When it comes to producing men’s swimwear, finding the right manufacturing partner is crucial for achieving the perfect balance between quality, cost, and speed to market. With so many options available globally, choosing the right location can be a challenge. That’s where Deepwear comes in. With a vast network across key production hubs, we help brands make informed decisions about where to source their swimwear, ensuring they stay competitive and efficient.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best countries for swimwear manufacturing, focusing on regions like China, Vietnam, Thailand, the United States, Italy, Morocco,Turkey, and Portugal. Whether your brand is based in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, this comprehensive overview will provide the insights you need to choose the optimal manufacturing location for your business.
1. China: The Manufacturing Powerhouse
China has long been a cornerstone in global apparel manufacturing, renowned for its vast production capacity, skilled workforce, and advanced infrastructure. The country’s ability to handle large-scale orders with efficiency makes it a favored choice for many brands.
Advantages:
- Established Supply Chains: China’s well-developed textile industry ensures easy access to a wide range of materials and components, streamlining the production process.
- Scalability: Manufacturers can accommodate both large and small orders, offering flexibility to brands of varying sizes.
Considerations:
- Trade Tariffs: As of April 2025, the United States has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, which could impact cost structures for U.S.-based brands.
- Geopolitical Factors: Ongoing trade tensions may introduce uncertainties, necessitating contingency planning for brands heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing. That said, these tensions are unlikely to last forever—economic dynamics between major powers tend to evolve, and long-term strategies should account for potential stabilization in the future.
2. Vietnam: The Emerging Contender
Vietnam has rapidly ascended as a formidable player in the textile and apparel industry, attracting brands seeking competitive manufacturing alternatives.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower labor costs compared to China make Vietnam an attractive option for cost-sensitive brands.
- Trade Agreements: Vietnam’s participation in agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) offers favorable trade terms, particularly beneficial for European brands.
Considerations:
- Infrastructure Development: While improving, Vietnam’s infrastructure is still maturing, which may affect lead times and logistics.
- Capacity Constraints: High demand has led to capacity challenges in some factories, potentially impacting production schedules.
3. Thailand: A Strategic Player
Thailand’s well-established textile sector and strategic location make it a viable option for swimwear manufacturing.
Advantages:
- Skilled Workforce: A history of textile production has cultivated a pool of experienced professionals.
- Regional Proximity: For brands targeting Asian markets, Thailand’s location offers logistical advantages.
Considerations:
- Cost Factors: Labor costs are higher than in Vietnam but may be offset by other operational efficiencies.
- Production Scale: While capable, Thailand’s factories may not match the massive scales achievable in China.
4. United States: Domestic Production
Manufacturing within the United States offers control and flexibility, aligning with brands emphasizing “Made in USA” as a selling point.
Advantages:
- Market Proximity: Close proximity to the consumer market reduces shipping times and costs.
- Quality Control: Easier oversight ensures adherence to quality standards and facilitates agile responses to market trends.
Considerations:
- High Labor Costs: Production expenses are higher, which may affect profit margins.
- Capacity Limitations: The domestic textile industry has contracted, potentially limiting manufacturing options.
5. Italy: The Epitome of Luxury
Italy’s reputation for luxury fashion extends to swimwear, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and design excellence.
Advantages:
- Artisanal Craftsmanship: Italian manufacturers are renowned for meticulous attention to detail and superior quality.
- Design Innovation: A hub for fashion-forward designs, appealing to premium market segments.
Considerations:
- Premium Pricing: High production costs align with the luxury positioning, which may not suit all brands.
- Production Timelines: Artisanal processes may require longer lead times.
6. Morocco: A Rising Star in Swimwear Manufacturing
Morocco is increasingly becoming a go-to destination for European brands seeking cost-effective yet high-quality textile production. Its proximity to European markets makes it a strategic choice for nearshoring.
Advantages:
- Proximity to Europe: With fast shipping times and lower logistics costs, Morocco is an ideal manufacturing hub for European brands looking for quicker turnaround times.
