10 Best Custom Knitwear Suppliers in the USA
The United States knitwear industry is evolving with blends of traditional craftsmanship and tech innovations. It is also home to several designer labels and corporate brands. Although the industry is laid back by challenges such as high cost of production, fewer knitters, competition from overseas, and more, there are still manufacturers committed to high-quality and locally made products.
This post will explore the 10 best custom knitwear manufacturers and suppliers in the USA. We will consider the key players in the industry, their contribution to the US industry, opportunities for startups or well-established fashion brands to emerge, and more. Let’s get the ball rolling!
Global Knitwear Market: Insight into the USA Market Share
According to Market Research Future, the global knitwear market was estimated at $643.9 billion in 2021 and is forecasted to grow from $721.81 billion in 2024 to $1605.69 billion in 2030. This estimation exhibits a CAGR of 12.10% during the forecast period (2024 to 2030).
The analysis above covers countries in various regions, such as North America (US and Canada), Europe (Italy, Germany, etc.), Asia-Pacific (China, India, South Korea, etc.), and others. The North American knitwear industry is known to record the second-largest global market share report. This is because winter is unusually long, and the need for warm clothing is increasing.
Knitwear Product/Material and Market Insights
Today, knitwear products such as sweaters, pullovers, hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts, etc., are in high demand mainly due to their outstanding features, such as moisture-wicking nature, wrinkle resistance, softness, and easy breathability compared to woven materials.
Knitwear is not only applicable in sporting activities and other physical events but has become everyday wear for all seasons. The increasing integration of knitwear products into recent fashion trends, infusion into new product groups, and popularity will cause its demand to keep rising at a comparable rate during the forecast period.
Due to the US market's unending possibilities for growth, many e-commerce stores and fashion brands are including knitwear products in their collections. They partner with reliable and well-trusted sweater suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors for custom wear that aligns with the fashion-conscious generation. This is an enticing hook for you!
Knitwear Key Market Players Analysis
One of the main business strategies embraced by the US knitwear manufacturers is to offer fashionable wear to customers and expand the market sector to produce locally made knitwear, thereby reducing operating costs.
These key market players are equally spending time and resources on research and development (R&D) to enhance their product lines and boost the knitwear market. The US companies take the initiative to improve their global footprint through increased development, product launches, mergers and acquisitions, partnering with other companies, etc. Let’s learn more about these brands below.
10 Leading Custom Knitwear Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA
The USA knitwear key market players we analyzed here are;
- Luxury Knit
- Ohio Knitting Mills
- Straus Knitting Mill
- Binghamton Knitting Company, Inc.
- Royal Apparel
- Tailored Industry
- Unionwear
- Artex Knitting Mills
- Buck Mason Knitting Mills
- Blankstyle
1. Luxury Knit
Image Source: Luxury Knit website
Luxury Knit is an industry leader in fabric design and private-label manufacturing in Los Angeles. Founded in 1981, the company was created explicitly to be among the foremost and technologically advanced apparel manufacturers across the USA. Today, Luxury Knits have evolved to become one of the largest in the country.
Luxury Knit provides the knitwear market with ever-trending styles in its trusted knit line throughout the seasons. The industry has been at the forefront of delivering the highest quality custom knitwear with a fast turnaround time and competitive prices. It serves both larger and smaller clothing brands, all with the same edge.
2. Ohio Knitting Mills
Image Source: Facebook
Ohio Knitting Mills is a contemporary clothing and accessories (beanies, scarves, etc.) manufacturer for men, women, and children. Established in 1927, the company is recognized as one of the largest knitwear producers in the United States. For the past seven decades, it has popularly made private-label knitwear for prominent department stores in Cleveland, Ohio.
Despite the challenges faced at the beginning of the 21st century, such as sales of most of its machinery and equipment, Ohio Knitting Mills has emerged as an American-made modern knitwear manufacturer and supplier for the newest generation.
3. Straus Knitting Mill
Image Source: Straus Knitting website
Straus Knitting Mills has been a custom trim and fabric manufacturer since 1917. Its founder, Abraham Straus, opened it as a small family business. Today, it has become a successful company with continuous expansion to meet the demands of the new market and harness the opportunities for global impact.
Straus Knitting Mills partners with customers to create distinct and effective solutions to their clothing needs. Its on-site dyeing facility provides custom color matching and has about 400 knitting machines with the capacity to meet clients' diverse needs.
4. Binghamton Knitting Company, Inc.
Image Source: Binghamton website
Binghamton Knitting Company, Inc., is a family-owned knit product manufacturer that has been in the knitting industry since the early twelfth century. Headquartered in Binghamton, New York, the company produces and supplies knit items to mom-and-pop gift shops, Fortune 500 companies, and others.
Since its establishment in 1927, Binghamton Knitting has excelled in producing the finest American knit goods. Its latest advanced knitting factory allows fully custom designs to be knit directly into sweaters, blankets, and other knit apparel. Though a small USA-based business, Binghamton Knitting tailors every item to fit customers' needs throughout manufacturing on any scale.
