London has a rich garment manufacturing heritage, and while much production moved overseas in the late 20th century, the city is seeing a quiet revival of local and ethical manufacturing. Whether you need small-batch sampling, bespoke tailoring, or large-scale production, the following companies offer a range of options to suit different budgets, order volumes, and creative needs.
1. Sewport
Sewport is not a garment manufacturer itself, but rather a sourcing platform that connects fashion designers with clothing manufacturers and other industry service providers across the UK and beyond.
Its key advantage over approaching factories directly is convenience and transparency: you can compare multiple manufacturers side by side, reviewing their minimum order quantities, available services, and ratings from previous clients. Payments are handled securely via escrow, adding a layer of protection for both parties.
For new designers without existing industry contacts — particularly those seeking small-run production — Sewport fills an important gap. Many established London factories set high minimum order thresholds and can be difficult to approach without a track record.
2. Hawthorn International
Hawthorn International is one of the UK’s leading clothing manufacturers and a strong option for startups and small brands. Their minimum order quantity starts from just 50 pieces per design — among the lowest in the industry — making them accessible to independent designers who aren’t yet ready for bulk production.
Every garment is cut, stitched, and finished by hand and undergoes a rigorous four-stage quality control process. Customisation options include embroidery, print, sublimation, branded labels, and buttons, along with pattern development and grading support. The company has a global supply chain with strategically placed manufacturing facilities, allowing them to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Hawthorn was a 2024 winner of the SME Business Elite Awards.
3. Fashionworks London
Fashionworks London is a fashion consultancy and small-order manufacturer offering pattern cutting, garment sampling, and personal fitting services. They maintain an extensive fabric sourcing network and can advise on technical matters at every stage of product development, including working with specialist knitting factories and offering pleating, embroidery, and fabric dyeing.
What sets Fashionworks apart is their end-to-end project management service — from initial concept and design through to production and marketing strategy. This makes them particularly well suited to first-time fashion entrepreneurs who want a supportive, experienced partner rather than just a manufacturer.
4. Fashion Enter
Fashion Enter (FEL) is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise based in Haringey, North London, capable of producing up to 10,000 garments per week. They operate a tiered structure to suit a wide range of order sizes:
- The Factory — minimum 500 units. Clients include Simply B, Very.com, and JD Williams.
- The Atelier — 200 to 499 units, specialising in premium garments such as silk blouses and tailored pieces.
- The Fashion Studio — from just 1 unit, ideal for luxury items and startup brands. Clients include Gormley & Gamble and Louisa Parris.
Services cover the full production cycle — from idea and design through to grading, fabric printing, fulfilment, and review. Membership is available and offers discounted studio time, mentoring, networking events, and workshops, though non-members are also welcome.
A note on the London manufacturing revival
London’s garment manufacturing scene is quietly resurging. Driven by growing consumer demand for ethical, transparent supply chains — and disruption from global shipping delays and post-Brexit trade costs — more brands are choosing to keep production closer to home. Whether you’re launching your first capsule collection or scaling an established label, the options above offer a range of entry points, and real expertise to help you get it right.
