How the "Made in China" Label Is Transforming in Fashion - Good On You (2024)

Category: In the Know

Published: 28 Jun 2021

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Few countries involved in the fashion industry attract as much debate as China. Many of us will have grown up with the “made in China” label being synonymous with global outsourcing and the churning out of mass-produced, low quality, inexpensive goods—including clothes. But is that still the case nowadays? The short answer is that it depends on the brand! But let’s take a deeper look at the good, the bad, and the future of “made in China” fashion (not necessarily in that order).

Before we dive in

China is one of a number of countries with a reputation for poor environmental and labour standards, although the truth is more complex with some facilities doing well and others not. In fact, generally speaking wages are likely to be higher in many parts of China than some of the other countries with high volumes of clothing export like Bangladesh and Cambodia. Of course, wages and labour standards are often substandard in most countries including the United Statesandthe UK. Having said that, China is one of few countries that still does not allow freedom of association for workers (labour unions), and currently stands accused of forced labour of Uyghurs, a minority group in the country’s north-western region of Xinjiang, which we look into more below. The fashion industry is imperfect everywhere, but a case study on a country that is in the midst of a transformation is an important part of the conversation for the future of more ethical and sustainable fashion.

The bad: a few facts and figures

Currently, China produces 65% of the world’s clothes and is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of textiles.

Traditionally, China has been attractive to brands from all over the world for its huge labour pool and production capacity as well as sophisticated factories and efficient supply chains. Crucially, relatively low wages keep production costs down and thus maximise margins for brands, from fast fashion to luxury.

Social and environmental ups and downs

While both brands and suppliers derived commercial success from this production model, unfortunately, it has come with significant social and environmental impacts. In the 90s, the Nike child labour scandal shone a light on manufacturing practices in developing countries. Since then, numerous reports involving China have documented poor working conditions, minimal pay, and prohibitions to unionise, amongst other social issues.

On the environmental front, the combination of lax regulations and high production volumes with little concern from brands regarding how their clothes were produced has resulted in a dire picture. Greenpeace’s hard-hitting Detox Campaign in 2011 and follow-up reports including Destination Zero: Seven Years of Detoxing the Fashion Industry document the issue of toxic chemicals from the Chinese textile industry causing widespread water pollution and threatening both ecosystems and human health.

With China being a global manufacturing powerhouse, it is no wonder that it produces up to 26 million tons of textile waste per year, only 15% of which is reused or recycled.

What does “Made in China” mean?

And if the above issues above weren’t enough to spook consumers, there are a few more to consider.

First, there’s the fact that China has adopted a similar low-cost outsourcing model that Western countries have, meaning that an item labelled as being “made in China” could be manufactured elsewhere in Asia—such as Vietnam, Cambodia, or Sri Lanka—before being shipped to China for final assembly and exporting. Reports have also emerged of China outsourcing to North Korea or using cheaper North Korean labour based in China.

Second, human rights organisations are campaigning about forced labour and other human rights violations in the region of Xinjiang, where 84% of China’s cotton is produced. With China being one of the world’s largest cotton producers and other garment-exporting countries (eg Bangladesh, Vietnam) using its cotton in their production, it is estimated that up to 20% of the world’s garments have links with human rights violations.

How the "Made in China" Label Is Transforming in Fashion - Good On You (1)

The good: hope on the horizon

So, where does this leave ethical consumers? Let’s take a look at the more encouraging elements to counterbalance some of the issues explored earlier.

Policy level impetus

In 2016, China outlined plans for implementing the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, achieving a degree of success, according to the UN. In addition, in September 2020, China announced its intention to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Somewhat late, some may argue, but given that China is responsible for 28% of the world’s CO2 emissions, this can also be seen as a step in the right direction.

China is also focused on creating a circular economy: it passed a law in 2008 to that effect and has made steady progress over the years, imposing in 2013 a requirement on ten industries, including the textile industry, to become circular. In addition, a report issued in 2020 by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and others highlights the crucial role that China can play at a global level in terms of using circularity to transform the fashion industry.

Green shoots at an industry level

What’s happening on the ground also gives us reasons for hope. Some of China’s largest manufacturers are leading the way. For example, Esquel Group measures and reports on a range of sustainability criteria covering people, planet, product, and community; and Crystal International publishes full sustainability reports, including historical reports, with transparency about current targets for 2022.

