Profade Apparel: Four Decades of
Global Growth and Innovation (1986 – 2025)
Profade Apparel’s story is deeply rooted in decades of industry experience, global expertise, and a passion for innovation. Our journey spans North America, Asia, and now Europe, shaping us into the trusted manufacturing and brand partner we are today.
1986: A Personal Beginning in the Industry
The roots of Profade Apparel trace back to 1986, when I first entered the needle trade business. Originally from France, I spent 27 years working and living in Canada, gaining deep expertise in domestic product development and manufacturing while pioneering global sourcing. During this time, I built strong relationships with factories and brands, laying the foundation for what would later become Profade Apparel.
1990s – 2009: Canada, China & International Expansion
Throughout the 1990s, our operations expanded to China, where we established manufacturing partnerships and developed deep expertise in supply chain logistics. After years of working closely with Chinese factories, I, along with my longtime friend Shelley, opened an office in Hangzhou to strengthen operations and enhance collaboration.
Today, our network of factories in Asia alone has grown to approximately 42—and counting. Over the years, we have worked with brands worldwide, providing private-label manufacturing and custom product development across various categories, ensuring top-tier quality and production efficiency.
By 2009, the vision for Profade Apparel USA was conceived, marking the next phase of our growth.
2011: The Birth of Profade Apparel USA
In 2011, we officially launched Profade Apparel USA, headquartered in California, to better serve brands across North America. With a focus on private-label development, high-quality manufacturing, and strategic sales representation, we quickly became a trusted partner for startups, mid-sized brands, and large retailers.
I want to take a moment to thank our key team members, many of whom have been with Profade Apparel for 15 to 20 years, leading operations across different regions:
Shelley & Lyan (China) – Overseeing sourcing, production, and quality control.
Gulnur (Turkey) – Managing manufacturing and textile innovation.
Dejan (Serbia) – Supporting European production and logistics.
Jenn & Glenda (USA) – Driving business development, sales, and client relations alongside me in San Diego.
Eva & Veronica (Freight & Logistics) – Managing global freight, warehousing, and seamless delivery coordination.
Manufacturing Across the Globe
At Profade Apparel, we understand that while domestic production is an ideal vision, each country’s factories specialize in certain product category. No single factory or region can handle all aspects of textile and apparel production, which is why our global manufacturing network is essential for meeting brand demands efficiently.
We partner with specialized factories across multiple countries, including:
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
✔ Portugal, Spain, Italy – Premium sustainable fashion, fully fashioned knits, and eco-friendly textiles.
✔ India, Pakistan – Organic cotton, handwoven textiles, and sustainable dyeing methods.
✔ Turkey, Romania – Sustainable cotton and denim, ethical textile production, and flexible lead times.
✔ New Zealand, Canada – Specialty yarns, merino wool, and sustainable niche markets.
High-End Fashion & Luxury Manufacturing
✔ Italy, Portugal, Spain – High-quality craftsmanship, European premium fashion, and luxury textiles.
✔ Bulgaria, Serbia – European production with strong tailoring, knitwear, and high-end finishing.
Large-Scale Production & Technical Apparel
✔ China, Vietnam, South Korea, Germany – Advanced textile innovation, technical garments, and large-scale production.
✔ Turkey, Morocco – Mid-to-high volume apparel with adaptable production capacity.
Competitive Pricing & Volume Manufacturing
✔ Pakistan, India – Cost-effective production, cotton-rich fabrics, and high-volume apparel.
✔ Tanzania – Growing apparel sector with regional supply chain advantages.
Each of these countries offers unique capabilities, ensuring that our clients receive the best quality, efficiency, and pricing for their specific product needs.
2025: Returning to Our Roots in Europe
As we step into 2025, Profade Apparel is returning to its European roots with the opening of Profade Apparel B.V. in the Netherlands. This expansion strengthens our ability to serve brands across Europe, offering:
✅ Localized support for European clients.
✅ Faster logistics and production management.
✅ A wider network of certified factories and suppliers.
With a passionate and experienced team, we are committed to helping brands scale and succeed in an evolving global market.
Looking Ahead
Our mission remains clear:
✔ Deliver high-quality manufacturing solutions tailored to each brand’s
unique needs.
✔ Strengthen global partnerships with brands and factories.
✔ Provide expert sales representation for brands looking to expand.
✔ Continue evolving and innovating while staying true to our core values of quality, transparency, and excellence.
With a global presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, Profade Apparel is poised for its next chapter of growth.
Your Brand, Our Commitment
At Profade Apparel, we don’t just manufacture products—we build long- term partnerships. We work closely with brands, ensuring that every product reflects their vision and quality expectations. Your brand is our brand, and your success is our success.
Here’s to the future of Profade Apparel and the brands we proudly
support!
Zee F. for PROFADE APPAREL