7 Best Wholesale Clothing Manufacturers in USA: Your Complete Guide to Starting a Wholesale Clothing Business

The American fashion industry generates over $368 billion annually, with wholesale clothing manufacturers connecting entrepreneurs with quality garments. The US apparel manufacturing sector employs 75,000 workers across 2,300+ facilities, creating a significant economic impact.

Made-in-USA apparel demand surged 40% since 2020, with 73% of consumers willing to pay premium prices for American-made products. This presents opportunities for fashion entrepreneurs partnering with domestic wholesale clothing manufacturers who offer superior craftsmanship and faster turnaround times.

This guide explores seven trusted wholesale clothing manufacturers in the United States, their specializations, and how to launch your wholesale clothing business with streamlined tools.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll have gained valuable insights into:

• Seven top-rated wholesale clothing manufacturers in the USA, each with distinct advantages for different business models
• Step-by-step guidance on starting your wholesale clothing business from scratch
• Essential legal requirements and business registration processes for wholesale operations
• How to leverage the Whols plugin to create a professional WooCommerce wholesale store with advanced B2B features
• Practical strategies for building relationships with manufacturers and scaling your wholesale business

1. Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel stands as one of the most recognizable names in American wholesale clothing manufacturing. Founded by industry veteran Dov Charney, this California-based manufacturer specializes in producing high-quality blank basics that serve as the foundation for countless fashion brands.

What makes Los Angeles Apparel exceptional:

• Premium blank basics: Their extensive catalog includes hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and casual wear in various fits and colors
• Screen printing friendly: All garments are designed with customization in mind, making them perfect for brands that add their own graphics or branding
• Consistent quality: Each piece meets strict quality standards, ensuring your customers receive reliable products
• USA-made commitment: All production takes place in their Los Angeles facilities, supporting American workers and ensuring ethical manufacturing practices

Best for: Fashion brands focusing on streetwear, custom apparel companies, and businesses that require high-volume orders of basic garments.

Location: Los Angeles, California

2. Royal Apparel

Royal Apparel has carved out a unique position in the wholesale market by focusing exclusively on organic and eco-friendly clothing options. This manufacturer appeals to environmentally conscious brands and consumers who refuse to compromise on sustainability.

Royal Apparel’s standout features:

• Organic materials: Their entire product line uses certified organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes
• No minimum orders: Unlike many manufacturers, Royal Apparel doesn’t require minimum order quantities on in-stock items, making them accessible to small businesses
• Sustainable practices: From water conservation to renewable energy use, every aspect of their production prioritizes environmental responsibility
• USA manufacturing: All garments are produced domestically, reducing carbon footprint and supporting local communities

Best for: Sustainable fashion brands, eco-conscious retailers, and businesses targeting environmentally aware consumers.

Location: Hauppauge, New York

3. Lefty Production Co.

Lefty Production Co. represents the full-service manufacturing model, offering everything from initial design concepts to finished garments. This Los Angeles-based company excels at bringing fashion visions to life through its comprehensive production services.

Lefty Production Co.’s comprehensive services:

• Design to production: They guide brands through every step, from initial sketches to final product delivery
• Private label specialization: Their expertise lies in creating unique garments that reflect each brand’s individual identity
• Technical design support: Experienced pattern makers and technical designers ensure proper fit and construction
• Quality assurance: Rigorous quality control processes guarantee that every piece meets professional standards

Best for: Fashion designers launching new brands, established companies expanding their product lines, and businesses requiring custom development services.

Location: Los Angeles, California

4. Good Clothing Company

Good Clothing Company focuses on small-batch production, making them ideal for startups and brands that prioritize sustainability over mass production. Their flexible approach accommodates businesses at various stages of growth.

Good Clothing Company’s unique advantages:

• Small batch production: Minimum orders start as low as 50 pieces, perfect for testing new designs or serving niche markets
• Sustainable manufacturing: They emphasize eco-friendly materials and processes throughout their production chain
• Custom development: Experienced teams work closely with brands to develop unique products that stand out in the marketplace
• Flexible production runs: Their adaptable system can handle both small test runs and larger production orders as businesses grow

Best for: Fashion startups, sustainable clothing brands, and established companies testing new product categories.

Location: Portland, Oregon

5. Stylus Apparel

Stylus Apparel combines traditional manufacturing with modern customization services, offering a complete solution for brands that need both production and decoration services under one roof.

