Why Malaysia?
Malaysia offers a mature, well-integrated apparel ecosystem with capabilities ranging from knitting and cut make trim (CMT) to full-package OEM/ODM manufacturing. Its strong logistics network via Penang Port and Port Klang, combined with close proximity to ASEAN raw-material and trim suppliers, makes it an efficient and reliable sourcing destination for brands seeking quality, compliance, and smooth export operations.
What This Guide Includes
This guide features five reputable Malaysian garment manufacturers, each selected for their clear capabilities, public transparency, and reliability. You’ll find a breakdown of each company’s strengths, categories, OEM/ODM capabilities, and suitability for different apparel programs. The guide also includes selection criteria, vetting guidance, and key considerations for brands.
How We Selected
Criteria Used
We evaluated manufacturers using the following parameters:
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Proven manufacturing track record: Years of operation, industry reputation, and visible customer footprint.
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OEM/ODM capability: Ability to produce based on client specifications (OEM) or offer in-house design development (ODM).
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Category focus: Specialisation in knits, wovens, uniforms, intimates, sportswear, streetwear, or technical apparel.
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Transparency: Availability of basic information such as factory location, core product lines, MOQs, and lead-time indicators.
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Cross-verification: Information checked across official websites, directories, and industry listings to ensure legitimacy.
The Top 5 Malaysian Garment Manufacturers
1) Whitex Garments Sdn. Bhd. Knitted Undergarments & Seamless
Overview
Whitex Garments is one of Malaysia’s longstanding knitwear and undergarment manufacturers, with over 35 years of experience. Known for its extensive work in knitted undergarments and seamless garments, Whitex operates across West Malaysia and maintains additional regional facilities to support capacity and export requirements.
Capabilities
Product Categories
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Knitted underwear
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Seamless undergarments
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Base layers
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Private-label intimate basics
Manufacturing Services
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OEM production (brand-provided designs and tech packs)
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ODM support for developing house-designed intimates or seamlesswear
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Cut–make–trim and knitting integration for consistent quality
Why It Stands Out
Whitex is highly suitable for intimate-wear brands, seamlesswear collections, and private-label basics that require fabric comfort, stretch consistency, and sensitive-skin-friendly finishes. Its long operational history gives it an edge in stability and product consistency.
Best For
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Intimates
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Seamless apparel
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Base layers
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Value-driven private-label basics
2) Hytex Apparels Sdn. Bhd. Integrated Knitwear & Printed Garments
Overview
Founded in 1988, Hytex Apparels is one of Malaysia’s well-established knitwear and printed-garment manufacturers. The company is frequently referenced in industry databases and corporate directories, indicating a long-standing presence in export markets. Hytex is known for its ability to integrate knit production, garment construction, and printing services under one workflow, making it a reliable option for brands requiring consistent colour accuracy and durable prints.
Capabilities
Product Categories
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Branded T-shirts
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Fleece and knit outerwear
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Sweatshirts and joggers
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Lounge sets
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School, college, and club apparel
Manufacturing Services
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OEM garment production for branded programs
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In-house screen printing and heat-transfer printing
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CMT and full-package options depending on order size
Why It Stands Out
Hytex’s integrated setup makes it valuable for programs that require fabric consistency, colour matching, and bulk printing, such as branded tees and school apparel. Their export history signals reliability in meeting compliance and shipment standards.
Best For
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Branded basics
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Fleece collections
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Printed T-shirt and loungewear programs
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Institutional apparel (schools, clubs, events)
3) Nyok Lan Garments Sdn. Bhd. Lingerie & Technical Intimates (with PPE Capacity)
Overview
Nyok Lan Garments is a long-established Malaysian manufacturer specialising in lingerie, shapewear, and technical intimate garments. The company also diversified into PPE coveralls and sportswear, making it ideal for brands combining intimate apparel with activewear or uniform lines. Their website showcases decades of experience and a robust portfolio in structured and stretch-based garment construction.
Capabilities
Product Categories
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Bras and underwire designs
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Shapewear and compression garments
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Panties and seamless intimates
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Polo tees and sportswear
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PPE suits and uniform garments
Manufacturing Services
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OEM for lingerie and shapewear
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ODM development for intimate collections
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Pattern-making and sampling for technical fits
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Multi-category support for blended product lines
Why It Stands Out
Nyok Lan excels in handling technical fabrics, moulded cups, and high-precision stitching, all of which are essential for lingerie brands. Their additional PPE and sportswear capability makes them especially useful for brands planning diverse product categories.
Best For
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Lingerie and shapewear labels
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Athleisure add-ons
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Uniform/PPE programs
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Intimate brands needing technical detailing
4) Sheng Li Knitting Industries Sdn. Bhd. One-Stop Knit Fabrics to Garments (OEM/ODM)
Overview
Sheng Li Knitting provides a vertical solution that includes in-house knitting, fabric finishing, design support, and garment manufacturing. This “one-stop centre” model allows brands to consolidate fabric sourcing and garment construction within a single supply chain, improving consistency and reducing lead-time issues. Their core fabrics include pique, single jersey, and interlock, making them ideal for lifestyle and sports basics.
