If you check the label on the shirt you’re wearing right now, there is a good chance it reads “Made in Bangladesh.”
For decades, this South Asian nation has been the engine room of the global fast fashion industry. But if you think Bangladesh is only about basic t-shirts and unbeatable prices, you are looking at an outdated picture. Today, the country is the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, ranking just behind China. It is home to the highest number of green garment factories globally and is rapidly moving up the value chain into high-end technical sportswear, complex denim washing, and value-added knitwear.
For brands and procurement managers, entering the Bangladeshi market can be a game-changer. Its vast production capacity supports everything from small custom runs to mass volumes, while opening profitable manufacturing business ideas built on compliance, specialization, and scalable sourcing partnerships.
This guide explores why top global brands continue to choose Bangladesh, how the industry has reinvented itself through sustainability, and what you need to know before placing your first order.
The Powerhouse of Global Apparel: By the Numbers
To understand the scope of clothing manufacturing in Bangladesh, you have to look at the data. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector is not just a part of the economy; it is the backbone.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), RMG exports reached $36.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year, accounting for nearly 81% of the country’s total export earnings. Despite global economic headwinds, the momentum continues, with exports hitting $26.8 billion in the first seven months of the 2024-25 fiscal year alone—a 10.7% increase year-over-year.
The industry currently employs approximately 4 million people, a significant portion of whom are women. This massive workforce allows for a production capacity that few other nations can rival. With around 4,500 factories belonging to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the infrastructure is built to scale.
From “Cheap” to “Value-Added”
Historically, buyers flocked to Bangladesh for the “China Plus One” strategy—seeking lower labor costs as Chinese wages rose. While cost competitiveness remains a major draw, the narrative has shifted. Manufacturers are investing heavily in automation, 3D sampling, and modern machinery. The focus is no longer just on being the cheapest option, but on offering the best value—balancing price with quality, speed, and ethical compliance.
Key Manufacturing Capabilities: What Can You Make?
Bangladesh is a powerhouse in the global apparel industry, excelling in both knitwear and woven garments. These two categories form the backbone of the country’s textile exports, showcasing its dual strength in manufacturing. However, the supply chain dynamics for knitwear and woven garments vary significantly due to differences in production processes, raw material requirements, and lead times.
For instance, knitwear often involves faster production cycles, thanks to its simpler design and reliance on locally sourced yarn, while woven garments typically require more intricate tailoring and may depend on imported fabrics, adding complexity to the supply chain.
1. Knitwear: The Crown Jewel
Knitwear (t-shirts, polos, sweaters, fleece) is the strongest category in Bangladesh. The sector is highly vertically integrated. According to the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), local textile mills meet around 85% of the demand for knit fabrics.
This means a factory in Narayanganj can often spin the yarn, knit the fabric, dye it, and stitch the final garment all within a tight radius—or even under one roof. For buyers, this vertical integration translates to:
- Shorter Lead Times: No waiting for fabric to arrive from overseas.
- Lower Costs: Reduced logistics and shipping expenses.
- Better Control: Easier quality control (QC) when the fabric source is local.
2. Woven Garments: Trousers and Shirts
Woven products (jeans, formal shirts, chinos) are another massive export, but they rely more heavily on imported fabrics. Local mills currently meet only about 40% of the woven fabric demand, meaning the rest is imported, primarily from China and India.
While this can extend lead times slightly compared to knits, Bangladesh’s expertise in woven assembly is world-class. The country is a top destination for denim, with factories utilizing advanced laser and ozone washing technologies to create complex finishes for global denim giants.
3. Sweaters and Outerwear
The sweater sector has evolved from manual knitting to sophisticated Jacquard machines. Factories are now producing complex patterns and lighter-weight knits suitable for spring/summer collections, reducing the seasonality of the business. Additionally, the production of technical outerwear—like puffer jackets and trench coats—is growing as factories upskill their workforce.
The Green Revolution: Leading the World in Sustainability
One of the most surprising facts for new buyers is Bangladesh’s dominance in green manufacturing. The industry has made a concerted effort to shed its past image and rebrand as a leader in environmental stewardship.
Bangladesh is home to the highest number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified garment factories in the world. As of 2025, there are 270 LEED-certified factories in the country. This includes:
- 114 Platinum-rated factories: The highest possible rating.
- 137 Gold-rated factories.
In 2025 alone, the sector added a record-breaking 38 green factories. These facilities utilize rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and energy-efficient servo motors to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. For brands with strict ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, sourcing from these certified partners provides immediate credibility and traceability.
Compliance and Safety: A New Era
The safety landscape in Bangladesh changed permanently after the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013. In the decade since, the industry has undergone one of the most rigorous safety overhauls in industrial history.
The Rise of the RSC
Initially, safety inspections were handled by international bodies like the Accord and the Alliance. In May 2020, the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) was formed to take over these responsibilities permanently.
The RSC is a unprecedented tripartite body governed by industry representatives (BGMEA/BKMEA), global brands, and trade unions. It conducts regular structural, electrical, and fire safety inspections. Factories that fail to remediate safety violations face suspension and lose their license to export to member brands. This rigorous ecosystem has made modern Bangladeshi garment factories some of the safest in the developing world.
Where to Look: Major Manufacturing Hubs
Understanding the geography of Bangladesh helps in planning logistics and factory visits. The industry is concentrated in four main hubs surrounding the capital, Dhaka, and the port city, Chattogram.
1. Dhaka (Mirpur, Savar, Ashulia)
Savar and Ashulia, located on the outskirts of Dhaka, are the heart of the woven and denim industry. This area is home to massive industrial parks and is close to the airport, making it accessible for buyer visits.
2. Gazipur
Just north of Dhaka, Gazipur is a sprawling industrial district hosting some of the largest composite knit and woven factories. Many of the LEED Platinum factories are located here, benefitting from larger plots of land.
