Made in India or Vietnam? A Smart Buyer’s Guide

Summary:

Wondering about importing garments from India vs Vietnam? India offers more design options, eco-friendly fabrics, smaller order flexibility, and faster communication. Vietnam excels in high-volume basics but lacks creativity and agility. For brands seeking quality, speed, and sustainability, India—with partners like NoName—is the smarter, future-ready choice.

Introduction:

If you’re building a fashion brand that values quality, speed, and scalability, where you get your garments made can make or break your margins. India and Vietnam are both manufacturing powerhouses, but the similarities end there. India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally, while Vietnam’s strength lies in its ability to execute quickly and produce in high volumes for global retailers. So, where should your next production run go?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison tailored for modern fashion businesses.

Factor	India	Vietnam
Textile Ecosystem	End-to-end: raw cotton, spinning, dyeing, printing, garmenting, finishing	Strong in cut-and-sew, but relies heavily on imported raw materials
MOQ Flexibility	Very flexible, especially with small & mid-size factories	Generally higher MOQs; geared towards larger volume orders
Lead Times	Moderate (due to fabric development or customization options)	Fast (especially for repeat or standardized styles)
Cost Competitiveness	Competitive across tiers; better value for customization & small runs	Slightly lower labor costs, but less flexibility
Product Range	Broad (fashion, ethnic, activewear, artisan, sustainable, etc.)	Strong in basics, uniforms, and mass-market fashion
Sustainability Focus	Growing rapidly with GOTS, BCI, organic cotton, plant dyes	Improving, but still catching up on certifications and transparency
Communication & Language	High English proficiency; smoother coordination	Improving, but sometimes needs translation layers
Cultural Compatibility	High; long-standing partnerships with Western brands	Good, though sometimes rigid on customization requests
Infrastructure	Improving ports, roads, and logistics; robust domestic transport	Strong logistics, faster port processing times
Government Support	Incentives for export, sustainability, and manufacturing zones	Highly export-focused policies, strong FTAs with major markets
Value-Added Services	Sampling, tech-pack development, trims sourcing, private labeling	Strong in volume production, less focus on design input

Vietnam is known for its large-scale garment exports—about US$44 billion in 2024, an 11% rise from the year before. Many global brands rely on Vietnamese factories for high-volume production.

But problems are starting to show:

• In April 2025, the U.S. threatened up to 46% tariffs on Vietnamese garments over concerns about falsely labeled Chinese products.

• Over 60% of Vietnam’s raw materials, like cotton and fabric, are imported, causing delays and higher costs.

• For brands needing smaller runs, eco-friendly options, or customized styles, Vietnam doesn’t offer much flexibility.

That’s where India steps in—and stands out.

India is becoming the preferred destination for fashion brands that want creative control, ethical sourcing, faster turnaround, and long-term growth. With a strong domestic textile base, digital-first factories, and powerful government support, India offers more than just production—it offers partnership.

Whether you’re launching a limited-edition drop, building a sustainable fashion line, or scaling up with smart sourcing, India is the smarter, future-ready choice for importing and manufacturing garments.

Why India Is a More Flexible, Rich, and Reliable Partner

Even though India exported slightly less ($36 billion in FY 2023‑24), its garment industry is rapidly improving. Brands have noticed—and it’s for solid reasons.

1. Strong Government Support

India is boosting its garment sector with programs that bring real value:

• PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme for Textiles

  • Offers 4–6% incentives on production.

  • Around ₹19,800 crore ($2.4 billion) in projects were approved in 2024 across 64 companies.

• PM-MITRA Textile Parks

  • New mega-parks offering weaving, dyeing, apparel, and shared services under one roof.

  • Built to speed up production and cut costs.

• TUFS / ATUFS + IPDS

  • Help factories upgrade to modern machines.

  • Support eco-friendly practices like better wastewater treatment and energy use.

• RoSCTL / MEIS

  • Provide export-focused benefits like tax rebates to keep India competitive.

In contrast, Vietnam depends more on trade deals like EVFTA and CPTPP and incentives for foreign investors. India’s approach is more about building strong local ecosystems.

