Workwear, uniforms and branded clothing are a natural China sourcing category, with full size runs and print or embroidery at prices UK suppliers rarely match — ideal for teams, events and retail lines.
Apparel is one of the oldest and best-established China sourcing categories, which works in your favour: the supply base is deep, the manufacturing is mature, and factories are used to working to a specification. For workwear and uniforms in particular, the combination of full size runs, embroidery or print, and consistent restocking is difficult to match through UK suppliers at anything approaching the same price.
Two things determine whether an apparel order goes well. The first is the specification — fabric weight and composition, sizing against a named standard, stitching, trims and any required certification for protective clothing. Vague specifications produce garments that are technically compliant with what you wrote and nothing like what you pictured. The second is a pre-production sample, checked against that specification in the hand, before the batch runs.
What we source
Workwear and uniforms
Branded clothing and knitwear
Hi-vis and PPE clothing
Caps and headwear
Bags and accessories
Embroidered and printed garments
What to consider
Nail down fabric, sizing and any required certifications (for example for PPE clothing) in the specification.
Stock garments with your print or embroidery keep minimum orders low; fully bespoke runs need more volume.
Specify sizing against a named standard and confirm it on the sample — sizing conventions differ and a size label alone means very little.
Fabric weight and composition drive both cost and how the garment wears, so they belong in the specification as numbers rather than adjectives.
Cambridge China Bridge in brief
Buying from Chinese factories since 2021 (the company was incorporated in September 2022), for our own businesses and for clients on the same terms.
Our own staff are based in China, at two bases: the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan) and the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu). They visit factories themselves.
Quotes to suit how you buy: one delivered price, or an itemised quote with the factory cost, freight, duty and our service fee shown separately. Open-book detail is available on request.
Audits and inspections are usually included in the quote for an order placed with us; complex checks that need a third party are charged extra, agreed first.
Orders run from a first trial to scheduled full containers; the factory’s own minimum is stated in the quote.
In one project, a UK EV charging operator cut unit cost by 70% and scaled 3× faster. In another, a multi-site Cambridge café chain saved 50% on packaging.
A UK company in Cambridge and London: Cambridge China Bridge is the trading name of Piggy Pineapple Ltd, company number 14385590.
Send 1–3 products you buy now and what you pay. We compare the same specification, quantity, inspection and delivery scope to establish a cost benchmark.
A reference call with a past client can be arranged, with that client’s agreement.
Common questions
Can you source workwear and PPE clothing?
Yes. We confirm the fabric, sizing and any required certifications before ordering, and sample before the bulk run.
How do I stop the sizing coming out wrong?
By specifying against a named sizing standard with actual measurements, and by checking a pre-production sample against it. This is the single most common complaint in apparel and it is almost entirely preventable.
Can we reorder the same garment later and have it match?
Yes, when the specification and an approved reference sample are retained — which we do. Fabric dye lots can vary slightly between runs, so we flag it where exact colour matching across orders matters.
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Sourcing suspender belts from ChinaUK duty and sourcing checks for suspender belts from China, covering waist fit, adjustable straps, stocking clips, elastic recovery and metal parts.
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Sourcing sports bras from ChinaUK duty, fibre labelling and sourcing checks for sports bras from China, covering support, size grading, elastic recovery and production inspection.
Sourcing shapewear girdles from ChinaUK sourcing guide for shapewear girdles from China, covering duty, fibre labels, waist and hip sizing, elastic recovery and arrival checks.
Sourcing satin bridal shoes from ChinaImport satin bridal shoes from China: check UK duty, footwear composition labels, colour matching, heel stability and the fit of each size.
Sourcing running vests from ChinaUK duty and fibre labelling for running vests from China, with checks for armhole fit, seam comfort, fabric performance and printed logos.
Sourcing PVC jelly shoes from ChinaImport PVC jelly shoes from China: check UK duty, composition labels, moulded straps, sizing, colour matching and production samples.
Sourcing hair claw clips from ChinaUK sourcing guide for hair claw clips from China: import duty, material specifications, spring and hinge checks, safety and retail packing.
Sourcing woven chef aprons from ChinaUK duty, fibre labels and inspection checks for woven chef aprons from China, including fabric, wash performance, ties and embroidery.
Sourcing woven hairdressing capes from ChinaImport woven hairdressing capes from China: check UK duty, fibre labels, neck closures, fabric finishes and wash performance before ordering.
Sourcing men's woven suits from ChinaUK duty and fibre labelling for men's woven suits from China, with checks for jacket fit, trouser sizing, fabric matching and fused fronts.
