Companies bring in professional designers to develop unique and contemporary office dresses.

China manufacturers of corporate dresses are strengthening R&D capability to boost sales of in-house models.

	This polyester dress from Excellent has a silk-screened pattern and a bowknot-trimmed red belt.

An increasing number of businesses have been hiring specialists from France, Italy and Japan, which are well-known fashion trendsetters. The foreign staff members are expected to share current apparel directions with local employees and help create outfits that will suit the markets’ tastes.

In addition, product development teams gather information from clothing magazines and the Internet. Several companies also send their personnel to attend runway and trade shows.

To make office dresses more unique, suppliers are combining Western and Oriental elements in their releases. Some of the latest pieces incorporate Chinese collars or V-necks with frog closures. Traditional local patterns are being adopted as well.

Businesses are also turning out designs that simulate a blouse and skirt ensemble. The product may have a solid-colored top and a patterned bottom or the other way around. A belt is typically included to complete the attire.

Locally manufactured corporate dresses often come in pure or blended polyester or cotton. Silk and linen can also be employed. At present, the majority of factories favor synthetic textiles because these boast a similar look and texture as natural variants but are less expensive.

The use of chiffon is gaining ground as the material lends an elegant, luxurious look to the garment. Further, the fabric’s meshlike weave provides good air circulation.

Most office dresses from China come in a sheath or shift construction with a round or V-neckline and polyester lining. Sleeveless, and short- and long-sleeved versions are available.

The hem usually falls at midthigh or reaches the knees. A button or zipper closure may be placed in front, or at the side or back. Many recent styles, however, are already stretchable and no longer require fasteners.

Black, gray, navy blue and other subdued shades continue to be mainstream, although companies are now adopting bright colors such as red and pink in business attire. Some products feature an allover-printed pattern.

Construction details, including darts, pleats, pin tucks and ruffles, may be incorporated for a more feminine appearance. Rhinestones, studs, ribbons, lace, embroidered motifs, and textile, synthetic leather or metal brooches boost visual appeal further.

A self-fabric, elastic, or PU or genuine leather belt complements some designs. The accessory can boast a bowknot, rivets or synthetic gems as decoration.

Prices of corporate dresses are primarily based on the materials utilized and the construction complexity. Going for $5 to $10 per piece, basic models made of pure polyester or T/C are for the low end. They come in a solid color and have very few adornments.

Pure cotton or polyester chiffon and satin are used in midrange business attire, which is between $11 and $20. The most expensive garments range from $21 to $50, and adopt silk, linen or imported polyester chiffon or satin.

Upscale office dresses highlight more intricate configurations. They may have a ruffled collar or hem, or a pleated bodice or skirt. Greater amounts of embellishment and additional accessories are also typical. Single-hued and patterned releases are available.

Product gallery

Product gallery Excellent Fashion Garment (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd Model: EF2 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 100% polyester shell, lining; silk-screened floral pattern; elastic belt with PU leather components; in various sizes; polybag packaging Excellent Fashion Garment (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd Model: EF6 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 100% polyester top, 65:35 polyester-cotton skirt; polyester lining; silk-screened plaid; elastic belt with PU leather components; custom sizes; polybag packaging Hangzhou HSDP Group Model: PUMU9587 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 35 days Description: Satin with 70% cotton; yarn-dyed; 100% cotton lining; zipper closure; sizes S to XXXL; custom colors; polybag packaging Zhejiang Zhongda Exports Co. Ltd Model: 417404701 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: Silk top, cotton-polyester-spandex skirt; unlined; custom sizes; polybag packaging. Zhejiang Zhongda Exports Co. Ltd Model: CO 003 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 97:3 cotton-spandex; unlined; custom sizes; polybag packaging Zhejiang Zhongda Exports Co. Ltd Model: CO 004 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 65:27:8 rayon-nylon-spandex; unlined; custom sizes; polybag packaging Zhejiang Zhongda Exports Co. Ltd Model: CO 005 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 65:27:8 rayon-nylon-spandex; unlined; custom sizes; polybag packaging Zhejiang Zhongda Exports Co. Ltd Model: ZD2044 MOQ: 800 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: 98:2 cotton-spandex; unlined; embroidery, studs attached by hand; polybag packaging Note: This article "Spotlight on OBM corporate dresses drives upgrades" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.