Starting or scaling a swimwear label? This guide compares swimwear manufacturers in China and Vietnam for Australian brands, with typical MOQs, indicative costs per piece, fabric choices, lead times and a Gold Coast-friendly timeline. Learn how to vet factories and avoid costly fit and colour mistakes.
Last updated: 20 October 2026
In short: For most Australian swimwear brands, China suits fabric variety, lower MOQs and speed, while Vietnam suits tighter quality control and steady repeat runs. Expect typical MOQs of 200 to 500 pieces per style in China and 500 to 1,000 in Vietnam, with sampling taking 3 to 5 weeks. The right pick depends on your volume, fabric and fit complexity. A sourcing agent on the ground cuts the risk either way.
G'day. If you're building a swim label on the Gold Coast, you already know the market is brutal. Seasons are short, fit is everything, and one bad batch of chlorine-faded fabric can sink a summer. Let's get into how Aussie brands source swimwear smarter.
Most Australian labels that grow past the small-batch stage make offshore, mainly in China and Vietnam. Local production in Australia is great for tiny runs and fast turnarounds, but cost per piece is usually several times higher. That gap is why brands move offshore once they hit a few hundred units per style.
China has the deepest swimwear supply chain in the world, especially across Guangdong and Fujian. Vietnam is the fast-rising alternative, with strong sewing quality and growing fabric options. Many brands use both: China for fabric-led, trend-driven ranges and Vietnam for core styles they reorder.
Neither wins every time. China wins on fabric range, lower MOQs and speed. Vietnam wins on consistency, social compliance and a smaller tariff headache for some export markets. Here's how they compare for a typical Australian label.
| Factor | China | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Typical MOQ per style | 200 to 500 pieces | 500 to 1,000 pieces |
| Fabric choice | Very wide, incl. recycled nylon and printed Lycra | Good, more imported fabric |
| Sample time | 2 to 4 weeks | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Bulk production | 30 to 45 days | 35 to 55 days |
| Indicative price per piece (FOB) | Lower for printed and complex styles | Competitive on plain, high-volume styles |
| Best for | Trend ranges, small first runs | Repeat core ranges, tighter QC |
These are typical ranges only. Real quotes depend on fabric, lining, print method and trims, so always get at least three quotes on the same tech pack.
Expect an indicative FOB price of roughly AUD $8 to $25 per piece for a two-piece set, depending on fabric, print and construction. Add sea freight, duty and GST, and your landed cost climbs. Most clothing imports into Australia attract 5% duty, plus 10% GST on the customs value. Check your exact classification with a customs broker.
Here's a simple worked example for a 500-piece run at an assumed AUD $14 FOB per piece:
| Cost line | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| FOB goods (500 x $14) | $7,000 |
| Sea freight and local charges (assumed) | $900 |
| Duty at 5% on customs value | about $395 |
| GST at 10% (usually recoverable) | about $830 |
| Landed cost before GST | about $8,295 |
| Landed cost per piece | about $16.60 |
Your numbers will differ, so run your own landed cost using our guide to import duty and landed cost in Australia.
A tight tech pack is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Include fabric composition, weight (GSM), stretch and recovery, lining spec, print method, trims, size chart and grading. Factories quote faster and more accurately when nothing is left to guess.
New to the paperwork? Read our plain-English guide on what a tech pack is.
Plan for about 14 to 20 weeks from first brief to stock in your warehouse. That includes sampling, fit approval, bulk production, inspection and sea freight. Work back from your launch date, because Aussie summer demand starts well before December.
Miss the window and you can switch to air freight, but that eats your margin fast.
Check three things: capability, compliance and communication. Ask for swimwear-specific samples, not generic activewear. Request business licence, export history and audit reports. Then test responsiveness. A slow reply during quoting is a preview of production.
Our manufacturer red flags checklist covers the warning signs, and our supplier scorecard guide shows how to rank factories fairly.
In China, typical MOQs run 200 to 500 pieces per style, sometimes split across colours. In Vietnam they usually start around 500 to 1,000. Some factories will go lower for a higher unit price.
China is often cheaper for printed or complex styles and small runs. Vietnam can match or beat it on plain, high-volume styles. Always compare landed cost, not just FOB price.
Yes, and it suits small batches and fast turnarounds. Cost per piece is usually well above offshore, so most growing brands blend local and offshore production.
Expect 2 to 5 weeks per round. Plan for at least two rounds to lock in fit.
You can go direct, but fit, fabric and quality control are where brands get burned. A bilingual team on the ground helps you vet factories and inspect before shipping.
Epic Sourcing has sourced 20,000+ products for 300+ happy clients, with an average saving of around 77%. Our bilingual teams in China and Vietnam find swimwear factories, manage sampling and run quality checks before your goods ship. Planning your next range? Read our guides on finding clothing manufacturers in China and Vietnam and importing swimwear and beachwear, explore our clothing manufacturing service, or see how a China sourcing agent works for WA businesses. When you're ready, give us a bell.
