District 4

Yiwu International Trade City

Yiwu International Trade City District 4 Sourcing Guide: Socks, Daily Goods, Hats, Shoes, Underwear, Scarves and Knitted Products

If District 1 is suitable for toys, accessories and gifts, District 2 for hardware, electrical products and bags, and District 3 for stationery, beauty products and sports goods, then District 4 is more focused on wearable products, knitted products, daily-use goods and basic consumer products.

Many products in District 4 are high-repeat-purchase necessities, such as socks, leggings, gloves, hats, towels, shoes, underwear, scarves, belts and daily-use goods. For foreign buyers, District 4 is very suitable for wholesale, supermarkets, e-commerce, apparel accessories, basic clothing, seasonal products and long-term restocking businesses.


1. What Can You Source in District 4?

District 4 mainly focuses on:

Socks, leggings, daily-use goods, gloves, hats, knitted and cotton products, shoes, sewing thread and tape, lace, neckties, wool yarn, towels, bras and underwear, belts, scarves and some factory outlet products.

District 4 is worth visiting if your business is related to:

  • Sock wholesale, sock brands and e-commerce sock products
  • Leggings, thermal pants and basic apparel
  • Hats, gloves, scarves and seasonal accessories
  • Daily-use goods, supermarket channels and discount store products
  • Towels, bath towels and home textile products
  • Shoes, slippers, casual shoes and basic footwear
  • Underwear, bras, homewear and basic clothing
  • Garment accessories, sewing tape, lace, wool yarn and neckties
  • Cross-border e-commerce, wholesale distribution, chain retail and promotional products

The strength of District 4 is that many products may look ordinary, but they sell steadily, have high repeat purchase potential and are ordered frequently. It may not be the best place for finding unusual novelty products, but it is very suitable for products that can sell long-term, restock regularly and support basic inventory.


2. Key Product Categories by Floor

1F: Socks and Leggings

The first floor is one of the most representative areas in District 4. It is suitable for sourcing all kinds of socks and leggings. Common products include:

  • Men’s socks
  • Women’s socks
  • Children’s socks
  • Sports socks
  • No-show socks
  • Invisible socks
  • Cotton socks
  • Stockings
  • Pantyhose
  • Compression socks
  • Thermal socks
  • Christmas socks and seasonal socks
  • Leggings
  • Thermal leggings
  • Shapewear leggings

If you sell socks, apparel basics, supermarket products, gift sock sets or seasonal items, the first floor is worth focusing on.

Sourcing tips:

  • For socks, confirm the material composition, such as cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon or wool.
  • Check elasticity, thickness, hand feel, cuff tightness, toe seam finish and pilling resistance.
  • For sports socks, pay attention to moisture absorption, breathability, anti-slip design, cushioned sole and arch support.
  • For children’s socks, pay attention to material safety, accurate sizing, printed patterns and small accessory risks.
  • For leggings, confirm fabric weight, elasticity, transparency, color fastness, pilling resistance and size range.

Socks may look similar, but comfort and durability determine repeat purchases. When sourcing, do not only check patterns. Stretch the product, feel the thickness, check the toe seam and consider taking samples for wash testing.


2F: Daily-Use Goods, Gloves, Hats and Knitted Cotton Products

The second floor is suitable for daily-use goods and seasonal wearable products. Common products include:

  • Daily-use household goods
  • Home utility products
  • Cleaning products
  • Storage products
  • Gloves
  • Thermal gloves
  • Work gloves
  • Touchscreen gloves
  • Children’s gloves
  • Baseball caps
  • Bucket hats
  • Knitted hats
  • Sun hats
  • Peaked caps
  • Earmuffs
  • Knitted and cotton products

If you sell supermarket goods, discount store products, daily-use items, hats, gloves, winter products or outdoor basic accessories, the second floor is worth visiting carefully.

