When you think of global fashion capitals, cities like Paris, Milan, and New York probably come to mind. But deep in western Ukraine, the city of Khmelnytskyi is quietly building a reputation as one of the country’s most important textile and garment manufacturing hubs — and it is playing a key role in Ukraine’s post-revolution economic recovery.
A City Built on Sewing
Khmelnytskyi is home to as many as 280 sewing plants of varying sizes, according to local industry figures. Some estimates suggest the unofficial number could be twice that. The textile sector employs between 25,000 and 35,000 people in a city where roughly one in ten residents is tied to the sewing business in some way.
What makes this remarkable is how the industry grew organically. In the early 2000s, the city’s bustling bazaar — the fourth largest in Ukraine, covering 18 hectares — was flooded with imported Chinese clothing. Over time, local entrepreneurs decided to start manufacturing garments themselves. Today, Khmelnytskyi produces everything from children’s clothing and costumes to shoes and underwear.
From Local Market to Global Ambitions
The city’s textile exports reached nearly $1.1 billion in 2017, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Ukrainian Association of Light Industry. But as the domestic market becomes saturated, manufacturers are increasingly looking toward international buyers who demand high-quality garments at competitive prices.
One standout success story is Pollardi Fashion Group, founded by Marina Vasylieva. She started her wedding dress business just six years ago with a single employee. Today, the company employs around 500 people and produces between 2,000 and 3,000 premium wedding dresses per month. Pollardi has expanded to a second plant in Kamyanets-Podilsky and even launched its own lace textile production to avoid import delays.
With dresses priced between $1,000 and $2,000, Pollardi proves that Ukrainian manufacturers can compete in the global premium market. The company operates under four brands: Daria Karlozi, Pollardi, Ida Torez, and Liretta.
Why This Matters for Apparel Brands
For international brands and print-on-demand companies looking for reliable manufacturing partners, Khmelnytskyi offers several advantages: a skilled workforce with deep garment-making expertise, competitive production costs, and a growing infrastructure for quality control. The city’s experience producing everything from everyday wear to high-end bridal fashion means it can handle diverse product categories.
As Ukraine continues to develop its light industry sector, Khmelnytskyi stands out as a compelling case study in how local manufacturing can evolve from serving domestic markets to competing on the world stage. For anyone in the apparel and textile space, this is a city worth watching.
Source: Kyiv Post — Khmelnytskyi powers Ukraine’s textile industry
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