In today’s competitive fashion industry, the demand for reliable and flexible clothing manufacturers is higher than ever—especially in the custom apparel segment. While many brands traditionally source from overseas suppliers like those in China or Vietnam, there’s a growing number of businesses exploring U.S.-based manufacturers to capitalize on faster lead times, local craftsmanship, and the ever-powerful “Made in USA” label.
Whether you’re launching a new brand or expanding your product line, finding the right manufacturing partner is crucial. In this post, I’ll share a curated list of the top 10 clothing manufacturers in the USA for custom apparel, based on their specialization, service flexibility, and ability to support both startups and large-scale labels. If you’re looking for options closer to home—or simply want to compare them with overseas factories like ours at Valtin Apparel—this list will give you a solid starting point.
10 Reliable Clothing Manufacturers in the USA
1. BELLA+CANVAS – High-Quality Blanks Made in the USA
BELLA+CANVAS is a leading name in the U.S. when it comes to premium blank apparel. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, the company is well-known among screen printers, custom clothing brands, and private-label businesses. What makes them stand out is their ability to offer stylish basics—like T-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops—that are ready for printing or relabeling.
Their production model is a smart mix of local and outsourced operations. Core steps like fabric dyeing and automated cutting are done in Los Angeles, while sewing takes place in Central America. This helps balance quality, speed, and cost efficiency. BELLA+CANVAS is especially popular with businesses that want to buy high-quality blanks made with ethical labor and eco-friendly practices.
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Best For: Screen printers, small to mid-size brands needing blanks for printing or relabeling
Highlights:
- Product Focus:
- T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, fleece, triblends
- All are blank styles ideal for screen printing or embroidery
- Manufacturing Model:
- Cutting and dyeing done in Los Angeles using automated systems
- Sewing completed in Central America for cost efficiency
- One of the largest automated cutting facilities in the Western Hemisphere
- Sustainability & Compliance:
- WRAP and Fair Labor Association (FLA) certified
- Uses bluesign® certified dyes to reduce harmful chemicals
- Recycles fabric scraps for reuse (baby bibs, pet beds, etc.)
- Solar panels, LED motion lights, EV charging stations in facilities
- MOQ & Customization:
- No traditional MOQ for blank styles (ready for bulk orders)
- Ideal for custom branding, printing, relabeling
Best Fit For:
Brands who want fast access to high-quality blanks made in the U.S. with responsible labor and eco-conscious practices.
2. Apparel Production Inc. – Trusted NYC Manufacturer with 75+ Years of Experience
Apparel Production Inc. is one of New York City’s oldest and most trusted clothing manufacturers. Based in Manhattan’s famous Garment District, they’ve been helping brands bring their designs to life for over 75 years. With deep roots in the fashion industry, they’ve worked with top names like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger.
What sets them apart is their ability to offer both domestic and overseas production. If a brand needs fast samples or small batch orders, their New York team handles it. For large production runs, they work with trusted partners in China, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic to keep costs down. This makes them a great choice for startups, small designer labels, and large fashion houses alike.
Location: Manhattan, New York City (270 W 39th St, Garment District)
Best For: New brands, small designers, or high-end labels wanting “Made in NYC” production
Highlights:
- Full-Service Production:
- Design support, pattern making, sampling
- Cutting, sewing, quality control, labeling, and packaging
- From concept to final product, all in one place
- Flexible Manufacturing Model:
- Fast sampling and small orders made in NYC
- Large-scale production available via partners in China, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic
- Helps brands balance quality, speed, and budget
- Industry Experience:
- Serving the fashion industry since ~1947
- Worked with top global brands like Calvin Klein, Zac Posen, and Bloomingdale’s
- Fast Turnaround & Low MOQ:
- Small runs accepted
- Great for brands working on tight schedules or launching test collections
- Support for Startups:
- Hands-on guidance for new designers
- In-house fitting and technical team available for adjustments
Best Fit For:
Brands that want high-quality production in NYC, personal support for sampling and design, and flexible options for scaling up production internationally.
