Clothing Manufacturer for London Brands
Nevear makes custom clothing for London brands, from a first run of 50 pieces per item to around 50,000 pieces in a single shipment. We work with partner factories in the UK, as well as in the US, Pakistan and China.
This page covers what matters for a London label: making in the UK or abroad, duty and import VAT, when you have to register for VAT, and timing production around London Fashion Week.
- Minimum order
- Typically 50 pieces per item
- Made in the UK
- UK partner factories, so no import duty
- Duty on imports
- 12%, or 0% from Pakistan when origin rules are met
- VAT registration
- Required above £90,000 taxable turnover
Why London brands work with Nevear
- Small first runs. Our minimum is typically 50 pieces per item, so you can launch or test a style without committing to hundreds of units. Read what MOQ means.
- Made in the UK or abroad. Produce with our UK partner factories for a short supply chain and no import duty, or in Pakistan, where clothing can enter the UK duty-free when the origin rules are met.
- Room to grow. Repeat orders can reach around 50,000 pieces in a single shipment, from the same approved sample.
- A predictable timeline. Samples take 2–3 weeks, and bulk orders usually arrive 3–4 weeks from the order date, shipping included.
We make t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, tracksuits, sportswear and caps for London labels. Making denim? See our page on jeans manufacturing for London brands.
Made in the UK or imported: duty and import VAT
| Where the clothing is made | Duty into the UK |
|---|---|
| UK | None: no import |
| Pakistan | 0% under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, or 12% |
| China | 12% |
| US | 12% |
Import VAT of 20% is charged on top, on the value of the goods including shipping and the duty. Clothing designed for young children is zero-rated when it meets HMRC's conditions. If you are VAT-registered, postponed VAT accounting lets you declare and reclaim import VAT on the same VAT return instead of paying it at the border.
Our UK guide explains the origin rules and the fibre labelling law in detail.
When a London label must register for VAT
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or if you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. Below the threshold you can register voluntarily: you then charge VAT on your sales, but you can reclaim VAT on your costs, including import VAT.
Most clothing is standard-rated at 20%, while qualifying young children's clothing is zero-rated, so a children's range changes the VAT you charge as well as the import VAT you pay.
Planning around London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week runs every February and September. In 2026 the February designer showcase ran from 20 to 23 February, and the September schedule was set for 17 to 21 September. Work back from the date you need samples or stock.
From sample to delivered order
Sample
2–3 weeks
Bulk order and delivery
3–4 weeks from your order, shipping included
Weeks from the start of sampling
One sample round and the bulk order take about five to seven weeks from the start of sampling, plus your review time. Allow for at least one extra sample round on a new style.
Frequently asked questions
Do you manufacture in the UK?
Yes. We work with partner factories in the UK, as well as in the US, Pakistan and China. UK-made clothing pays no import duty and can honestly be labelled "Made in the UK".
What is the minimum order?
Typically 50 pieces per item. The exact minimum depends on the product, fabric and production process, and is confirmed in your quote.
What duty do I pay on clothing imported into the UK?
The normal rate on clothing is 12%. Clothing made in Pakistan can come in at 0% under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme when it meets the rules of origin. Import VAT of 20% applies on top, except on young children's clothing.
When do I need to register for VAT?
When your taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. You can register voluntarily below that.
Sources
- GOV.UK: VAT thresholds
- GOV.UK: Register for VAT
- UK Trade Tariff: cotton T-shirts, commodity 6109100010
- GOV.UK: Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
- HMRC: Check when you can account for import VAT on your VAT Return
- British Fashion Council: London Fashion Week
Facts checked on . Rules change, so confirm with the source before you rely on them.
Making clothing for London?
Tell us what you want to make and how many pieces. We will confirm the minimum, the best production country and a timeline in your quote.