Starting or scaling a clothing label? Here is how clothing manufacturers in Australia, China and Vietnam compare on cost per garment, MOQs and lead times. Includes an AUD cost table and a sampling checklist for Newcastle and Hunter fashion brands.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
In short: Australian clothing manufacturers suit small, fast runs of around 30 to 100 pieces per style, but cost much more per garment. China and Vietnam usually cut unit costs by 60 per cent or more, with minimums of roughly 100 to 500 per style. Most Aussie labels end up using a mix: local for quick top-ups, offshore for the core range.
If you're a Newcastle or Hunter label, you know the squeeze. Local makers are great for quality and speed, but the margins vanish once you scale. Let's break down the real numbers so you can pick the right mix.
Local makers charge several times more per garment than factories in China or Vietnam. The table below shows indicative ranges for a mid-weight cotton hoodie. Treat them as a guide only. Fabric, trims, print and order size all move the price, and we confirm exact quotes for every project.
| Option | Typical MOQ per style | Cost per garment (AUD) | Lead time (sample to ready) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 30 to 100 | A$38 to A$60 | 3 to 6 weeks |
| China | 100 to 300 | A$12 to A$20 (FOB) | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Vietnam | 300 to 500 | A$15 to A$24 (FOB) | 8 to 12 weeks |
Offshore prices are FOB, so add freight, duty (generally 5 per cent for clothing, confirm your HS code) and broker fees. Our guide to COGS for importers shows how to total it up.
A low MOQ manufacturer will produce small runs, often 50 to 100 pieces per style. Local makers and some Chinese factories offer this. Vietnam factories tend to want higher volumes, but good ones will flex for repeat clients. Expect a higher per-piece price when the run is small.
Our MOQ guide covers how to negotiate minimums down.
Choose China for speed, fabric range and lower MOQs. Choose Vietnam for quality knitwear, activewear and wovens, and to spread supply chain risk. Many labels start in China, then add Vietnam as they grow. Read the full China vs Vietnam comparison.
You need a tech pack, a target price and a realistic order size. Without these, factories guess and quotes drift. A good tech pack lists measurements, fabric, trims, stitching and packaging. Our tech pack guide walks through it.
Offshore clothing usually lands at Port Botany in Sydney and then travels north by road. Most Hunter brands use a customs broker and a local carrier, or a 3PL to hold stock. Our warehousing and 3PL service can also store and ship your orders.
Locally, expect roughly A$3,800 to A$6,000 at the ranges above. From a China factory it could be around A$1,200 to A$2,000 FOB before freight and duty, if the factory accepts 100 pieces.
Yes. Australian makers and some Chinese factories take 50 to 100 pieces per style. Per-unit costs are higher on small runs.
Allow 6 to 12 weeks from approved sample to ready-to-ship, then 3 to 5 weeks by sea. Plan ahead for Chinese New Year.
Yes. A tech pack is the single best way to get accurate quotes and consistent quality.
Yes. Epic Sourcing matches your brief to vetted factories in China and Vietnam, manages sampling and inspects every order. See our clothing manufacturing service.
Epic Sourcing has sourced over 20,000 products for 300+ happy clients, with bilingual teams in China and Vietnam. We handle factory selection, sampling, quality control and shipping for Aussie fashion brands. Want to see how the process works end to end? Read our China manufacturing guide, check pricing, or get in touch. Comparing local options in other cities? See clothing manufacturers in Sydney.
