Finding the right hoodie manufacturer comes down to fleece weight, MOQ and landed cost. This 2026 guide compares China and Vietnam hoodie factories for Australian brands, with real AUD cost ranges, decoration options, a worked landed-cost example for a Hobart streetwear label, and the questions to ask before you pay a deposit.
Last updated: 30 September 2026
In short: Most Australian hoodie brands manufacture in China or Vietnam. China is best for small runs (from around 100–300 pieces per colour), fast sampling and every fleece option under the sun. Vietnam suits brands ordering 500+ units per style who want strong sewing quality and 0% duty under AANZFTA and CPTPP. Expect a landed cost of roughly A$14–A$32 per hoodie depending on fleece weight, fabric and decoration.
G'day — TK here. Hoodies look simple. They're not. Fleece weight, cuff rib, shrinkage and print method all decide whether your drop sells out or ends up in the bargain bin. For a cold-climate market like Hobart, where a hoodie is basically a uniform from April to October, getting those details right matters even more.
This guide walks through how to choose a hoodie manufacturer, what it really costs to land stock in Tasmania, and the mistakes I see Aussie brands make every week. Let's get into it.
The vast majority come from China, followed by Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan. China's knitwear clusters in Guangdong (Guangzhou, Dongguan) and Zhejiang (Ningbo, Shaoxing) have fleece mills, dye houses and print shops within a short drive of each other. That's why sampling is fast and small MOQs are possible.
Vietnam has grown quickly as the go-to China-plus-one option. Factories around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi produce for global streetwear and outdoor brands, and many now take mid-sized orders from Australian labels. If you're weighing up regions, our guide to finding clothing manufacturers in China and Vietnam covers the bigger picture.
| Factor | China | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Typical MOQ per style/colour | 100–300 pcs | 300–1,000 pcs |
| Sampling time | 7–14 days | 14–21 days |
| Bulk production | 25–40 days | 35–55 days |
| Fabric choice | Huge — local mills for every fleece | Good, some fabric imported from China |
| Duty into Australia | 0% with ChAFTA certificate of origin | 0% under AANZFTA/CPTPP/RCEP with origin docs |
| Best for | Startups, test drops, many colourways | Scaling brands, core styles, repeat orders |
Without a valid certificate of origin, the general duty rate on most apparel is 5%, plus 10% GST on the customs value. That paperwork is worth chasing.
GSM (grams per square metre) is the single biggest driver of feel and cost. Here's a quick rule of thumb:
Also decide on fabric: 100% cotton brushed fleece feels premium but shrinks more; 80/20 cotton-poly holds shape and costs less; recycled polyester blends help with sustainability claims. If you're making green claims, ask for certifications such as OEKO-TEX or GRS rather than taking a supplier's word for it.
Indicative 2026 ranges, in AUD per unit, for a standard pullover hoodie at 500 units per style:
| Spec | Ex-factory (AUD) | Landed Hobart (AUD, est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 320 GSM 80/20 fleece, one-colour screen print | $9–$13 | $14–$19 |
| 400 GSM cotton fleece, embroidery | $14–$19 | $19–$26 |
| 480 GSM heavyweight, garment-dyed, puff print | $19–$25 | $25–$32 |
Prices move with cotton markets, AUD/CNY exchange rates and order size. Treat these as a budgeting guide, then get real quotes against your tech pack.
Say a Hobart brand orders 600 heavyweight hoodies (3 colours × 200) from a Dongguan factory at A$17 ex-factory with custom woven labels.
| Cost line | AUD |
|---|---|
| Goods (600 × $17) | $10,200 |
| Sampling + pre-production sample | $450 |
| Third-party QC inspection | $420 |
| Sea freight LCL to Melbourne + Bass Strait to Hobart | $1,900 |
| Customs broker, port and delivery fees | $650 |
| Duty (0% with ChAFTA certificate of origin) | $0 |
| GST (10%, claimable if GST-registered) | approx. $1,300 |
| Landed cost before GST | approx. $13,620 (≈ $22.70/unit) |
Most Tasmanian freight lands in Melbourne first, then crosses Bass Strait, so allow an extra 3–7 days. Our guide to importing from China to Hobart explains the route in detail.
Cheapest per unit at volume and very durable. Best for bold, one- to four-colour graphics.
Premium look, great for small chest logos. Price depends on stitch count, so keep logos tidy.
Raised, textured effect that's big in streetwear. Needs a factory with the right equipment — check samples closely.
Good for full-colour or small test runs, though usually less durable than screen print on heavy fleece.
Don't forget branding details: neck labels, care labels and swing tags. We've covered sourcing custom clothing labels and swing tags separately. Pairing hoodies with caps? See our companion guide to hat and cap manufacturers.
Many Chinese factories accept 100–300 pieces per style and colour, sometimes lower with stock fabric. Vietnamese factories usually start around 300–1,000 pieces.
Yes, but local cut-and-sew capacity is limited and costs typically run 2–4× overseas pricing. Most Aussie brands design locally and manufacture offshore.
Allow 8–12 weeks from approved sample to stock in your warehouse: 1–3 weeks sampling, 4–8 weeks production and 3–5 weeks shipping.
Not better — different. China wins on small MOQs, speed and fabric variety. Vietnam suits bigger, repeat orders and brands diversifying away from a single country.
Hoodies from China and Vietnam can enter at 0% duty with valid origin documentation under ChAFTA, AANZFTA, CPTPP or RCEP. GST of 10% still applies.
Epic Sourcing has sourced 20,000+ products for 300+ happy clients, with bilingual teams on the ground in China and Vietnam and offices in 5 countries. We shortlist verified hoodie factories, manage samples, negotiate price (our clients average around 77% savings versus local wholesale) and inspect before you pay. Explore our clothing manufacturing service or book a free discovery call — give us a bell and let's get your next drop made properly.