Other green shoots are becoming visible as well: Shanghai Fashion Week showcases sustainable designs with observers noting that “a collective consciousness [is] emerging…the mood is changing”; companies such as Streamline Alliance that connect Western brands to ethical factories in China are supporting the shift to responsible manufacturing in China; consumer appetite for sustainable fashion is gaining traction—in a survey quoted in the Business of Fashion, 70% of the 10,000 people surveyed in ten Chinese cities agreed that “personal consumption has a direct impact on the environment”; and there are interesting microtrends, such as upcycling as outlined in Vogue and influencers promoting sustainable or minimalist lifestyles.

Looking to the future

The fashion industry in China offers a nuanced picture. The high volume, low-cost manufacturing is still the most prevalent production model. Unfortunately, this model is still likely to dominate, with both Western brands continuing to outsource to China and domestic ultra fast-fashion brands such as SHEIN being created, especially when these benefit from significant financial backing.

The devastating social and environmental impacts of this conventional model are widely known. In addition, China itself now outsources to lower-cost countries and is embroiled in human rights violations in the Xinjiang region. That said, we can be encouraged by the combined power of NGOs, policy developments in China, and a range of fashion industry initiatives.

And, of course, consumers always have the option of voting with their wallet. So as an ethical consumer, ask brands these key questions: where are the raw materials sourced? Where are the goods produced? What data is available regarding working conditions and outsourcing? Do they have certifications and audit systems in place?

Let’s make sure that the future of “made in China” is brighter than its past.

Browse brands on our Directory to simplify your sustainable shopping experience.

‘Good’ Chinese brands to support

As China is up-and-coming in the sustainable fashion space, a few brands are emerging that are doing right by people, the planet, and animals, all while being China-based! Here are a couple worth your support:

Loop Swim

Rated: Great

How the "Made in China" Label Is Transforming in Fashion - Good On You (2)

Founded by two women from the US and India and headquartered in Shanghai, Loop Swim is a brand on a mission to close the loop on waste and promote circular design. It transforms post-consumer plastic bottles into phenomenal REPREVE UP50+ sun protective swimwear for men, women, and kids. Its trendless, high-quality designs are developed to retain shape and colour swim after swim. Find most items in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Loop Swim.

Norlha

Rated: Good

How the "Made in China" Label Is Transforming in Fashion - Good On You (3)

Norlha creates slow, sustainable luxury fashion, made by nomads turned artisans on the Tibetan Plateau. The brand believes in the exceptional qualities of a rare fibre, in the skill of its dedicated artisans, and in the creation of superior products. Items are available in sizes S-L.

See the rating.

Shop Norlha.

Editor's note

Feature image via Norhla, all other images via Unsplash and brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. Use our Directoryto search more than 3,000 brands. We may earn a commission on sales with top-rated partners made using our offer codes or affiliate links.

How the "Made in China" Label Is Transforming in Fashion - Good On You (2024)

FAQs

How the Made in China label is transforming in fashion? ›

Traditionally, China has been attractive to brands from all over the world for its huge labour pool and production capacity as well as sophisticated factories and efficient supply chains. Crucially, relatively low wages keep production costs down and thus maximise margins for brands, from fast fashion to luxury.

What are the benefits of clothing manufacturing in China? ›

Advantages
  • Lower Production Cost. Working with a manufacturing facility in China means you can reduce the production cost, without reducing volume output. ...
  • High Output in Less Time. ...
  • Easy Market Expansion Opportunities. ...
  • Finding a Factory. ...
  • Language Difficulty. ...
  • Shipping. ...
  • “Made in China” Versus “Made in the U.S” ...
  • Quality of Work.
Dec 19, 2022

Why is there a made in China label? ›

These days, the label “Made in China” is everywhere. This is actually a Customs requirement: all imported products must be marked with their country of origin. Countries of origin are where products were manufactured, produced, or grown.

What are some facts about the clothing industry in China? ›

According to a survey conducted in 2021, around 60 percent of Chinese consumers had bought fashion items from domestic clothing brands. Adding to the ever-increasing demand for fashion, the prevalence of online shopping also boosted China's apparel retailing sector.

What is made in China changed to? ›

Why Manufacturers Switch 'Made in China' for 'Made in PRC'? In the early 2000s, products made in China began to be written “Made in P.R.C.” instead of “Made in China”. In this way, Chinese goods are disguised as being made in another country.

