If you want to start an online store right now, men’s clothing is a great niche to get into.
You have several options when it comes to product sourcing—a large variety of suppliers offer wholesale clothing for men at great prices. The challenge, of course, is identifying the best men’s clothing wholesalers for your store.
Learn about the specifics of starting a men’s clothing brand, discover where to find wholesale men’s clothing suppliers, and explore a dozen reliable men’s wholesale clothing suppliers and distributors to help you start.
How to choose the right vendor for men’s wholesale clothing
- Identify your niche
- Evaluate your stock needs
- Access vendor capabilities
- Compare pricing
- Consider the long-term relationship
Choosing a men’s wholesale clothing vendor involves evaluating your business needs and financial considerations, and the vendor’s reliability. Keep these considerations in mind to lay a solid foundation for a long-term, profitable business relationship:
1. Identify your niche
First, figure out who your target market is. Would you like to cater to high-end fashion consumers, athletes, or streetwear appreciators? Consider vendors who specialize in your niche.
2. Evaluate your stock needs
How much inventory do you plan on keeping at a given time? Some vendors specialize in bulk sales, while others may offer smaller quantities.
Most wholesalers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ), which is the smallest order amount or product quantity they’re willing to supply. If their MOQ is too high, you might end up with excess inventory, tying up funds and potentially wasting stock if it doesn’t sell.
3. Access vendor capabilities
Compile a list of vendors who will meet your stock needs, then request samples to assess the quality of materials, stitching, and overall craftsmanship. The quality should align with your brand’s standards and your customers’ expectations.
Consider the vendor’s reliability and ability to consistently meet your demands. Can they handle the volume you need? Do they have a track record of timely delivery? Research customer reviews and consider reaching out to current clients to learn more.
You also need to confirm if the supplier ships to your country. And make sure to compare shipping prices. You don’t want to pay shipping to a specific distributor, only to find out that another company is offering free shipping.
4. Compare pricing
Compare pricing across vendors to find a cost-effective option. However, remember that the lowest price isn’t always the best if it compromises quality. Understand the payment terms and any potential discounts for bulk purchases.
Inquire about shipping costs and if they offer free shipping thresholds. Determine how these costs will impact your pricing strategy and profit margins.
5. Consider the long-term relationship
As your business grows, can the vendor accommodate your scaling needs? Look for wholesale vendors willing to grow with you and offer better terms as your business relationship strengthens.
Choose a vendor who stays on top of fashion trends, ensuring your product line remains current and competitive.
12 best vendors for wholesale men’s clothing
- Faire
- Q Clothing
- Made-in-China
- Tbdressshop
- FashionGo
- BrandsGateway
- Paris Fashion Shops
- Wholesale Central
- FashionTIY
- DHgate
- Steal Deal
- Wholesale7
The following sites contain the best vendors for purchasing inventory at a low cost, with minimal headaches:
1. Faire
Faire is a handpicked wholesale marketplace with a special focus on US-based wholesalers. You’ll find quality wholesale suppliers for men’s urban clothing, outdoor wear, ethically made polo shirts, and thousands of other items.
Filter wholesalers based on minimum order, so you can look at the inventory of only those vendors who suit your financial capacity. Search for men’s wholesale clothing distributors by category, brand, or location to reduce shipping times.
Faire displays the retail price of each item the wholesaler has listed for sale. This can give you an idea of how much to charge and the profits you can earn in sales.
2. Q Clothing
Q Clothing has everything from designer clothing and formal suits to casual dress shirts and hoodies on the platform. The items are sold by UK vendors who specialize in stocking trendy outfits and ex-chainstore apparel. “Ex-chainstore” means the product was originally ordered by a high street chainstore that later canceled the order due to late delivery. The website then offers them to retailers at a substantially lower cost than the manufacturer’s price.
However, having the items delivered within the UK will require you to pay a value added tax (VAT). The prices listed on the website do not reflect the VAT at the current rate of 20%.
3. Made-in-China
Made-in-China is a website where many Chinese factories sell their items at affordable prices. The site has a great selection of wholesale men’s clothing suppliers, and most of them can ship worldwide at an affordable cost. The depth and variety of their inventory are impressive, with wholesale items ranging from streetwear to athleisure to business casual. In the case of athletic wear, Made-in-China suppliers also list what sport the product is useful for.
