Fashion manufacturing has witnessed a drastic change in the past few years.

There was a time in the US when clothing manufacturing companies employed around one million people. However, with time, fashion companies started off-shoring manufacturing.

Today, 90% of the clothes bought in the US are manufactured overseas, most often in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.  The question remains: what drives these businesses to offshore their manufacturing?

In a survey, it was revealed that most businesses do this to save money. However, many drawbacks have revealed themselves.

These factors have made fashion companies reconsider their decision. Today, many of them are re-shore manufacturing.

Here are five reasons why they do so:

1.     Manufacturing Agility

If a company’s manufacturing factory is close to their headquarters, they can save a tremendous amount of time as well as shipping costs. This helps build an agile supply chain that can react more quickly.  In addition, producing close to home will allow them to order smaller quantities.

2.     Mass Customization

There are some established fashion and athletic brands that offer mass customization services.

Mass customization allows customers to feel that they are wearing something that was specifically made for them.

3.     Brand Building

US-based clothing companies can increase their perceived quality with a “Made in the USA” label.

Research shows that more and more people are leaning towards brands that are locally made. A brand’s image is a huge contributor to its success, which is why fashion businesses should consider re-shoring for earning higher profits.

4.     Product Testing

Most small companies want to test the waters by ordering small batches. They will not be able to get the attention of foreign manufacturers because their quantities will be too small.

Left Production Co. is an American clothing factory that offers complete garment pattern making, design, development and manufacturing in Los Angeles.

The company offers full package services, which include fabric sourcing, pattern-making, product development, marking and grading, cutting, sewing, finishing, packing and shipping.