Why UK Womenswear Brands Are Eyeing India for Quality Manufacturing After the CETA Deal

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The fashion landscape is changing—and fast. With the recent signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), a new door has opened for UK-based womenswear brands. India, long admired for its craftsmanship, is now emerging as one of the most cost-effective and quality-driven manufacturing partners in the global fashion scene.

At Zeddwork Studio, we’ve already seen a significant rise in interest from UK-based brands seeking to manufacture womenswear collections that combine quality, detail, and transparency—without compromising on ethics or price.

Here’s why this shift is happening—and what UK womenswear brands can gain from it.

The CETA Advantage: Duty-Free Access to Premium Production

Signed in July 2025, the India–UK CETA eliminates the 8–12% tariffs that previously applied to textile and apparel imports from India to the UK. This move gives Indian manufacturers duty-free access to the UK’s $27 billion textile market, instantly leveling the playing field with competitors like Bangladesh and Türkiye.

What This Means for UK Brands:

  • Lower landed costs without compromising quality
  • Greater margin flexibility for pricing or reinvestment into design
  • Easier entry into premium and sustainable collections
  • Faster collaboration due to proactive expansion by Indian clusters like Tiruppur (knitwear) and Surat (synthetics)

For brands selling in the UK, this agreement is not just a financial win—it’s a chance to work with a production partner that’s culturally aligned with detail-driven womenswear.

India’s Strength in Womenswear: From Artisan Occasionwear to Everyday Style

India’s design ecosystem offers a rare combination of heritage craftsmanship and production versatility, making it the ideal match for womenswear brands.

What Can Be Made:

  • Occasionwear & Cocktail Dresses – with hand embroidery, sequin work, and elegant fabrics
  • Tops & Blouses – with subtle detailing, lace trims, or pleats
  • Summer Dresses & Resortwear – lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton voile, organic poplin, and modal blends
  • Two-Piece Sets & Co-ords – made from soft, drapey viscose, rayon, or crepe

At Zeddwork Studio, we work with master artisans and skilled factories across India to create products that are not only beautifully constructed—but also designed with intention and care.

Ethics, Craftsmanship, and Customization – All in One Place

Unlike fast fashion production hubs, India offers something unique: the story behind the garment.

Here’s What Sets Us Apart at Zeddwork Studio:

  • Handcrafted Detailing: We work with artisans specializing in embroidery, beadwork, and hand-dyeing to elevate your garments.
  • Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing: We prioritize organic, natural, and recycled fabrics while working with vetted partners who offer safe, fair conditions.
  • Fabric Flexibility: Choose from India’s wide textile portfolio—from soft cottons to woven jacquards to performance blends.
  • Fully Customized Manufacturing: Whether you’re developing resort pieces, formalwear, or elevated basics, every detail is tailored to your brand.

We believe in building garments that feel good to wear—and good to make.

Speed Meets Precision: 3D Digital Sampling at Zeddwork Studio

One of the challenges in overseas manufacturing is communication and sample delays. That’s why we offer 3D digital sampling—allowing you to preview and revise your designs in high-fidelity visuals before the first stitch is sewn.

Benefits for UK Brands:

  • Save time and cost on physical sample rounds
  • Quickly test colorways, fabrics, or design edits
  • Use renders in marketing and pre-orders to validate styles

You get precision and speed, without the long wait times of traditional sample development.

Full-Service Support: From Design to Doorstep

At Zeddwork Studio, we don’t just stitch garments—we build collections. Our services cover the entire product journey:

What You Get:

  • Design Collaboration: Factory-ready tech packs, mood boards, print placements, and more
  • Sourcing & Sampling: From fabrics to trims, we handle the materials and prototype your garments
  • Production: Scalable runs across various silhouettes and product types
  • Finishing & Packaging: High-quality pressing, labeling, and custom packaging
  • Shipping & Logistics: Seamless export services with full documentation

Whether you’re a growing brand or an established label, we adapt to your needs—with clarity, consistency, and care.

The Future of Fashion Is Collaborative, Ethical, and Global

With CETA now in place, UK brands are in a unique position to benefit from everything India has to offer—affordable luxury, rich craftsmanship, flexible production, and transparent partnerships.

And at Zeddwork Studio, we’re proud to be more than just a factory. We’re your creative ally, your production partner, and your launchpad into a better way of manufacturing.

Ready to build your next womenswear collection with ease and intention?

Let’s create something beautiful, ethical, and scalable—together.
Get in touch with Zeddwork Studio today.

Ready to Work on Your Next Collection?