Where can I find good clothing manufacturers in LA?

Los Angeles is more than just a fashion capital—it’s a production hub. But with hundreds of factories scattered across the city, how do you know which ones are trustworthy, high-quality, and aligned with your brand?

Good clothing manufacturers in LA can be found in the Fashion District, particularly around Maple Avenue and San Pedro Street. Start with referrals, factory visits, and platforms like Maker’s Row or Indie Source.

In this article, we’ll explore not just where to find LA manufacturers, but also how they compare globally—and when it makes sense to look elsewhere.

Where are most clothing brands manufactured?

You’ve seen it on the tag—“Made in China,” “Made in Bangladesh,” or sometimes “Made in USA.” But where are most clothing brands actually producing their garments?

Most global clothing brands manufacture in countries like China, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh, where labor is affordable and infrastructure is built for large-scale production.

Why do so many brands choose overseas factories¹?

The answer comes down to three things: cost, scale, and infrastructure. Factories in Asia are set up to handle huge volumes at low costs.

Smaller or premium brands often choose US or European production to maintain quality and ethical standards. LA is one of the few places in the US where large-scale domestic clothing manufacturing still exists.

Are any brands still producing in the USA?

Yes, especially in LA. Brands focused on speed, quality control, or “Made in USA²” marketing often rely on LA-based factories³. Many are vertical operations, offering cut-and-sew, dyeing, and even packaging under one roof.

We’ve supported brands that moved production from Asia to LA to reduce lead times, improve communication, or better align with ethical sourcing goals.

Which country is best for clothing manufacturing?

“Best” depends on what you need—cost savings, quality, speed, or sustainability. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The best country for clothing manufacturing depends on your brand’s priorities. China leads in scalability, Vietnam offers quality and consistency, while the USA (especially LA) is ideal for premium, small-batch production.

How do you choose the right country for your production?

Start by defining your top priorities:

• Budget⁴: Do you need low-cost production to scale quickly?
• Lead time: Is fast delivery a must?
• Quality control: Do your customers demand high-end finishing?
• Ethics: Do you want to highlight fair labor or eco practices?

Here’s a breakdown:

If you’re based in the US, producing in LA offers huge advantages: you can visit factories, monitor production, and reduce overseas freight delays.

Why is LA a good option despite higher costs?

• Proximity: You can visit your manufacturer or warehouse easily.
• Control: Better communication, faster sample revisions, tighter QC.
• Flexibility: Easier to test new styles with small-batch runs.
• Marketing: “Made in USA” can boost perceived value and trust.

For brands that care about speed, storytelling, or sustainability, LA often delivers more than just garments—it delivers alignment with your mission.

Where is the cheapest place to manufacture clothing?

If your priority is budget, then you’ll likely look to Asia or certain African countries. But cheap doesn’t always mean better—it comes with tradeoffs.

The cheapest clothing manufacturing is often found in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan—where labor costs are low and production infrastructure is mature.

What are the risks of choosing the cheapest option?

Going cheap often comes at the cost of flexibility, communication, and consistency. Risks include:

• Long lead times (30–90 days)⁷
• Language or time zone barriers
• Lower quality control⁸
• Ethical concerns (low wages, poor conditions)
• High MOQs that can lock up cash flow

For first-time brands or premium lines, these risks may outweigh the savings.

Can LA compete on cost?

Not directly. Labor in LA is significantly higher than in Asia. But when you factor in:

• Lower MOQs
• Fewer errors and returns
• Faster restocks
• Reduced shipping costs
• “Made in USA” brand value

…the total cost gap shrinks. We’ve seen brands lose more money fixing overseas mistakes than they saved on labor.

Where is most of the clothing that is sold in the USA made?

Take a walk through any American mall, and you’ll find labels from all over the world. But very little of it is actually made here.

Most clothing sold in the USA is made in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India. Less than 3% of apparel is manufactured domestically.

Why is US-made clothing so rare?

Since the 1990s, brands have chased lower labor costs overseas. That caused a steep decline in US garment factories⁹—especially outside of LA and New York.

Mass retail relies on volume and margin. That’s hard to achieve with US labor and compliance costs. But some brands are bringing production back, especially in:

• Premium streetwear
• Performance wear
• Sustainable fashion
• Small-run collections

Where in the USA is apparel still made?

• Los Angeles: Cut-and-sew, screen printing, activewear, private label
• New York: Fashion sampling, showrooms, boutique production
• North Carolina: Knitwear and cotton production
• Texas: Denim and western apparel

LA remains the strongest player, especially for vertical integration—meaning you can design, sample, cut, sew, pack, and ship all in one district.

At Fumao, we help brands decide whether to source in LA, overseas, or split production based on price, timeline, and marketing goals.

Conclusion

Finding the right manufacturer in LA—or anywhere—starts with knowing your brand’s priorities. LA is ideal for speed, quality, and control, especially for premium or custom apparel. But global options like China or Bangladesh still lead in price. Choose partners that match your brand vision—and your customer’s expectations.