5. Royal Apparel
Image Source: Company website
Royal Apparel began in the early 90s in Manhatta’s Garment Industry as a dream of two business typhoons committed to American fashion. The journey started with deep experiences in Southern factories, understanding crafts from knitting to sewing. Embracing sustainability, Royal Apparel has remained true to American-made ethos despite all odds.
Today, Royal Apparel is a leader in the US for elegant and eco-friendly garment production. Its customized packages include custom styling, color, and washes/treatments. Royal Apparel caters to a diverse clientele, including wellness brands, top musicians, and Fortune 500 companies, which confirms its devotedness to sustainable and timeless fashion.
6. Tailored Industry
Image Source: Instagram
Tailored Industry is an on-demand luxury knitwear manufacturer based in Brooklyn, New York. The company produces knitwear after a client places an order to eradicate the need for inventory and reduce wastage. It operates a 3D knitting technology/machine, creating complete garments in one piece and lessening raw material waste.
Tailored Industry offers a collection of over 220 production styles that can be customized and manufactured using clients’ labels. In addition, the company’s integration with Shopify stores completes production and shipping orders to clients’ between 3 to 9 days. The innovative 3D knitting technique, transparency, and prompt communication from the team make Tailored Industry appreciated by its customers.
7. Unionwear
Image Source: Unionwear website
Unionwear is a leading manufacturer of union-made-in-USA with 30+ years of experience. The company makes bags, hats, caps, and custom winter knit beanies for the fashion and uniform markets and promotional purposes. Its 70,000-square-foot facility caters to the needs of both local and international clients, building sustainability on the foundation of client satisfaction.
Unionwear also offers expert custom embroidery at wholesale pricing in its Newark, NJ, factory. This allows business owners to spice up their custom winter knits and make an indelible impact on their businesses. Since its inception, it has recorded a reputation for being a fair labor manufacturer.
8. Artex Knitting Mills
Image Source: Artex Knitting website
Artex Knitting Mills is a family-owned business founded by Louis Gerbarg in Philadelphia’s Olde City. Since 1926, the company has been knitting fine products and specializes in supplying trimming goods to the growing Philadelphia apparel industry. It focuses extensively on the market for beanie and knit hats.
Artex has always been at the forefront of innovation and has changed its goods in response to changing fashion while maintaining its values. In line with its growth and expansion, in 1990, the company relocated to its 80,000-square-foot facility in New Jersey. From there, it has been meeting clients’ custom orders for high-quality and innovative styles.
9. Buck Mason Knitting Mills
Image Source: X.com
Buck Mason Knitting Mills is a modern American classic company founded in 2013 in Vernice, California. Its founders, Sasha Koehn and Erik Allen, first began in a 350-square-foot facility with the sole aim of making tees and jeans that would fit all seasons. Today, it has expanded into making all kinds of knitwear—sweaters, shorts, pants, jackets, outerwear, etc.
Buck Mason makes clothes in the finest factories in the world, blending innovative techniques with diligent, hand-made quality. The company’s determination to create knitted garments that are impeccably constructed and timeless in design makes it cherished by local and overseas customers.
10. Blankstyle
Image Source: Blankstyle
Blankstyle is a wholesale distributor and manufacturing company with over 30 years of experience. Located in Southern Ca, with grounds in the local surf and skate industry, the company has expanded its distribution network to strategic regions across the United States. It aims to provide fast and easy access to an extensive apparel collection.
Whether you’re a boutique owner, retailer, online fashion store, or individual, Blankstyle’s range of wholesale knitwear and scarves are cozy, elegant, and versatile. With trendy knit sweaters and comfortable cardigans, Blankstyle offers warmth and fashion for your customers and is ideal for all seasons.
FAQs
1. What are knitted sweaters called?
Sweaters or pullovers, also called jerseys or jumpers, are clothing made using knitted or crotched materials. They are usually long-sleeved and cover the upper areas of the body. Zhongshan Xingtai Clothing’s crotchet sweater collection offers excellent warmth, softness, and a comfortable wearing experience. Because of their durability, our knitted pullovers are suitable for both indoor wear and outdoor activities.
2. Can I get custom-made knitwear in the USA?
Yes, several manufacturers in the USA focus on custom knitwear. They create products based on the client’s specifications, including color, material, embroidery, designs, etc.
3. Do USA manufacturers offer minimum order quantities (MOQ) for custom knitwear?
MOQ varies depending on the manufacturer. Some provide on-demand production with no MOQ, while others may request an MOQ considering the complexity and magnitude of the project. For instance, we offer an MOQ of 50 pcs per style/design. However, the more quantity you buy, the cheaper the prices.
Custom Knitwear Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA - Summary
Sourcing custom knitwear from USA-based manufacturers and suppliers requires your deliberate action. Relaible brands don’t just appear at your doorstep. Good enough, we’ve listed the companies you can collaborate with. You must also research further online, read reviews, and contact industry associations for help.
However, if you need a well-known global OEM/ODM brand with high-quality craftsmanship, shorter production lead time (7-10 business days), an excellent communication team, a fashion business supporter, etc., look no further than Zhongshan Xingtai Clothing. We offer customized services, including yarn material, color and size, design and sample development, logo labels and tags, etc. Want to learn more? Contact us today!