2. More Design Options & Material Choices

India offers both creativity and variety:

• You can easily find eco-textiles like organic cotton, bamboo, even hand-dyed silk.

• Indian artisans offer rich designs: block printing, appliqué, embroidery, Kantha, Chikankari, you name it.

• India supports all kinds of garment categories: from resort wear to athleisure, kidswear to bridal wear.

• Brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo often use India for decorated lines, eco capsules, and seasonal collections.

Vietnam, meanwhile, sticks more to bulk production—great quality in basics, but less diverse.

3. Quicker Communication & Supply Chain

India’s supply chains are getting faster:

• Many factories use digital tools like PLM software and e-sampling platforms.

• Teams converse confidently in English, streamlining design and delivery.

• Manufacturing hubs are near ports like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, getting finished goods to global buyers with speed.

Vietnam, by contrast, sometimes slows down with communication gaps, supply chain lags, or import dependence.

4. Source-to-Finish Control

India is unique because it offers one-stop sourcing:

• It’s the world’s 2nd largest cotton producer.

• Silk and natural fiber weaving is also a strong suit.

• You can buy fabric, dye it, add stretch, and sew the garment—all within India.

For brands emphasizing sustainability and traceability, this end-to-end control is a major plus.

5. Small-Batch Freedom

Not all brands want huge orders. India’s factories offer MOQs (minimum order quantities) as low as 500–1,000 units, perfect for:

• Pilot collections

• Seasonal lines

• Limited drops

Vietnam typically focuses on large-scale orders, making it a less flexible partner for emerging or niche brands.

6. India Offers Variety

Yes, Vietnam exported $44 billion in 2024—a massive number. Major sportswear and basics brands rely on Vietnam for steady, high-volume production.

But remember:

• Vietnam may face unpredictable US tariffs—buyers have already raised concerns about possible 46% increases.

• Most fabric is imported, making completed goods less traceable and eco-friendly.

• Its factories are optimized for volume, not detailed or fashion-heavy collections.

India, on the other hand, provides a richer, more creative backdrop for brands that want to stand out.

Top Fashion Brands Choosing India, Not Vietnam

Here are real examples of big labels tapping into India’s strengths:

• H&M: Sources organic cotton basics and printed apparel from Tirupur and Jaipur.

• Zara (Inditex): Uses Indian mills for decorative pieces and silk blends.

• Uniqlo: Shifts linen-blend and kids wear lines to Indian suppliers, while keeping T-shirts and jackets in Vietnam.

These strategic shifts show that brands are using India for specific collections—giving India a growing role in global supply chains.

NoName – Your Trusted Clothing Manufacturing Partner

 

When you’re ready to work with garments manufacturers in India, NoName is the partner you want. They build on India’s strengths:

• Low MOQs: Starting as low as 500 pieces—great for trials or smaller runs.

• Artisan Capabilities: Good with hand block printing, embroidery, appliqué, and natural dyes—delivering unique, branded looks.

• Eco-conscious Practices: Operate in PM-MITRA textile parks, follow green standards (GOTS & Oeko-Tex), and keep supply chains traceable.

• Digital Efficiency: Fast sampling and modern systems mean quicker approvals and production.

• Global Compliance: Meet international standards and pass buyer audits with ease.

NoName doesn’t just fulfill orders—they help your brand stand out, grow, and stay true to its values.

Wrapping Up: Make the Smarter Choice

If you're wondering about importing garments from India vs Vietnam, here’s the simple answer:

• India gives you creativity, traceability, speed, small-batch agility, and a strong brand story.

• Vietnam delivers high-volume basics, but less design variety or eco credentials.

Today, global brands want more than just cheap tees. They want a unique design, ethical supply, and fast turnaround. They need suppliers who understand brand thinking, not just factory output.

That’s why more brands are choosing India—and NoName—for their next collection.

📣 Take the Next Step: Connect with NoName

Don’t just manage your supply chain—upgrade it.

NoName offers:

• Efficient sampling and production timelines

• Ethical and certified practices

• Design partnership for collections that stand out

Reach out to NoName today to discuss your next drop, capsule, or launch. And let India take your brand to the next level.

WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

Website: www.nonameglobal.com 

Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet