Knitwear Manufacturing in Pakistan – A Complete Guide to Quality, Processes & Global Market Potential
Knitwear manufacturing in Pakistan has grown tremendously over the past two decades, positioning the country as one of the leading global suppliers of knitted garments. From fashion-forward sweaters and cardigans to basic T-shirts, sportswear, thermal wear, and children’s knitwear, Pakistan’s textile industry delivers high-quality products to brands across Europe, the USA, the UK, the Middle East, and Australia. With advanced knitting machinery, skilled workmanship, strict quality control, and competitive prices, Pakistan continues to strengthen its presence in the global knitwear market.
This in-depth guide explores the knitwear manufacturing in Pakistan, its production capabilities, export potential, commonly produced items, manufacturing processes, quality standards, and reasons international buyers prefer Pakistan for knitted garments.
Overview of Knitwear Manufacturing in Pakistan
Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest textile producer, and knitwear is one of its strongest categories. The country has a well-established supply chain that supports everything from spinning yarn to knitting, dyeing, stitching, packaging, and exporting finished apparel.
Major knitwear production hubs include:
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Karachi
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Faisalabad
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Lahore
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Sialkot
These cities host large-scale factories capable of producing millions of knit garments monthly as well as SMEs specializing in boutique orders and private-label apparel.
Key Highlights
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Pakistan produces 100% cotton knitwear, blended fabrics, polyester fleece, terry knits, rib knits, interlock, and jersey fabrics.
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The industry is supported by modern circular knitting machines, CAD/CAM systems, fabric testing labs, and automated cutting.
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Pakistan’s knitwear category contributes significantly to its export revenue due to high global demand for cotton-based apparel.
Why Pakistan is a Preferred Destination for Knitwear Manufacturing
There are several reasons why global brands choose Pakistan for sourcing knitwear:
High-Quality Cotton
Pakistan is one of the world’s largest producers of premium cotton, which is a core material for knitted garments. This ensures:
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Soft, breathable fabrics
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Better durability
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Cost-effective production
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Stable supply chain
Skilled Workforce
The Pakistani textile workforce is experienced in:
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Fine knitting techniques
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Pattern making
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Sampling
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Quality assurance
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Mass production
This expertise allows manufacturers to handle complex designs and bulk quantities efficiently.
Competitive Labor and Production Costs
Compared to China, Turkey, and Bangladesh, Pakistan offers economical production rates while maintaining global quality standards—making it ideal for brands seeking affordable but reliable manufacturing partners.
Fully Vertical Supply Chain
Most factories in Pakistan offer:
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Yarn spinning
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Knitting
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Dyeing
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Washing
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Cutting
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Stitching
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Finishing
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Packaging
This reduces lead time and ensures consistent product quality.
Compliance and Certifications
Leading knitwear manufacturers hold certifications such as:
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BSCI
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WRAP
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ISO 9001
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GOTS
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OEKO-TEX Standard 100
These certifications assure buyers of ethical, sustainable, and safe production practices.
Types of Knitwear Produced in Pakistan
Knitwear manufacturing in Pakistan covers a wide range of categories, including:
Casual and Fashion Knitwear
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T-shirts
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Polo shirts
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Hoodies
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Sweatshirts
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Jogger sets
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Crop tops
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Cardigans
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Sweaters
Sports and Activewear
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Gym wear
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Compression leggings
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Performance tees
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Sports shorts
Winter and Thermal Knitwear
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Woolen sweaters
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Cable-knit pullovers
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Thermal sets
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Fleece hoodies
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Beanies and scarves
Children’s Knitwear
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Baby rompers
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Kids’ sweatshirts
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Leggings
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Printed tees
Corporate and Workwear Knits
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Uniform T-shirts
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Polo shirts
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Hospitality knitwear
Custom Private-Label Apparel
Factories assist with:
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Branding
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Labeling
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Custom cuts
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Fabric development
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Packaging design
This makes it easy for small and mid-size brands to launch their own lines.
