Top 8 Custom Clothing Wholesalers in the USA
A. Background on Custom Clothing Industry
Fashion has always been a fundamental way for people to express themselves, and the custom clothing industry has emerged to cater to the unique tastes and preferences of diverse consumers. From personalizing garments with unique designs to tailoring clothing to fit perfectly, the custom clothing industry offers a vast range of services to create distinctive fashion pieces. As per the data from IBIS World, as of 2021, the custom-made clothing market in the United States had a total revenue of $1.7 billion, highlighting the significant demand for personalized apparel.
B. Why Custom Clothing Wholesalers are Important
Wholesalers play a crucial role in the supply chain of the custom clothing industry. They provide retailers with access to large quantities of customizable clothing at more affordable rates than would be possible if purchasing directly from manufacturers. This allows businesses to offer a wider variety of products and maintain a robust stock inventory. Additionally, many wholesalers have established relationships with a broad network of manufacturers, enabling them to source a diverse range of products and styles.
Understanding Custom Clothing
A. What is Custom Clothing?
Custom clothing, also known as bespoke or tailor-made clothing, refers to garments that are specifically designed and produced to cater to an individual's size, style, and preferences. Unlike off-the-rack clothing that offers standard sizes and designs, custom clothing delivers a more personalized fit and style.
| Custom Clothing | Off-the-Rack Clothing |
|---|---|
| Tailored to individual size | Standard sizes |
| Unique designs | Mass-produced designs |
| Personalized fit | Generic fit |
B. Process of Creating Custom Clothing
The process of creating custom clothing starts with a consultation, where the client’s measurements are taken, and design preferences are discussed. Following the consultation, a pattern is created, which is then used to cut the fabric. The cut pieces of fabric are sewn together to create the garment. Once the initial garment is assembled, fittings are done to ensure a perfect fit, and necessary adjustments are made.
| Steps in Custom Clothing | Description |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Measurements and design preferences are taken |
| Pattern Creation | A pattern based on the measurements is created |
| Cutting | Fabric is cut using the pattern |
| Assembly | Pieces of fabric are sewn together |
| Fittings and Adjustments | The garment is fitted and adjusted as needed |
C. Uses and Benefits of Custom Clothing
Custom clothing can be used for various purposes, from everyday wear to special occasions such as weddings or corporate events. The key benefits of custom clothing include a perfect fit, high-quality construction, and the ability to express individual style. The table below outlines the major uses and benefits of custom clothing.
| Uses of Custom Clothing | Benefits of Custom Clothing |
|---|---|
| Everyday Wear | Perfect Fit |
| Special Occasions | High-Quality Construction |
| Corporate Events | Individual Style Expression |
Top 8 Custom Clothing Wholesalers in the USA
A. Wholesaler 1: Jones Apparel
Jones Apparel, based in New York, is well-known for its exceptional attention to detail and quality. They offer a wide array of customizable clothing, from shirts to jackets, which are all made from top-notch fabrics. In terms of customization, they provide different printing and embroidery options.
| Key Aspects | Jones Apparel |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New York |
| Products | Shirts, Jackets, etc. |
| Customization Options | Printing, Embroidery |
B. Wholesaler 2: Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas, located in Los Angeles, California, is renowned for its eco-friendly and ethically made clothing. They offer a variety of styles in both genders and all sizes. Their printing methods are superior, offering high-quality prints that last longer.
| Key Aspects | Bella+Canvas |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Products | Various styles for both genders |
| Customization Options | High-quality Printing |
C. Wholesaler 3: SanMar
SanMar is a family-owned business that has been providing custom clothing since 1971. They supply a broad selection of garments, including t-shirts, jackets, and workwear. What sets SanMar apart is their dedication to customer service and providing a wide range of customization services.
| Key Aspects | SanMar |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Issaquah, Washington |
| Products | T-shirts, Jackets, Workwear |
| Customization Options | Various |
D. Wholesaler 4: American Apparel
American Apparel, headquartered in Los Angeles, is known for its made-in-the-USA garments and ethical manufacturing processes. They offer customization services on a variety of their products, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, and dresses.
| Key Aspects | American Apparel |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Products | T-shirts, Hoodies, Dresses |
| Customization Options | Various |
E. Wholesaler 5: Delta Apparel
Delta Apparel, based in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a wide range of clothing styles suitable for different age groups. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and high-quality products. They provide screen printing, embroidery, and digital printing for customization.