3. Printful – No-MOQ Print-on-Demand with Global Reach
Printful is a print-on-demand (POD) company based in the U.S. that helps brands and designers sell custom products without holding inventory. Started in 2013, they’ve grown into one of the world’s biggest POD services, fulfilling over 1.1 million products every month. Their system is built for speed, flexibility, and global delivery, making it ideal for online sellers and small brands launching fast.
Unlike traditional factories, Printful doesn’t sew or manufacture from scratch. Instead, they use pre-made items like T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more—then print or embroider each piece only after a customer places an order. This approach cuts down risk and lets businesses sell online with no minimum order requirements.
Location: Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina (plus 8+ global fulfillment centers)
Best For: E-commerce sellers, content creators, and startup brands wanting to test designs with no inventory
Highlights:
- Product Range:
- 435+ items including T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, hats, tote bags, pillows, and more
- Custom branding available (packaging, labels, inside tags)
- MOQ & Fulfillment:
- No minimum orders (print-on-demand only)
- Each order produced after purchase—ideal for testing or small batches
- Global Network:
- Fulfillment centers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, Japan
- Fast worldwide shipping and local delivery options
- Design & E-Commerce Tools:
- Easy-to-use Design Maker to create mockups
- Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, and more (22+ platforms)
- Reputation:
- 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot and Shopify App Store
- Users praise its quality and ease of use, but some mention low profit margins and sizing issues
Best Fit For:
Small brands, artists, or influencers who want to start selling custom merch quickly—without managing stock or manufacturing.
“For full control over fabric, fit, and brand identity, traditional manufacturers like Valtin Apparel offer a more customized, scalable path. But for fast testing and zero inventory risk, services like Printful work well for early-stage merch drops.”
4. Los Angeles Apparel – Ethical Basics Made in Downtown L.A.
Los Angeles Apparel is a U.S. clothing manufacturer known for its classic American-made basics like T-shirts, sweatshirts, and bodysuits. The company was founded in 2016 by Dov Charney, the same entrepreneur who started American Apparel. Based in South Central Los Angeles, the factory runs on a vertically integrated model, which means they knit, dye, cut, and sew everything in-house—right in L.A.
What makes this brand stand out isn’t just the “Made in USA” label, but also their strong focus on worker rights, sustainability, and transparency. Each product includes a label showing the face and name of the person who made it. The factory uses fair wages, recycles materials, and has created a fashion system that’s both ethical and efficient.
Location: South Los Angeles, California
Best For: Brands looking for ethical basics, American-made products, and vertically integrated production
Highlights:
- Product Range:
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, bodysuits, swimwear, kidswear, and accessories
- Designed with an oversized, unisex fit popular in modern fashion
- Production Model:
- Fully vertical: knitting, dyeing, cutting, and sewing all done locally in L.A.
- Factory employs about 1,500 people using machines and assets from the former American Apparel operation
- Sustainability & Ethics:
- No sweatshops: fair wages and safe working conditions
- Recycles nearly all production waste (fabric, packaging, etc.)
- Labels feature the actual workers behind each garment for transparency
- Retail Expansion:
- Started as wholesale-focused; now moving into direct retail
- Opening first flagship store in SoHo, New York City (May 2025)
- Reputation:
- Praised for quality basics and ethical practices
- Fit is often described as oversized and boxy, which fits their brand identity
Best Fit For:
Screen printing brands, eco-conscious startups, or labels looking for quality basics made in the U.S. with strong values behind them.
5. Royal Apparel – Sustainable Basics Made 100% in the USA
Royal Apparel is one of the few American clothing manufacturers still proudly producing 100% in the U.S. Since the early 1990s, this New York–based company has stuck to a mission: make high-quality basics using ethical labor and eco-friendly fabrics. While most fashion brands moved overseas, Royal Apparel chose to stay local—running union-supported factories and offering full vertical production right from the East Coast.
Their products are ideal for businesses that care about sustainability, U.S.-made quality, and fast access to inventory. Whether you need blank T-shirts for screen printing or organic fabric apparel for retail, Royal Apparel offers both stock styles and custom orders—with low MOQs and responsive service.