- Competitive Labor Costs: While maintaining quality, Morocco offers lower production costs compared to Western Europe, making it an affordable alternative.
- Growing Textile Industry: Morocco has been investing heavily in its textile sector, ensuring modern facilities and improved manufacturing standards.
Considerations:
- Production Scale: While Morocco has a developing textile industry, it may not yet rival the massive capacity of China.
- Material Sourcing: Some specialized materials may need to be imported, affecting costs and lead times.
7. Turkey: A European-Asian Textile Powerhouse
Turkey has long been a major player in global textile production, offering a strategic location that bridges Europe and Asia. Its established textile industry makes it a compelling option for swimwear manufacturing.
Advantages:
- High-Quality Production: Turkish manufacturers are known for their excellent craftsmanship and advanced production techniques.
- Fast Turnaround Times: With its proximity to European markets, Turkey offers shorter lead times compared to Asian alternatives.
- Sustainable and Ethical Production: Many Turkish manufacturers prioritize eco-friendly and ethical production practices, appealing to sustainability-focused brands.
Considerations:
- Higher Costs Compared to Asia: While more affordable than Western Europe, Turkey’s production costs can be higher than those in China, Vietnam, or Thailand
- Supply Chain Volatility: Political and economic factors can sometimes impact pricing and trade policies.
8. Portugal: A Sustainable and High-Quality Choice
Portugal is gaining recognition as a leading European manufacturing hub, particularly for sustainable and high-quality swimwear production.
Advantages:
- Sustainability Focus: Portuguese manufacturers emphasize eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices.
- Proximity to European Markets: Reduced lead times and logistical costs for European brands.
- Strong Textile Industry: Portugal has a well-established apparel manufacturing sector with expertise in swimwear and performance fabrics.
Considerations:
- Higher Labor Costs: Compared to Asian manufacturers, Portugal’s labor costs are relatively higher.
- Limited Large-Scale Production: While excellent for premium and mid-sized brands, large-scale mass production may be more cost-effective in Asia.
Choosing the Best Manufacturing Hub for Your Brand
The ideal swimwear manufacturing location depends on a brand’s market, budget, and logistical needs. Here’s a regional breakdown to help brands make an informed decision:
- For U.S.-Based Brands:
- Best Options: Mexico, China, Vietnam, Morocco, Turkey, Portugal
Why? While Asia remains a cost-effective option, Morocco, Turkey, and Portugal offer high-quality production with competitive pricing and potential trade advantages. - For Europe-Based Brands:
- Best Options: Turkey, Morocco, Portugal,China, Vietnam, Thailand
Why? European brands can benefit from nearshoring in Turkey, Morocco, and Portugal for shorter lead times, while Asia provides cost-effective manufacturing with strong supply chains. - For Asia-Pacific Brands:
- Best Options: China, Vietnam, Thailand
Why? Regional sourcing ensures lower shipping costs, faster production cycles, and streamlined supply chain management.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal swimwear manufacturing hub requires a strategic balance of cost, quality, logistics, and market alignment. Whether brands seek affordability in Asia, nearshoring advantages in Europe, or premium craftsmanship in Italy, each location offers distinct benefits and trade-offs.
For U.S.-based brands, navigating the ongoing trade tensions with China and Mexico means factoring in tariffs and shifting strategies toward alternative locations like Vietnam and Turkey. European brands can leverage nearshoring benefits in Morocco, while Asia-Pacific brands may find competitive pricing and well-established manufacturing networks in China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
With Deepwear’s global network spanning key production hubs, brands can confidently navigate these challenges, ensuring access to reliable manufacturers, ethical sourcing, and cost-effective supply chain solutions. Whether you’re looking for scalability, sustainability, or premium craftsmanship, Deepwear provides the expertise and connections to streamline your manufacturing journey.
Contact Deepwear today to explore the best swimwear manufacturing options tailored to your brand’s needs.