Sourcing tips:

  • For daily-use goods, check material, function, packaging, carton quantity and whether the product fits the consumption habits of your target market.
  • For gloves, confirm the purpose: thermal, work, anti-slip, waterproof, touchscreen or outdoor sports use.
  • For hats, check fabric, shape, head size, embroidery or printing quality and logo customization options.
  • For knitted hats and gloves, check loose threads, elasticity, thickness, shedding and deformation after washing.
  • For sun hats and sun protection products, confirm fabric, sun protection parameters and packaging labels.

The second floor is suitable for seasonal product bundles, such as winter hat + glove + scarf sets, or daily-use household bundles. When sourcing, consider the season, climate and size preferences of your target market.


3F: Shoes, Sewing Thread and Tape, Lace, Neckties, Wool Yarn and Towels

The third floor covers a wide range of categories, including footwear, garment accessories and textile products. Common products include:

  • Slippers
  • Sandals
  • Casual shoes
  • Children’s shoes
  • Indoor shoes
  • Cloth shoes
  • Insoles
  • Shoelaces
  • Sewing thread and tape
  • Lace
  • Webbing
  • Neckties
  • Wool yarn
  • Towels
  • Bath towels
  • Hand towels
  • Cleaning cloths

If you source shoes, home goods, towels, garment accessories, craft materials, knitting materials or hotel supplies, the third floor is worth comparing carefully.

Sourcing tips:

  • For shoes, check outsole material, anti-slip performance, smell, size standard, glue strength and packaging method.
  • For slippers and indoor shoes, check whether the sole breaks easily, whether there is a strong smell and whether they are comfortable for long wear.
  • For towels, confirm fabric composition, weight, water absorption, lint shedding, color fastness and shrinkage after washing.
  • For sewing tape and lace, confirm width, color, material, color card, batch stability and long-term restocking ability.
  • For neckties, check fabric, lining, stitching, length, width and packaging effect.
  • For wool yarn, confirm composition, thickness, color stability, hand feel and shedding.

Products on the third floor are suitable for long-term supply, but specification differences are common. For shoes, towels and garment accessories, confirmed samples are very important.


4F: Bras, Underwear, Belts and Scarves

The fourth floor is suitable for basic apparel, intimate wear and accessories. Common products include:

  • Bras
  • Underwear
  • Seamless underwear
  • Sports bras
  • Shapewear
  • Home underwear
  • Some sleepwear-related products
  • Belts
  • Waist belts
  • Fashion belts
  • Scarves
  • Shawls
  • Silk scarves
  • Thermal scarves

If you sell underwear, basic apparel, women’s products, accessories, autumn and winter products or customized fashion items, the fourth floor is worth focusing on.

Sourcing tips:

  • For underwear, confirm fabric composition, size chart, cup shape, elasticity, comfort, care label and packaging.
  • For bras, check straps, hooks, wired or wireless structure, pads and size consistency.
  • For panties, pay attention to fabric, crotch material, elasticity, stitching and size habits in your target market.
  • For scarves, confirm material, size, weight, hand feel, shedding, color fastness and packaging method.
  • For belts, confirm whether the material is genuine leather, PU, PVC or webbing. Check buckle plating, holes and length.
  • For intimate wear exports, pay attention to composition labels, care labels, size labels and privacy-friendly packaging.

Products on the fourth floor require more attention to sizing, fabric and comfort. Do not only look at photos and styles. It is better to take samples and test them with people from your target market.


5F: Factory Outlet Center and Tourist Shopping Center

The fifth floor is more suitable for buyers who already have a clear sourcing direction and want to find manufacturer-type suppliers or more product displays. Common directions include:

  • Bras and underwear
  • Swimwear
  • Scarves
  • Shoes
  • Hats
  • Display equipment
  • Paintings and some related products
  • Tourist shopping products

If you have already confirmed product directions on the first to fourth floors, you can visit the fifth floor to see whether there are factories or brand showrooms more suitable for long-term cooperation.