Location: Hauppauge, New York (with East Coast production in NY/NJ/PA)
Best For: Wholesalers, eco-conscious brands, screen printers, and U.S.-made advocates
Highlights:
- Product Range:
- T-shirts, tanks, fleece, hoodies, kidswear, underwear—all knitwear
- Available in organic cotton, RPET (recycled polyester), bamboo viscose, and hemp blends
- Made in USA Manufacturing:
- Vertical production: knitting, dyeing, cutting, sewing, and shipping done in the U.S.
- All operations support union labor and ethical wage practices
- Eco-Friendly Focus:
- Uses U.S.-grown organic cotton and recycled fabrics
- Over a million plastic bottles reused each year through RPET products
- Minimal plastic packaging and waste-conscious practices
- Custom & Wholesale Services:
- Blank stock available with no MOQ
- Private label, screen printing, embroidery, and sublimation options
- Case pricing for larger orders ($5,000+)
- Reputation:
- Known for fast delivery on stocked items
- Ideal for brands launching eco-friendly lines or needing low-risk inventory
Best Fit For:
Brands and distributors seeking reliable, U.S.-made stock apparel with fast shipping, eco-materials, and strong ethical values.
6. Ferrara Manufacturing – Tailored Luxury, 100% Made in NYC
Ferrara Manufacturing is one of the most respected names in high-end garment production in the U.S. Founded in 1987 by Carolyn and Joseph Ferrara, this family-owned business is based in Long Island City, New York, and specializes in tailored garments for luxury fashion brands, the military, Team USA, and top-tier hospitality clients.
While many manufacturers compete on price, Ferrara competes on craftsmanship, precision, and American-made quality. From luxury suits to Olympic uniforms, every piece is made in the U.S. using both traditional tailoring and cutting-edge technology like CNC machines, CAD, and laser cutting. Ferrara also proudly runs a union-labor factory, promoting fair wages and skilled jobs in NYC’s Garment District legacy.
Location: Long Island City, New York
Best For: Luxury fashion houses, uniform programs, military contracts, high-end private-label production
Highlights:
- Product Expertise:
- Tailored garments, suits, coats, formalwear, uniforms
- Also produces PPE, medical apparel, and high-spec workwear
- Factory & Workforce:
- 50,000 sq ft facility with 115 staff (can scale to 350)
- 100% Made in USA production—from sourcing to shipping
- Technology & Innovation:
- CAD, CNC cutting, 3D printing, laser engraving, automated sewing
- Blends modern tech with heritage garment skills
- Values & Labor:
- Unionized workforce
- Focus on craftsmanship, innovation, team culture, and local job creation
- Media Recognition:
- Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Manufacturing Today, and Manufacturing Dive
- Helped revive “Made in NYC” after tariff shifts boosted U.S. production
Best Fit For:
Designers and brands who need complex, high-quality garments made under ethical conditions in the U.S.—especially those in luxury, uniforms, or government apparel.
7. Stylus Apparel – Vertically Integrated, Made-in-USA Production for Custom Brands
Stylus Apparel is a New Jersey–based clothing manufacturer that specializes in cut-and-sew, printing, embroidery, and full-package production—all under one roof. Established in 2003 but with roots going back to 1978, the company is proudly family-owned and operates just minutes from New York City.
Unlike overseas factories or disconnected suppliers, Stylus runs a vertically integrated, factory-direct model. From design to finished product, everything happens in one place—giving brands faster turnarounds, tighter quality control, and full customization flexibility. Whether you’re a startup or scaling label, Stylus is known for working closely with clients and offering small-batch production, fast sampling, and real-time communication.