Some vendors on the site even offer personalized design services. This is where you create a custom design and the supplier prints it on the clothing.
Made-in-China offers extra services you can take advantage of like an inspection certificate, company profile, and product specification, which is a document that outlines the requirements for a product or feature.
4. Tbdresshop
Tbdresshop offers plenty of men’s clothing products that you can filter by price range, season, material, and more. As opposed to other wholesale ecommerce websites, this platform does not require a minimum quantity of purchase. You can order a single piece if you like.
In terms of discounts, you can expect the prices to be slashed by as much as 70%. And if you are not satisfied with the product you receive, you can ask the distributor to arrange a refund or exchange. Most requests are fulfilled within 30 calendar days of receipt.
5. FashionGo
FashionGo operates like a huge online mall, where retailers can find everything a guy might want—from casual graphic tees and laid-back jeans to sharp suits for the office or special events. It even has athletic wear for workouts or active days, and cozy jackets for when the weather gets chilly.
FashionGo brings together many different brands, making it easy for buyers to find a mix of clothing for men of all ages and tastes. Because it sells in bulk with no minimum order quantity, its prices are low, and it always has the latest trends.
6. BrandsGateway
BrandsGateway stocks high-end, designer men’s clothing. Here, buyers find exclusive items like designer jeans, luxury watches, elegant suits, and high-quality leather goods from world-renowned brands—often at significantly discounted prices.
BrandsGateway ensures all products come with a proof of authenticity and have been supplied by licensed vendors. A crucial assurance when dealing with luxury goods. Additionally, it offers a global dropshipping service, which is not very common in the luxury market, enabling retailers to sell top-quality items without holding actual stock.
7. Paris Fashion Shops
Paris Fashion Shops stands out due to its comprehensive selection of men’s apparel, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of Parisian style though being a Paris-based brand is not a requirement. Retailers exploring Paris Fashion Shops will find an impressive array of men’s clothing, from sleek suits perfect for formal affairs to casual streetwear like graphic tees and joggers, all the way to essential accessories such as belts and scarves.
Paris Fashion Shops’ commitment to supporting smaller, independent brands alongside well-known ones sets it apart from other online wholesalers.
8. Wholesale Central
Wholesale Central is a no-frills online directory that connects retailers directly with wholesalers and suppliers.
Wholesale Central isn’t an ecommerce site; instead, it provides a list of suppliers you can contact and deal with directly. Its men’s clothing category is extensive, featuring a wide variety of apparel, ranging from basics like t-shirts and jeans to more niche items like sportswear, formal wear, and seasonal clothing.
9. FashionTIY
FashionTIY is all about giving small and medium-sized businesses easy access to trendy, affordable clothing.
Retailers can find everything from everyday basics like t-shirts and jeans to professional wear like suits and ties, as well as accessories such as belts, wallets, and sunglasses.
A big advantage of FashionTIY is that it keeps low factory-direct prices without enforcing a minimum order quantity.
10. DHgate
The DHGate wholesale marketplace connects international buyers with Chinese suppliers and manufacturers, including men’s fashion. From casual clothing such as t-shirts and hoodies to formal clothing such as suits and blazers, this platform has a wide selection of bulk men’s clothing and accessories.
DHGate requires manufacturers to go through a verification process and has a robust customer service program that refunds for fraud, counterfeit, and non-delivery. Because of this guarantee it appeals to smaller businesses and individual buyers with no minimum order requirement.
11. Steal Deal
Steal Deal is a go-to vendor for wholesale streetwear clothing. The website offers a wide range of trendy men’s urban apparel, from graphic tees and hoodies to distressed jeans and oversized jackets.
You can find both popular streetwear brands and emerging designers on the platform, from Adidas to Crooks & Castles, and Zoo York. If your market is a young, fashion-forward male demographic, Steal Deal offers a trend-driven inventory with competitive pricing so you can stock up on the latest streetwear styles in your store.