Sourcing woven work trousers from ChinaUK sourcing guide to woven work trousers from China: import duty, fibre labels, fit, reinforced seams, wash checks and protective clothing claims.
Sourcing men's woven chino shorts from ChinaUK duty and fibre labels for men's woven chino shorts from China, with checks for fit, shrinkage, pocket strength, colour and trims.
Sourcing medical compression stockings from ChinaUK duty and sourcing checks for medical graduated compression stockings from China, covering pressure specifications, sizing and device registration.
Sourcing leather wallets from ChinaCheck leather type, card-slot fit, stitching and chemical evidence before importing wallets from China, with UK duty and animal-material controls.
Sourcing moulded EVA clogs from ChinaImport moulded EVA clogs from China: UK duty, material labels, size grading, heel straps and checks for shrinkage, compression and grip.
Sourcing leather sandals from ChinaSource leather sandals from China with UK duty by sole and strap design, material labelling checks, leather testing and arrival inspections.
Sourcing leather dress shoes from ChinaUK duty and material labelling for leather dress shoes from China, with checks for fit, leather finish, sole bonding and animal species.
Sourcing leather Chelsea boots from ChinaUK duty and material labels for leather Chelsea boots from China, with checks for elastic gussets, fit, sole bonding and matching leather.
Sourcing knitted sweater vests from ChinaImport knitted sweater vests from China: check UK duty, fibre labels, yarn composition, armhole fit, pilling and washing performance.
Sourcing knitted jumpers from ChinaUK duty and fibre labelling for knitted jumpers from China, with yarn specifications, wash checks and inspection points for business buyers.
Sourcing knitted cardigans from ChinaImport knitted cardigans from China: UK duty, fibre labels, yarn specifications, button checks and wash tests for business buyers.
Sourcing garment storage covers from ChinaSpecify garment storage covers from China by fabric, hanging dimensions, zip and seams, then check UK duty, import controls and product safety.
Sourcing disposable coveralls from ChinaSource disposable nonwoven coveralls from China: check UK duty, protective claims, conformity documents, fabric construction, seams and fit.
Sourcing fashion tights from ChinaUK duty and fibre labelling for fashion tights from China, with checks for yarn thickness, fit, seams, colour consistency and retail packaging.
Importing worn clothing from ChinaWorn clothing and other worn articles from China pay 4% UK duty. When second-hand clothing counts as waste under the retained waste shipment rules.
Sourcing cotton baby bibs from ChinaSpecify cotton baby bib fabric, neck fit and fastenings, check washing performance, and confirm UK duty and product safety before ordering.
Sourcing woven wedding dresses from ChinaUK duty, fibre labels and inspection checks for woven wedding dresses from China, covering bridal sizing, lace, linings and packing.
Sourcing reusable textile face masks from ChinaSpecify reusable textile face masks from China, check washing performance and claims, and confirm UK duty, suspension eligibility and safety.
Sourcing leather safety boots from ChinaCheck UK duty, protective equipment conformity, leather specifications and arrival inspections before sourcing leather safety boots from China.
Sourcing cotton T-shirts from ChinaCotton T-shirts from China: UK duty, fibre labelling, fabric specifications and inspection checks for shrinkage, twisted seams and print quality.
Sourcing sewing thread from ChinaSewing thread from China pays 4% UK duty if made of synthetic or artificial filament and 0% if spun from staple fibre or cotton. Ticket, tex and colour checks.
Sourcing hoodies and sweatshirts from ChinaCotton and polyester hoodies and sweatshirts from China pay 12% UK duty under 6110. Fibre labels, children's cords, fabric weight and per-colour minimums.
Polyester-cotton twill and canvas from ChinaPolyester-cotton woven fabrics over 170 g/m², such as workwear twill and canvas, from China pay 8% UK duty. Blend, weight and azo checks explained.
Sourcing polycotton woven fabrics from ChinaLight polycotton woven fabrics under 85% cotton, up to 200 g/m², from China pay 0% UK duty. Blend, shrinkage and azo dye checks explained.
Sourcing metallic thread fabrics from ChinaWoven fabrics of metal thread and metallised yarn from China, for apparel and furnishing, pay 0% UK duty. Fibre labelling and tarnish checks explained.
Sourcing linen fabric from ChinaPure linen and linen-blend woven fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Flax content, shrinkage, slubs and fibre labelling checks for apparel and homeware.
