When I first attended the Canton Fair, I wandered aimlessly through endless aisles. But once I understood where to go and what to look for in the apparel section, everything changed—I left with real partners and better deals.
Canton Fair 2025’s apparel section is your gateway to thousands of trusted clothing manufacturers across all categories, offering private label, OEM, and low-MOQ sourcing solutions tailored for global buyers.
Whether you're a boutique buyer, fashion brand owner, or a large-scale importer, knowing where to go and how to prepare is what makes the trip worth every second.
Where to Find Apparel Suppliers at Canton Fair
If you're heading to Canton Fair to source garments, the last thing you want is to waste hours in the wrong hall. I learned that the hard way on my first visit.
Apparel suppliers are primarily located in Phase 3 of the Canton Fair, within Halls 5.1–5.2 (casualwear), 4.1 (sportswear and functional wear), and 7.1–8.1 (children’s, underwear, and fashion accessories).
Which halls focus on which product categories?
Here’s a breakdown of where you’ll find key segments:
| Hall Number | Product Focus |
|---|---|
| 5.1 – 5.2 | Men’s, women’s, unisex casual apparel1 |
| 4.1 | Sportswear, outdoor, yoga, activewear |
| 7.1 | Children’s wear, school uniforms |
| 8.1 | Underwear, sleepwear, socks, accessories |
| 3.1 / 6.1 | Garment machinery, printing, trims |
Each booth represents a factory or large-scale vendor. Many offer private label, in-stock, or fully custom apparel programs.
How can you find the best suppliers faster?
Before attending:
- Use the Canton Fair app to bookmark booths in your category
- Search by keywords like “kidswear OEM2” or “sustainable cotton3”
- Book early booth visits—popular vendors fill fast
- Note which booths offer on-site sampling or product customization
The more focused your schedule, the more productive your visit.
Must-Visit Clothing Halls and Booths in 2025
There are thousands of apparel booths—but only a few that truly meet the needs of serious buyers. I always prioritize those that offer quality, speed, and flexibility.
In 2025, must-visit booths include experienced OEMs from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong provinces—offering high-efficiency production, trend-aware designs, and English-speaking sales teams.
Which vendor regions are the most reliable in apparel4?
| Region | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Guangdong | Trend-forward, sportswear, fast fashion |
| Zhejiang | Knits, sweaters, and outerwear |
| Jiangsu | Large-scale OEM5, uniforms, woven shirts |
| Fujian | Shoes, underwear, athletic wear |
While booth numbers change each year, top-performing companies often return and expand. Look out for:
- Fumao Clothing (OEM kidswear and lifestyle fashion)
- Shewin (private label-ready women’s styles)
- QL Garment Factory (certified, export-oriented manufacturer)
- Dongguan H&H (premium knitwear and sustainable basics6)
Ask about production volume, MOQ, and delivery timelines right away to narrow your list.
Top Apparel Categories for Overseas Buyers
The diversity at Canton Fair can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned that certain categories consistently deliver higher ROI for export and retail.
Top apparel categories for global buyers in 2025 include kidswear, athleisure, resortwear, loungewear, functional outerwear, and private label basics with fast turnaround.
What categories are gaining traction among international brands?
Here’s what buyers are snapping up:
| Category | Why It’s Hot |
|---|---|
| Kidswear | High margins, growing demand |
| Athleisure7 | Lifestyle shift, ongoing trend appeal |
| Resortwear | Boho chic, retail-friendly designs |
| Loungewear8 | Post-pandemic comfort remains strong |
| Technical Apparel | Functional + aesthetic combinations |
| Private Label Tees | Fast production, branding ready |
Suppliers who offer flexible MOQ (100–300 pcs per style) in these categories are especially valuable for boutique buyers and startup brands.
What types of apparel should buyers be cautious about?
Watch out for:
- “Free size” garments (often inconsistent fit)
- Overly seasonal trends that may not align with your market
- Factories without compliance or certifications for children’s wear
Ask for size charts, sample pieces, and test fabric quality before placing orders.
How to Prepare for Apparel Sourcing in China
Before my first Canton Fair, I packed light and prepped even lighter. Big mistake. Now I travel with a full buyer’s toolkit and a sourcing strategy that saves time and headaches.
To prepare for apparel sourcing in China, bring detailed tech packs, sourcing briefs, reference samples, your business card, and translation support apps like Pleco or WeChat.
What should go into a clothing buyer’s prep list?
| Item/Tool | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Tech Pack/Spec Sheet9 | Ensures clarity on fit, fabric, stitching |
| MOQ & Budget Range10 | Speeds up vendor filtering |
| Sample Piece/Reference | Visual guide for design expectations |
| Swatch Cards | Match fabrics quickly on-site |
| Notebook or Tablet | Take notes per booth + photos |
| Name Cards (English + Chinese) | Leave a professional impression |
What cultural and logistical tips improve your sourcing experience?
- Greet with two hands when offering a card
- Avoid aggressive negotiation; focus on relationship-building
- Schedule meetings for early mornings to avoid fatigue
- Use WeChat11 for quick follow-ups after the show
- Be respectful of factory lead times—it builds goodwill
The more prepared and polite you are, the better the results you’ll get.
Conclusion
The apparel section of Canton Fair 2025 is packed with opportunities—if you know where to go and how to prepare. Visit with purpose, meet with clarity, and leave with partners that help your brand grow.
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Explore this link to discover top suppliers in casual apparel, ensuring you find quality products for your needs. ↩
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Understanding kidswear OEM can help you connect with the right manufacturers for children's clothing. ↩
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Learn about sustainable cotton to make informed choices for eco-friendly apparel sourcing. ↩
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Explore this link to discover insights on reliable apparel vendor regions, helping you make informed sourcing decisions. ↩
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Understanding OEM is crucial for sourcing; this link will clarify its significance in apparel manufacturing. ↩
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Learn about sustainable basics to enhance your sourcing strategy and align with eco-friendly practices. ↩
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Discover the lifestyle shift towards athleisure and its ongoing trend appeal, which can inform your buying decisions. ↩
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Learn about the enduring popularity of loungewear and how it meets consumer comfort needs in today's market. ↩
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Understanding Tech Packs is crucial for ensuring clarity in design and production, making your sourcing process smoother. ↩
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Knowing about MOQ and budget ranges helps in efficient vendor selection, saving time and resources during sourcing. ↩
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WeChat is essential for quick follow-ups in sourcing, enhancing communication and relationship-building with vendors. ↩
