Clothing production in Eastern Europe vs Netherlands
Eastern Europe — think of Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic — is often seen as a middle ground between Asia and Western Europe. But when is clothing production in Eastern Europe a logical choice, and when is local production in the Netherlands more strategic?
Also view the overview of production countries on clothing production abroad.
Why do brands choose Eastern Europe?
Eastern Europe often offers lower production costs than Western Europe, while delivery times are shorter than with production in Asia.
- Lower costs than Western Europe
- Faster delivery times than China
- European regulations and labor standards
- Suitable for medium runs
What are the points of attention?
Although Eastern Europe is often seen as a safe middle ground, minimum quantities and less flexibility than local production also apply here.
- MOQ often higher than small Dutch ateliers
- Less suitable for test series or pilots
- Development and sampling from a distance
- Communication and quality control are less direct
When is Eastern Europe a logical choice?
Production in Eastern Europe often fits well with:
- Brands with existing sales
- Collections with medium volumes
- Price-conscious scaling within Europe
- Detailed tech packs and fixed models
When is production in the Netherlands more strategic?
For emerging brands, new models, or test drops, production in the Netherlands can offer more control and flexibility.
- Small quantities possible (from 25–50 pieces)
- Fast sample rounds
- Direct contact with makers
- Lower logistical complexity
Read more about our approach to clothing production in the Netherlands.
Cost and risk assessment
Eastern Europe can be financially attractive for medium quantities. However, you must consider:
- Transport costs within Europe
- Pre-financing of larger batches
- Less flexibility with changes
For initial collections, many brands therefore choose local development, after which scaling up in Eastern Europe can be the next step.
Are you in doubt between Eastern Europe and the Netherlands?
We are happy to think along with you about what is most strategic in your phase: scaling up directly in Eastern Europe or developing locally first.
Schedule a meeting
Back to the overview: clothing production abroad.