Tiruppur, widely known as the Knitwear Capital of India, contributes over 50% of Indiaโs cotton knitwear exports. From affordable basics to high-end fashion tees, the city has become the backbone of global T-shirt sourcing. If youโre a brand, wholesaler, or distributor planning to export bulk T-shirts from Tiruppur, this guide walks you through every stage of the process – from finding the right supplier to shipping your order successfully.
1. Identify the Right Export-Ready Manufacturer
Not every garment unit in Tiruppur is export-compliant. To avoid delays and rejections, start by shortlisting factories with certifications such as:
Sedex / BSCI / SA8000 โ for ethical compliance
OEKO-TEX / GOTS โ for fabric safety and organic production
WRAP or Disney FAMA โ for global brand sourcing approvals
๐ Tip: Always check if the manufacturer has prior experience with export markets (USA, UK, EU, MENA) and whether they can handle your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity).
2. Share Your Tech Pack or Product Specifications
Export buyers are expected to provide clear documentation for the T-shirt order. This typically includes:
Design sketches / reference images
Fabric details (e.g., 100% cotton, cotton-spandex, recycled blends)
GSM weight (160โ240 GSM for most tees)
Size chart (based on target market โ US, EU, Asia)
Prints or embroidery instructions
Label, tag, and packaging requirements
Without a detailed tech pack, you risk miscommunication, wrong sampling, or production delays.
3. Develop Samples & Approvals
Before committing to bulk, exporters usually insist on:
Proto Samples โ first version based on your tech pack
Fit Samples โ checked for sizing and comfort
Pre-Production Samples (PPS) โ final approval sample before bulk production
๐ Best practice: Approve fabric swatches (color, handfeel, shrinkage, fastness) separately before confirming PPS.
4. Negotiate MOQ, Pricing & Payment Terms
In Tiruppur, MOQs usually start at 300โ500 pcs per color per style, but this varies by factory and fabric. Pricing is influenced by:
Fabric composition & GSM
Printing/embroidery method (screen, DTG, sublimation, discharge)
Trims (buttons, zippers, labels, packaging)
Branding needs (custom neck tags, polybags, cartons)
Payment terms:
30% advance at order confirmation
70% balance before shipment (against documents or LC for large orders)
5. Bulk Production & Quality Control (AQL Standards)
Once PPS is approved, bulk production begins. Factories in Tiruppur follow AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) inspections:
Inline inspection (during sewing)
Midline checks (to catch recurring defects)
Final Random Inspection (FRI) before packing
Typical checkpoints include: stitching quality, fabric shade, print accuracy, measurements, finishing, labeling, and packaging.
๐ Working with a sourcing office or third-party QC team in Tiruppur ensures you get defect-free shipments.
6. Compliance & Documentation for Export
For smooth customs clearance, exporters prepare the following documents:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
Export Declaration / Shipping Bill
Test reports / Buyer compliance certificates (if required)
๐ EU buyers may require REACH compliance; US buyers may need CPSIA & flammability standards for kidswear T-shirts.
7. Shipping & Logistics from Tiruppur
Tiruppur exporters use nearby ports such as:
Tuticorin Port (Thoothukudi) โ closest, ~4โ5 hours by road
Cochin & Chennai Ports โ used depending on shipping line availability
Shipping modes:
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) โ cost-effective for bulk
Air Freight โ used for urgent shipments
Lead times: 45โ75 days depending on fabric sourcing, order size, and printing complexity.
8. Post-Shipment & Buyer Communication
After dispatch, exporters share:
Tracking details (BL/AWB numbers)
QC reports for buyer reference
Final invoice & payment documents
A professional exporter will also provide after-shipment support for claims, reorders, or replenishment programs.
Why Choose Tiruppur for Bulk T-Shirt Exports?
Specialized ecosystem โ 40,000+ garment units focusing on knitwear
Cost competitiveness compared to global hubs
Skilled workforce with decades of export experience
Sustainability edge โ organic cotton, recycled fibers, waterless dyeing tech
Speed to market with vertically integrated supply chains
Conclusion
Exporting bulk T-shirts from Tiruppur is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps – from choosing certified factories to approving samples, managing AQL inspections, and ensuring proper documentation. With its deep expertise in knitwear manufacturing, Tiruppur remains the top choice for global brands, wholesalers, and private labels seeking high-quality T-shirt production at competitive prices.
