Vietnam’s casual clothes production for December 2024 is projected to be 684 million pieces, with an estimated total of 7.42 billion pieces for the entire year, according to Vietnam’s General Office of Statistics. This reflects a year-on-year increase of 7.7 percent compared to 2023, demonstrating strong growth in the textile and garment sector.
In November 2024, the country produced 663.6 million pieces of casual clothes, showing solid output despite a slight increase in December.
Vietnam’s casual clothes production is a vital part of the country’s textile and garment industry, which is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The sector caters to both domestic and international markets, with Vietnam being one of the world’s largest exporters of clothing, particularly to major markets like the United States, the European Union, and Japan. Casual clothing, including T-shirts, jeans, shorts, and other everyday wear, constitutes a large portion of the country’s garment exports.
The production of casual clothes in Vietnam is driven by a combination of local manufacturing capabilities, competitive labour costs, and a strong supply chain that supports both large international brands and domestic companies. Major global players like Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, and H&M have outsourced their production to Vietnamese factories, taking advantage of the country’s low-cost workforce and its well-established textile infrastructure. These companies often produce high volumes of casual wear in large factories located primarily in southern provinces like Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong.
In addition to the global brands, local companies also play an essential role in the production of casual clothing for both the domestic market and export. Many Vietnamese manufacturers are vertically integrated, meaning they handle everything from fabric production to the final stitching and packaging of garments. This level of integration enhances efficiency and allows for more flexibility in meeting demand for different styles and materials.
Despite its growth, Vietnam’s casual clothes production faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material costs, especially cotton and synthetic fibres, and increasing competition from other countries with low production costs, such as Bangladesh and Cambodia. However, the government’s focus on upgrading manufacturing technologies, improving sustainability practices, and expanding international trade agreements, such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), is expected to support the continued growth of the sector. As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, Vietnam’s casual clothes production is also likely to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on using environmentally friendly materials and processes.
See also: Garment Manufacturing in Vietnam