What is made in China labeling requirements? ›

All products sold in the PRC must be marked in the Chinese language. Chinese regulators require imported and exported (but not domestic) food items such as candy, wine, nuts, canned food, and cheese to have labels verified and products tested for quality before a good can be imported or exported.

What are the benefits of importing from China? ›

Low prices: One of the biggest advantages of importing from China is the cost. The prices of products are usually lower in China compared to other countries. This means businesses can purchase products at a lower price and increase their profit margin.

What are the benefits of sourcing products from China? ›

The biggest benefit of sourcing in China is that your cost is significantly reduced due to low manufacturing and labor costs.

What are the benefits of exporting from China? ›

While expanding foreign trade can disrupt US employment, trade with China also creates and supports a significant number of American jobs. Exports to China support over 1 million US jobs, and Chinese companies invested in the United States employ over 160,000 workers. It helps US companies compete globally.

Is Made in China high quality? ›

China does not make all products low-quality. Chinese manufacturing can make incredibly high-quality products if the producer is willing to pay for them. Sometimes their customers are willing to sacrifice quality to make a specific price point.

What is the history of Made in China label? ›

“Made in China” has an earlier history than high-tech products or cheap consumer goods, though. The term was first popularly used during Japanese occupation during the Second Sino-Japanese War in the early 1940s, when Chinese civilians began to boycott Japanese and foreign-made products.

Why is everything sold in the US Made in China? ›

Companies import goods from China in part because their lower cost allows higher retail markups. That means more of what consumers spend goes to those companies and, indirectly, their workers. Imported goods and services constitute a smaller share of the U.S. consumer market than you might think.

What are the special features of Chinese clothing? ›

As a vital part of Chinese civilization, traditional clothing plays an important role in the country's history and culture. Their basic features are cross-collar, wrapping the right lapel over the left, tying with sash and a form of blouse plus skirt or long gown.

What is the environmental impact of clothing manufacturing in China? ›

China's textile industry consumes over 850 Mt of water - approximately 6.3 percent of the total national water consumption. A pair of jeans can consume over 3,700 liters of water and produce over 33kg of carbon. Textile factories in China also generate over 15 tonnes of hazardous waste during production.

Why China's clothing exports has increased? ›

The analysis reveals that cheap labor, firm size, product quality, foreign ownership, availability of local input materials, new product development, preferential market access and working conditions are the major factors that help gaining competitiveness in apparel exports during the post‐MFA period.

Why is everything stamped Made in China? ›

Given the abundance of Chinese products in the marketplace, it's understandable consumers might wonder why so many goods are made in China. One of the reasons companies manufacture their products in China is because of the abundance of lower-wage workers available in the country.

What makes China different from us? ›

Chinese people value collectivism the most in their ideology, but Americans hold the belief in individualism. The difference between Chinese and American ideology mainly exhibits from their different government structure, epidemic prevention performance, and working environment.

What makes China unique and different? ›

With more than 4,000 years of recorded history, China is one of the few existing countries that also flourished economically and culturally in the earliest stages of world civilization. China is unique among nations in its longevity and resilience as a discrete politico-cultural unit.

What is the made in labeling rule? ›

(a) The term Made in the United States means any unqualified representation, express or implied, that a product or service, or a specified component thereof, is of U.S. origin, including, but not limited to, a representation that such product or service is “made,” “manufactured,” “built,” “produced,” “created,” or “ ...

Do you have to put made in China on products? ›

There are labeling requirements that apply to most product categories. As an example, every product label in the US must indicate the country of origin, like the “Made in China” commonly printed above or below the UPC codes of many products.

Do you have to have made in China on products? ›

The general standard is that products will be exempt from individual marking if requiring such marking would be unrealistic, impossible or commercially impracticable. For instance, products that are small or extremely delicate will not require individual country of origin markings.

Why is it so cheap to import from China? ›

The production cost of the products is lower. This is due to Chinese manufacturing, which has numerous specialized companies that offer a wide variety of products with a high level of quality and technology. This allows them to offer products at lower prices.

What are the benefits of China supply chain? ›

China offers a unique advantage to the global supply chain. With its extensive infrastructure network, China offers warehousing, distribution, and shipping services to companies and businesses. This means you can store your goods in China and export them to other countries.

What benefit do we get from import and export? ›

Reduce Costs

Importing from other countries means you can source cheaper prices for goods, and this is particularly beneficial to the manufacturing industry. Also, exporting product parts abroad and using foreign manufacturing may also reduce business costs.

