Where can I get wholesale American apparel?

Many buyers ask me, “Can I still buy American Apparel products wholesale?” The brand is iconic, but it’s not what it used to be—so knowing where and how to source it is key.

You can get wholesale American Apparel from Gildan’s official distribution partners, select authorized B2B platforms, or switch to private label alternatives made with the same quality.

Let’s break down who owns the brand now, where it went, and what your sourcing options look like today if you're chasing that classic American-made look.

Who manufactures American Apparel?

Years ago, American Apparel was known for its Los Angeles-based factories. But today, things have changed—both in location and ownership.

American Apparel is now manufactured by Gildan Activewear, a Canadian company that produces apparel in Central America and the Caribbean.

What changed after Gildan acquired American Apparel¹?

In 2017, Gildan bought the bankrupt brand and shifted production out of the U.S. to cut costs. Today’s American Apparel products are:

• Designed in Los Angeles
• Made in Honduras, Nicaragua, or Dominican Republic
• Distributed via Gildan’s B2B network

They offer similar fits and fabrics but are no longer strictly “Made in USA.”

Where can I buy these items wholesale?

Gildan sells American Apparel products through:

If you need classic blanks³ like 2001 tees or fine jersey tanks, this is your best source.

Why did American Apparel get canceled?

In 2016, I noticed fewer buyers asking about the brand. It wasn’t the fabric—they still loved it. It was the reputation that scared them off.

American Apparel was “canceled” due to a mix of financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct scandals involving the CEO, and a brand image that fell out of sync with changing social norms.

What triggered the downfall?

Several things happened:

• Founder Dov Charney⁴ was accused of misconduct and pushed out in 2014
• The company filed for bankruptcy twice (2015 and 2016)
• Its overtly sexual advertising was criticized as exploitative
• Rising costs made U.S. manufacturing unsustainable

These issues hurt buyer confidence, especially among retail chains and ethical boutiques.

How did buyers respond?

Many buyers switched to alternative U.S. brands—or worked with OEM manufacturers to create similar styles under private labels. That’s when we at Fumao saw a rise in buyers asking for:

• American-fit T-shirts⁵
• High-stretch leggings
• Vintage-inspired basics

What is American Apparel called now?

Even though the company changed hands, the name still exists—but it looks different.

American Apparel is still called “American Apparel,” but it is now a brand owned by Gildan and positioned as a heritage basics label, with a focus on online and wholesale sales.

Is the branding or product line different?

Gildan kept the name but repositioned it. Today’s American Apparel is:

• More minimal in marketing
• Gender-inclusive and toned-down visually
• Mostly available online or through distributors

It no longer operates retail stores, and it avoids the hyper-sexualized branding of the past.

Can I still offer similar styles in my store?

Absolutely. If you don’t want to use the American Apparel name, you can:

• Work with factories like Fumao to recreate best-selling cuts
• Use similar fabrics (fine jersey⁶, 100% combed cotton)
• Offer custom branding⁷ with modern styling

We’ve helped multiple brands do this—especially for startup streetwear and basics-focused labels.

What happened to the American Apparel owner?

If you're deep in fashion sourcing, you’ve probably heard the name Dov Charney. His story is as controversial as the brand itself.

Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, was fired from his company over misconduct claims, later started a new label called Los Angeles Apparel, and continues to advocate for U.S.-based garment production.

What is Los Angeles Apparel⁸?

After leaving American Apparel, Charney launched:

• Los Angeles Apparel, focusing on:
  • Made-in-USA clothing⁹
  • High-wage labor
  • Basics similar to his old catalog

It gained attention for its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, but also faced criticism during the pandemic for safety violations.

Can I buy from Los Angeles Apparel wholesale?

Yes, they offer:

Buyers looking for that “old-school American Apparel” feel often choose this route—or create similar styles through OEM partners like us.

Conclusion

You can still buy American Apparel wholesale, but it’s not the same brand it once was. Whether you go through Gildan, explore Los Angeles Apparel, or develop your own line, the options are wide—and the right supplier makes all the difference.