Sourcing viscose staple fibre from ChinaViscose, modal and lyocell staple fibre from China, not carded or combed, pays 0% UK duty. Denier, cut length, whiteness and fibre labelling explained.
Sourcing small-run custom handbags from ChinaCustom fashion bags and handbags in runs of about 100 from China: how small-run pricing works, UK duty of 2% to 8%, and the leather and stitching checks.
Sourcing handkerchiefs from ChinaCotton, silk and other textile handkerchiefs from China pay 10% UK duty. Fibre labels, print quality and hem checks for gift and promotional ranges explained.
Sourcing lace and tulle from ChinaMechanically made lace, handmade lace and tulle net from China pay 6% or 8% UK duty. Knitted lace classification, fibre labels and dye checks explained.
Sourcing textile finishing agents from ChinaTextile softeners, finishing agents, dye carriers and paper and leather auxiliaries from China pay 6% or 8% UK duty. Chemical rules and lab checks explained.
Sourcing embroidered patches from ChinaCustom embroidered patches, badges and motifs from China pay 4%, 6% or 8% UK duty, set by value per kg. Colour fastness, backing and logo rights explained.
Sourcing furskins and fur articles from ChinaTanned mink, fox, rabbit and lamb furskins, fur trims and fur garments from China: 0% or 2% UK duty. Seal and cat and dog fur bans, CITES and labels.
Sourcing watch straps and bracelets from ChinaLeather, silicone, textile and stainless steel watch straps and bracelets from China pay 6% UK duty, precious metal 2%. Nickel, exotic leather and fit.
Sourcing mannequins and dress forms from ChinaShop mannequins, dress forms, torso forms and animated window displays from China pay 0% UK duty. Materials, finish, fittings, packing and a worked example.
Pearl and gemstone jewellery from ChinaFreshwater pearl necklaces and semi-precious stone bracelets from China pay 0% UK duty, other stone articles 2%. Treatments, findings and a worked example.
Bookbinding cloth and artist canvas from ChinaGum-coated bookbinding cloth, tracing cloth, primed artist canvas and buckram from China pay 6% UK duty. Coating tests, labelling and a worked duty example.
Faux fur fabric and products from ChinaFaux fur throws, trims, collars and accessories from China pay 2% UK duty as artificial fur articles. Fibre labelling, real-fur risk and a worked example.
Textile machinery parts and needles from ChinaKnitting machine needles and sinkers, loom reeds and healds, card clothing, spinning rings and travellers, dobbies and jacquards from China pay 0% UK duty.
Spinning and yarn winding machines from ChinaCarding, combing, drawing and roving frames, spinning frames, twisting machines and cone winders from China pay 0% UK duty. Safety, trials and an example.
Leather and shoe-making machines from ChinaTannery machines, leather splitting and skiving machines, shoe lasting, sole pressing and cementing machines from China pay 0% UK duty. Safety and an example.
Sourcing weaving looms from ChinaAir-jet, water-jet and rapier looms, narrow fabric and label looms and shuttle looms from China pay 0% UK duty. Machinery safety, trials and a worked example.
Knitting and embroidery machines from ChinaCircular and flat knitting machines, warp knitters, computerised embroidery machines and braiding machines from China pay 0% UK duty. Safety and an example.
Sourcing sewing needles and pins from ChinaHand sewing and embroidery needles, knitting needles, crochet hooks, safety pins and dressmaking pins of steel from China pay 2% UK duty. Tests and an example.
Sourcing sewing machines from ChinaHousehold and industrial sewing machines, overlockers, needles and parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Electrical safety, stitch tests and a worked example.
Glass beads and imitation pearls from ChinaGlass beads, seed beads, imitation pearls, cut crystal-style beads and glass microspheres from China pay 0% UK duty. Lead and cadmium limits, toy kits, tests.
Hat bands, linings and peaks from ChinaHeadbands, sweatbands, linings, peaks, hat frames and chinstraps for hat makers from China pay 0% UK duty. Wash tests, skin-contact chemicals and an example.
Sourcing viscose and rayon fabrics from ChinaViscose, rayon, modal and lyocell woven fabrics and their blends from China pay 8% UK duty. Shrinkage, seam slippage, fibre labels and a worked example.
Sourcing polyester-viscose fabrics from ChinaPolyester-viscose, poly-wool and other blended synthetic staple fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Blend testing, pilling, fastness and a worked example.
Sourcing warp-knit fabrics from ChinaWarp-knit fabrics from China, including tricot, raschel mesh and spacer fabric, pay 8% UK duty. Width, shade and snagging checks, and a worked example.