What are 2 important exports from China? ›

Yearly Trade

During the last five reported years the exports of China have changed by $1.12T from $2.22T in 2016 to $3.34T in 2021. The most recent exports are led by Broadcasting Equipment ($231B), Computers ($192B), Integrated Circuits ($158B), Office Machine Parts ($101B), and Telephones ($53.9B).

What does the US need from China? ›

In 2021, of $506.4 billion in the U.S. imports from China, the top commodity sectors were Machinery and Mechanical Appliances (47.7% of total U.S. imports from China), Furniture, Bedding, Lamps, Toys, Games, Sport Equipment, Paint, and Other Miscellaneous Manufactured Items (13.5%), and Chemicals, Plastics, Rubber, and ...

What is the quality of Chinese products? ›

To summarise, there is nothing inherently bad about the quality of Chinese products. Many premium “high quality” products are already made in China. Buyers need to be careful to select suppliers based on their ability to deliver a quality product, not just on price.

What percentage of goods are made in China? ›

According to data published by the United Nations Statistics Division, China accounted for 28.7 percent of global manufacturing output in 2019. That puts the country more than 10 percentage points ahead of the United States, which used to have the world's largest manufacturing sector until China overtook it in 2010.

What is the made in China stereotype? ›

Consumers have associated China manufacturing with low product quality and poor employee working conditions. Stories in the news describing some China factory working conditions further reinforced these negative stereotypes.

Can Made in China be vintage? ›

The Chinese factories opened up in the early '90s for mass manufacturing to Western countries, so for most “vintage” with a “MiC” label it will be no older than that, but there were always items made for the tourist market, and those that have survived prove that the Chinese seamstresses and artisans are some of the ...

How do I identify a China brand? ›

What we consider “fine” china usually has a mark on the back identifying the manufacturer. If there are two marks, one may be the manufacturer and the other the painter/glazer. Backstamps provide a clue as to the date of china, because historically, manufacturers changed stamps frequently.

What is the difference between Made in China and product of China? ›

If a company harvests rice grown in China, the rice is a product of China and its packaging should state “Made in China”. However, for many products, determining the correct country of origin requires analyzing CBP regulations and prior CBP country of origin rulings.

Why does China make so many fake products? ›

It is because Chinese markets have access to all the resources required to produce counterfeits due to their high production rate, low-cost labour, and adaptive technologies setup by significant brands since the reform of China's economy in 1978.

Is it OK to buy made in China? ›

"Made-in-China means lower quality."

False. There is no evidence that Chinese products are lesser quality than US-made products. During the industrial era, the bulk of textile manufacturing moved overseas for cheaper labor for the same quality production.

What is minimum wage in China? ›

Minimum Wages in China remained unchanged at 2590 CNY/Month (370.098 USD/Month) in 2023. The maximum rate of minimum wage for employees was 2480 CNY/Month and minimum was 690 CNY/Month. Data published Yearly by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

What are two special features of Chinese culture? ›

The Chinese traditional cultural values of harmony, benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and filial piety are embodied in China's diplomacy through the concept of harmony, the most important Chinese traditional value.

What do the colors of Chinese clothing mean? ›

In Chinese culture, colors are given lucky or unlucky meanings. Red is the national color of China and it symbolizes happiness and good fortune, while yellow is the color of royalty. Green is the color of health and healing and it has a meaning that is closely related to the Western meaning.

What is a Chinese style? ›

'China style') is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and other East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theatre, and music. The aesthetic of chinoiserie has been expressed in different ways depending on the region.

What are 3 impacts that the fashion industry has on the environment? ›

The industry produces an estimated 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The production and distribution of the crops, fibers, and garments used in fashion all contribute to differing forms of environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil degradation.

Why is China the largest manufacturer of clothing? ›

Traditionally, China has been attractive to brands from all over the world for its huge labour pool and production capacity as well as sophisticated factories and efficient supply chains. Crucially, relatively low wages keep production costs down and thus maximise margins for brands, from fast fashion to luxury.

What are the sustainable fashion brands in China? ›

No longer a trend but a way of thinking about the future, sustainability is entering the Chinese market by changing consumption habits and preferences. The roster of China's up-and-coming sustainable fashion brands includes klee klee, SiiZU, Ziran, R Collective, ICICLE, Angel Chang, Krop and Bastine, to name a few.

