The United States knitwear industry seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech innovations. While navigating challenges like higher production costs and a shrinking pool of local knitters, several US-based manufacturers remain steadfast in producing high-quality, locally-made garments. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 custom knitwear manufacturers and suppliers in the USA, providing opportunities for both startups and established fashion labels to thrive.
Global Knitwear Market & USA Insights
The global knitwear market is experiencing massive growth, projected to expand significantly by 2030. The North American knitwear industry holds the second-largest global market share, driven by prolonged winter seasons and an increasing demand for warm, stylish, and comfortable clothing.
Today, knitwear products such as custom sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans are highly sought after due to their moisture-wicking properties, softness, and breathability. As fashion brands look to capitalize on this unending growth, partnering with reliable sweater manufacturers and wholesalers is more crucial than ever.
10 Leading Custom Knitwear Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA
1. Luxury Knit
Based in Los Angeles, Luxury Knit has been an industry leader in fabric design and private-label manufacturing since 1981. Known for their technologically advanced facilities, they provide ever-trending styles, fast turnaround times, and competitive pricing for clothing brands of all sizes.
2. Ohio Knitting Mills
Established in 1927, Ohio Knitting Mills is a contemporary manufacturer of men’s, women’s, and children’s knitwear and accessories. Despite industry shifts, they have successfully emerged as a modern American-made supplier for the newest generation of prominent department stores.
3. Straus Knitting Mill
Starting as a small family business in 1917, Straus Knitting Mill has expanded into a successful custom trim and fabric manufacturer. Equipped with an on-site dyeing facility and around 400 knitting machines, they provide distinct custom color matching and tailored apparel solutions.
4. Binghamton Knitting Company, Inc.
Headquartered in New York, this family-owned manufacturer has been operating since 1927. Utilizing advanced knitting technology, Binghamton Knitting excels at producing fully custom designs knit directly into sweaters and blankets for both mom-and-pop shops and Fortune 500 companies.
5. Royal Apparel
Founded in the early 90s in Manhattan’s Garment District, Royal Apparel is a leader in eco-friendly garment production. They offer customized styling, colors, and washes, catering to wellness brands and musicians while remaining strictly true to sustainable, American-made ethos.
6. Tailored Industry
Tailored Industry is an on-demand luxury knitwear manufacturer based in Brooklyn. Utilizing innovative 3D knitting technology, they create complete garments in one piece to eliminate inventory waste. Their seamless integration with Shopify stores allows for rapid 3-to-9-day production and shipping.
7. Unionwear
With over 30 years of experience, Unionwear specializes in union-made bags, hats, and custom winter knit beanies. Operating from a 70,000-square-foot facility in New Jersey, they also offer expert custom embroidery at wholesale pricing to help brands make a lasting impact.
8. Artex Knitting Mills
Since 1926, Artex Knitting Mills has specialized in fine trimming goods and knit hats. Relocating to a massive facility in New Jersey in 1990, the company continues to meet clients’ custom orders with high-quality, innovative styles that adapt to changing fashion trends.
9. Buck Mason Knitting Mills
Founded in 2013 in California, Buck Mason blends innovative techniques with hand-made quality to create timeless American classics. Originally focused on tees and jeans, they have successfully expanded into impeccably constructed sweaters, jackets, and outerwear.
10. Blankstyle
Blankstyle is a wholesale distributor with over 30 years of experience in the surf and skate industry. Providing fast access to an extensive apparel collection across the US, their range of trendy knit sweaters and cardigans offers versatile warmth for retailers and boutiques.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are knitted sweaters called?
Sweaters or pullovers are often referred to as jerseys or jumpers, depending on your region. They are typically long-sleeved garments crafted from knitted or crocheted yarns. At MySweaterFactory (MSF), our custom sweater collections offer unparalleled warmth, softness, and durability, making them the perfect addition to any brand’s catalog for both indoor and outdoor wear.
2. Can I get custom-made knitwear in the USA?
Yes, many USA-based manufacturers focus on custom knitwear, creating products based on precise client specifications including yarn selection, colors, embroidery, and silhouettes.
3. Do manufacturers offer minimum order quantities (MOQ) for custom knitwear?
MOQs vary by manufacturer. Some offer on-demand production with zero minimums, while others require higher quantities. For growing brands seeking a balance of premium quality and scalable pricing, MySweaterFactory (MSF) provides highly flexible MOQs tailored to your specific design complexity, ensuring cost-effectiveness as your volume increases.
Conclusion: Scaling Your Knitwear Brand
Sourcing custom knitwear from US-based manufacturers is an excellent way to support local craftsmanship. However, if your brand is scaling and requires a globally recognized OEM/ODM partner with top-tier manufacturing capabilities, shorter production lead times, and comprehensive fashion business support, look no further than MySweaterFactory (MSF).
As a premier global knitwear factory, MSF offers end-to-end customized services—from yarn material selection and size grading to sample development and custom logo tags. Ready to elevate your knitwear collection? Contact MySweaterFactory today to turn your designs into reality!
