The United States has a strong and diverse clothing manufacturing industry, offering high-quality production, ethical labor practices, and fast turnaround times. While much of the global fashion industry has shifted to overseas production, many brands still choose U.S.-based garment manufacturers for premium apparel, sustainable fashion, and specialty products.
But who manufactures clothing in the U.S., and what does it cost to start a clothing brand here?
This guide explores U.S. clothing manufacturers, startup costs, major fashion brands, and the world’s largest garment producers.
Who Manufactures Clothing in the United States?

Several companies manufacture clothing in the USA, focusing on high-quality, small-batch, and sustainable fashion production.
Top Clothing Manufacturers in the USA
| Manufacturer | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Apparel | California | Basics, casual wear, wholesale. |
| Royal Apparel | New York | Sustainable, organic cotton, made-to-order1. |
| American Giant | North Carolina | Premium activewear & basics. |
| Goodwear USA | Massachusetts | Heavyweight cotton, eco-friendly. |
| Bella+Canvas | California | Wholesale blank apparel, custom printing. |
| New England Shirt Co. | Massachusetts | High-end dress shirts, custom orders. |
| Blue Delta Jeans | Mississippi | Handcrafted, custom-fit denim. |
Why Choose a USA-Based Manufacturer?
✅ Higher Labor & Environmental Standards2 – Ethical wages, sustainable sourcing.
✅ Faster Turnaround Times – No international shipping delays.
✅ Made in USA Branding – Appeals to conscious consumers.
✅ Custom & Small-Batch Production3 – Ideal for niche brands and startups.
💡 U.S. clothing manufacturers focus on quality, customization, and ethical production.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Clothing Brand in the USA?

Starting a clothing brand in the USA requires investment in design, production, branding, and marketing.
Estimated Startup Costs4 for a Clothing Brand in the USA
| Cost Factor | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Design & Prototyping | $500 – $5,000 |
| Fabric & Materials | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Manufacturing (Small Batch) | $5,000 – $50,000 |
| Branding & Marketing5 | $1,000 – $20,000 |
| E-commerce & Website Setup | $500 – $5,000 |
| Packaging & Shipping | $500 – $5,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $8,500 – $95,000 |
Factors That Affect Startup Costs
✅ Production Volume – Small-batch production costs more per unit.
✅ Fabric Choice – Organic and sustainable materials increase costs.
✅ Manufacturing Location6 – U.S. production is pricier than overseas.
✅ Brand Positioning – Luxury brands require more marketing investment.
💡 Starting a clothing brand in the USA requires a balance between quality, costs, and branding strategy.
What Is the Biggest Clothing Company in the US?

The U.S. is home to some of the world's most successful clothing companies, dominating both casual fashion and luxury markets.
Top 5 Largest Clothing Companies in the USA (by Revenue)
| Company | Annual Revenue (2024) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | $51B+ | Sportswear & footwear. |
| Ralph Lauren | $6.2B | Luxury fashion & lifestyle. |
| Levi Strauss & Co. | $6B | Denim & casual wear. |
| PVH Corp. | $8.6B | Owns Tommy Hilfiger & Calvin Klein. |
| VF Corporation | $11.6B | Owns The North Face, Timberland, Vans. |
What Makes These Brands Successful?
✅ Strong Brand Identity7 – Global recognition and consumer loyalty.
✅ Diverse Product Lines8 – Covers casual, sportswear, luxury, and streetwear.
✅ Sustainable & Digital Focus – Many brands emphasize eco-friendly materials & e-commerce9.
💡 The biggest U.S. clothing companies dominate the global fashion industry through innovation and strong branding.
Who Is the World's Largest Garment Manufacturer?

The world's largest garment manufacturers are located in China, Bangladesh, and India, producing clothing for global brands and retailers.
Top Global Garment Manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Country | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhou International | China | Produces for Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo. |
| Youngone Corporation | Bangladesh | Sportswear & outdoor apparel. |
| Eclat Textile | Taiwan | Performance fabrics & apparel. |
| Crystal International | Hong Kong | One of the world's largest garment suppliers. |
| TAL Apparel | Hong Kong | Dress shirts, uniforms, custom tailoring. |
Why These Companies Lead the Industry
✅ Large-Scale Production10 – Can produce millions of garments monthly.
✅ Cost-Effective Manufacturing11 – Competitive labor and material costs.
✅ Partnerships with Global Brands12 – Supplies Nike, H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, and Adidas.
💡 The world’s largest manufacturers supply high-volume fashion brands while maintaining competitive pricing.
Conclusion
The U.S. clothing manufacturing industry is known for premium, ethical, and custom garment production. While starting a clothing brand in the USA comes with higher costs, it offers superior quality and brand positioning. The largest U.S. clothing brands like Nike and Levi’s continue to dominate the global market, while China and Bangladesh lead in mass garment manufacturing.
Key Takeaways
✅ U.S. clothing manufacturers focus on ethical, high-quality apparel production.
✅ Starting a clothing brand in the USA costs between $8,500 – $95,000.
✅ Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Levi’s are among the biggest U.S. fashion brands.
✅ China and Bangladesh dominate global garment manufacturing.
💡 Choosing U.S.-based manufacturing ensures quality and ethical production, but global factories offer cost advantages!
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