Sourcing tips:

  • Good for discussing OEM, ODM, logo customization, packaging customization and long-term supply.
  • Ask whether the supplier has a factory, whether factory visits are possible and whether they have export experience.
  • Underwear, socks, scarves, hats and shoes are all suitable for series development.
  • If you want to build your own brand, the fifth floor may be better for deeper discussions than ordinary booths.
  • If your time is limited, visit the first to fourth floors first, then arrange the fifth floor based on your needs.

3. What Type of Buyers Is District 4 Best For?

District 4 is especially suitable for:

  • Wholesalers of socks, underwear, scarves, hats and gloves
  • Buyers for apparel stores, basic clothing stores and accessory stores
  • Supermarket, discount store and chain retail buyers
  • Sellers of shoes, slippers and indoor footwear
  • Buyers of towels, bath towels and home textile products
  • Buyers of garment accessories, sewing tape, lace and wool yarn
  • Buyers of autumn and winter products, warm accessories and seasonal socks
  • Cross-border e-commerce, live commerce and wholesale distribution sellers
  • Buyers who want long-term restocking products

The advantage of District 4 is “basic styles + high repeat purchase + restocking potential.” These products may not always be highly novel, but they are suitable for stable sales, branding, product sets and seasonal promotions.


4. Important Notes for Sourcing in District 4

1. For Socks, Check Material Composition and Wearing Experience

Socks should not be sourced only by pattern and price. Comfort, elasticity, breathability and durability are what drive repeat purchases.

When sourcing, confirm:

  • Material composition
  • Thickness
  • Cuff elasticity
  • Whether the toe seam is comfortable
  • Pilling resistance
  • Shrinkage after washing
  • Color fastness
  • Whether sizing fits your target market

If you sell socks online or under your own brand, take samples for wearing and wash testing.


2. Underwear Requires Extra Attention to Sizing and Comfort

Underwear is worn close to the skin, so return rates and negative reviews can be high. Do not only check styles. Focus on:

  • Fabric composition
  • Accuracy of the size chart
  • Elasticity stability
  • Whether cup shapes fit the target market
  • Strap and hook strength
  • Proper care and composition labels
  • Packaging suitable for retail or e-commerce shipping

Consumers in different countries have different body shapes and sizing habits. Do not directly use Chinese sizing logic. Reconfirm the size chart for your target market.


3. For Shoes, Check Smell, Glue and Size Standards

The main risks for shoes are strong smell, weak glue, inaccurate sizing and poor outsole durability. When sourcing, check:

  • Outsole material
  • Anti-slip performance
  • Whether there is a strong smell
  • Glue strength
  • Whether the upper deforms easily
  • Whether sizing matches your target market
  • Whether packaging protects the shoe shape

If you export to Europe, the United States, the Middle East, South America or Africa, confirm the commonly used local size system and foot shape preferences in advance.


4. For Towels, Pay Attention to Weight, Absorption and Lint Shedding

Towels look simple, but quality differences can be significant. When sourcing, confirm:

  • Whether the material is cotton, polyester, bamboo fiber or blended fabric
  • Product weight
  • Water absorption
  • Lint shedding
  • Color fastness
  • Whether the towel becomes hard after washing
  • Whether packaging is suitable for retail or hotel use

If you source hotel towels, bath towels or gift towels, take samples and wash them several times before deciding.


5. Hats, Gloves and Scarves Should Match Season and Climate

Hats, gloves and scarves are clearly seasonal products. Sales seasons differ by country, so confirm the weather, holidays, peak sales period and shipping time for your target market before ordering.

When sourcing, pay attention to:

  • Whether the fabric suits the local climate
  • Whether sizing fits the target users
  • Whether the product sheds
  • Whether it deforms after washing
  • Whether logo, embroidery, hang tags and packaging can be customized
  • Whether product sets can be developed

These products are very suitable for autumn and winter bundles, gift sets and brand collections.


