Clothing manufacturers in Russia supply only part of the country’s demand, and since 2022 the clothing that fills the rest has shifted decisively towards Asia and neighbouring countries. Western chains have largely left, local brands have grown, and imports of textiles and apparel have recovered strongly. This guide sets out the latest data on where Russia’s clothes come from, what the country still produces, how its garment manufacturers and clothes factories are organised, and what buyers and suppliers need to check about sanctions and payments.
Where Russia’s Clothes Come From: The Top Suppliers
| Supplier | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|
| 1. China | About 44% of textile and clothing imports in 2021 and an estimated 70% of imported fabrics and clothes after 2022; 53% of women’s woven apparel by value in 2023; over 90% of synthetic fabric imports |
| 2. Turkey | Leading source of imported denim garments; about 10% of women’s woven apparel by value in 2023 |
| 3. Bangladesh | Second-largest textile and clothing supplier in 2021, mainly basics at high volume |
| 4. Italy | About 18% of women’s woven apparel by value in 2023, concentrated in premium; EU restrictions on luxury apparel exports (over €300 per piece) apply |
| 5. Belarus | About 6% of textile and clothing imports in 2021, as a neighbour in the same customs union |
| 6. Vietnam | About 6% of textile and clothing imports in 2021, mainly sportswear and outerwear |
| 7. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan | Leading suppliers of baby clothes by value in 2025, alongside Italy, together about 64% of that category |
The figures come from different years and measures, so treat them as indicators rather than a single ranking. Shares from 2021 and 2023 are the latest consistent breakdowns we could find; check current customs data for your product code. For the sourcing choices behind these numbers, our guides to clothing manufacturers in China and clothing manufacturers in Turkey cover the two main suppliers in detail.
The Latest Data: Russia’s Textile and Apparel Imports
Russia’s textile and apparel imports reached an estimated $3.8 billion in 2025, up about 29% on the year, according to trade-data estimates, as Asian manufacturers filled the gaps left by Western brand exits. Demand is resilient: Russia has about 146 million consumers, and local brands now sell more of the t-shirts, knitwear, and everyday clothing that used to come from international chains. The shift also changed the category mix. China dominates basics and fabrics, Turkey leads in denim and fashion, Italy holds on in premium, and Central Asian suppliers have grown in children’s wear.
Clothing Manufacturers in Russia: What the Country Still Produces
Russia has a genuine domestic industry, but it is weighted towards knitwear and simple garments. Russian production of knit and knitted products fell 1.7% to about 261 million units in 2025, while output of men’s suits and ensembles rose 41.1% to 7.6 million units. Synthetic fabric production grew about 4% to 681 million square metres, yet more than 90% of the synthetic fabric imported into Russia comes from China, and China supplies about 85% of imported sewing thread. In practice, many Russian factories cut and sew with imported fabric and trims.
Garment Manufacturers in Russia and Where They Are
Garment manufacturers in Russia cluster around the largest consumer markets and traditional textile regions. Moscow and its surrounding region and St. Petersburg host many sewing factories and brands, while Ivanovo has long been known as Russia’s textile city, particularly for cotton fabric. Smaller garment factories operate in regional centres, often producing uniforms, workwear, knitwear, and private-label ranges for local retailers. Typical factories work in smaller runs than Asian factories, with shorter lead times for domestic customers, but with limited capacity for large exports.
Choosing a Clothes Factory in Russia or Abroad
| Option | Best For | Watch-Out |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes factory in Russia | Quick response, uniforms, small runs, local brands | Imported fabric and thread; limited capacity |
| China | Scale, synthetics, variety | Payment and logistics complexity |
| Turkey | Denim, fashion, short lead times | Higher cost; compliance checks |
| Central Asia and Belarus | Nearby supply, children’s wear, customs-union trade | Narrower range and quality variation |
Sanctions, Payments, and Compliance
Sanctions have reshaped Russia’s clothing trade, and they continue to change. The EU and other jurisdictions restrict exports of luxury apparel and certain goods to Russia, many Western retailers have exited, and payment and shipping routes have become more complicated for suppliers in every country. Any manufacturer or buyer should check current export-control rules, the nature of the goods, payment channels, and the identity of the end buyer with a qualified trade lawyer, customs broker, or bank before agreeing an order. This guide is informational and is not legal advice. For wider sourcing resilience, our guides to apparel sourcing strategy and the best country to import clothes compare the main producing countries on landed cost and risk.
Our recommendation
Match the supplier to the product: Russian factories for quick response and uniforms, China for scale and synthetics, Turkey for denim and fashion, and Central Asian neighbours for children’s wear. Confirm sanctions, payment, and customs requirements before any order, compare quotes on landed cost, and approve a production sample before bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Russia import its clothes from?
Mainly from China, followed by Turkey, Bangladesh, Belarus, Vietnam, and Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with Italy still significant in premium categories.
Are there clothing manufacturers in Russia?
Yes. Russia has a domestic industry focused on knitwear, uniforms, and basic clothing, producing about 261 million knitted units in 2025, though it relies on imported synthetic fabric and thread.
Where are garment manufacturers in Russia located?
Mainly around Moscow and St. Petersburg, in textile regions such as Ivanovo, and in smaller regional centres, serving local brands and retailers.
How do Russian factories compare with Asian ones?
Most work in smaller runs than Asian factories, using imported fabric and trims, with shorter lead times for domestic customers and limited capacity for large exports.
How big are Russia’s textile and apparel imports?
An estimated $3.8 billion in 2025, up about 29% on the previous year according to trade-data estimates, led by China.
About the Author: Karthik Shan
Karthik Shan is the founder and CEO of The Synerg, with 20+ years in the Tirupur textile hub. He publishes practical playbooks for brands on fabric GSM, costing (CM/CMT), AQL quality standards, and export-ready production.