Your guide to packaging for Vietnam's garment exports

In recent years, Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry has emerged as a powerhouse for the country. In 2023 alone, its exports reached an impressive US$42.1 billion, a figure that solidified Vietnam's position as the third-largest global exporter of these goods¹.

The United States (U.S.) remained the primary destination, importing US$15.5 billion of these products. Other key partners included Japan (US$5.05 billion), China (US$4.25 billion), Germany (US$2.18 billion), and Canada (US$1.63 billion)². These promising figures underscore the immense opportunities awaiting Vietnamese fashion enterprises aiming to expand into international markets.

However, capitalizing on these prospects requires more than just high-quality production. The integrity of your brand is intrinsically linked to the reliability of your garment logistics. Mastering the intricacies of packaging and international shipping is therefore necessary. This guide by DHL Express is designed to empower your business with expert advice, ensuring your garment exports from Vietnam arrive in perfect condition and your brand promise is upheld every time.

Unique characteristics of the fashion and apparel industry 

The textile and clothes industry is flourishing, but thriving in the industry requires businesses in Vietnam to navigate certain challenges skilfully. 

With the Global Fast Fashion Market (2022-2028) research projecting the international fast fashion market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2022 to 2028³, the industry competition is expected to intensify accordingly. The emphasis now, more than ever, lies in differentiating oneself in this crowded landscape. 

One critical differentiation point is the customer experience. Modern consumers look beyond just product quality; they deeply value the entire brand interaction. The concluding stages of a product's journey to the consumer are one such example of a pivotal stage in the brand experience. For instance, a McKinsey & Company study noted that nearly 50% of South Koreans surveyed prioritize next-day delivery⁴. 

Similarly, research revealed that almost half of all omnichannel consumers will shop elsewhere if delivery times are too long. For U.S. online shoppers, this means that over 90% expect free two- to three-day shipping⁵. This trend is further echoed by a OnePoll survey, which noted that 73% of U.S. consumers would shift loyalty after a single adverse brand experience, a notable rise from 66% in 2022 and almost double from 42% in 2021⁶.

Given this, ensuring seamless international delivery, from speed to the integrity of delivery packages, becomes more than just a logistical necessity. It's a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to secure their position in the apparel export industry.

The importance of packaging

Meeting this strategic imperative starts with effective packaging. In fashion logistics, packaging is a vital extension of your brand, especially in the last mile. It sets the tone for the unboxing experience and, as consumer data shows, a memorable delivery can significantly influence satisfaction and loyalty. 

Key factors for choosing your garment packaging

Here are some factors to guide your decision-making process for the right packaging:

• Shipping conditions: Consider how your apparel might be affected by its journey. The high humidity in Vietnam, for instance, can require apparel to be stored in airtight, waterproof bags to protect against moisture and mold.
• Type of garment: Fragile fabrics like lace lingerie and silk scarves will need additional protection against potential snags or tears in transit.
• Quantity of garments: Packaging solutions differ based on the number of items you ship. A single t-shirt might snugly fit in a poly bag, but packing thick pieces like jeans or multiple clothes will demand a more spacious box.
• Weight and dimension restrictions: The weight of your packaging choice can directly influence shipment costs, a key consideration for Vietnamese businesses to manage global logistics expenses.
• Sustainability: This is a crucial factor for a brand's global success. According to the 2023 Buying Green Report, 71% of consumers actively choose products with eco-friendly packaging⁷. This sentiment is echoed by Bain & Company, which found that 75%–95% of consumers in Asia-Pacific countries are willing to pay extra for green products⁸, making it a strategic way for Vietnamese brands to showcase their environmental stewardship when exporting.

Eco-friendly packaging for your garments

With an understanding of your needs, let’s explore the different garment packaging solutions available:

• Folding carton boxes: These are ideal for items like socks or ties. For extra security, these can nestle within an external mailer box.
• Flyer bags: This is a popular option for single, lightweight items. As a logistics provider, DHL Express can provide these flyer bags for free to our business account customers in Vietnam.
• Cardboard tubes: Perfect for smaller items like ties and socks. Shaped like a gift box, they add an element of surprise to the unboxing experience.
• Rigid boxes: When shipping luxury fashion products, such as designer bags or tailored jackets, rigid boxes add a touch of class and sophistication, though they often need a protective outer layer during transit.

