Common Dyeing Methods in Garment Manufacturing

Common Dyeing Methods in Garment Manufacturing

Color is one of the most important parts of any fashion collection — and how your fabric is dyed will affect not just the look, but also cost, lead time, and performance.

At HEM APPAREL, we work with different dyeing methods based on fabric type, order quantity, and desired effect.


🎨 The 3 Main Categories of Dyeing

Dyeing Type When It Happens Used For...
Fiber dyeing Before yarn is spun Rich colors, heathers, melange
Yarn dyeing After yarn is spun Stripes, checks, jacquards
Fabric/garment dyeing After fabric or sewing Solid tees, fashion basics

🧵 1. Piece Dyeing (Fabric Dyeing)

  • Most common method in mass production

  • Fabric is dyed after knitting or weaving, before cutting

  • Used for solid-color jersey, fleece, twill, etc.

✅ Good color control
✅ Cost-efficient for large runs
⚠️ May have shading between rolls


👕 2. Garment Dyeing

  • Dye is applied after the garment is sewn

  • Results in a washed, vintage look with natural variation

  • Often used for pigment dye or enzyme-washed basics

✅ Unique, soft, pre-shrunk finish
⚠️ Not ideal for items needing strict color matching

At HEM APPAREL: We recommend this for oversized tees, washed hoodies, or streetwear styles with lived-in appeal.


🧶 3. Yarn Dyeing

  • Dye is applied before fabric is woven or knitted

  • Allows for striped knits, plaid wovens, or subtle tonal effects

✅ Clean color separation
✅ Great for high-end detailing
⚠️ Longer lead time and higher MOQ


🌈 4. Fiber Dyeing (a.k.a. Dope Dyeing for synthetics)

  • Dye added during fiber spinning — best for heather or melange effects

  • Often used in modal, polyester, or performance fabrics

✅ Color is locked in — very durable
⚠️ Expensive and less flexible with color changes


🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:

Choose dyeing method based on:

  • How solid or vintage you want the color

  • Whether you need color consistency or uniqueness

  • Your MOQ and sampling needs

We support reactive, pigment, and enzyme dyeing for cotton fabrics — and advise clients on the right approach from the start. MOQ from 300 pcs/style.

HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam

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