How to Source Lingerie from China Successfully
- 时间：
- 浏览：17
- 来源：CN Lingerie Hub
So you're thinking about sourcing lingerie from China? Smart move. With over 60% of the world’s lingerie manufactured in China, it's no surprise that brands—from startups to major retailers—rely on Chinese suppliers for quality, scalability, and cost-efficiency. But let’s be real: diving into this market without a game plan is like going bra shopping without trying anything on—it might work, but chances are, it won’t fit right.
Why China Dominates the Lingerie Supply Chain
China isn’t just cheap—it’s advanced. Regions like Guangdong and Fujian house some of the most sophisticated intimate apparel factories equipped with EU-standard fabrics, OEKO-TEX certified materials, and skilled artisans who’ve been perfecting lacework and seamless tech for decades.
According to Statista, China exported over $18 billion worth of hosiery and underwear in 2023 alone. That’s not just volume—it’s validation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sourcing Success
- Define Your Niche: Are you going for luxury silk? Inclusive sizing? Eco-friendly bamboo blends? Knowing your brand identity helps narrow down which factories can actually deliver.
- Verify Suppliers: Use platforms like Alibaba, but go beyond filters. Request business licenses, audit reports, and—if possible—schedule a factory visit. Or hire a sourcing agent (more on that below).
- Request Samples: Never skip this. A $50 sample can save you a $10,000 disaster. Check stitching, elastic durability, and color accuracy.
- Negotiate MOQs: Minimum Order Quantities can range from 100 units (for niche suppliers) to 5,000+ (for big factories). New brands should target suppliers with MOQs under 500 per style.
- Understand Lead Times: From sampling to delivery, expect 45–75 days. Factor in shipping and customs if air freight isn’t an option.
Top 5 Lingerie Manufacturing Hubs in China
| City | Specialty | Avg. MOQ | Fabric Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | Seamless & molded cups | 300–800 | Local + imported (Japan, Italy) |
| Puning | Lace & embroidered sets | 500–1,000 | Domestic lace mills |
| Xiamen | Eco-friendly bamboo & TENCEL™ | 200–600 | Sustainable-certified |
| Ningbo | Export-ready packaging & branding | 1,000+ | Mixed |
| Shenzhen | Smart fabrics & tech-integrated wearables | 500+ | High-tech synthetics |
Pro Tips You Won’t Find on Google
- Hire a local QC inspector: Even if you’re not visiting, third-party companies like AsiaInspection or QIMA can perform pre-shipment checks for under $200.
- Ask about fabric shrinkage: Some elastics lose up to 15% after wash. A good factory will pre-wash or adjust patterns accordingly.
- Build relationships: The best suppliers prioritize long-term partners. Pay on time, communicate clearly, and reorder consistently.
Sourcing lingerie from China isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a reliable, scalable supply chain. Do it right, and you’ll have high-quality products that fit, flatter, and fly off shelves.
Still unsure where to start? Focus on Xiamen for sustainable fabrics or Guangzhou for technical performance wear. And remember: the cheapest quote rarely equals the best value.