Stylus Apparel’s comprehensive offerings:

• Screen printing and embroidery: Professional decoration services that add value to basic garments
• Cut and sew manufacturing: Custom garment production from patterns and specifications
• Private labeling: Complete branding solutions including custom labels, tags, and packaging
• Design consultation: Creative teams help brands develop products that align with market trends and customer preferences

Best for: Brands requiring both manufacturing and decoration services, companies launching promotional merchandise, and businesses seeking one-stop production solutions.

Location: Miami, Florida

6. Ferrara Manufacturing

Ferrara Manufacturing represents the luxury segment of American clothing production, specializing in high-end garments that command premium prices. Based in New York City, they serve discerning brands that prioritize craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Ferrara Manufacturing’s luxury focus:

• Premium materials: They work exclusively with high-quality fabrics sourced from reputable mills
• Artisan craftsmanship: Skilled tailors and seamstresses bring decades of experience to every garment
• Custom tailoring: Specialized in creating perfectly fitted garments that meet exacting standards
• Limited production runs: Their focus on quality over quantity ensures attention to detail in every piece

Best for: Luxury fashion brands, high-end designers, and companies targeting affluent consumers who appreciate superior craftsmanship.

Location: New York City, New York

7. Euphoric Colors

Euphoric Colors addresses the needs of emerging fashion brands by offering low minimum order quantities and comprehensive development services. Their flexible approach makes professional manufacturing accessible to businesses with limited capital.

Euphoric Colors’ emerging brand focus:

• Low MOQ manufacturing: Minimum orders as low as 25-50 pieces make professional production accessible to startups
• Custom development: Full-service design and development teams help bring creative visions to reality
• Private label expertise: Complete branding solutions from concept to finished product
• Scalable production: Systems designed to grow with your business as order volumes increase

Best for: Fashion entrepreneurs launching their first collections, established brands testing new markets, and companies requiring flexible production partnerships.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

How to Start a Wholesale Clothing Business in the USA

Starting a wholesale clothing business requires careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a clear understanding of your target market. Success in this competitive industry depends on making informed decisions at every step of the process.

Step 1: Define Your Niche and Market Position

Before contacting manufacturers or setting up your business structure, you must clearly define your niche within the clothing industry. This decision will influence every subsequent choice, from manufacturer selection to marketing strategies.

Consider these popular wholesale clothing niches:

• Sustainable fashion: Eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and environmentally conscious branding
• Luxury apparel: Premium materials, exclusive designs, and superior craftsmanship targeting affluent consumers
• Streetwear: Urban-inspired designs, limited releases, and culturally relevant branding
• Activewear: Performance fabrics, functional designs, and health-conscious marketing
• Plus-size clothing: Inclusive sizing, flattering designs, and body-positive messaging

Research your chosen niche thoroughly, analyzing competitors, identifying market gaps, and understanding consumer preferences. This foundation will guide your manufacturer selection and business development strategies.

Step 2: Partner with the Right Manufacturers

Using the manufacturer list provided above, evaluate potential partners based on their alignment with your business goals, production capabilities, and quality standards. Consider these critical factors:

• Production capacity: Ensure your chosen manufacturer can handle your projected order volumes, both initially and as your business grows.
• Quality standards: Request samples to evaluate construction quality, material choices, and finishing details that reflect your brand image.
• Communication: Establish clear communication channels and confirm their responsiveness to inquiries and concerns.
• Pricing structure: Understand their pricing model, payment terms, and any additional fees for customization or rush orders.

Step 3: Handle Legal Requirements and Business Registration

Establishing your wholesale clothing business legally protects your interests and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Essential legal steps include:

• Business registration: Choose your business structure (LLC, Corporation, Partnership) and register with your state
• Federal tax ID (EIN): Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS for tax purposes and business banking
• Resale license: Most states require wholesale businesses to obtain a resale license or sales tax permit
• Business insurance: Protect your investment with appropriate insurance coverage including general liability and product liability
• Trademark protection: Consider registering trademarks for your brand name and logo to protect your intellectual property

Step 4: Launch Your Online Wholesale Store

Modern wholesale clothing businesses require professional online presence to compete effectively. WooCommerce provides an excellent foundation for wholesale operations, offering flexibility, scalability, and extensive customization options.