Location: Linden, New Jersey (near NYC)
Best For: Startups, private-label brands, promotional apparel, and companies needing fast, small-batch U.S. production
Highlights:
- Services & Capabilities:
- Screen printing (Plastisol, water-based, foil inks)
- Embroidery (flat, 3D puff, applique)
- Sublimation printing (including all-over garments)
- Cut-and-sew production with full patterning, grading, and samples
- Custom woven labels, packaging, and branding
- Factory-Direct Vertical Model:
- All production—from concept to decoration—handled in-house
- Faster sampling, fewer delays, and no middlemen
- Same-day quotes available for many services
- Ethical & Local Manufacturing:
- A+ BBB rating
- Fair wages, safe working conditions, no sweatshops
- Supports environmentally responsible practices
- Low MOQ & Flexibility:
- Accepts small production runs
- Great for testing new products or launching capsule collections
- Team & Support:
- Family-owned with over 40 years of combined apparel experience
- In-house design and production team works directly with clients
Best Fit For:
Emerging brands or companies needing flexible, fast-turn U.S. manufacturing with full control over branding and decoration.
8. Lefty Production Co. – One-Stop U.S. Manufacturing for Fashion Brands
Lefty Production Co. is a full-package clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles. Since its founding around 2012, it has become a trusted partner for both emerging designers and major fashion labels, thanks to its one-stop-shop approach. From tech packs and fabric sourcing to cutting, sewing, and shipping—Lefty handles every step in-house, with everything proudly Made in the USA.
What makes Lefty stand out is its ability to manage low minimum order quantities (MOQs) and high-end projects at the same time. The company has worked with clients like Christian Siriano, Nordstrom, and Guns N’ Roses, and has produced garments for TV shows, global tours, and major retailers. Its mix of cutting-edge tech and hands-on support makes it ideal for small brands needing flexibility and fast turnaround.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, California
Best For: Emerging designers, small labels, and brands needing hands-on development with local production
Highlights:
- Full-Service Production:
- Concept development, tech packs, pattern making, and grading
- Sampling, cutting, sewing, finishing, and packaging
- In-house capabilities from start to finish
- Product Range:
- Swimwear, athleticwear, lingerie, eveningwear, home textiles, accessories
- Also produces branded merch, leather goods, and team uniforms
- Technology & Equipment:
- CAD design, TukaTech systems
- Laser cutting, cover-stitch, flat-lock, overlock, and leather embossing
- MOQ & Flexibility:
- Accepts small production runs
- Ideal for capsule collections and startup brands
- Client Portfolio:
- Worked with Christian Siriano, Rosetta Getty, Matthew Williamson
- Produced garments for Netflix, NBC, and Guns N’ Roses tour jackets
- Community Values:
- Supports student tours, internships, and local fashion education
- Committed to ethical practices and U.S.-based production
Best Fit For:
Designers or brands who want close collaboration, quick sampling, and made-in-L.A. quality for small to medium-sized collections.
9. Fashion Atlas Group – Global Reach with Flexible, No-MOQ Apparel Manufacturing
Fashion Atlas Group is a custom clothing manufacturer with a global footprint and no minimum order requirements, making it a strong partner for startups and fast-moving fashion brands. Though originally founded in Ukraine in 2010, the company has expanded its presence across Europe and the U.S., with its main office and warehouse now based in Bayonne, New Jersey.
Their strength lies in flexibility and scale—they offer full-package production (from tech pack to delivery), work with eco-friendly materials, and ship products worldwide. With over 450 clients served across 34+ countries, they’re equally comfortable helping a small boutique launch a capsule collection or managing B2B bulk orders for large retailers.
Location: Bayonne, New Jersey (with logistics coverage in NC, VA, LA, and globally)
Best For: New designers, small brands, online sellers, and global private-label clients
Highlights:
- Services & Workflow:
- Tech pack support, sample making, full production, packaging
- Private label and branding services
- No MOQ required—great for testing or small batches
- Global Logistics & Reach:
- Ships to 34+ countries
- Dropshipping and wholesale delivery available
- Warehouses in the U.S. and Europe for faster turnaround
- Pricing Range:
- Basic styles: $6–12 per unit
- Complex, high-end garments: $15–40
- Transparent quotes with flat rates depending on fabric, trims, and design
- Sustainability & Fabric Sourcing:
- Uses eco-conscious materials upon request
- Supports custom fabric sourcing and low-waste workflows
- Client Support & Process:
- Step-by-step production process: Discovery call → Sample → Bulk
- Responsive to boutique labels and private-label product lines
Best Fit For:
Brands that want fast, flexible, and globally capable manufacturing without big commitments—perfect for custom apparel, B2B wholesale, or private-label dropshipping.