6. Daily-Use Goods Should Match Local Consumption Habits

The second floor of District 4 has some daily-use goods, but not all daily-use products are suitable for every country. When sourcing, consider:

  • Whether the product size fits local household habits
  • Whether packaging language needs customization
  • Whether colors and styles match local preferences
  • Whether environmental, food-contact or material safety requirements apply
  • Whether the product is suitable for supermarkets, discount stores or e-commerce channels

Daily-use goods may not have very high margins, but they can sell steadily if you already have the right channels.


7. Garment Accessories Require Color Stability and Long-Term Restocking

Sewing tape, lace, wool yarn and shoelaces often have problems with batch differences. When sourcing, confirm:

  • Whether color cards are available
  • Whether fixed color numbers are used
  • Whether materials are stable
  • Whether width and length are accurate
  • Whether different batches may have color differences
  • Whether long-term restocking is possible
  • Whether confirmed samples can be kept

If you are a garment factory, shoe factory or brand owner, write color, material, size and inspection standards clearly in the order.


5. Half-Day / Full-Day Visiting Route

If You Only Have Half a Day

Choose your route based on your main business:

  • Socks, leggings and thermal pants: focus on 1F
  • Daily goods, gloves, hats and knitted cotton products: focus on 2F
  • Shoes, towels, sewing tape, lace, neckties and wool yarn: focus on 3F
  • Underwear, belts and scarves: focus on 4F
  • Factory resources and brand showrooms: visit 5F if needed

If your target is clear, do not try to check every floor in detail. District 4 is large and has many categories, so half a day is best spent on one or two key floors.

If You Have a Full Day

Suggested plan:

Morning:

  1. Start with your most important target floor
  2. Quickly record prices, materials, sizes, booth numbers and packaging methods
  3. Try to take samples for socks, underwear, shoes and towels
  4. Do not make a decision at the first supplier

Afternoon:

  1. Return to the key suppliers selected in the morning
  2. Confirm material composition, size charts, colors, packaging, MOQ and lead time in detail
  3. For customized products, confirm logo, hang tags, care labels and packaging options
  4. If you need long-term cooperation, visit 5F for factory outlet resources
  5. For seasonal products, confirm production cycle and shipping schedule

District 4 is best visited by first checking styles and prices, then returning to compare quality details. For socks, underwear, shoes and towels, sample testing is more reliable than judging only on site.


6. What Is District 4 Not Suitable For?

Although District 4 has many product categories, it is not suitable for every sourcing need.

If you mainly source the following products, other districts may be better:

  • Toys, jewelry, artificial flowers and crafts: better in District 1
  • Hardware tools, electrical products, bags, umbrellas and locks: better in District 2
  • Stationery, office supplies, sports goods, cosmetics and eyewear: better in District 3
  • Imported goods, bedding and some auto accessory categories: better in District 5 or specialized markets
  • Large machinery, raw materials and industrial equipment: better in the Production Materials Market
  • Ready-made clothing, coats, trousers, skirts and fashion garments: usually better in Huangyuan Garment Market or clothing markets

The strength of District 4 is not toys and gifts, nor electrical tools. Its advantage is basic apparel, knitted and textile products, daily-use goods and long-term restocking products.


7. Summary

Yiwu International Trade City District 4 is a very suitable market for basic consumer goods and wearable products. Its core categories include socks, leggings, daily-use goods, gloves, hats, shoes, towels, sewing tape, lace, neckties, wool yarn, underwear, belts and scarves.

For foreign buyers, the key in District 4 is not finding the lowest price, but finding suppliers with stable quality, suitable sizing, reliable materials and long-term restocking ability. Socks should be checked for comfort and durability, underwear for sizing and fabric, shoes for smell and glue strength, towels for weight and absorption, and hats, gloves and scarves for season and target market climate.

If you want to source high-repeat-purchase products in Yiwu that are suitable for wholesale, e-commerce, supermarkets and basic apparel channels, District 4 is a market worth planning carefully.