Associates Sportswear, we’ve been working in sportswear manufacture for over 25 years. Our role is to help brands make informed, confident decisions about where and how to produce their products.
We work with a trusted network of both European manufacturers and Far East manufacturers, each carefully audited for quality, ethics, and reliability. From early design and sampling through to full production and delivery, we oversee every stage to ensure your products meet our high standards, wherever they’re made.