If your business is considering adopting more sustainable practices, here are some environmentally friendly packaging options to incorporate into your operations:

• Corrugated mailer boxes: Robust enough for heavier items, they combine protection with eco-responsibility.
• Glassine packaging: A biodegradable, transparent paper packaging that is moisture, air, and grease-resistant. This makes it perfect for showcasing items to global customers who value transparency.
• Cornstarch packaging: Versatile and toxin-free, they are also available as biodegradable packing peanuts. However, cornstarch packaging is only compostable in industrial facilities. When targeting markets with a strong industrial composting infrastructure like parts of the U.S. and E.U., this material is better suited, but it requires careful consideration for other destinations.
• Mushroom packaging: This packaging is styrofoam’s eco-friendly cousin. However, as it tends to decompose quicker, it is more suitable for use when shipping within Vietnam or over short distances.
• Kraft paper: This material is not waterproof, making it more ideal when used as inner packaging.
• Green cell foam (GCF): This packaging, derived from corn, is biodegradable by water or composting. As a naturally anti-static material, it can help keep fabrics like silk, polyester, and rayon static-free. However, as GCF is less susceptible to weather elements, it is better used as an inner packaging or filler to offer cushioned protection when shipping luxury apparel.

Packaging your garments for international shipping

Once you've chosen your packaging, the next step is to ensure your garments are packed for international shipping with care. Depending on the nature of your items, here is a practical guide you can refer to:

Fragile clothing 

For the safe shipment of delicate fashion apparel to international markets, follow these steps:

1. Select the right container: Use a dual-wall box or a specialized box designed to provide maximum protection for delicate items.
2. Wrap each item: Individually wrap each garment in a layer of small-cell bubble wrap. This is crucial for protecting against friction and surface damage during transit.
3. Stabilize within the box: Place the wrapped items inside the box, ensuring a 6cm separation between the item and the box walls. Fill all void spaces with appropriate material to prevent any shifting.
4. Seal securely: Secure all flaps using the H-taping method. This involves affixing strong tape across the center seam and along the two edge seams to form the letter ‘H’, which ensures all flaps are fully secured during the journey from Vietnam.
5. Label for caution: Apply clear transport labels and stickers indicating the fragile nature of the contents, such as “fragile,” “handle with care,” or “this way up.”

Non-fragile clothing 

For exporting garments that are non-fragile, you can follow a more streamlined process:

1. Choose a container: Use sealed plastic flyer bags or single-wall cardboard boxes, which you can get for free from logistics providers like DHL Express Vietnam.
2. Separate items: If shipping multiple items, separate each clothing piece within the packaging to prevent damage from friction during transit.
3. Use correct box size: Choose an appropriately sized box to prevent collapse due to void space. Alternatively, if using a DHL Flyer Bag, fold and tape down any excess material for a snug fit.
4. Add an extra layer: Wrap each item with a layer of small cell bubble wrap or kraft paper before placing it in the outer box or DHL Flyer Bag.
5. Attach label: Affix a transport label clearly and visibly on the largest surface of the package.

Ensuring a seamless international shipping experience 

In the final stage of your garment exports, compliance with customs requirements is paramount. For Vietnamese businesses, this can be a significant pain point, as complex documentation and market-specific regulations can lead to unnecessary delays and added costs.

This is where a trusted logistics provider like DHL Express is invaluable. Our expertise in shipping to Vietnam and from Vietnam to global destinations ensures a smooth customs clearance experience. We help you navigate essential documentation and advise on market-specific regulations, particularly for key export markets like Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. By proactively managing these challenges on your behalf, we help you deliver your clothing packages safely to international customers without unnecessary delays.

Grow your garment export business with DHL Express Vietnam

As you set out to conquer new horizons in the global market, navigating the complexities of garment logistics can be challenging. DHL Express Vietnam is your reliable partner, leveraging years of industry expertise to provide solutions that transform shipping challenges into opportunities for your business to shine.

Our comprehensive suite of international shipping services is designed to enhance your operations and elevate the customer experience. From our GoGreen Plus service for your sustainable packaging needs to preferential shipping rates, real-time shipment tracking, and expert advice on packaging and customs, we offer a holistic approach to support your garment exports.

Don't navigate the intricate terrain of global trade alone. Open a DHL Express business account today to streamline your shipments and connect with us for expert guidance.