10. Good Clothing Co. – Sustainable, Small-Batch Fashion Made in the USA
Good Clothing Company is a Massachusetts-based apparel manufacturer that focuses on ethical, small-batch, and 100% U.S.-made production. The company also operates its own label, Good Apparel, and is deeply committed to sustainable fashion and local job creation.
Unlike larger cut-and-sew factories or fast-turn blank suppliers, Good Clothing Co. takes a slower, more intentional approach to fashion. Their team handles everything from design to sampling to sewing—all within the U.S.—and only produces in small runs. This helps reduce waste, control quality, and ensure fair wages for workers. For eco-conscious brands or designers looking for a values-first partner, they offer a compelling, transparent production solution.
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts (with scalable support from Fall River, MA)
Best For: Sustainable fashion startups, boutique brands, slow fashion designers
Highlights:
- Product Focus:
- Jumpsuits, tops, dresses, pants, hoodies
- Clean, minimalist designs built for quality and longevity
- Production Model:
- Vertically integrated: patterning, samples, sewing, and packaging in-house
- 100% made in the U.S. with local labor and fair wage practices
- Focused on small-batch production to minimize waste
- Sustainability & Ethics:
- Uses locally sourced eco-friendly fabrics (e.g., organic cotton)
- Reduces excess inventory through lean manufacturing
- Transparent practices and fair pay for all workers
- Target Market & Support:
- Supports independent designers and small brands with lower production needs
- Helps develop ethically-made collections from concept to completion
- Brand Positioning:
- Blends fashion with purpose: stylish basics + responsible values
- Ideal for brands that want to stand out with authenticity, not mass scale
Best Fit For:
Designers and brands committed to sustainable fashion, small runs, and local U.S. production—especially those seeking slow fashion partnerships over high-volume manufacturing.
Comparison Table: USA Manufacturers at a Glance
| Manufacturer | Location | Best For | MOQ / Flexibility | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELLA+CANVAS | Beverly Hills, CA | Blanks for printing & relabeling | No MOQ (blanks) | Premium basics, eco practices, automation |
| Apparel Production Inc. | New York, NY | Designers & private labels | Low MOQ (custom) | Fast sampling, NYC-based, brand clients |
| Printful | Charlotte, NC (global) | Online sellers, merch drops | No MOQ (POD) | Dropshipping, design tools, global reach |
| Los Angeles Apparel | Los Angeles, CA | Ethical basics, retail-ready brands | Flexible (wholesale & bulk) | Vertical factory, fair labor, retail expansion |
| Royal Apparel | Hauppauge, NY | Eco brands, screen printers | No MOQ (blanks), Custom OK | Organic fabrics, union labor, Made in USA |
| Ferrara Manufacturing | Long Island City, NY | Luxury, uniforms, military | Moderate (high-end orders) | Precision tailoring, CAD tech, high profile clients |
| Stylus Apparel | Linden, NJ | Startups, fast sampling | Low MOQ | Vertically integrated, all-in-one, quick response |
| Lefty Production Co. | Los Angeles, CA | Small brands, custom capsules | Low MOQ | Full-service, laser cutting, high-end clients |
| Fashion Atlas Group | Bayonne, NJ (global) | Private label, dropshipping | No MOQ | Global shipping, broad scope, flexible pricing |
| Good Clothing Co. | Cape Cod, MA | Eco/ethical designers, slow fashion | Small batch only | Sustainable fabrics, local jobs, full transparency |
USA vs Overseas Manufacturing (Like China)
When choosing a clothing manufacturer, location matters—but not always in the way people think. While “Made in USA” offers some strong branding and logistical benefits, overseas manufacturing—especially in countries like China—can offer cost efficiency, wider material access, and higher scalability.
