China's imported fabric market is largely dominated by chemical fiber products, which account for 60% to 70% of all imported fabrics. According to data from 14 fabrics commonly used by leading apparel companies, between 70% and 85% of cotton, wool, silk, and blended fabrics are sourced domestically, while 98% of hemp and linen blends also come from within the country. Over the years, with the advancement of China’s chemical fiber technology, the import volume of synthetic fabrics has gradually declined. However, some high-end brands still prefer imported materials due to their superior quality.
The primary reason garment manufacturers choose imported fabrics lies in their better appearance, texture, defect-free quality, drape, and color performance. Survey data shows that most high- and mid-range imported chemical fiber fabrics are polyester differentiated filament fabrics, with a small portion being other advanced synthetic or blended fabrics. These mainly originate from South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. This highlights a significant gap between domestic and international standards in terms of fabric quality.
In more developed regions like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, the variety of fibers has evolved to include 2–4 types, with over 5–6 fiber combinations. Through changes in fiber and fabric structures, it has become a trend to achieve realistic or even super-realistic effects. In contrast, the performance of new chemical fibers in China remains unstable, and their application is not yet widespread. On average, blended fabrics use only 1.3 types of fibers, showing a clear gap in innovation and diversity.
Domestic functional fibers tend to be too thick, making them less suitable for summer wear despite being designed as comfort fibers. The aesthetics of printed and dyed chemical fiber fabrics in China also lag behind. While “alkaline decrement†is commonly used to achieve ultra-realism, this method causes limited style variation, serious environmental pollution, and high energy consumption—making it a process that needs to be gradually replaced.
The “basic reduction method,†often used on common polyester fabrics, improves softness and surface luster. However, it leads to a monotonous look, reduced formability, and a lack of natural drape. Fabrics made this way may appear fluffy but often feel slippery or unsmooth, failing to meet the expectations of premium clothing.
Domestic polyester fabrics have improved in softness compared to the past, but they still suffer from stiffness, lack of fullness, and an overly slippery or uneven surface. Many suspended fabrics are woven using low-density techniques, resulting in softness without natural drooping. The color rendering is poor, and the fabric looks dull, lacking the natural appearance of real fibers. As a result, many Korean and Taiwanese polyester fabrics have entered the Chinese mainland market.
Additionally, the color of domestic fabrics tends to be less vibrant and lacks purity, often appearing grayish and chaotic. Printed fabrics also show issues such as insufficient whiteness, poor line continuity, and low vividness. Printing accuracy is another area where domestic products fall short. When using imported grey fabrics, equipment, and dyeing materials, the brightness, gloss, and color reproduction of foreign-made products still surpass those of local alternatives.
Overall, while China has made progress in its textile industry, there are still noticeable gaps in quality, innovation, and aesthetics when compared to international standards. Addressing these issues will require continued investment in research, technology, and sustainable practices.
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