Tips to Find Apparel Manufacturing Companies in the USA
Whether you are dreaming of starting a new fashion line or launching your clothing brand; finding the right apparel manufacturer is the key to turn your vision into reality. The fashion industry is hard and the market is flooded with several apparel manufacturing companies.
No wonder, selecting a reliable apparel manufacturing company can be quite challenging. Let’s have a look at some of tips to find the right apparel manufacturing company in the USA:
Search for Domestic Manufacturers
Looking for apparel manufacturing companies in the USA offers many benefits such as lower shipping costs, fast turnaround times, and better communication. Let’s have a look at some of the
ways to find garment manufacturers based in the USA:
Online Directories
Online directories provide a comprehensive list of US-based manufacturers and you can search by location and services offered. Presenting some of the popular online directories in the USA that could help you connect with B2B garment manufacturers:
- ThomasNet
- Maker’s Row
- Sourcing at Magic
- Apparel Search
- Fashiondex
- Worldwide Brands
- Fashion Industry Network
- The Clothing Manufacturers
- The Textile World
Industry Trade Shows
Attend fashion industry trade shows to get direct access to apparel manufacturing companies and discuss potential partnerships. Here are some of the popular trade shows in the USA:
- Sourcing at MAGIC
- The Apparel Show (ASD Market Week)
- Texworld USA
- MAGIC Las Vegas
- MAGIC Nashville
- Fashion Market Northern California (FMNC)
- The Fashion World Tokyo (USA edition)
- Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market
- The New York Fashion Trade Show (NYFW)
- LA Textile Show
- Couture Fashion Week (CWF)
- Textile & Apparel Supply Chain Conference
Referrals and Networking
Ask designers or industry experts for recommendations as word of mouth can often lead to reliable manufacturers. You can also join niche industry groups related to fashion and apparel on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Online Search
Use search engines such as Google and Bing to search for garment manufacturers in the US. Use specific, location-based keywords such as “garment manufacturers in
, or “apparel factories near me.”
Trade Publications
Here are some trade publications in the USA where you can find detailed information regarding B2B garment manufacturers:
- Women’s Wear Daily (WWD)
- Sourcing Journal
- Textile World
- Apparel Magazine
- Fashion United
- Textiles 360
- The Apparel News
- Fiber2Fashion
- Global Apparel Sourcing
- Manufacturing Today
Request Samples and Prototypes
Once you have narrowed down your list of apparel manufacturing companies, it is time to ask for samples to gauge craftsmanship and overall quality of their work. Most importantly, before committing to huge production runs, make sure the garments fit as planned.
Negotiate Terms and Contracts
Once you have decided upon the manufacturer, negotiate the terms of your deal that should consist of pricing, payment schedules, and lead times including any potential delays.
Maintain Honest Communication
Once the manufacturing begins, maintain an open and honest communication with the manufacturer. Timely feedback can ensure that issues are resolved early and the final product aligns with
your vision.
Conclusion
Finding one of the best apparel manufacturing companies in the USA requires time and effort, but the rewards of collaborating with a reputable manufacturer are all worth it. Remember that
the manufacturing process is a long-term collaboration, so pick a manufacturer who you can trust.