“Made in Portugal” lends value to fashion brands

The label “Made in Portugal” is a global excellence reference in the textile industry. Portuguese textiles and clothing have earned significant international notoriety and reputation and are currently among the most advanced and best-performing manufacturing industries worldwide.

More and more brands are realising that in Portugal, they can make a distinguished product. For those who are still wondering about the real benefits of producing fashion collections in Portugal or why we should buy a garment made in Portugal, we have something to say. We will explain the values of “Made in Portugal”.

Quality, innovation, creativity, resilience, responsiveness, reliability, friendliness. These are some features that have given prestige to Portuguese clothing manufacturers.

An overview of the Portuguese textile and clothing industry

Portugal has a long and resilient history in the textile and clothing industry, which is primarily centred in the north of the country, since this region has always been well served by water supply, which is essential for this industry.

Back in the days, the textile and clothing industry in Portugal was influenced by colonialism. The sector used fabrics, namely silk from India and cotton from Africa; and developed the know-how and technology to produce high-quality garments at a more competitive price than other countries in Europe.

In the 19th century, the production of linen clothing increased. The flax fibres were imported from European countries, and the northern regions of Portugal were well prepared to specialise in the industry.

Over the years, the sector has evolved and adapted to the different demands that the market has imposed. According to ATP (Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal), the textile and clothing industry is now one of the most important for the Portuguese economy, representing 10% of total national exports, 20% of employment in the manufacturing industry, 9% of manufacturing industry revenue, and 9% of manufacturing industry production.

The advantages of producing in Portugal

Managing the whole process of building a fashion collection is complex. Depending on what kind of product the brands want to develop and the type of support they seek, they need to figure out what country will best suit them.

Here are some reasons why many valuable brands choose Portugal for apparel manufacturing:

Strategic location and geographic proximity to EU markets and to the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, providing multiple channels for dispatching wares.
Implementation of all the EU policies.
Implementation of fair trade, ethical work, and healthy working conditions.
Most production facilities own the entire production chain, from spinning and weaving to dyeing and finishing.
Proximity to a solid network of suppliers. Portuguese apparel manufacturers are known for close-knit bonds.
High-quality fabrics and sustainable materials.
Extra attention to research and development.
Wide production portfolio.
Qualified teams that can guide brands through the entire production process and give them the follow-up they need.
Quality control to fulfil brand requests.
The minimum order quantities are low, which gives brands greater flexibility when ordering samples and final batches.
Affordability, when compared to other European countries.
Focus on the client. In Portugal, we love to build trusting relationships.

Why should you choose Portugal for clothing manufacturing?

Naturally, each manufacturer is different and provides specific advantages, but most Portuguese companies have in common the features we listed at the beginning of this article: quality, innovation, creativity, resilience, responsiveness, reliability, friendliness.

“Made in Portugal” has become a symbol of impressive craftsmanship and expertise in producing high-quality garments in a socially and ecologically responsible environment, so this label will lend value to your fashion brand.

Besides, the Portuguese textile and clothing industry is ready for the next challenges... is ready for your challenges!

If you are considering developing your collection in Portugal, find out more about us here and get in touch with us to learn about our conditions and the solutions we can manufacture for your brand!

See you soon 👋