When global brands think of luxury production in China, they often look toward the well-known hubs: Shenzhen for tailoring, Dongguan for leather goods, or Suzhou for silk.
But tucked quietly between Shanghai and Hangzhou lies Jiaxing—a city whose influence in premium knitwear and modern luxury manufacturing is far greater than its fame.
Today, Jiaxing has become an increasingly strategic destination for international designers, emerging labels, and high-end retailers seeking quality, flexibility, and speed in the fashion supply chain.
1. A Heritage Rooted in High-End Knitwear
Jiaxing has spent decades building expertise in fine-gauge, fully fashioned, and soft structured knitwear.
Generations of technicians, pattern makers, and sample specialists have shaped its reputation as one of China’s strongest bases for:
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Alpaca & wool sweaters
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Luxury cashmere blends
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Soft structured knits
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Brushed mohair / alpaca textures
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Modern rib and jersey innovation
This depth of craftsmanship enables brands to explore new structures, experiment with textures, and consistently achieve premium hand-feel—crucial for today’s quiet luxury aesthetic.
2. A Highly Connected, Hyper-Efficient Supply Chain
Unlike many regions where suppliers are scattered, Jiaxing’s ecosystem sits tightly within a 30–50 km radius.
That means:
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Yarn spinners
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Dye houses
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Knitting factories
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Trim suppliers
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Wash, steaming & finishing workshops
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Packaging & logistic hubs
Faster development lead times, smoother communication, and fewer production bottlenecks.
This hyper-local supply chain allows brands to work with short lead times, adjust orders quickly, and make design decisions with confidence.
3. Flexibility for Small Batches & Emerging Designers
One of Jiaxing’s most valuable advantages is its willingness to support small batch luxury manufacturing.
Whether it’s:
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30–80 pcs per style
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Capsule drops
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Test batches for a new market
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Pre-order collections
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Seasonal knitwear edits
Factories here can accommodate lower MOQs without compromising quality—rare for high-end production markets.
This makes Jiaxing particularly attractive for:
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Nordic and European boutique labels
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Premium DTC brands
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Resort and lifestyle designers
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Designers launching their first RTW line
It’s a place where creativity can grow before scaling.
4. Cleaner Production & Higher Certification Standards
More mills and factories in Jiaxing now operate with:
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100 yarn & fabrics
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Higg-Index verified production partners
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Responsible dyeing and wastewater systems
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Traceable wool and alpaca sources
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Improved worker welfare & training programs
This aligns with the global shift toward responsible sourcing, allowing brands to meet both creative and compliance needs in one place.
5. Speed from Design to Delivery
Thanks to close proximity and an experienced workforce, Jiaxing delivers impressive timelines:
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Sample development: 7–12 days
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Fit and revision rounds: fast turnarounds
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Bulk production: 45–75 days, depending on season
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Yarn & fabric sourcing: same-day swatches from stock service partners
For brands trying to balance creativity with commercial timing, this speed makes Jiaxing a powerful partner.
6. A Quiet City with a Global Perspective
Despite its low profile, Jiaxing’s factories produce for some of the world’s most selective markets:
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Premium European retailers
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Niche Japanese labels
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US & Canadian contemporary brands
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Resortwear and lifestyle luxury houses
Luxury today isn’t defined by geography or price.
It’s defined by materials, craftsmanship, supply chain efficiency, and responsible production.
Jiaxing embodies all of these.
For brands seeking a manufacturing partner that understands softness, structure, precision, and pace—Jiaxing is China’s under-the-radar powerhouse.
