Vietnam Custom Garment Manufacturing: Is It Still the Best Choice for Your Brand?

For the past decade, Vietnam custom garment manufacturing has been the “darling” of the fashion industry. Known for high-quality synthetics and a stable political climate, it attracted giants like Nike and The North Face. However, as we move through 2025, the landscape is shifting. Rising labor costs, factory congestion, and higher MOQs are forcing brands to look for smarter alternatives.

At ExploreTex, we offer that alternative. By combining a Design & Sourcing Hub in Portugal with an Owned Manufacturing Unit in Bangladesh, we provide the technical quality associated with Vietnam but with significantly better pricing and “Western-style” management.

This guide explores the pros and cons of sourcing in Vietnam and compares it directly to the ExploreTex Hybrid Model.

1. The State of Vietnam Custom Garment Manufacturing in 2025

Vietnam remains a powerhouse, particularly for technical outerwear and footwear.¹ However, success here comes with challenges.

The Strengths of Vietnam

• Technical Expertise: Vietnam excels in complex, waterproof, and seam-sealed garments.

• Geopolitical Stability: It is often seen as a “China Plus One” diversification strategy.

• Fabric Access: Proximity to China allows for relatively fast fabric imports.²

The Rising Challenges

• Cost Inflation: As major tech companies (like Apple/Samsung) move into Vietnam, labor costs have skyrocketed. Vietnam custom garment manufacturing is no longer a “low-cost” option; it is a “mid-cost” solution.

• Capacity Crunch: Top-tier factories are fully booked by global giants, leaving small and mid-sized brands to fight for space in Tier-2 facilities.

• High MOQs: Due to demand, many Vietnamese factories now require 2,000+ units per style.

2. The Strategic Alternative: ExploreTex (Portugal + Bangladesh)

If you are searching for Vietnam custom garment manufacturing to escape China’s tariffs or find better quality, you should consider the ExploreTex Advantage.

The “Best of Both Worlds” Structure

We solve the two biggest pain points of Asian manufacturing: Communication and Cost.

1. Portugal Management: You contract with our European office. We handle the design, the tech packs, and the legalities in English/Portuguese/Spanish. No time-zone headaches or language barriers.

2. Bangladesh Production: We own our unit in Dhaka.³ Bangladesh offers labor costs that are 30–40% lower than Vietnam, without sacrificing the quality of the stitch.

3. Head-to-Head: Vietnam vs. ExploreTex Bangladesh

To make an informed decision, you need data. Here is how a typical Vietnam custom garment manufacturing partner compares to ExploreTex.

The Verdict: Unless you are making highly specialized gore-tex ski jackets, ExploreTex Bangladesh likely offers a better margin per unit than Vietnam.

4. Duty-Free Access: The Hidden Margin Killer

One reason brands choose Vietnam custom garment manufacturing is the Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) with Europe.

But did you know Bangladesh has even better access?

• Europe (GSP/EBA): As a Least Developed Country (LDC), goods made in Bangladesh enter the EU Duty-Free and Quota-Free.

• UK (GSP): Similar duty-free access applies to the UK market.

• Canada: Duty-free access.

By choosing ExploreTex, you get the same duty advantages as Vietnam, but with a significantly lower FOB (Free On Board) production price.

5. Sourcing Capabilities: The Portugal Connection

A major weakness of Vietnam custom garment manufacturing is that factories often rely solely on Chinese fabric mills.⁴ They may not have access to premium European trims or sustainable certifications.

ExploreTex changes the sourcing map.

Our Portugal Sourcing Office allows us to:

• Source Locally: We can buy premium Italian zippers, Portuguese cork trims, or Turkish organic cotton.

• Consolidate: We ship these high-end materials to our Bangladesh unit for assembly.

• Result: You get a garment that looks and feels European but is priced for global scale.

6. When Should You Stick with Vietnam?

We value honesty. There are specific niches where Vietnam custom garment manufacturing is still the leader.

• Complex Technical Outerwear: If you are making $600 seam-taped alpine jackets, Vietnam’s specialized machinery is hard to beat.

• Backpacks & Luggage: Vietnam is the global hub for bag manufacturing.

However, for everything else:

• Streetwear (Hoodies, Tees, Joggers)

• Activewear (Leggings, Bras)

• Denim & Wovens

• Casual Knits

  … ExploreTex Bangladesh is the superior choice for profitability.

7. The Quality Control Myth

There is a misconception that “Vietnam is higher quality than Bangladesh.”

This is outdated. Quality is defined by Management, not geography.

• The Old Way: A buyer sends a tech pack to a factory and hopes for the best.

• The ExploreTex Way: Our European Technicians are on the ground in our Bangladesh unit. We implement AQL 1.5 standards (higher than the industry average 2.5). We use Japanese automated cutters and German sewing machines.

We prove that you can get “Vietnam Quality” at “Bangladesh Prices” when the management is right.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I am currently producing in Vietnam. Is it hard to switch to ExploreTex?

A: Not at all. Send your tech packs to our Portugal office. We will offer a counter-sample and a cost comparison. Most clients see a 15–20% cost reduction immediately.

Q: Can you match the fabrics I use in Vietnam?

A: Yes. We can source the exact same fabrics from the same global mills, or offer you equivalent (or better) alternatives from our network.

Q: Is Bangladesh safe for production?

A: Absolutely. Our owned unit is Accord/Alliance Certified, ensuring world-class fire and building safety.6 We are fully transparent and welcome visits.

Q: Do you offer the same lead times as Vietnam?

A: Yes. Our standard lead time is 60–90 days (including fabric production), which is comparable to, and often faster than, congested Vietnamese factories.

9. Conclusion: Don’t Follow the Herd

Ten years ago, the smart move was to go to China. Five years ago, it was to find a partner for Vietnam custom garment manufacturing.

In 2025, the smart move is the Hybrid Model.

By choosing ExploreTex, you are choosing to innovate your supply chain. You get the stability and service of Portugal, combined with the unmatched industrial power of Bangladesh.

Stop overpaying for “status quo” manufacturing. Start maximizing your margins.

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