Why is Chinese clothing important? ›

In the hierarchical society of imperial China, dress was a way to designate an individual's rank. The exact status of both male and female members of the imperial family, and of all officials, could be recognized at a glance according to the colours and designs of their garments.

Is it cheaper to make clothes in China? ›

One of the most well-known advantages of manufacturing in China is that it's cheaper than making goods in many other countries. Lower Chinese manufacturing costs translate into better margins and lower prices for the end user. Your brand's gross profit can increase with the lower cost of production.

How significant is the clothing industry in China? ›

China's Clothing Manufacturing Industry

As the world's largest clothing manufacturer for more than a decade, China accounted for more than half of the global apparel production. The country has a revenue of 303 billion USD in 2021 from the apparel market.

What percentage of American clothing is made in China? ›

Still, China accounted for 35 percent of the apparel imported into the United States for the 12-month period ending Oct. 31. In past years, China has accounted for as much as 40 percent of all clothing brought into the country.

What is the stigma of Made in China? ›

Google searches for “made in China” and “why is everything made in China” are rampant, topping over 400,000 searches a year. Whereas American goods are seen as sturdy and well-crafted, there are xenophobic connotations that Chinese production must be cheap, low quality, or made in the hands of sweatshop laborers.

What clothing brands are manufactured in China? ›

Top Clothing Manufacturers in China
  • Country Bright Company Limited.
  • King Wang Fashion Manufactory.
  • Dongguan Dongxin Zipper Co.
  • Craze Station.
Mar 17, 2022

Why are luxury brands made in China? ›

Today, luxury brands such as Burberry, Armani, and Prada manufacture in China not just because it is cheap but also because they are still able to get good workmanship for the price.

Why is it cheaper to make clothes in China? ›

7 Additionally, consumer products from China were exempted from any import taxes. These lower tax rates helped to keep the cost of production low, enabling the country to attract investors and companies looking to produce low-cost goods.

Is made in USA higher quality? ›

American-Made Products are typical of Higher Quality.

These standards ensure that products are safe for consumers and are made with high-quality materials. Products sold in other countries may not have to meet these same standards, which means they may be made with lower-quality materials.

What percentage of clothing bought in US is made in US? ›

Did you know that the average American household spends roughly $1,800 on clothing every year? Together, we purchase almost 20 billion items of clothing each year. However, out of all those 20 billion items, the percentage of clothing made in American is only two percent — that's it.

Does China make anything high quality? ›

China does not make all products low-quality. Chinese manufacturing can make incredibly high-quality products if the producer is willing to pay for them. Sometimes their customers are willing to sacrifice quality to make a specific price point.

What does ethically made in China mean? ›

This means workers are paid and treated well, and the environment is considered as part of the production process. As China moves towards more ethical manufacturing practices, we are proud to help our clients support the factories that have high standards and follow best practices.

Does China have quality clothes? ›

There is no evidence that Chinese products are lesser quality than US-made products. During the industrial era, the bulk of textile manufacturing moved overseas for cheaper labor for the same quality production.

Does made in China mean manufactured in China? ›

A product may be labeled 'made' or 'assembled' depending on where it was sourced and/or manufactured. “Made” indicates all or most of the parts and components used to make the product originated from that country and were also manufactured in that same country.

Where are most clothes made in China? ›

It's not an exaggeration to say that almost all clothing products are made in China. There are around 50 textile clusters in China. Guangdong, Shandong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangsu are the 5 provinces that account for 70% of the country's total textile production.

Where is most clothing manufactured in China? ›

Buying from China's wholesale

Guangdong Province is also known as “China's Factory” and has in recent years built a worldwide reputation for top-quality fashion wholesalers.

Are Louis Vuitton clothes made in China? ›

The Louis Vuitton leather goods collections are exclusively produced in our workshops located in France, Spain, Italy and the United States. Manufacturing our footwear and ready-to-wear collections takes place in France and Italy.

What American products are made in China? ›

All-American Brands That Are Actually Made In China and Other...
  • L.L.Bean. ...
  • Levi Strauss & Co. ...
  • New Balance. ...
  • Radio Flyer. ...
  • Melissa & Doug Toys. ...
  • Brach's Confections, Inc. ...
  • US Major League Baseballs. ...
  • Chevy Silverado.

What is the number 1 brand in China? ›

Tencent

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