12. Wholesale7
Wholesale7 specializes in trendy men’s apparel at budget-friendly prices. You can find streetwear staples like ripped jeans and hoodies, as well as dress shirts for affordable prices—some priced under $10 wholesale.
The platform updates its catalog weekly with new arrivals to help you stay ahead of trends. It offers both wholesale and dropshipping services with no minimum order quantity.
Where can you find men’s wholesale clothing vendors?
Here are a few places you can search for men’s wholesale clothing vendors:
- eBay. eBay is a marketplace where apparel retailers list their products for sale, but it’s also home to many clothing manufacturers and wholesalers. To find wholesale clothing for men, search for “men’s clothing wholesale lots” on the platform.
- Facebook Marketplace. If you are 18 years of age or older and reside in Canada, Mexico, the US, or other locations, access Facebook Marketplace to find men’s wholesale clothing distributors in your local community.
- Local trade fairs. Trade fairs are events set up to connect wholesalers and buyers of a particular industry. Check out the Apparel & Garments events happening in your area to find domestic and even international suppliers for your business.
- Clothing markets. Visiting nearby wholesale apparel boutiques can also yield good results. Along with buying goods, going to boutiques lets you see which clothing is currently in fashion (shop owners often promote the latest trends through displays).
Benefits of buying wholesale men’s clothing
There are numerous benefits to sourcing wholesale clothing for men. Here are a few:
Avoid markups
Purchasing wholesale often means you are purchasing in bulk and sourcing products directly from the manufacturer. Unlike retail sourcing, where items pass through several hands before they get to you, you can buy high-quality men’s clothing at the lowest possible prices. Plus, you may get special discounts on bulk purchases. This can increase your overall profitability, as you can buy wholesale products on the cheap and still sell them at a good price.
Build up inventory
Men’s clothing wholesalers keep a large stock of various items for retailers. Since menswear wholesalers use inventory management systems to provide real-time data on stock levels and sales trends, they can anticipate demand fluctuations and adjust their order. If you need more of a particular item, you can be sure of getting it to fulfill demand.
Scale with ease
Buying wholesale clothing for men is much more convenient than sourcing the same through retail. You don’t have to look for high-quality products or negotiate prices with wholesalers—you simply order what you need and the wholesale company ensures it supplies you with the best quality items at the lowest price. Plus, when you buy wholesale men’s apparel online, you save time you would have spent visiting brick-and-mortar stores for stock.
Quality assurance tips
You don’t want to end up selling clothes that fall apart after one wash or shrink to doll size. To keep your customers coming back for more, consider these factors when sourcing wholesale men’s clothing:
Fabric quality
When you’re examining wholesale clothing, start with the fabric. Run your fingers over it. Is it soft and sturdy or itchy and flimsy? Hold it up to the light to spot inconsistencies in the weave or color.
Don’t hesitate to ask for fabric composition details; always double-check if it matches the label. For natural fibers like cotton, you’re looking for long, strong fibers that won’t pill after a few wears. The fabric is the foundation of the garment, so take your time here and test out the clothes like one of your customers would.
Stitching and seams
Next, investigate the stitching. Flip the garment inside out and scrutinize the seams. You’re looking for straight, even stitching without loose threads or gaps.
Pay extra attention to high-stress areas like underarms and crotch seams; they should be reinforced to withstand wear and tear. Don’t forget to test zippers, buttons, and other closures. They should work smoothly and be securely attached. The more stitches per inch, the better the quality, so watch for those tight, neat seams.
Fit and sizing
Get detailed size charts from your suppliers and compare them to industry standards. Are the measurements consistent across different sizes of the same style? It’s worth ordering samples in various sizes to see how they fit on different body types.
When examining a garment, look at how it hangs on a mannequin or model. Is there appropriate ease in the shoulders, chest, and waist? A well-fitting garment makes for a happy customer.
Durability
Put these clothes through their paces. Stretch those elastic waistbands to see if they snap back into shape. Grab a damp white cloth and rub it on dark fabrics to check for color bleeding.
Don’t be afraid to wash-test some samples. It’s better to find out about any shrinkage or fading issues now rather than later. Keep an eye out for reinforced stress points like pocket corners and belt loops. For larger orders, you might even want to consider professional lab testing to thoroughly test the durability.