Here’s a breakdown of how U.S. and overseas production typically compare:
USA Manufacturing: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Shorter shipping distances for U.S.-based brands
- Easier communication and time zones
- Strong appeal for “Made in USA” and ethical branding
- Often lower MOQs for small startup runs
- Transparent labor conditions with more oversight access
Cons:
- Significantly higher per-unit costs (especially for labor-heavy garments)
- Limited access to specialized fabrics or trims
- Slower scale-up for large-volume orders
- Fewer vertically integrated factories
Overseas Manufacturing (China): Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lower costs per unit—especially for large quantities
- Access to massive fabric markets, trims, and technologies
- High production capacity—ideal for brands scaling fast
- Vertically integrated factories that manage everything in one place
- Experienced teams that specialize in private-label production
Cons:
- Longer shipping time (unless using air freight)
- Requires strong quality control and clear communication
- Time zone difference may slow day-to-day response
- Some customers may not prioritize “Made in China” labeling
What It Means for Your Brand
The decision between U.S. and overseas production depends on your priorities:
- If you’re selling luxury goods, promoting local jobs, or launching a slow-fashion brand, Made in USA may align best with your story.
- But if you need customization, speed at scale, access to diverse fabrics, and competitive pricing, then working with a trusted overseas factory—like Valtin Apparel—might be the smarter long-term move.
Why Many Brands Still Choose Overseas Partners Like Valtin Apparel
After reviewing all the top U.S. manufacturers, you might be wondering:
“What if I love the idea of custom clothing, but I also need better pricing and production volume?”
That’s the exact gap we fill at Valtin Apparel.
We’re a China-based clothing manufacturer located in Guangzhou, operating our own factory with 5 production lines and full customization support. Our clients include fashion startups, brand owners, and distributors from the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, and beyond.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Full Custom Manufacturing – Not Just Blank
We don’t just print on pre-made garments. We start from scratch, based on your design files or even a sample you send us. From fabric sourcing to patterning, cutting, sewing, labeling, and packaging, we offer the full private-label experience—without the typical high costs.
Low MOQ & Flexible Options
- MOQ: 200 pcs (across 2 colors, 4 sizes)
- Sample lead time: 10–14 days
- Bulk production: 28–35 days
- Sample fee: $100 USD
You don’t need to place 1,000+ units just to test your idea. We make custom production accessible, even for newer brands.
Located Next to China’s Largest Fabric Market
Can’t find the fabric you want in your country? Send us a swatch.
We’re minutes away from China’s top textile hub and can find almost any fabric, whether it’s organic cotton, fleece, ribbed knit, modal, or functional blends.
Custom Labels, Hang Tags & Packaging
Need to brand your product? We offer:
- Woven or printed neck labels
- Custom hang tags
- Branded polybags or recycled paper packaging
You’ll get a retail-ready product right out of the box.
Transparent & Communicative
One of the biggest frustrations buyers face is slow, unclear communication. At Valtin Apparel, I work directly with clients throughout the process—from inquiry to sample to shipment—making sure you’re updated, informed, and heard.
Who We’re Best For:
- Fashion brands scaling from 200 pcs to thousands
- Startups that want a fully custom product without high costs
- Retailers or wholesalers that need consistent quality and timing
- Buyers tired of missed deadlines, inconsistent fabric, or unclear emails
Conclusion
Choosing a clothing manufacturer is more than just picking someone who can sew your garments. It’s about finding a partner who understands your goals, respects your deadlines, and delivers the level of quality your customers expect.
Whether you’re working with a U.S.-based manufacturer for its local appeal and ethical values, or looking overseas to scale cost-effectively without compromising on customization—the key is alignment.
If you value:
- Full control over design and fabric
- Transparent timelines and responsive service
- High quality at a fair price
- A manufacturer that grows with you
Then Valtin Apparel may be the partner you’ve been looking for.
Let’s Talk
I’ve worked with brand owners from around the world—many of them started just like you: full of ideas, unsure where to start, and needing someone who could really support them.
Send me an email at Raymond@valtinapparel.com
Or visit www.valtinapparel.com to explore how we can build your next collection—together.
