Having clothing made in the Netherlands vs. abroad: 6 differences
Are you unsure whether to have your clothing line produced in the Netherlands or abroad? In this guide, we outline 6 differences: costs, quality, minimum order quantities (MOQ), sustainability, and risks. So you can make a choice that fits your brand, budget, and values.
Atelier Jungles is a sustainable clothing studio in The Hague. We assist brands, designers, organizations, and events with clothing production in the Netherlands, from small to medium-sized runs. In this article, we honestly explain when production in the Netherlands makes sense – and when foreign production can sometimes be an option.
Do you want to know right away what we do? Read more about clothing production in the Netherlands and starting a clothing line & clothing production.
Content: what you will learn in this article
We discuss the main differences between having clothing made in the Netherlands and abroad.
- Why brands hesitate between the Netherlands and abroad
- Costs: hourly wage vs. total costs
- MOQ and flexibility in quantities
- Quality, communication, and lead time
- Sustainability, UPV, and reporting
- Risks and hidden costs abroad
- When production abroad makes sense
- When production in the Netherlands is a better fit
- How Atelier Jungles collaborates with you
Summary: Netherlands vs. abroad at a glance
The table below provides a concise overview. We will elaborate on the points further on.
| Aspect | Clothing production in the Netherlands | Clothing production abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher hourly wage, but lower minimum quantities and less failure costs. | Lower hourly wage, but often higher MOQ, shipping costs, and more leftover stock. |
| MOQ / quantities | Suitable for small and medium-sized runs; good for pilots and capsules. | Often high MOQ per style, which means you quickly have large stocks. |
| Communication | Short lines, visiting in person, the same language and time zone. | More risk of miscommunication, time difference, longer response times. |
| Quality & control | Faster adjustments during fitting and production, more transparency. | Remote control; errors are often only seen upon delivery. |
| Sustainability | Lower transport impact, easier circular processes & UPV reporting. | More transport, less visibility on the supply chain and working conditions. |
| Lead time | Faster adjustments for reorders and small modifications. | Longer lead times due to production + transport + customs. |
Important: the “cheapest” option on paper is not always the best overall business case. Especially not for emerging brands or smaller runs.
1. Why brands hesitate between the Netherlands and abroad
Many emerging brands and established organizations begin their search with the question: “Is production in the Netherlands not way too expensive?” At the same time, they dread large quantities, long lead times, and unclear communication abroad.
- Starting labels often want to start small without huge inventory risks.
- Companies with corporate clothing seek reliable quality and better working conditions.
- Impact-driven organizations want sustainable and traceable production for their reports and UPV obligations.
The question is therefore not only: “Where is the hourly wage lower?”, but: “Where does the overall picture fit for my brand?”
2. Costs: hourly wage vs. total costs
Yes, the hourly wage in the Netherlands is higher than in many production countries. But that tells only a small part of the story. More important is what you pay per wearable, sellable piece.
- In the Netherlands, you can often start with lower MOQ per style.
- You have less chance of misproduction because you can adjust more quickly.
- You have less leftover stock because you can purchase more realistically.
- You save on long transports, import costs, and sample rounds.
In our practice, we see that having clothing made in the Netherlands is mainly financially interesting for:
- new brands that want to test small batches;
- organizations that run capsule collections or pilot projects;
- companies that value premium quality and sustainability.
Do you want more insight into costs and structure? Also read what does it cost to start a clothing line and check our page on clothing production & starting a clothing line in the Netherlands.
3. MOQ and flexibility in quantities
The MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is one of the biggest practical differences between the Netherlands and abroad.
- Abroad, you often work with hundreds of pieces per style.
- In the Netherlands, you can often start from 25–50 pieces per style, sometimes lower after consultation.
For a starting brand, the difference between 50 and 300 pieces per style can mean the difference between: healthy testing or being stuck with too much inventory.
More information about quantities and MOQ can be found in our guide: starting a clothing line.
4. Quality, communication, and lead time
Quality is not just about the end product, but also about how easily you can adjust during the process.
- You can visit in person in the studio for fitting and consultation in the Netherlands.
- Communication is faster: no time difference, the same language.
- Changes in pattern or finish can often be addressed during the process.
Abroad, you are often dependent on:
- long sample rounds by post;
- email contact or video calls with delays;
- and the risk that errors only become visible when the entire shipment arrives.
Do you work with corporate clothing? Then that short line is extra important: the clothing must fit, be representative, and comfortable for your team.
5. Sustainability, UPV, and circular processes
More and more organizations have sustainability goals, reporting obligations, and deal with UPV (Extended Producer Responsibility) for textiles. Then traceability of your chain suddenly becomes very concrete.
- Having clothing made in the Netherlands makes it easier to record chain information.
- You can more easily set up circular processes, such as textile upcycling & circular merchandise.
- Transport impact is lower and easier to explain in reports.
In this way, clothing production in the Netherlands becomes not only a cost item but also a part of your impact story.
6. Risks and hidden costs abroad
Production abroad may seem cheaper on paper, but it comes with extra risks:
- Delays due to transport, customs, or political situations.
- Failure costs if an entire batch does not meet your quality standards.
- Unexpected costs for import, duties, and extra sample rounds.
- Reputation risks when working conditions do not align with your brand values.
Especially for smaller brands or organizations with little experience in production, this can make a big difference in time, stress, and margin.
7. When clothing production abroad does make sense
There are situations where production abroad does make sense. For example:
- Your brand is already scaled up and you need large quantities per style.
- You work with specific techniques or fabrics that are only available in certain regions.
- You already have experience and capacity internally to manage foreign production well.
Even then, it can be valuable to have part of the collection – for example capsules, limited editions, or upcycled merchandise – made in the Netherlands.
8. When clothing production in the Netherlands is a better fit
Production in the Netherlands is usually a strong match if you:
- is starting a new clothing line and wants to test first;
- works with more sustainable or circular positioning;
- wants to start with lower quantities and wants to limit inventory risks;
- values personal contact and adjusting during the process;
- workwear or merchandise with a story is looking for your organization.
Do you recognize yourself in this? Then it is worth seriously considering clothing production in the Netherlands.
9. How Atelier Jungles thinks along with you
Atelier Jungles guides brands and organizations from the initial idea to production in the Netherlands. We work transparently and think along about:
- Clothing lines & capsule collections – also see our clothing line startup guide.
- Sustainable workwear – more on sustainable workwear.
- Circular merchandise & upcycling – examples on textile upcycling & circular merchandise.
We are honest about what is possible and what is not in the Netherlands. Sometimes a hybrid solution makes sense: part in the Netherlands, part abroad. We are happy to think along about such a mix.
Ready to decide where you will have your clothing made?
Do you want to brainstorm about the Netherlands vs. abroad for your brand, workwear, or merchandise? Send us your plans and we would be happy to think practically with you.
📧 hello@atelierjungles.com · 📞 06 8190 0414 office hours
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