Certifications and standards
Look for industry certifications that show the supplier is serious about quality and ethics. OEKO-TEX for textile safety or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic materials are good ones to watch for.
Check if they’re following ethical manufacturing standards with certifications like Fairtrade or SA8000. Ensure they comply with labeling laws in your target market and act ethically.
Also, ask for documentation on their quality control processes or third-party audits. If you plan on importing or exporting, double-check they can provide all the necessary certifications.
Understanding wholesale pricing structures
You’ll come across different wholesale pricing structures when dealing with business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Understanding them will help you better negotiate and maximize profits for your business.
Here is what to know:
- Base price. This is your starting point, covering the wholesaler’s production costs and a minimal profit margin. It’s the foundation for all other pricing considerations.
- Volume discounts. The more you buy, the less you pay per item. These discounts encourage bulk purchases and can boost your profit margins if you can sell all your inventory.
- Tiered pricing. Wholesalers often categorize buyers based on factors like purchase history or business size, offering different price levels for each tier.
- Minimum order quantities (MOQ). This is the smallest amount a wholesaler will sell. MOQs are often tied to pricing tiers, with lower prices for higher quantities.
- Payment terms. These conditions, such as net 30 or early payment discounts, can affect your final price and cash flow. Favorable terms can be as valuable as a lower base price.
When negotiating with wholesalers, consider how each of these elements affects your overall costs and profits. The best deal isn’t always the lowest base price, it’s the structure that best fits your business model and growth plans.
Customization and private label opportunities
Differentiating your business is one way to gain a competitive edge in the market. Maybe you don’t want to sell the same shirts and jeans as everyone else. You want your men’s clothing store to stand out.
Many wholesale suppliers offer customization services, which let you:
- Add unique design elements to existing products
- Tweak standard designs to fit your brand vibe
- Create entirely new designs from scratch
For example, maybe you decide to embroider your logo onto the chest of a shirt—nothing flashy, just enough to be different. Or you adjust the fit slightly so it’s more tailored than the standard boxy tee.
If a supplier offers private label options, you can take it a step further. You can work with the supplier to replace their label with your own brand name. Now, instead of “Generic Apparel Co.,” the tag reads “Your Awesome Brand.”
Of course, this takes more effort than simply reselling existing brands, but the payoff can be big. You’ll have the opportunity to become a recognized brand in the market.
Buy wholesale men’s apparel for your store today
As you can see, there are plenty of wholesalers out there that allow aspiring entrepreneurs to create a men’s clothing brand.
Placing a test order can also be a good idea. It will let you experience the customer service, shipping speed, and product quality the supplier is offering. Once you do this, you will identify wholesalers you can rely on to fulfill your inventory requirements.
Wholesale men’s clothing vendors FAQ
How much money do you need to start a clothing line?
The initial investment for starting a clothing line can vary, ranging from $500 to $50,000 or more, depending on factors like production scale, design complexity, and marketing strategy. For a small-scale startup, you might start with as little as $1,000 to $5,000 for basic inventory, while larger operations may require more capital to cover manufacturing, branding, and distribution costs.
What is the profit margin on a clothing line?
The profit margin for a clothing line generally ranges from 30% to 50% but can vary based on product type, manufacturing costs, and pricing strategy. Luxury clothing lines tend to have higher margins, while budget-friendly brands operate with lower margins but compensate through higher sales.
How do I find direct clothing suppliers?
You can find a direct clothing supplier at industry trade shows or online directories specializing in wholesale men’s clothing. Read through reviews by their past clients, contact manufacturers directly, clarify your needs, and discuss their ability to meet large orders and maintain quality.
Where can I buy clothes in bulk to sell online?
Some popular marketplaces are Faire, FashionGo, BrandsGateway, and DHgate.
Can I put my own label on wholesale clothing?
Yes, you can put your own label on wholesale clothing through a process called private labeling. To do this, negotiate with a manufacturer to produce items branded under your label. Ensure your supplier understands your branding requirements and can produce or attach your labels.