How to Source Knitwear from India: A Complete Guide for UK & EU Brands

India is one of the world's most important knitwear manufacturing countries, and yet for many UK brands and European brands , the process of sourcing from India for the first time can feel opaque. Who do you contact? How do you verify quality? What are realistic lead times? This guide answers those questions directly, based on over 30 years of manufacturing experience.

Why India for Knitwear?

India accounts for a significant share of global knitwear exports to Europe and the UK. The combination of textile heritage, skilled labour, high-quality cotton access, and manufacturing infrastructure creates conditions that are difficult to replicate elsewhere at the same cost-quality ratio.

Ludhiana, in Punjab, is the heart of India's knitwear industry. The city has a density of specialised manufacturers, yarn suppliers, dyehouses, and finishing units that makes it possible to produce premium knitwear at scale with genuine craft quality.

India vs Bangladesh vs China: Bangladesh dominates basic jersey at very high volume and very low cost — optimised for fast fashion basics. China offers scale but rising costs. India sits in a different position — better suited to premium and mid-market knitwear, with more flexibility on minimums, more craft capability, and easier communication for UK and EU buyers.

How to Find the Right Manufacturer

The most reliable route is direct contact with manufacturers rather than through agents or trading companies. Agents add cost and a communication layer that can cause quality issues.

When evaluating any Indian knitwear manufacturer, look for: experience with comparable brands, end-to-end in-house capability, technical documentation capability, and clear English communication.

What to Expect on Your First Order

The typical process looks like this:

1. STEP 01

   Send your tech packs and request sampling. A reputable manufacturer will review your tech pack, flag concerns, and quote a sampling cost and timeline. Knitwear sample lead times are typically 2–4 weeks.

2. STEP 02

   Review and approve samples. You will likely go through one or two rounds of revisions before approving for bulk. This is normal and should be factored into your timeline.

3. STEP 03

   Confirm bulk production with a purchase order and deposit. Production lead times for knitwear are typically 45–90 days.

4. STEP 04

   Pre-shipment inspection. Either your QC team or a third-party agency (SGS, Bureau Veritas, QIMA) inspects finished goods before shipment. Strongly recommended for first orders.

5. STEP 05

   Shipment. Sea freight from India to UK/EU ports takes 25–35 days.

MOQs and Pricing

Minimum order quantities vary by factory and product. Get costs quoted ex-factory (FOB) and calculate your landed cost including freight, duty, and handling to understand your true margin position.

Due Diligence Checklist for Your First Indian Supplier

Before placing a bulk order, verify:

• Company registration details
• Factory address and facility photos
• Reference brands
• Sample quality
• Communication responsiveness
• Payment terms (industry standard: 30% deposit, 70% before shipment)
• QC process documentation

Bassi Clothing has been manufacturing knitwear for international brands since 1992. We specialise in mercerized cotton knitwear and supply UK brands and European brands. View our our full product range or contact us at contact@bassiclothing.in if you are beginning the process of sourcing from India.