Capabilities
Product Categories
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Polo shirts
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T-shirts
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Sports basics
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Corporate wear
Manufacturing Services
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OEM and ODM production
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In-house knitted fabrics
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Dyeing, finishing, and garment assembly
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Embroidery and printing coordination
Why It Stands Out
Because Sheng Li produces its own core knit fabrics, brands benefit from colour consistency, controlled fabric shrinkage, and better cost efficiency. It’s a strong choice for polo programs, uniforms, and recurring basics.
Best For
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Polo knits and tees
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Integrated fabric–garment supply chains
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Sportswear basics
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Corporate collections
5) DNR Garments Manufacturing (DNR Apparels) Clear MOQs & Private Label
Overview
DNR Garments (also known as DNR Apparels under Domain & Range Sdn. Bhd.) stands out for its transparent MOQs and startup-friendly policies. Unlike many manufacturers that provide unclear minimums, DNR lists straightforward requirements for ready-made and custom/OEM orders. This transparency makes it especially appealing for new brands testing small launches.
Capabilities
Product Categories
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Basic T-shirts
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Hoodies and sweatshirts
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Polo shirts
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Teamwear and event apparel
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Private-label fashion basics
Manufacturing Services
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100-piece MOQ for ready-made items
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400-piece MOQ for OEM custom designs
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Sampling service (RM150–200, refundable with order)
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OEM, CMT, and private-label production
Why It Stands Out
Clear pricing, predictable MOQs, and refundable sample fees make DNR one of the most startup-friendly options in Malaysia. Brands get cost clarity upfront, enabling better budgeting and planning.
Best For
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Startups and microbrands
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Private-label capsule drops
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Event apparel and promotional wear
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Basic tees and hoodie programs
Other Places to Search & Verify
MKMA (Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association)
A reputable directory for Malaysian knit-fabric mills and knitwear garment manufacturers. Useful for sourcing raw fabrics, identifying vertical mills, and verifying established factory members.
Industry Directories and Market Reports
Resources such as broader textile directories and manufacturing overviews can help you identify additional players in fabric dyeing, finishing, and garment groups. These listings are useful for cross-checking credibility and exploring larger apparel ecosystems in Malaysia.
What to Include in Your RFQ
Tech & Commercial Essentials
A strong RFQ (Request for Quotation) helps Malaysian garment manufacturers evaluate your project accurately and prevents misunderstandings later. Always include a full tech pack containing the BOM, stitch specifications, measurement chart, and tolerances. This ensures the factory understands construction requirements and expected quality levels.
Specify your target fabrics, including GSM, knit structure, finishing preferences, and any functional treatments you require. Provide estimated order quantities broken down by colour and size, as this affects costing and production scheduling.
Clearly outline your packaging and labelling rules, such as tag placement, polybag size, barcode format, and carton specs. If your brand requires compliance with standards like CPSIA, REACH, or Prop 65, include these upfront. Finally, state your delivery window so the factory can align capacity and lead-time expectations.
Vetting Checklist (Before You Commit)
Due Diligence
Factory Tour
Arrange a factory tour, either in person or virtually, to review the production line setup, stitching sections, inline quality checks, pressing stations, and packing workflow. This gives insight into capability, cleanliness, and workflow efficiency.
AQL Plan and Sample Pathway
Clarify their AQL quality plan and confirm your sampling pathway, ideally moving through:
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Proto sample
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Fit sample
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Pre-production (PP) sample
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TOP (Top of Production) sample
This ensures alignment at every stage before mass production.
Trial Run (50–100 pcs)
If possible, arrange a small trial run of 50–100 pieces to test the factory’s performance on colourfastness, shrinkage, stitching consistency, and fit. This reduces risk before committing to a larger order.
Contract Terms
Review all contract terms carefully. Confirm how reworks, shortages, and overages will be handled, especially for multi-colour orders. Clarify intellectual property and pattern ownership, ensuring your designs, prints, and templates remain your property even if produced in their facility.
Conclusion
A clear RFQ and a disciplined vetting process are essential for successful sourcing in Malaysia’s apparel industry. By providing detailed technical information, confirming quality pathways, and running trial batches, you set a strong foundation for a smooth partnership. With the right preparation, you can secure a manufacturer that delivers consistent quality, reliable communication, and long-term value for your brand.
FAQs
Q1: What MOQs should I expect in Malaysia?
Ans: Many knit factories quote 300–1,000+ for custom programs, but some publish lower entry points like 100 pcs (ready-made) and 400 pcs (OEM customised) per style/colour. Confirm per fabric/trim.
Q2: Can I get full-package (fabric to pack-out) in Malaysia?
Ans: Yes. Several manufacturers offer one-stop OEM/ODM with in-house knits or will partner with local mills to deliver full-package production.
Q3: Who is best for lingerie or shapewear?
Ans: Nyok Lan Garments is a focused lingerie manufacturer with shapewear expertise and added capability in sportswear/PPE.
Q4: I’m launching polos and tees where should I start?
Ans: Shortlist Sheng Li (knit fabrics + garmenting) and Hytex (integrated printed garments). Send a tight tech pack and request development timelines.
Q5: How do I verify a factory’s credibility before paying deposits?
Ans: Cross-check the company site and corporate listings, request recent TOP samples, AQL reports, and a video walk-through of the sewing lines and packing.
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