How to Find a Clothing Manufacturer in Europe (Complete Guide for Brands)
Matias Santos, Founder·
Finding the right clothing manufacturer is one of the most important steps when building a fashion brand. This guide explains exactly how startups can find reliable clothing manufacturers in Europe, understand minimum order quantities, and choose the right production partner for their product, without wasting months on factories that were never actually a fit to begin with in the first place.
1. Decide What Type of Manufacturer You Need
Before searching for manufacturers, it’s important to understand the different types of clothing production partners.
Private Label Manufacturers
Private label manufacturers produce existing product designs that you can brand as your own. This option is often faster and requires less design work, but customization is limited.
Cut and Sew Manufacturers
Cut and sew manufacturers create garments from scratch using your patterns, fabrics, and specifications. This is the most common option for fashion brands that want unique designs and full control over their products.
Find a Clothing Manufacturer in Europe: Complete Brand Guide | NovaSupplier
Full Package Manufacturers
Some manufacturers offer a full-service solution that includes design assistance, fabric sourcing, sampling, and production. This can be helpful for brands that are launching their first collection and need additional support.
Choosing the right type of manufacturer depends on your level of product development and how customized your garments need to be.
2. Choose the Right Manufacturing Region
Location plays an important role in manufacturing.
European production has become increasingly attractive for many brands because it offers several advantages compared to overseas production.
Key benefits of manufacturing in Europe include:
Faster shipping and logistics within Europe and the UK
Easier communication with suppliers
Higher quality standards and craftsmanship
Stronger sustainability and labor regulations
Lower minimum order quantities in many factories
Countries like Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Romania have particularly strong apparel manufacturing industries and work with many international fashion brands.
For startups that want faster turnaround times and closer collaboration with factories, European production can be a strong choice.
3. Understand Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
One of the most important factors when selecting a manufacturer is the minimum order quantity, often referred to as MOQ.
MOQ represents the minimum number of units a factory requires per production order.
Typical ranges vary widely depending on the manufacturer and product complexity.
For example:
Large factories may require 500–1000 pieces per style
Mid-sized factories may accept 200–400 pieces
Some startup-friendly manufacturers may offer 50–150 pieces
For new brands, working with manufacturers that support lower MOQs can significantly reduce financial risk and make it easier to test products before scaling production.
4. Prepare Your Product Before Contacting Manufacturers
Manufacturers expect brands to provide clear product information before starting production.
The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to get accurate quotes and timelines.
Most manufacturers will ask for:
A tech pack with measurements and garment specifications
Information about materials and fabrics
Estimated order quantities
Details about branding elements such as labels or embroidery
If you don’t have a full tech pack yet, having sketches, reference products, and fabric ideas can still help manufacturers understand your product.
Preparation also shows factories that you are serious about production.
5. How to Contact Clothing Manufacturers
There are several ways founders typically find and contact manufacturers.
Some of the most common approaches include:
Trade Shows
Fashion manufacturing trade shows allow brands to meet suppliers in person and evaluate their capabilities.
Direct Outreach
Many founders contact factories directly through email or LinkedIn. This requires research to identify manufacturers that match your product category.
Manufacturing Platforms
Platforms like NovaSupplier allow brands to explore verified manufacturers and connect with suppliers that match their production requirements.
Instead of contacting dozens of factories individually, brands can post a project and receive responses from manufacturers that are relevant to their needs.
6. Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Manufacturer
Before committing to a manufacturing partner, it’s important to ask a few key questions.
Some important questions include:
What is the minimum order quantity per style?
What are the typical production lead times?
How long does sampling take?
What fabrics and materials can you source?
What quality control processes are used during production?
Clear communication early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings later and ensures both sides are aligned before production begins.
7. Finding the Right Manufacturing Partner
Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is one of the most important decisions a fashion founder will make.
The right factory should not only produce your garments but also support your brand’s growth as production scales.
For many startups, working with manufacturers in Europe provides the right balance between quality, communication, and manageable production quantities.
Platforms like NovaSupplier help brands discover European manufacturers, compare supplier capabilities, and connect directly with factories that match their production needs.
Looking for the Right Manufacturer?
If you’re preparing to launch a clothing brand or produce your next collection, finding the right manufacturing partner is essential.
Explore verified European manufacturers on NovaSupplier or start a project to connect with suppliers that match your production requirements.