| Key Aspects | Delta Apparel |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Products | Various styles for different age groups |
| Customization Options | Screen Printing, Embroidery, Digital Printing |
F. Wholesaler 6: TSC Apparel
TSC Apparel, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers an extensive range of styles and sizes. They have six distribution centers across the USA to ensure timely delivery. TSC Apparel offers various customization options, including screen printing and embroidery.
| Key Aspects | TSC Apparel |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Products | Various styles and sizes |
| Customization Options | Screen Printing, Embroidery |
G. Wholesaler 7: S&S Activewear
S&S Activewear, based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is known for their extensive inventory of over 70 brands. They specialize in providing high-quality activewear that can be customized with various methods, including heat transfer and embroidery.
| Key Aspects | S&S Activewear |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bolingbrook, Illinois |
| Products | Activewear |
| Customization Options | Heat Transfer, Embroidery |
H. Wholesaler 8: AlphaBroder
AlphaBroder, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, offers one of the most comprehensive selections of customizable clothing, ranging from corporate wear to casual wear. AlphaBroder is known for its quality, variety, and innovative customization options.
| Key Aspects | AlphaBroder |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Trevose, Pennsylvania |
| Products | Corporate wear, Casual wear |
| Customization Options | Various |
Key Considerations for Choosing a Custom Clothing Wholesaler
A. Quality
The quality of the clothing offered by the wholesaler is critical. High-quality garments tend to last longer, provide better comfort, and give a better overall appearance. Look at aspects like the quality of the fabric used, the stitching, and the fit of the garments.
| Quality Aspects | Description |
|---|---|
| Fabric Quality | The type and quality of the fabric used |
| Stitching | The quality of the sewing and finishes |
| Fit | How well the garments fit |
B. Price
Price is an essential factor, particularly for businesses operating on a tight budget. However, it's essential not to compromise on quality for the sake of cost. Consider the price per unit, any discounts for bulk purchases, and the terms of payment.
| Price Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Price per Unit | The cost for each piece of garment |
| Bulk Discounts | Any price reductions for large orders |
| Payment Terms | The agreed terms of payment |
C. Turnaround Time
The speed at which the wholesaler can fulfill orders is crucial, especially for businesses that need to maintain a steady stock of products. Factors to consider include production time, shipping time, and the reliability of the delivery times provided.
| Turnaround Time Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Production Time | The time taken to produce the custom garments |
| Shipping Time | The time taken to ship the products |
| Reliability | How consistently the wholesaler meets their delivery times |
D. Customization Options
The range of customization options provided by the wholesaler is also essential. Some wholesalers may offer various printing techniques, while others may specialize in embroidery or other forms of garment decoration. The choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the business.
| Customization Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Printing | Different types of printing methods |
| Embroidery | Decorations created by stitching thread onto the garment |
| Other Decorations | Any other types of garment decoration offered |
How to Approach Custom Clothing Wholesalers for Business
A. Identifying your Needs
Before reaching out to a wholesaler, it is essential to clearly identify your needs. This includes understanding your target audience, the types of clothing you want to sell, the level of customization you require, and your budget. Defining these needs will allow you to effectively communicate your requirements to the wholesaler and make the selection process more straightforward.
| Business Needs | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Who you are selling to |
| Types of Clothing | The kind of clothing items you want to stock |
| Customization Level | How much customization you require |
| Budget | How much you are willing to spend |
B. Initial Contact and Conversation
Once you have identified your needs, you can initiate contact with the wholesaler. This can be through email, phone call, or an in-person meeting. During this initial conversation, discuss your requirements, ask about their products, customization options, prices, and turnaround times. This will give you a clear idea of whether the wholesaler can meet your business needs.
| Initial Conversation Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Your Requirements | Discuss your business needs |
| Products | Ask about the range of products they offer |
| Customization Options | Ask about the customization options they provide |
| Prices and Turnaround Times | Ask about their pricing and how long it takes them to fulfill orders |
Once you have decided on a wholesaler that suits your needs, the next step is to negotiate the terms and prices. Ensure that you understand their pricing structure, minimum order quantities, payment terms, and delivery times. You can also discuss discounts for bulk orders or long-term contracts. It is vital to get everything in writing to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
| Negotiation Points |
|---|