Essential features for your wholesale store:

• Professional design: Clean, modern layouts that reflect your brand identity and build trust with potential buyers
• Product catalog: Comprehensive product information including detailed descriptions, multiple photos, and sizing charts
• Account management: Secure login areas where wholesale customers can access their pricing, order history, and account information
• Order management: Streamlined processes for handling orders, tracking shipments, and managing customer communications

Step 5: Implement Wholesale Management Tools

Running a successful wholesale operation requires specialized tools designed for B2B commerce. The Whols plugin for WooCommerce provides essential functionality that transforms your standard online store into a professional wholesale platform.

Build Your Online Wholesale Clothing Store with Whols

The Whols plugin represents a comprehensive solution for managing wholesale operations within the WooCommerce ecosystem. This powerful tool addresses the unique challenges wholesale businesses face, from customer management to complex pricing structures.

Wholesale Registration and Customer Management

• Streamlined registration process: Whols provides customizable registration forms that collect essential information from potential wholesale customers. You maintain complete control over who gains access to your wholesale pricing and products.
• Approval workflow: Review each application manually to ensure that only qualified retailers gain access to your wholesale store. This protects your brand reputation and maintains healthy relationships with existing retail partners.
• Customer segmentation: Organize your wholesale customers into distinct categories based on order volume, geographic location, or business type, enabling targeted marketing and customized service levels.

Advanced Pricing Management

• Role-based pricing: Set different price levels for various customer types, ensuring that wholesale customers see appropriate pricing while maintaining standard retail prices for regular consumers.
• Tiered pricing structures: Encourage larger orders by offering progressive discounts based on order quantity. This strategy increases average order values while providing value to high-volume customers.
• Dynamic pricing rules: Create complex pricing scenarios that account for product categories, customer segments, and seasonal adjustments without manual intervention.

Order Management and Minimums

• Minimum order quantities (MOQs): Protect your profit margins by setting minimum order requirements at the product or customer level. This ensures that wholesale orders meet your operational requirements.
• Category-specific minimums: Apply different minimum order quantities to various product categories, reflecting the diverse nature of your inventory and production costs.
• Flexible enforcement: Choose between strict enforcement that prevents checkout or warning messages that inform customers about minimum requirements while allowing exceptions.

Private Wholesale Store Features

• Restricted access: Create a completely private wholesale section of your store that’s invisible to regular retail customers, maintaining clear separation between your business channels.
• Exclusive product access: Offer special products or early access to new collections exclusively to your wholesale customers, adding value to their partnership with your business.
• Custom catalogs: Present different product selections to various customer segments, ensuring that each wholesale partner views only relevant inventory tailored to their business model.

The Whols plugin integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce’s existing functionality while adding the specialized features that wholesale businesses require. This combination offers a professional and scalable solution that scales with your business.

Practical Tips for Wholesale Success

Building a thriving wholesale clothing business requires more than just finding good manufacturers and setting up an online store. Success comes from implementing proven strategies and maintaining focus on customer relationships.

• Build strong manufacturer relationships: Regular communication, prompt payments, and realistic expectations foster partnerships that benefit both parties in the long term.
• Maintain consistent quality standards: Your reputation depends on the consistent quality of products you deliver to retail partners. Regular quality checks and feedback loops help maintain standards.
• Provide excellent customer service: Wholesale customers are business partners who deserve professional, responsive service. Quick responses to inquiries and proactive communication build loyalty.
• Stay current with fashion trends: The clothing industry moves quickly, and successful wholesale businesses anticipate trends rather than following them.
• Invest in professional marketing: High-quality product photography, detailed catalogs, and professional trade show presentations distinguish your business from competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The US fashion industry’s $368 billion market offers tremendous opportunities through quality wholesale clothing manufacturers. The seven manufacturers highlighted represent diverse approaches, ensuring options for any business model.

Success requires strategic planning, careful manufacturer partnerships, and professional operations. Wholesale clothing manufacturers benefit from tools like the Whols plugin, transforming WooCommerce stores into professional wholesale platforms.

Ready to launch? Define your niche, research wholesale clothing manufacturers from our list, and set up your store with WooCommerce and Whols. With proper preparation, your wholesale clothing business can thrive in this dynamic marketplace.

Take the first step today by exploring the Whols plugin and discovering how it can streamline your wholesale operations while providing the professional image that serious wholesale customers expect.