Elastic cord and rubber thread from ChinaTextile-covered elastic cord, shirring elastic and rubber thread from China pay 4% UK duty. Stretch and recovery, latex, PAH limits and a worked example.
Sourcing terry towelling fabric from ChinaCotton and polyester terry towelling fabric and tufted fabrics in the piece from China pay 0% UK duty. GSM, absorbency, shrinkage and a worked example.
Braids and decorative trimmings from ChinaBraids, gimp, pom-pom, fringe and tassel trims in the piece from China pay 4% UK duty. Colour fastness, children's cords rules and a worked example.
Sourcing hand-knitting yarn from ChinaAcrylic and other man-made hand-knitting yarn in retail balls from China pays 0% UK duty. Dye lots, ball weight, fibre labels and a worked example.
Sourcing greasy and scoured wool from ChinaGreasy, scoured and carbonised wool from China pays 0% UK duty but carries a veterinary control. Animal by-product rules, yield and micron tests, an example.
Sourcing wool tops and carded wool from ChinaMerino wool tops, carded wool, cashmere tops and coarse hair from China pay 0% UK duty. Micron and length tests, fibre naming and a worked example.
Spun polyester and acrylic yarn from ChinaSpun polyester, acrylic and nylon yarn from China pays 4% UK duty. Codes by fibre and blend, fibre labelling, count and twist tests and a worked example.
Sourcing worsted wool fabrics from ChinaWorsted wool and fine hair suiting fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty, 6% with over 10% silk. Weight bands, pilling and fastness tests, CITES fibres, example.
Sourcing silk fabrics from ChinaSilk crepe, habotai, satin and noil fabrics from China pay 2% to 6% UK duty by type. Momme weight, seam slippage and fastness testing, with an example.
Sourcing cotton woven fabrics from ChinaCotton poplin, lawn, twill and printed cotton up to 200 g/m² from China pay 8% UK duty. Weave and weight codes, testing and a worked example.
Straw hats and plaited headgear from ChinaSource straw hats in Wenling: compare hat construction, control mould and crushed brims, check children's cords, and calculate UK duty and VAT.
Fleece, plush and pile knit fabrics from ChinaPolar fleece, faux fur, plush, velour and terry knit fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Fire rules for upholstery and nightwear, tests, example.
Ties, bow ties and cravats from ChinaSilk and polyester ties, bow ties and cravats from China pay 6% UK duty; knitted ties 12%. Fibre labelling, fastness tests and custom logo ties.
Wetsuits and coated rainwear from ChinaNeoprene wetsuits and garments of coated or laminated knitted fabric from China pay 8% or 12% UK duty. PAH limits, waterproofness tests and an example.
Men's woven pyjamas and robes from ChinaMen's and boys' woven pyjamas, boxer shorts, nightshirts and terry dressing gowns from China pay 12% UK duty. Nightwear fire rules, tests and an example.
Waterproof changing robes from ChinaWaterproof changing robes from China pay 12% UK duty as coats; unisex robes are classed as women's. Waterproof tests, fleece lining, labels and an example.
Textile dyes and colourants from ChinaSynthetic dyes and organic pigments from China pay 6% UK duty. UK REACH, CLP, the azo dye restriction, shade and strength testing and a worked example.
Sourcing woven fabric gloves from ChinaWoven cotton, canvas and synthetic fabric gloves from China pay 6% UK duty, or 0% under a conditional suspension. PPE rules, EN 388 and a worked example.
Sourcing cashmere and animal hair from ChinaRaw and dehaired cashmere, yak, camel and coarse animal hair from China pay 0% UK duty. Veterinary controls, fibre labelling, blend tests and a worked example.
Sourcing polyester staple fibre from ChinaPolyester, polypropylene, acrylic and aramid staple fibres from China pay 0% UK duty. Filling fire rules, toy stuffing, recycled claims and a worked example.
Sourcing textile belts and garment partsWoven textile belts, sweatbands and garment parts such as shoulder pads from China pay 6% or 12% UK duty. Labels, nickel and a worked example.
Sourcing knitted fabrics from ChinaJersey, interlock, rib and other knitted fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Fibre labelling, GSM, shrinkage, spirality, colour fastness and a worked example.
Sourcing shoe soles, uppers and insolesShoe uppers, outer soles, heels and removable insoles from China pay 0% UK duty. Sole materials, bonding, slip resistance, chromium VI and a worked example.
