New York remains one of the most active hubs for apparel manufacturing in the U.S. and not by accident. From Midtown studios to outer-borough factories, the city supports thousands of designers who need fast, flexible production without compromising on quality.
In 2024, New York’s apparel manufacturing revenue is projected to reach nearly 1.38 billion U.S. dollars, reflecting stable demand for locally made clothing. While many brands produce overseas, a growing number prefer working with domestic factories. It helps them avoid long lead times, reduce shipping issues and stay more involved throughout the production process.
If you are building a fashion brand or scaling an existing line, finding the right manufacturer is one of the most important steps. Yet the search can feel overwhelming. Many factories look similar online and some do not list minimums. Others do not respond at all.
This blog lists ten trusted clothing manufacturers in New York based on their strengths, services and fit for independent labels and small-to-mid-sized brands. Each one offers something different—from pattern development to full-package production.
Before we get into the list, the next section walks you through how to evaluate a manufacturer. That way, you can read with more clarity and choose based on your exact needs.
Also Read: How to select best fabric manufacturers for clothing business
What to Look For in a Manufacturer
Choosing a clothing manufacturer is not only about production capacity. It is about how well that partner fits the needs of your brand, your timeline and your product goals.
A dependable factory keeps processes transparent. Good communication at each stage reduces misunderstandings. Early support during sampling helps prevent delays later in production.
When evaluating your options, these are the qualities most designers prioritize:
- Flexible minimum order quantities
- Clear updates during each phase
- In-house assistance for sampling and development
- Predictable production timelines
- Familiarity with the type of product you offer
- Access for reviewing samples or adjustments
Knowing what to assess helps you avoid trial and error. The next section lists ten manufacturers based in New York who meet these expectations and have earned the trust of emerging and growing fashion businesses.
Top 10 Clothing Manufacturers in New York
New York is home to a variety of clothing manufacturers that support brands at different stages. Some offer sampling and development, while others focus on complete production services. This list includes ten reliable factories based in New York. Each one has been selected based on service quality, flexibility and overall fit for fashion businesses looking to grow. Some work best with small batches. Others are equipped to handle larger volumes. What they share is a focus on clear timelines, dependable results and consistent communication.
Here are the top 10 clothing manufacturers in New York:
1. Apparel Production Inc.
Apparel Production Inc. is located in New York’s Garment District. It offers full services from design to final production. The factory works with both new and well-known brands in different types of clothing.
Key services include:
- Pattern making and grading
- Sample development
- Technical design support
- Production for small to mid-sized runs
The team’s focus on clear communication and in-house technical skills makes it easier for designers to manage complex styles. Apparel Production Inc. is a strong choice for brands that value close collaboration and a structured production process from start to finish.
2. The Factory NYC
The Factory NYC is a Brooklyn-based clothing company. It helps fashion brands with design and production. They handle both small batches and bigger collections, so it works well for brands at any stage.
Key services include:
- Product development and prototyping
- Sample creation
- Small-batch production
- Technical consultation
The Factory NYC is known for its clear and organized way of working. Designers can team up with their staff to pick fabrics, adjust fit and improve patterns. It is a good choice for brands that want steady support and easy production.
3. Patternworks NYC
Patternworks NYC is a Manhattan-based development studio that supports brands during the early phases of production. It works with designers who value precision, especially during sampling and pattern creation.
Key services include:
- Pattern drafting and digital grading
- Technical design and fit correction
- Sample sewing
- Pre-production coordination
Patternworks NYC is a good choice for brands that need help turning sketches into samples ready for production. The studio has technical skills and works closely with clients to adjust every detail before full manufacturing starts.
4. Suuchi Inc.
Suuchi Inc. combines technology with production by offering a software-enabled manufacturing process. Based in New Jersey with services extending across New York, the company works with emerging and mid-sized fashion brands that want transparency and control over each production stage.
Key services include:
- Digital product development platform
- On-demand sampling and production
- Supply chain tracking
- Made-to-order manufacturing
Suuchi Inc. is best for brands that manage multiple products or collections and require visibility throughout the development and manufacturing cycle. The digital tools help teams collaborate, track progress and meet deadlines without relying on manual updates or long wait times.
5. Designs by Mikey
Designs by Mikey is a clothing maker in New York that works closely with independent designers. The studio helps with early product development and gives support through both the design and technical steps.
Key services include:
- Pattern making and sample sewing
- One-on-one development consultation
- Small-run production
- Product refinement for manufacturing
This studio is a good fit for new designers who need help with both design and technical details. Designs by Mikey works closely with clients to make the process from idea to sample easier and more clear.
6. Brooklyn Stitch
Brooklyn Stitch is a local production house that serves streetwear and casual apparel brands. Located in Brooklyn, it handles everything from prototyping to short-run manufacturing.
