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What are the top 15 garment manufacturers in the USA?
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The United States is renowned for its exceptional apparel manufacturers, celebrated for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, producing everything from luxury fashion to robust workwear.
States like California, North Carolina, and New York are home to numerous factories specializing in premium, small-batch, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
- Nike – the world’s largest manufacturer of sportswear and footwear.
- VF Corporation – owns multiple brands such as The North Face, Vans, and Timberland.
- J.Crew – provides casual clothing with classic styles.
- PVH Corp. – launches brands including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
- Hanesbrands Inc. – famous for underwear and casual clothing.
- Gap Inc. – includes multiple brands such as Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic.
- Levi Strauss & Co. – a well-known manufacturer with a long history.
- American Eagle Outfitters – focuses on fashionable clothing for young people.
- Abercrombie & Fitch – focuses on casual clothing and the youth market.
- Under Armour – focuses on sports equipment and performance-enhancing clothing.
- Lululemon Athletica – known for yoga and sportswear.
- Ralph Lauren – a casual brand that represents American classic style.
- Michael Kors – a fashionable and stylish brand, known for handbags and ready-to-wear.
- Tory Burch – a fashion brand that provides fashionable women’s clothing and animation.
- Coach – a well-known luxury leather goods and clothing brand.
Top 15 Apparel Manufacturers in the United States
This article shares basic information about some of the biggest garment manufacturers in the USA. Each brand has a unique story. This list can help you learn more about their strengths and challenges.
1. Nike
Nike began in 1964. It is based in Beaverton, Oregon. It is famous for sports shoes and apparel. It invests in technology for better performance.
Primary products
- Athletic shoes
- Sports apparel
- Fitness accessories
Pros
- World-class brand reputation
- Wide product range
- Advanced material technology
Cons
- Higher price range
- Past labor practice concerns
Check out Nike’s official site for fresh athletic gear that pushes performance
2. VF Corporation
VF Corporation started in 1899. It is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It owns brands like Vans, The North Face, and Timberland. It focuses on outdoor, lifestyle, and activewear.
Primary products
- Casual apparel
- Footwear
- Outdoor gear
Pros
- Multiple popular brands
- Broad global reach
- Strong marketing power
Cons
- Some brands overshadow others
- Complex brand management
Explore VF Corporation’s site for a wide mix of outdoor and lifestyle brands
3. J.Crew
J.Crew started in 1983. It is based in New York. It focuses on preppy and modern styles at mid-range prices. Its designs often blend classic shapes with updated color choices. It also offers collaborations with well-known designers.
Primary products
- Smart-casual clothing
- Sweaters and cardigans
- Accessories
Pros
- Classic yet fresh looks
- Wide size range
- Seasonal promotions
Cons
- Some items can be costly
- Changing retail landscape affects store presence
Visit J.Crew’s site for timeless pieces that fit modern wardrobes
4. PVH Corp.
PVH Corp. used to be Phillips-Van Heusen. It is headquartered in New York. It owns brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. It offers a variety of classic and modern designs.
Primary products
- Dress shirts
- Sportswear
- Underwear
Pros
- Large brand portfolio
- International presence
- Established track record
Cons
- Brand overlap can occur
- Complex license agreements
Check PVH Corp.’s official site for iconic styles and designer collections
5. Hanesbrands Inc.
Hanesbrands Inc. is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It began in 1901. It makes everyday basic apparel under names like Hanes and Champion. It focuses on comfort and value.
Primary products
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Activewear
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Comfortable basics
- Large global footprint
Cons
- Less high-fashion appeal
- Some items lack premium feel
6. Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is from San Francisco. It was founded in 1969. It is known for casual and stylish clothing through brands like Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
Primary products
- Denim
- Casual tops
- Accessories
Pros
- Multiple labels for different audiences
- Strong brand identity
- Many store locations
Cons
- Store closures in some areas
- Changing fashion trends may affect sales
Visit Gap Inc.’s site to see casual classics for the entire family
7. Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. was founded in 1853 in San Francisco. It is the creator of the first blue jeans. The brand is closely linked to American denim culture.
Primary products
- Denim jeans
- Jackets
- Casual apparel
Pros
- Iconic heritage
- Durable products
- Timeless designs
Cons
- Premium pricing on some lines
- Strong competition in denim market
Head to Levi’s official site for timeless jeans and modern denim trends
8. American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It started in 1977. It focuses on younger shoppers with casual and denim pieces.
Primary products
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
Pros
- Youth-focused design
- Frequent sales
- Trendy branding
Cons
- Limited appeal to older customers
- Fierce competition in teen market
Check American Eagle Outfitters for casual styles and comfortable fits
9. Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch was founded in 1892. It is based in New Albany, Ohio. It is known for casual wear and iconic marketing campaigns.
Primary products
- Casual apparel
- Fragrances
- Accessories
Pros
- Strong brand image
- Trend-driven items
- Loyal customer base
Cons
- Controversies over past marketing
- Higher prices for some items
Explore Abercrombie & Fitch’s official site for modern casual wear
10. Under Armour
Under Armour was founded in 1996. It is based in Baltimore, Maryland. It focuses on performance apparel and footwear. It is known for moisture-wicking fabric.
Primary products
- Athletic apparel
- Footwear
- Sports accessories
Pros
- Innovative fabric technology
- Strong athlete endorsements
- Growing global presence
Cons
- Competitive sportswear market
- Higher costs for some lines
Check Under Armour for performance apparel that supports active lifestyles
11. Lululemon Athletica
Lululemon Athletica began in 1998. Its main office is in Vancouver, Canada, with a strong US presence. It first specialized in yoga apparel.