3. Narayanganj
Known as the “Dundee of the East,” Narayanganj is the historic center of the knitwear trade. It sits on the Shitalakshya River, which is crucial for the dyeing and washing plants that support the knit sector. If you are sourcing t-shirts or fleece, you will likely end up here.
4. Chattogram (Chittagong)
As the home of the country’s primary seaport, Chattogram offers a distinct logistical advantage. Factories here can move goods from the production floor to the shipping container in a fraction of the time it takes for Dhaka-based factories. This hub is ideal for high-volume orders where shipping speed is critical.
Clothing Manufacturers in Bangladesh
Bangladesh stands as one of the leading hubs for clothing manufacturing globally, owing to its competitive labor costs and robust infrastructure. The country’s apparel sector has flourished, housing thousands of factories that cater to renowned global brands. Below are five notable clothing manufacturers in Bangladesh that have significantly contributed to its standing as a global apparel powerhouse:
1. Beximco
Beximco is one of the largest and most prominent textile and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, Beximco manufactures high-quality knitwear, jerseys, denim, and more. The company is vertically integrated, allowing it to handle everything from fabric production to final garment assembly. Beximco has worked with international giants like Zara, H&M, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger.
2. DBL Group
DBL Group is another key player in the Bangladeshi apparel sector. With a strong focus on sustainability, DBL offers a wide range of knitwear and textiles, catering to top brands like Puma, Esprit, and G-Star. The company prides itself on its eco-friendly operations, making significant investments in water treatment plants and energy efficiencies to reduce their environmental impact. Their emphasis on green manufacturing sets an industry benchmark.
3. Ha-Meem Group
Ha-Meem Group is a household name when it comes to clothing manufacturing in Bangladesh. Specializing in denim and woven garments, Ha-Meem is trusted by brands such as Gap, Mango, and Next. Their production capacities are impressive, with cutting-edge automation and an ability to produce millions of garments monthly. Ha-Meem not only emphasizes global quality standards but also promotes local employment.
4. Square Fashions
Part of the renowned Square Group, Square Fashions is synonymous with quality and innovation in Bangladesh’s apparel industry. The company is known for its wide portfolio that includes knitwear, woven garments, and specialized textiles. Square Fashions supplies top-tier global brands thanks to its advanced facilities and unwavering commitment to high manufacturing standards. Their integrated production process ensures consistent quality throughout.
5. Envoy Textiles
Envoy Textiles is globally recognized for its commitment to sustainability and quality in the denim sector. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first LEED-certified denim factory—a testament to its environmentally conscious practices. Envoy actively caters to major denim brands, providing eco-friendly and innovative fabric and garment solutions while maintaining impeccable quality standards.
6. Epyllion Group
Known for its diverse product range, Epyllion Group is a pioneer in manufacturing knit fabrics, garments, and textiles. The company caters to numerous global brands with a focus on durability and consistency. Epyllion is also a leader in integrating sustainability into its operations, focusing on methods that minimize waste while maintaining maximum efficiency in production.
7. Fakir Group
Fakir Group is a vertically integrated apparel manufacturer specializing in knit garments. From yarn production to finished clothing, Fakir Group manages every stage of the manufacturing process. The company has built a strong reputation for partnering with well-known international retailers including Walmart, C&A, and Lidl. Their commitment to innovative design and stringent quality control has solidified their position in the global market.
Read More: Plastic Bottle Manufacturer in Bangladesh
Practical Sourcing Insights for Buyers
If you are ready to start sourcing, keep these practical realities in mind to ensure a smooth partnership.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
Bangladesh is built for volume. Traditionally, factories prefer MOQs of 2,000 to 5,000 pieces per style. However, as the market evolves, many manufacturers are opening dedicated lines for smaller runs (500–1,000 pieces) to cater to startups and D2C brands. Be prepared to pay a surcharge for smaller quantities.
Lead Times
- Knitwear: 60–90 days (thanks to local fabric availability).
- Woven: 90–120 days (accounting for fabric import and shipping).
- Always build a buffer into your timeline, especially if you are importing specialized fabrics or trims.
Payment Terms
Most manufacturers operate on an Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight. This protects both parties. As you build trust, factories may offer TT (Telegraphic Transfer) payment terms or sales contracts, but L/C remains the industry standard.
Quality Control (QC)
Never rely solely on the factory’s internal QC. Hire a third-party inspection agency (like SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas) or appoint your own QC representative to inspect goods during production (inline) and before shipment (pre-final).
Global Brands Sourcing from Bangladesh
You are in good company when you source from Bangladesh. The country is the primary sourcing destination for high-street giants and retailers including:
- H&M: One of the largest buyers of Bangladeshi garments.
- Inditex (Zara): Sources heavily for its basics and denim lines.
- PVH Corp: The parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger utilizes Bangladesh for both volume and premium items.
- Uniqlo: Leverages the country’s knitwear expertise for its essential lines.
- Tesco & Primark: Major volume buyers for the UK market.
The Future of “Made in Bangladesh”
The Bangladeshi apparel sector is at a pivotal moment. Having conquered the volume game, it is now pivoting toward value, sustainability, and technical innovation. This transformation is not only reshaping the industry but also driving significant economic impact, contributing to Bangladesh’s development by creating millions of jobs and boosting export revenues. With the EU and US markets demanding greener supply chains, Bangladesh’s investment in LEED certifications puts it miles ahead of competitors who are just starting their green journey.
For buyers, this represents a unique opportunity. You can access a mature, compliant, and massive manufacturing ecosystem that is hungry for partnership. Whether you are launching a sustainable denim line or looking for a reliable supplier for basic tees, Bangladesh offers a compelling mix of capacity, cost, and conscience.
