1. The rise of Local Streetwear Brands - and the need for better production

In the past few years, the US has witnessed a creative explosion of local streetwear brands. Fueled by platforms like Shopify, Instagram, and TikTok, thousands of independent creators are launching fashion labels that reflect their personal stories and cultural identities.

But building a brand is one thing—finding the right product to carry that identity is another. Many brands struggle with sourcing high-quality blanks, especially when faced with high MOQs, long lead times, and inconsistent fit or stitching from offshore suppliers.

As these startups mature, they’re not just looking for blanks—they’re looking for premium blankwear that elevates their brand positioning without breaking the bank.


2. Why Vietnam is becoming the go-to hub for Premium Blankwear

Vietnam’s rise as a global manufacturing hub is no accident. With decades of garment industry experience, the country now rivals - and in some areas surpasses - traditional powerhouses like China and Bangladesh.

For small and mid-sized US streetwear brands, Vietnam offers three key advantages:

  • Skilled craftsmanship: Vietnam’s factories excel in cut & sew techniques, enzyme/pigment dyeing, and finishing details that matter in streetwear.

  • Competitive pricing: With labor costs lower than China and better infrastructure than many South Asian peers, Vietnam strikes a rare balance between quality and cost.

  • Small-batch flexibility: Suppliers like HEM Blankwear now offer no MOQ on stock blanks, making it possible for new brands to test the market without upfront risk.

According to McKinsey’s 2024 Global Fashion Report, Vietnam is among the top 3 countries favored by emerging fashion brands for both flexibility and product quality.


3. Premium Blanks: more than just a T-shirt

What separates premium blanks from basic ones?

It’s not just about fabric - it’s about feel, fit, and finish.

  • Fit: True-to-size US-friendly measurements with just the right drop, shoulder width, and silhouette.

  • Fabric: Heavier GSM for durability, soft touch that holds after washing, ready for screen printing, DTG, or embroidery.

  • Finish: Clean seams, tight stitching, no loose threads, and properly pre-shrunk.

Your blank is your first impression. Customers often decide if your brand is "worth it" before they even see your logo - simply by touching the fabric or wearing the fit.

HEM’s core collection, for example, is built specifically for independent brands who want premium-grade essentials without designing from scratch. And because these pieces are ready-to-ship, brands can go from idea to drop faster than ever.

4. Small MOQ, big possibilities

Most US-based small brands hesitate to scale because of one thing: minimum order quantity.

Ordering 500–1000 pieces just to get started is not only risky, it’s unsustainable for most.

That’s where Vietnam’s new generation of suppliers comes in - many now offer:

  • Low or no MOQ on stock blanks

  • Sample programs before bulk production

  • Flexible style-matching for capsule collections

At HEM, over 70% of first-time clients are US startups who need small batches to launch. With no MOQ on blanks and fast shipping via DHL or UPS, they’re able to drop their first collection in weeks - not months.


5. Ethical and scalable: a foundation for long-term growth

More US consumers are asking hard questions: Who made this? Where was it made? Is the brand ethical?

Vietnam is responding by investing in transparency and sustainability. Many factories now:

  • Operate under WRAP or BSCI certifications

  • Follow ethical labor practices

  • Offer sustainable dyeing and waste management processes

For conscious brands, this matters. Choosing the right blankwear supplier doesn’t just help your product - it strengthens your message and mission from day one.


6. Real brands, real stories: why they switched to Vietnam

We’ve spoken to multiple brand founders - from Brooklyn to Portland - who shared why they made the switch from China or Pakistan to Vietnam:

  • “The communication with our Vietnamese supplier was smoother and faster.”

  • “We saved 25% on costs while improving fit and finish.”

  • “Lead time dropped from 45 days to just under 20.”

One LA-based streetwear brand shared: “We used HEM’s heavyweight blank hoodies for our first drop. The quality was so strong, we had influencers asking where we sourced our base product. That never happened before.”

7. What to Look for When Sourcing in Vietnam

Not all suppliers are built the same. Here's how to pick the right one:

  • A professional website with real product photos

  • Clear pricing and transparent communication

  • English-speaking team with fashion experience

  • A real understanding of streetwear branding—not just garment production

  • Sample availability before committing

HEM APPAREL, for instance, grew from a small Ho Chi Minh city-based workshop to a trusted blankwear supplier for 100+ global brands by focusing on streetwear essentials that feel made-for-branding, not generic.


8. Final thought: the smart move for smart brands

In 2025, building a successful streetwear brand means acting like a big brand from the start - without the overhead.

Premium blanks aren’t just the foundation of your product - they’re the foundation of your reputation. And Vietnam offers you that foundation: affordable, scalable, premium-quality blankwear from partners who understand your vision.

Start with the right blank. Start with the right partner.
Let Vietnam - and brands like HEM - be where your brand begins.


 

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