Primary products
- Yoga pants
- Sports bras
- Athletic tops
Pros
- Quality fabrics
- Loyal following
- Trendy designs
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited men’s offerings
12. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren started in 1967. It is headquartered in New York. The brand is known for classic American style and the Polo Ralph Lauren label.
Primary products
- Polo shirts
- Formal wear
- Fragrances
Pros
- Iconic branding
- Wide product selection
- Heritage appeal
Cons
- Some lines are expensive
- Counterfeiting issues
Check Ralph Lauren’s site for classic elegance and refined casual wear
13. Michael Kors
Michael Kors is a New York-based fashion brand founded by the designer Michael David Kors. It is recognized for modern, chic designs.
Primary products
- Handbags
- Watches
- Women’s sportswear
Pros
- Fashion-forward styles
- Strong global recognition
- Frequent celebrity endorsements
Cons
- Premium prices
- Some concern about oversaturation
Visit Michael Kors for polished styles and statement accessories
14. Tory Burch
Tory Burch was founded in 2004 in New York. It offers a preppy and colorful style. Its logo is well-known on handbags and footwear.
Primary products
- Handbags
- Footwear
- Ready-to-wear
Pros
- Distinctive patterns
- Loyal fan base
- Modern marketing
Cons
- Pricey for some consumers
- Limited men’s options
Check Tory Burch for colorful prints and sophisticated accessories
15. Coach
Coach started in 1941 in New York. It is known for fine leather goods and accessible luxury. Many people recognize its signature handbag designs.
Primary products
- Handbags
- Small leather goods
- Apparel
Pros
- Notable craftsmanship
- Timeless designs
- Large retail presence
Cons
- Premium cost
- High competition among luxury brands
Head to Coach’s site for timeless leather pieces and chic clothing
Which state is the top apparel manufacturing state in the U.S.?
The top apparel manufacturing state in the United States is California.
Why California Leads in Apparel Manufacturing:
Large Industry Presence: California is home to a significant portion of the U.S. apparel manufacturing sector, with Los Angeles being a major hub for fashion and garment production. The city’s “Fashion District” is known for its concentration of apparel manufacturers, designers, and retailers.
Textile and Garment Industry: The state boasts a strong network of manufacturers specializing in everything from high-fashion to mass-market garments, including activewear, casualwear, and fast fashion. California also has a robust supply chain infrastructure that supports textile production, fabric suppliers, and cutting-edge fashion designers.
Proximity to Key Markets: California’s strategic location, especially with ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, facilitates easy access to international markets, particularly Asia, where much of the fabric and raw materials are sourced.
Fashion Innovation: California is also a leader in sustainable and innovative fashion manufacturing, with many apparel brands focusing on eco-friendly and ethical production practices based in the state.
Other States with Significant Apparel Manufacturing:
- North Carolina: Historically known for its textile and apparel production, North Carolina still has a significant apparel manufacturing presence, especially in the production of fabrics and yarns.
- Texas: Texas has a strong presence in the production of cotton and denim manufacturing, with a large portion of the U.S. cotton industry based in the state.
- Georgia: Known for its textile mills and apparel manufacturing, especially in the production of socks, hosiery, and activewear.
However, California continues to dominate the U.S. apparel manufacturing sector due to its diverse industry presence, innovation, and geographical advantages.
Where does most of the US clothes come from?
Most clothing in the United States is imported, with the majority coming from countries that have large-scale manufacturing capabilities and cost-effective production systems. Here are the primary sources of U.S. clothing imports:
1. China
- Largest Supplier: China has long been the leading supplier of clothing to the U.S., thanks to its vast manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and competitive pricing.
- Key Products: Includes a wide range of items such as T-shirts, denim, outerwear, and activewear.
2. Vietnam
- Growing Share: Vietnam has become a major player due to its relatively low labor costs, trade agreements, and a strong focus on textile manufacturing.
- Key Products: Known for sportswear, outerwear, and casualwear.
3. Bangladesh
- Cost-Effective Production: Bangladesh is renowned for producing low-cost apparel, particularly fast fashion and basic garments.
- Key Products: T-shirts, sweaters, and knitwear.
4. India
- Diverse Offering: India provides a mix of traditional textiles and modern apparel, with a focus on intricate designs and cotton garments.
- Key Products: Cotton shirts, dresses, and embroidered items.
5. Mexico and Central America
- Proximity Advantage: Countries like Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador benefit from their close proximity to the U.S., reducing shipping times and costs.
- Key Products: Denim, activewear, and uniforms.
6. Other Southeast Asian Countries
- Countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand are also significant suppliers, offering competitive alternatives to China.
Factors Influencing U.S. Imports:
- Trade Agreements: Agreements like USMCA (formerly NAFTA) encourage imports from Mexico and Canada.
- Consumer Demand: Fast fashion trends drive demand for affordable and quickly produced clothing.
- Labor Costs: Many of these countries have lower labor costs, making their products more affordable for U.S. consumers.
While the U.S. also produces some clothing domestically, it primarily focuses on high-end, specialty, and niche markets due to higher labor and production costs.
Conclusion
Each of these 15 American apparel manufacturers has a distinct product and brand identity.
Their influences span sportswear, casual basics, denim, and high-end fashion. They continue to shape global style with innovation, tradition, and consistent quality.
What are your Feelings ?
Jerry Lee
Your Personal Fashion Consultant
Hello everyone, I’m Jerry Lee, the founder of jinfengapparel.com. I have been operating a factory in China that produces women’s clothing for 16 years. The purpose of this article is to share knowledge about women’s apparel from the perspective of a Chinese supplier.
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