The Knitwear Manufacturing Process in Pakistan
Understanding the production stages helps buyers know how Pakistani knitwear stands out in quality and efficiency.
Yarn Selection and Procurement
Manufacturers use:
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100% cotton
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Cotton blends
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Polyester
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Modal
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Lycra
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Wool
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Recycled fibers (RPET, organic cotton)
The chosen yarn determines the stretch, softness, and durability of the knit fabric.
Knitting Process
Factories use advanced knitting technologies such as:
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Circular knitting machines
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Flat knitting machines
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Rib knitting machines
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Jacquard knitting machines
These machines produce:
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Jersey
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Fleece
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Interlock
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Rib knits
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Jacquard designs
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Waffles
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Pique fabrics
The precision of these machines ensures consistent fabric quality.
Dyeing and Finishing
The fabric is dyed using reactive, vat, or pigment dyes, depending on the required shades and wash durability. Finishing processes include:
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Anti-shrink
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Soft finishing
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Enzyme wash
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Silicon finish
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Anti-pilling treatment
These steps improve comfort, appearance, and durability.
Cutting and Stitching
After dyeing, the fabric is cut using:
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CAD/CAM automated cutters
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Laser-guided cutting equipment
Stitching is performed using high-speed sewing machines such as:
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Overlock
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Flatlock
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Coverstitch
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Twin-needle machines
Experienced tailors ensure flawless seams and accurate fit.
Quality Control and Inspection
Quality checkpoints include:
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Fabric testing (GSM, shrinkage, colorfastness)
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Visual inspection
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Measurement checks
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Finished garment testing
Factories maintain strict QC at every stage to meet international standards.
Packaging and Export
Products are packaged with:
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Polybags
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Brand labels
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Customized boxes
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Barcodes
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Size tags
Exports are shipped via air freight or containers depending on client requirements.
Export Markets for Pakistani Knitwear
Pakistani knitwear is exported widely due to its competitive pricing and consistent quality.
Top export destinations include:
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USA
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United Kingdom
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Germany
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Canada
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United Arab Emirates
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Saudi Arabia
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Netherlands
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France
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Australia
Brands often source from Pakistan to balance cost and quality while ensuring sustainable production.
Benefits for International Buyers
Choosing Pakistan for knitwear sourcing offers the following advantages:
Cost-efficient production
High-quality cotton and durable fabrics
Skilled workforce and advanced machinery
Shorter lead times
Strong compliance and certification standards
Ability to handle bulk and small MOQs
Full private-label support
Many buyers appreciate Pakistan’s ability to produce premium knitwear at mid-range prices, ideal for new clothing brands and established retailers.
Challenges Faced by the Knitwear Industry
While Pakistan offers strong advantages, there are some challenges:
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Energy shortages affecting production timelines
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Fluctuating cotton prices
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Competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam
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Need for further technological upgrades in smaller factories
However, major manufacturers continue to invest in automation, sustainability, and skill development to overcome these challenges.
Future of Knitwear Manufacturing in Pakistan
The future looks promising for Pakistan’s knitwear industry due to:
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Rising global demand for comfortable knitwear
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Growth of e-commerce brands needing reliable suppliers
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Increased adoption of smart machinery and eco-friendly practices
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Expansion of organic and recycled yarn production
Pakistan is expected to strengthen its global presence by offering sustainable and high-performance knitwear solutions.
Conclusion
Knitwear manufacturing in Pakistan is a thriving industry supported by high-quality cotton, skilled labor, competitive pricing, and advanced production technologies. Whether you’re a fashion retailer, a startup clothing brand, or a corporate buyer seeking customized knitwear, Pakistan offers exceptional value, flexibility, and reliability. With a strong export network and vertically integrated production capabilities, it remains one of the world’s most trusted destinations for sourcing premium knit garments.