Blog
Matias Santos, Founder
Finding a clothing manufacturer in Europe is one of the most commonly searched topics among independent brand founders, and also one of the most poorly covered. Most advice online is either too generic ("attend trade shows! search Google!") or too focused on sourcing from Asia. This guide breaks down the methods that actually work for independent brands, what to prepare before reaching out, and how to build a direct relationship with a factory instead of going through a middleman.
Apr 15, 2026
Matias Santos, Founder
Portugal has become the go-to sourcing destination for independent clothing brands that want European quality without Italian price tags. In the last decade, brands like A-Cold-Wall, Castore, and dozens of smaller DTC labels have shifted production to the north of Portugal, and the results have been strong enough that the word has spread quietly through the founder community. This guide covers what makes the region different, which towns specialise in what, and how to start a conversation with a factory directly.
Apr 15, 2026