Wholesale Clothes UK: The Real Buying Guide for 2026

Chasing the lowest wholesale price in the UK is the fastest way to bleed margins, miss trends, and lock yourself into dead stock. In 2026, winning buyers optimize reliability, compliance, speed, and data—not discounts.

The UK wholesale market has shifted, and the rules have sharpened. From supplier vetting to MOQs and lead times, this guide breaks down how to buy clothes the smart way—starting now.

In 2026, wholesale clothing in the UK is no longer a simple price game. VAT rules, minimum order traps, shipping timelines, and platform-specific restrictions decide whether you make money or bleed cash.

This guide shows you how wholesale clothes in the UK actually work in 2026, what has changed since 2023, and what experienced buyers know that beginners don’t.

What “Wholesale Clothes UK” Really Means in 2026

Wholesale clothing means buying garments in bulk at a lower per-unit cost, usually directly from manufacturers, distributors, or approved trade platforms.

But here’s the 2026 reality most guides skip: wholesale is now defined as much by compliance as by price.

If you’re UK-based and selling clothing, VAT rules, import thresholds, and supplier verification matter just as much as fabric quality.

As of January 2026, the UK VAT registration threshold remains £85,000 in taxable turnover. Cross it, and VAT becomes part of every wholesale calculation you make .

Many new boutique owners fail not because they chose bad styles, but because they priced products without understanding VAT reclaim, import VAT, and cash-flow timing.

The Wholesale Transaction Traps Nobody Warns You About

Wholesale buying looks simple until you place your first order.

Then reality shows up.

Minimum order quantities (MOQs) are the first shock. UK wholesalers typically set MOQs between £300 and £1,000 per style. Overseas suppliers may require 100–500 units per SKU.

Payment terms are the second. Most UK wholesalers require full payment upfront. Some established trade suppliers offer 14–30 day terms, but only after approval.

Returns are the third trap. In wholesale, “no returns” is common. Faulty items are usually replaced, unsold stock is not.

And then there’s VAT.

If you import clothing into the UK, you’ll usually pay import VAT at 20% at the border, which you can reclaim only if you’re VAT registered and filing correctly under HMRC rules .

Wholesale Clothing Companies UK Buyers Actually Use

Not all “wholesale” platforms operate the same way. In 2026, the differences matter.

Alibaba

Alibaba remains the largest global wholesale marketplace in 2026, connecting UK buyers with manufacturers, mainly in China.

Typical clothing prices range from £2–£8 per unit depending on fabric, branding, and order size. Shipping to the UK usually takes 7–21 days, plus customs clearance.

The hidden cost is compliance. Import VAT, customs duty, EORI numbers, and product quality checks are your responsibility. Counterfeit risk still exists if suppliers are not verified .

ASOS Marketplace

ASOS is often misunderstood as a wholesaler.

ASOS Marketplace in 2026 is not traditional wholesale. Independent brands set their own prices, and discounts are limited. There is no guaranteed wholesale margin.

Bulk discounts may apply on orders of 50+ identical items, but ASOS does not operate like a trade-only supplier.

The Source Report

The Source Report remains one of the strongest UK-based wholesale fashion platforms in 2026.

It operates strictly B2B. You must apply for a trade account, provide business details, and meet minimum order values, typically starting around £250–£500 depending on brand.

The advantage is speed. UK shipping usually arrives within 1–3 working days, with no import VAT surprises.

How to Buy Wholesale Clothes in the UK (Step by Step)

Step 1: Decide if you’re importing or buying UK-based. Importing is cheaper per unit; UK suppliers are faster and simpler.

Step 2: Check VAT status. If you’re VAT registered, calculate reclaim. If not, factor VAT into your cost price.

Step 3: Order samples. Always. In 2026, experienced buyers never skip this step.

Step 4: Confirm delivery times in writing. UK wholesalers: 1–5 days. Overseas: 2–4 weeks including customs.

Step 5: Run your numbers. If your gross margin is below 60% before marketing costs, walk away.

The Truth Most Guides Avoid

Wholesale clothing in the UK isn’t about finding “the cheapest supplier”.

It’s about building a system that survives VAT, returns, shipping delays, and slow-selling stock.

Once you understand that, wholesale stops being risky—and starts being predictable.

Best Wholesale Markets in UK – Updated Guide

If you want physical locations, opening days, and trade-only markets across the UK, continue with our updated wholesale markets guide.