Shirts are a wardrobe essential, and many countries are known for producing high-quality shirts. But which country stands out the most?
Italy, the UK, and Bangladesh are famous for their shirt production. Italy leads in luxury tailoring, the UK in heritage craftsmanship, and Bangladesh in mass production for global brands.
Let’s explore what makes these countries dominant players in the shirt-making industry.
Why is Italy famous for shirts?
Italy is synonymous with luxury fashion and high-quality tailoring. Italian shirts are known for their craftsmanship, premium fabrics, and elegant designs.
Italian brands like Canali, Brioni, and Ermenegildo Zegna produce some of the world’s finest shirts, known for their precision stitching and luxury materials.
The heritage of Italian craftsmanship
Italy has a long history of tailoring, dating back to the Renaissance period. Today, Italian shirts maintain that tradition of excellence.
Premium fabrics and materials
Italian shirt brands use Egyptian cotton1, Sea Island cotton, and other luxurious materials that enhance softness, breathability, and durability.
Iconic Italian shirt brands
- Canali – Known for tailored, high-end dress shirts.
- Brioni – Offers premium, hand-stitched formal shirts.
- Ermenegildo Zegna – Combines innovation with classic Italian tailoring.
The UK has a strong reputation for well-structured dress shirts, particularly in formal and business wear. British tailoring is defined by precision, tradition, and high standards.
The UK is famous for its structured formal shirts, with brands like Turnbull & Asser, Thomas Pink, and Hawes & Curtis setting the global benchmark for quality.
Savile Row and the tradition of fine tailoring
Savile Row tradition2 in London is globally recognized for bespoke menswear. Many British shirtmakers adopt this heritage of personalized tailoring.
Fabric innovation and durability
British shirtmakers focus on durability and comfort, often using high-thread-count cotton and traditional weaving techniques.
Renowned British shirt brands
- Turnbull & Asser – Worn by royalty and James Bond.
- Thomas Pink – Modern yet classic formal shirts.
- Hawes & Curtis – Affordable luxury in business wear.
Why is Bangladesh a leading manufacturer of shirts?
While Italy and the UK focus on luxury, Bangladesh is known for its large-scale production of high-quality yet affordable shirts.
Bangladesh produces shirts for brands like H&M, Zara, and Ralph Lauren, thanks to its skilled labor force and cost-effective production.
Cost-effective mass production
Bangladesh offers one of the lowest production costs globally, highlighting mass production cost analysis in apparel3, while maintaining high output efficiency.
| Country | Average Cost of Production per Shirt |
|---|---|
| Italy | $50 – $150 |
| UK | $40 – $120 |
| Bangladesh | $5 – $20 |
Global brands sourcing from Bangladesh
Major international brands manufacture shirts in Bangladesh due to its robust textile industry and skilled workforce.
Compliance and ethical production
After Bangladesh apparel compliance improvements4, the country now offers more sustainable and ethical shirt production.
What about China’s role in shirt production?
China is a global leader in textile manufacturing, producing a vast range of shirts, from budget-friendly to high-end.
China dominates the global shirt market, supplying brands like Nike, Adidas, and Uniqlo, with a mix of affordability and advanced textile technology.
Advanced manufacturing and automation
China’s textile industry has embraced Chinese textile automation technologies5, ensuring precision in stitching and fabric cutting.
Diverse quality levels
Unlike Bangladesh, which focuses on mass production, China manufactures both budget and premium shirts for global brands.
Key Chinese shirt manufacturers
China-based manufacturers produce for leading Western fashion houses, offering custom designs and flexible production runs.
Which country makes the best quality shirts?
The definition of "best" depends on the type of shirt and its intended use.
For luxury shirts, Italy and the UK are the best choices. For affordable yet quality shirts, Bangladesh and China dominate.
Comparison of major shirt-producing countries
| Country | Strengths | Famous Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Luxury, craftsmanship, premium fabrics | Canali, Brioni, Zegna |
| UK | Formal wear, structured tailoring | Turnbull & Asser, Thomas Pink |
| Bangladesh | Mass production, affordability | H&M, Zara, Ralph Lauren |
| China | Large-scale production, tech innovation | Uniqlo, Nike, Adidas |
What should you consider when buying a high-quality shirt?
If you want a great shirt, focus on fabric, stitching, fit, and construction.
Look for high-thread-count cotton, double stitching, and reinforced collars to ensure durability and comfort.
Fabric quality and durability
- Egyptian cotton – Soft and breathable, used in luxury shirts.
- Oxford cloth – Durable, used in casual and business shirts.
- Poplin – Lightweight, ideal for dress shirts.
Stitching and craftsmanship
High-quality shirts feature single-needle stitching and reinforced seams for longevity.
Fit and design
A well-fitted shirt enhances style. Consider tailored or slim-fit options based on body type.
Conclusion
Different countries excel in different areas of shirt manufacturing. Italy and the UK dominate luxury and formal wear, while Bangladesh and China lead in affordability and large-scale production. When choosing a shirt, consider the fabric, craftsmanship, and fit to find the best option for your needs.
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