Why Hat Brands Are Moving to Vietnam & Bangladesh in 2025

Let’s not sugarcoat it: China is no longer the no-brainer for U.S. hat brands.
With rising costs, brutal tariffs, and supply chain instability, the game has changed — and Vietnam and Bangladesh are now the go-to regions for custom hat manufacturing in 2025.

Think:

• Lower unit cost
• Faster turnaround
• Duty-free access
• Scalable private label production

But beyond the buzzwords, what’s really going on? Let’s take a look.

Related service: Custom Hat Manufacturing Services by JoinTop

The Decline of “Made in China” for Headwear

According to Sheng Lu’s Trade & Apparel Blog (University of Delaware), U.S. apparel imports from China dropped over 35% between 2018 and 2023, with headwear products being among the first categories to diversify.

Key reasons:

• 25% average tariff on Chinese apparel (Section 301)
• +15% labor cost growth in China since 2020
• 40% increase in lead times during pandemic years

Smart brands aren’t just looking for “cheaper” — they’re looking for resilience.

Vietnam: The Next Headwear Powerhouse

Vietnam is no longer just for T-shirts.
In 2025, it’s home to some of the best custom hat factories in Asia.

Example Case: Yupoong Inc. Scaling Hat Production in Vietnam

Why Vietnam Works:

• Free Trade Agreements = Reduced tariffs for U.S. & EU
• MOQs as low as 300 pcs
• Fast sampling & custom embroidery support
• Experienced in private label snapbacks, dad hats, truckers
• Political stability & investor-friendly regulations

Bangladesh: Bulk, Budget, Branding — All in One

Bangladesh is no longer just a garments giant — it’s quickly becoming a top cap exporter.

Report: Bangladesh Cap Exports Surge – ApparelResources

Why Bangladesh Makes Sense:

• Lowest labor cost globally
• WRAP / BSCI / SEDEX certified
• Perfect for high-volume promotional caps
• Strong in woven labels, embroidery, applique finishes
• Can produce up to 50,000 units/month per line

Comparison Chart: Where Should You Manufacture Hats in 2025?

Need help choosing the right country? Talk to our production advisor

What Products Are Brands Outsourcing Right Now?

• Custom baseball caps with leather patches
• 5-panel & 6-panel snapbacks
• Vintage-washed dad hats
• Trucker hats with mesh backs
• Branded visors and sports caps
• Event & promotional caps with logos

Whether you’re a DTC streetwear label or a corporate gifting agency, Vietnam and Bangladesh can now produce retail-quality custom hats — at wholesale costs.

What About Sustainability and Compliance?

More than just cost-cutting — top Asian factories are going green.

• Factories using solar energy and recycled cotton
• Chemical-free dyeing & low-impact finishing processes
• Audited annually by WRAP, SEDEX, or SGS
• Digital tracking for real-time production transparency

Reference: WRAP Certification for Ethical Apparel Production

Real Brand Case: JoinTop in Action

“As a U.S.-based streetwear brand, we needed faster sampling and lower MOQs. JoinTop’s Vietnam team helped us launch a 3-style cap collection in under 45 days — fully custom, fully branded. Game-changer.”
— Anonymous U.S. Hat Brand, 2025

Want to see samples? Request a free sample here

How to Start with an Overseas Hat Supplier

5 Simple Steps:

1. Share your design / sample photo
2. Receive a digital mockup or physical sample
3. Approve quote, MOQ, lead time
4. Start trial order (300–500 pcs)
5. Track progress via weekly updates

See our production process: How We Make Custom Hats at JoinTop

FAQ: Overseas Hat Manufacturing

Q1: What is the MOQ for custom hats in Vietnam?
A: As low as 300 pcs depending on style and materials.

Q2: Can I get a free sample before production?
A: JoinTop offers free sampling for qualified projects.

Q3: Are these factories reliable?
A: Yes. JoinTop’s facilities are ISO9001, WRAP & SEDEX certified.

Q4: Can I make eco-friendly hats?
A: Yes — we offer recycled cotton, hemp blends, and eco-labeling options.

JoinTop: Your Factory-Direct Hat Manufacturer

Looking for a low-MOQ, high-quality, factory-direct hat partner?

We offer:

• Factories in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China
• Products: custom snapbacks, baseball caps, dad hats, truckers
• OEM & Private Label service
• Express sampling and 30-day lead time

Factory Locations:
Vietnam | Bangladesh | China

Product Styles:
Snapbacks | Dad Hats | Trucker Hats | Performance Hats

Contact us: Talk to our sourcing team

Summary

Whether you’re trying to beat tariffs, lower costs, or launch a sustainable private label, Vietnam and Bangladesh are the smartest moves in 2025 — and JoinTop is already there.

Let’s build your next bestseller — together.