China remains one of the world’s leading hubs for knit socks and hosiery, offering a wide variety of styles at competitive prices. For importers, wholesalers and retailers, learning how to efficiently export knit socks and hosiery from China is key to maintaining healthy margins and reliable supply. Partnering with a trusted export specialist such as Wigmore Trading can make the process smoother, more compliant and more cost-effective.

Why source knit socks and hosiery from China?

Chinese manufacturers offer several advantages for overseas buyers:

• Wide product range – from basic cotton crew socks to sports performance socks, fashion hosiery, compression socks and children’s lines.

• Scalable production – large factories can handle bulk orders, seasonal peaks and private-label contracts.

• Competitive pricing – economies of scale and optimized supply chains often mean lower unit costs.

• Customisation options – own-brand packaging, logos, colours, materials and size runs tailored to your market.

Wigmore Trading works with vetted Chinese suppliers, helping you match the right factory to your quality level, price targets and brand requirements.

Key quality factors to check before you buy

To profitably export knit socks and hosiery from China, it’s essential to control quality from the start. Focus on:

• Yarn and fabric composition – confirm cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex and bamboo content according to your market’s preferences and labelling rules.

• GSM and knit density – this affects warmth, comfort and durability; low-density fabrics can stretch out or wear holes quickly.

• Elasticity and fit – cuffs should stay up without being too tight; check recovery after stretching.

• Colour fastness and shrinkage – request wash tests and, where needed, third-party lab reports.

• Workmanship – examine toe seams, heel construction, linking, loose threads and logo clarity.

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Wigmore Trading can coordinate pre-production samples and independent inspections before your goods leave China, reducing the risk of costly returns or rejected shipments.

Compliance, labelling and documentation

Every destination market has regulations covering textiles and garments. When you export knit socks and hosiery from China you should ensure:

• Correct fibre labelling – for example, percentage breakdown of materials and care instructions.

• Safety standards – especially for children’s socks and hosiery, which may face additional testing requirements.

• Country of origin – “Made in China” labelling where required.

• Documentation – commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and any testing certificates requested by your customs authority or major retailers.

Wigmore Trading can help align suppliers with UK, EU, African and other market standards, and prepare the documentation your customs broker will need. Wigmore Trading can help avoid delays and compliance issues that impact your delivery timelines.

Choosing the right incoterms and shipping options

Your cost and risk profile will depend heavily on how you ship. Common options include:

• FOB (Free On Board) – the supplier delivers the socks and hosiery to the Chinese port; you control freight and insurance.

• CIF/CFR – the supplier arranges ocean freight; you take responsibility once cargo arrives at the destination port.

For small and urgent orders, air freight or courier services may be suitable. For ongoing wholesale supply, FCL and LCL sea freight are usually more economical.

Wigmore Trading has experience consolidating knit socks and hosiery orders from multiple Chinese factories into a single shipment, reducing your per-unit freight cost and simplifying customs clearance.

Pricing, MOQ and negotiation

Most Chinese hosiery factories will have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) per style, colour and size. To keep prices competitive:

• Group similar designs to reach higher volumes.

• Plan seasonal orders early so factories can allocate production time.

• Consider slight design flexibility (e.g. shared colourways) to reach MOQ thresholds.

Wigmore Trading can negotiate on your behalf, using existing relationships with manufacturers to secure better pricing, improved payment terms and realistic lead times.

How Wigmore Trading supports your hosiery sourcing

Working directly with distant factories can be challenging, especially if you are new to importing from China. Wigmore Trading can help you:

• Identify reliable knit sock and hosiery manufacturers that match your segment.

• Manage sampling, product development and packaging design.

• Arrange factory audits and third-party inspections.

• Coordinate freight, consolidation and export paperwork from China.

• Support customs clearance and onward distribution to your warehouse or customers.

If you are planning to buy and export knit socks and hosiery from China at scale, partnering with a specialist makes the process faster and less risky.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about how Wigmore Trading can help streamline your sourcing.