Mexico is an important center for worldwide denim fabrics and garments. Its proximity to the US benefits of trade agreements and strategic location between the two Americas has contributed to its growth as a textile and apparel centre. The country is a large exporter of denim apparels to the US, next only to China.

In fact, many brands have shifted their denim business manufacturing from China to Mexico. For one, denim fabrics from Mexico are considered superior to Chinese fabrics. There is a feeling the water is different in Mexico, the resin used is different. There is a lot more hand detail versus manufacturing details. One example is when people are trying to get a brushed out thigh on a pair of denim. In China it’s done by using a sand blaster and then go to the next pair. In Mexico the way is to take a wire brush and hand brush them out so that it’s possible to get highs and lows that look a bit more natural. But overall it’s the method of spending a little more time and the hand work in stressing or washing denim that is not done in mass production at a Chinese facility. Everything looks the same but in Mexico the processing and laundry are more artisan.

But a key advantage to manufacturing in Mexico is shorter lead times, which allows brands a lot of flexibility to change orders as business fluctuates.