For many slow fashion founders, the idea of manufacturing in China comes with mixed emotions: excitement about lower costs, hesitation about increased minimums, confusion with the process, and, if I'm honest, fear about the unknown.
You want to grow. You’re ready to scale your product line or reduce your production costs. But how do you do that without compromising the ethics and values you built your brand on?
I want to start the conversation by busting a common myth: manufacturing in China isn’t inherently unethical. Fast fashion is unethical. Exploitation is unethical. Lack of transparency is unethical.
But China itself? It’s just a place. And like any country, it has both questionable factories and highly ethical, transparent, and innovative manufacturers who specialise in small-scale, sustainable production.
So if you’re feeling torn between your values and your business goals, this blog is for you.
I want to unpack the three biggest things you need to know before manufacturing in China plus a few truths that might surprise you. And if you're craving a real-world example from someone who took the leap to do it, stick around to meet Rachael Calvert, founder of Marvell Lane, who’ll be sharing her behind-the-scenes story in the Slow Fashion Lab this Monday.
1. Ethical manufacturing in China is possible but it starts with research, not assumptions.
Let’s bust the biggest myth first: 'If it’s made in China, it can’t be ethical.'
Not only is this false, it’s harmful. It dismisses the efforts of thousands of workers and factory owners who are pushing for more ethical, transparent manufacturing systems within China.
The truth is ethics aren't about geography. Ethics are about how your garments are made, who is making them, and what your relationship with that process looks like.
So, how do you find a supplier who aligns with your values? Here’s what to focus on...
- Certifications. Look for third-party audited factories with certifications like BSCI, WRAP, GOTS, or ISO standards. These don’t guarantee perfection but they’re a starting point.
- Transparency. Good factories are willing to communicate clearly. They’ll answer your questions about wages, hours, materials, and factory conditions. If they avoid details? Red flag.
- Video calls and virtual tours. In a post-COVID world, many manufacturers offer live video walkthroughs of their facilities. It’s not the same as being there, but it gives you insight beyond a polished website.
- Referrals from other ethical brands. This is where community becomes powerful. Inside the Slow Fashion Lab, founders often share supplier recommendations (and horror stories) to help each other make informed decisions, choose the right locations, and avoid pitfalls.
Remember: the most ethical choice is one where you’ve done your due diligence, kept asking questions, and continue to build a transparent, mutually respectful relationship with your production partner.
2. Be ready for communication gaps and build systems that support clarity.
One of the biggest pain points in offshore manufacturing isn’t ethics. It’s communication.
Different time zones. Language differences. Cultural nuances. You name it, it can slow things down or create costly misunderstandings if you’re not prepared.
The key here is having systems in place to make the process simple for both parties.
Here’s what experienced founders like Rachael Calvert (one of our Slow Fashion Lab resident mentors) have learned the hard way:
-
Tech packs are your best friend. A clear, detailed tech pack leaves nothing to guesswork. Include measurements, construction details, fabric specs, labels, tags, and packaging requirements.
-
Use clear visuals and annotations. When language is a barrier, pictures speak a thousand words. Use arrows, call-outs, and photos to show what you want.
-
Batch your communication. Don't trickle emails every day. This leads to confusion. Batch your updates or questions into clear bullet-pointed messages and allow time for replies.
-
Work with a translator or sourcing agent when needed. It’s not a weakness, it’s a smart move that can save you time, money, and headaches.
Even with all this in place, expect delays, misunderstandings, and moments of frustration. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re learning how to grow. Resilience here is just as important as planning.
3. Price isn't everything but margins do matter.
Let’s talk money, because it’s often the elephant in the ethical fashion room. You might be exploring Chinese manufacturing because your local production costs are too high to scale, your customers are price-sensitive or you want to increase your margins to pay yourself properly.
And you know what? Those are all valid reasons to explore alternative manufacturing.
Choosing a more affordable manufacturer does not mean you're selling out. it means you're trying to build something sustainable for yourself, too.
But here's the key. Don’t choose the cheapest quote. Choose the quote that balances ethics, quality, and clarity. Choose a maker you connect with and share values with. Because if you choose the lowest quote purely on that price, low pricing at the expense of workers or your brand values might cost you more long-term in returns, damage control, and guilt.
And don’t forget to future-proof.
Ask about price fluctuations, MOQs (minimum order quantities), and tariffs. Build buffer zones into your pricing to account for global shifts (like pandemics or freight disruptions). Understand the 'true cost' of every step from prototyping to sampling to shipping.
Knowledge is power, and inside the Slow Fashion Lab, we’re all about demystifying these numbers so you can build with confidence.
Manufacturing in China can be ethical, sustainable, and smart for your business. But it’s also complex. It takes patience, persistence, and community.
And that’s exactly what the Slow Fashion Lab is for, to support founders like you who are doing something good for the world, but need support doing it well.
This Monday inside the Lab, we’re joined by Rachael Calvert, founder of Marvell Lane, for a raw, honest, and incredibly practical mentor session.
Rachael has built a global label for fuller-bust swimwear, lingerie and clothing all while navigating manufacturing offshore in China and keeping her values intact. She's managed international shipping disruptions, shifting tariffs, and rising costs, while staying grounded through stress, uncertainty, and growth pains.
She’s walked the long road in ethical and sustainable fashion and she’s sharing everything she’s learned.
If you’ve ever felt like offshore production was 'off-limits' because you care about ethics, this session will give you the clarity, confidence, and context you need to move forward with integrity.
Because where there's a will, there's a way. Scaling your brand doesn’t mean abandoning your values. It means finding a bigger, bolder way to live them out.
And yes, that might look like making in China, or India, or Africa. If it helps you reach more people, pay yourself properly, and grow your impact, then it might be the most sustainable choice for you.
So, read up. Ask questions. Get support. And remember, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Your vibe attracts your tribe, and you've just found yours.
Ready to learn more? Join the Slow Fashion Lab to access Monday's call full of real-world tips, renewed confidence, and a clearer path forward.
And if you can't make it live, our members have lifetime access to every past call and every future call replay. No time limits. No cut offs. Lifetimes access to learning the skills you need to grow.
Because fashion isn’t bad. Fast fashion is bad. Slow fashion is good. And we need more of it.
Claire x
