Clothing production abroad vs the Netherlands

Many brands consider clothing production in Turkey, Portugal, China, or Eastern Europe. But which production location fits your phase, budget, and strategy?

On this page, we compare different production countries and help you determine when local production in the Netherlands is more strategic.

Why produce abroad?

Production outside the Netherlands is often chosen because of:

  • Lower cost at higher quantities
  • Larger scale possibilities
  • Specific material specializations
  • Existing international supply chains

The right choice strongly depends on your runs, development phase, and budget.

When do you choose production in the Netherlands?

Local production in the Netherlands is especially strategic when:

  • You are developing a first collection
  • You want to test your small runs
  • Flexibility is more important than scale
  • You want direct communication with makers

Read more about our approach to clothing production in the Netherlands. Are you German or do you have a business in Germany? Then check our Sustainable Textile Production in Europe page. 

Which production location fits your brand?

We are happy to help you make a strategic choice: go directly abroad or first develop and test locally.

Schedule an introduction

Frequently asked questions about clothing production abroad vs the Netherlands

Is clothing production abroad cheaper than in the Netherlands?

For large quantities, production in countries like China or Turkey can be cheaper per piece. However, for smaller runs, development costs, transport, and minimum quantities play a larger role. For emerging brands, local production can be financially comparable or even more strategic.

What are the minimum quantities (MOQ) abroad?

In China, Turkey, or Eastern Europe, minimum quantities are often higher than at small Dutch ateliers. In the Netherlands, you can often start from 25–50 pieces per model, while foreign factories usually require larger batches.

When is production in Portugal interesting?

Portugal is known for sustainable production and knitwear. It is especially interesting for medium-sized runs and well-developed collections. For test series or first drops, local production can be more flexible.

What are the advantages of clothing production in Turkey?

Turkey combines relatively low costs with European proximity. The country excels in basics, denim, and larger volumes. However, the required scale can be a challenge for small brands.

Is having clothing made in China suitable for emerging brands?

China is particularly suitable for mass production and large volumes. For emerging brands, high minimum quantities, long delivery times, and import costs can increase risks.

Is Eastern Europe a good middle ground?

Eastern Europe offers shorter delivery times than Asia and often lower costs than Western Europe. It is a logical step for scaling up, but less flexible than small production in the Netherlands.

Why do some Belgian brands choose production in the Netherlands?

For Flemish brands, The Hague is easily accessible from Antwerp. This enables physical sample moments and direct consultations, while maintaining European production.

What is strategically smart for a first collection?

Many brands choose to develop and test their first collection locally. Once volumes increase, scaling up to abroad can be considered.