INSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY – The Rise of British Manufacturers for Emerging Designers & What It Means for Sustainable Fashion Production

China. Tariffs. China and Tariffs. Tariffs and China. Pretty much everything we have heard for the past few weeks… but what are some of the goods that are coming out of this China and new tariffs moment? Well, we (people who work in this industry) are still working on it! All I can say is that this moment certainly makes us all look to new horizons and seek new strategies. And let me tell you, some of these “new strategies” aren’t so new! For a long time the US has used different manufacturers that do not only strict their manufacturing capabilities to China. So let's look into that! 

A new wave of attention is being directed toward British manufacturers—and for good reason. A recent Vogue Business article titled “We’re not just a nice marketing story”: British manufacturers speak up highlights how British textile and garment factories are stepping up, not just as local heritage keepers, but as viable, strategic partners in modern fashion production. For emerging designers, this shift represents a valuable opportunity—one that goes beyond marketing aesthetics and into meaningful, long-term business growth.

Why British Manufacturing Is Worth Your Attention

While large fashion houses often dominate the conversation around domestic production, smaller British manufacturers are now using their voices to challenge the perception that they’re just “boutique” options. According to Vogue, many of these factories are operating at scale, maintaining high production standards, and offering skilled craftsmanship backed by decades of experience. This is crucial for emerging designers who need reliable partners capable of delivering quality, transparency, and scalability.

In an industry increasingly focused on traceability and sustainable practices, proximity matters. Local production reduces shipping emissions and enables easier oversight of the supply chain—two key selling points for sustainability-conscious customers and retailers. British manufacturers, many of whom operate within a regulated and ethical labor environment, help elevate the value of a brand by providing credibility in both quality and corporate responsibility.

Opening Doors to the European Market

Although Brexit has posed challenges for trade, working with British manufacturers still holds strategic advantages—especially when considering the broader European market. EU buyers are known to favor brands that produce locally or within neighboring countries due to lower import duties, faster lead times, and stronger compliance with EU regulations. By building a production partnership with a British manufacturer, designers can position themselves more favorably with European stockists and retailers, while maintaining a narrative of heritage, quality, and sustainability.

Also, British-made fashion often holds cultural cachet in Europe, which can be leveraged for brand storytelling and marketing campaigns. Working with UK manufacturers is not just a logistical move—it can become a defining part of your brand’s identity and value proposition.

British vs. EU Manufacturing: Strategic Considerations

While the UK offers unique benefits, emerging designers should also look to the EU as a complementary production hub. Countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain remain popular for their quality textiles, technical know-how, and strong infrastructure for small to mid-sized fashion brands. The EU currently offers fewer customs barriers for intra-European trade, which can significantly reduce costs and delivery times if you're targeting European retailers or e-commerce customers.

Emerging designers should consider creating a hybrid production strategy—one that combines the artisanal and branding advantages of British manufacturing with the logistical benefits of working within the EU. This approach allows you to diversify risk, test different materials and techniques, and serve different customer markets.

How Emerging Designers Can Start Working with British Manufacturers

For many new designers, the idea of reaching out to manufacturers can feel overwhelming (one of the main reasons why I do what I do!). But British factories are becoming more receptive to working with small brands and limited runs, particularly those who value ethical production and clear communication.

Usually this is a conversation that I initiate when introducing my clients to manufacturers, but the initial point usually is identifying manufacturers that specialize in your product category—be it knitwear, tailoring, or outerwear—and reach out with a detailed tech pack and a clear idea of your production volume. British manufacturers, as noted in the Vogue Business article, are increasingly open to dialogue and partnership, not just transaction. That mindset aligns perfectly with the collaborative nature many emerging designers are looking for.

You can also explore platforms like Make It British to find manufacturers and learn more about UK-based production options.

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I understand that reaching out to manufacturers can feel overwhelming. But, for emerging designers, reaching out to manufacturers is not only overwhelming, it also means stepping into the unknown! I’ve helped designers around the world to navigate this unknown! 

Whether you're choosing between British or EU factories, developing a new collection, or simply trying to understand the production process. I offer tailored services that meet each designer’s needs, from sourcing and budgeting to timeline management and quality control.

If you’re an emerging designer and want to explore how to make the most of British and EU manufacturing, I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute strategy call with me through the link below:

https://go.oncehub.com/BarbaraSessim