Sourcing buckles, eyelets and rivetsMetal buckles, eyelets, hooks and jeans rivets from China pay 2% UK duty. Nickel release, lead, finishes, pull strength and a worked duty example.
Sourcing velvet and corduroy from ChinaVelvet, velveteen, corduroy, chenille and other pile fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Upholstery fire rules, rub tests and a worked example.
Sourcing leather gloves, belts and jacketsLeather gloves from China pay 6–8% UK duty, leather jackets, belts and accessories 4%. Chromium VI limits, PPE rules for work gloves and a worked example.
Sourcing reflective fabric and canvas from ChinaRetroreflective glass-bead fabric from China is 0% under a suspension to 2028; primed artists' canvas and other coated textiles pay 4%. A worked example.
Sourcing babies' woven garments from ChinaBabies' woven garments, muslin sets, dresses, rompers, socks and mittens pay 10% UK duty from China. Small parts, cords, nickel and a worked example.
Sourcing men's woven shirts from ChinaMen's and boys' woven shirts in cotton, man-made fibres, linen or wool pay 12% UK duty from China. Fibre labels, fit, collars and a worked example.
Sourcing synthetic filament yarn from ChinaPolyester, nylon and polypropylene filament yarn, textured yarn, high-tenacity yarn and elastane pay 0% UK duty from China. Specs and a worked example.
Sourcing watches from ChinaQuartz, automatic and digital wristwatches pay a specific UK duty of £0.20 a watch from China. Nickel, straps, water resistance and a worked example.
Sourcing wellington and rubber boots from ChinaWellington boots, rubber safety boots and moulded waterproof footwear pay 16% UK duty from China. PPE, labelling and chemical rules and a worked example.
Sourcing scarves and shawls from ChinaWoven scarves, shawls, mufflers, veils and mantillas in silk, wool, cashmere, cotton or synthetics pay 8% UK duty from China. Fibre claims explained.
Sourcing polyester and nylon fabrics from ChinaWoven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, such as polyester and nylon taffeta, oxford and chiffon, pay 8% UK duty from China. REACH and fibre labels explained.
Sourcing combs and hair accessories from ChinaCombs, hair slides, hair clips, hairpins, curling pins and similar hair accessories pay 2% UK duty from China. Children's safety and finishes explained.
Sourcing women's blouses and shirts from ChinaWomen's woven blouses and shirts in silk, wool, cotton or man-made fibres pay 12% UK duty from China. Fibre labels, fabric and fit explained.
Sourcing baby clothing from ChinaKnitted baby clothes pay 12% UK duty from China, baby gloves 8%. Fibre labels, cords, small parts, nightwear labelling and chemical tests to plan.
Sourcing caps and hats from ChinaBaseball caps, beanies and textile hats pay 2% UK duty from China. Embroidery, sizing, fibre labels and minimums for branded and retail headwear.
Sourcing tracksuits and swimwear from ChinaWoven tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear pay 12% UK duty from China. Fabric performance, chlorine resistance, sizing and the fibre label to plan.
Sourcing bras and lingerie from ChinaBras, girdles and corsetry pay 6% UK duty from China. Corsetry has its own fibre labelling rule, and the size grid sets the minimum order.
Sourcing pyjamas and nightwear from ChinaKnitted pyjamas, nightdresses and briefs pay 12% UK duty from China. The Nightwear Safety Regulations decide the fabric for children and the label for adults.
Sourcing coats, parkas and jackets from ChinaCoats, parkas and anoraks pay 12% UK duty from China. Weight per garment sets the code, and down, fur trim or leather tabs need an extra label.
Sourcing women's dresses and knitwear from ChinaKnitted dresses, skirts, trousers and jackets pay 12% UK duty from China. The fibre label, fit and grading, shrinkage and fabric minimums to plan.
Sourcing own-brand and custom socks from ChinaSocks and tights pay 12% UK duty from China, compression hosiery 8%. The fibre composition label, knitting detail and per-design minimums to plan.
Sourcing apparel and uniforms from ChinaFabric, fit and labelling are where apparel orders fail. What to lock down before production, and why the first bulk run rarely matches the sample.
Ethical audits in China: SMETA, BSCI and retailersWhat a social audit of a Chinese factory covers, why SMETA is a methodology not a certificate, and how to make sure it covers the site making your goods.
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Tell us the product, quantity and destination. Our own staff in China verify factories, follow production and inspect before shipment. We reply the same working day to confirm receipt and arrange next steps.