Key services include:
- Sample development
- Cut-and-sew services
- Short-run and small-batch production
- Client-specific fit adjustments
This facility is well suited for brands that want local access to sampling and production. Brooklyn Stitch offers flexibility and hands-on communication throughout the process.
7. InStyle USA
InStyle USA is based in Queens and works with both private label and designer brands. It handles the whole process, from the first idea to the finished clothing.
Key services include:
- Pattern development
- Full production for various categories
- Fabric sourcing coordination
- Quality assurance checks
InStyle USA works well for brands that want to manage everything in one place. Internal teams and organized workflows help simplify the full production cycle.
8. Royal Apparel
Royal Apparel manufactures knitwear and basics for fashion and lifestyle brands. While headquartered in New York, it also operates facilities in other U.S. states to support larger capacity.
Key services include:
- Organic and sustainable fabric sourcing
- Knit garment production
- Private label services
- Made-in-USA certification options
Royal Apparel is a good fit for brands focused on casualwear and sustainable sourcing. It provides flexible volumes while meeting U.S. manufacturing standards.
9. NYC Factory, Inc.
NYC Factory, Inc. specializes in high-quality sample development and limited production runs. The team works with designers who need close collaboration and strict attention to detail.
Key services include:
- Sample sewing and development
- Custom pattern work
- Technical assistance
- Short-run manufacturing
This manufacturer is a good choice for designers working with small quantities. They provide direct support, which helps avoid repeated changes and improves fit and quality from the beginning.
10. Ferrara Manufacturing
Ferrara Manufacturing is a trusted clothing maker based in New York. With many years of experience, it has worked with top fashion brands and large uniform programs across the country.
Key services include:
- Full-scale production
- Government and uniform contracts
- Pattern and grading services
- High-volume cutting and sewing
Ferrara Manufacturing is ideal for established brands that require scale, consistency and professional-grade output. Its team operates with structured systems that support larger orders and ongoing production.
Where Do These Manufacturers Get Their Fabrics?
Clothing manufacturers in New York use different fabric sourcing methods. Some factories expect the brand to supply fabric. Others handle sourcing through a limited group of vendors. A few keep small inventories of basic materials.
Fabric sourcing depends on cost, availability and production goals. Local options can reduce wait time and allow in-person review. Global suppliers often provide a wider range of textiles, including those not commonly found in domestic markets. Many designers choose to manage this step themselves. It helps align material choices with their design and budget.
For these needs, Fabriclore supports fashion businesses across the United States by offering:
- Low minimum order quantities
- Custom-printed fabrics and mill-dyed fabrics
- Certified sustainable textiles
- Sample swatches for testing
- Ready stock and made-to-order fabric types
- Export-quality packing and international delivery
Fabriclore helps designers find the right fabric while staying on schedule. This makes it a strong sourcing partner for those working with New York-based manufacturers.
How to Choose the Right Manufacturer
Choosing a manufacturer is not only about capacity. It is about how well their process supports your product, timeline and fabric choices. A clear match helps avoid delays and production errors.
Begin by defining your product goals. This includes the category, fabric type, size range, packaging and expected quantity. Having this clarity allows you to filter out options that do not meet your needs.
Pay attention to communication. A manufacturer who responds on time, gives clear updates and handles changes calmly is more likely to meet your expectations during production.
Check fabric availability. Delays in fabric can stall your entire process. This is where a fabric partner like Fabriclore can support you. They offer small minimums, certified textiles and global delivery aligned with your timeline.
Conclusion
A well-run fashion business depends on two things: consistent production and reliable sourcing. One without the other often leads to missed deadlines, extra costs or compromised quality. New York remains a strong base for apparel manufacturing. Its factories offer technical knowledge, category experience and access to local approvals. These strengths support designers who value fast feedback and dependable timelines.
At the same time, global fabric suppliers help fill the gap between creative needs and cost control. Fabriclore is one such partner. By offering certified textiles, low minimums and export-ready delivery, it supports the sourcing side of production without adding complexity. Choosing the right combination of supplier and manufacturer builds a smoother workflow. It allows brands to scale with confidence while protecting product quality from design to delivery.
Explore high-quality fabric swatches in New York—see, feel, and choose the perfect textile before you commit!
FAQs
Where is the best place to manufacture clothing?
The best location depends on your needs. For low-cost, high-volume production, countries like India and Vietnam are popular. For faster lead times, smaller batches and easier oversight, domestic manufacturing in places like New York or Los Angeles is more effective.
What brands are made in New York?
Brands such as Theory, Helmut Lang and select designer labels produce in New York. Many independent fashion labels also choose local factories to maintain greater control over sampling and production.
Is there still a garment industry in New York City?
Yes. New York still has an active garment industry focused on sampling, short-run production and designer collaboration. Most factories are located in the Garment District and outer boroughs.
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