Are There Fabric Manufacturers in the United States?

Many American fashion brands and procurement managers face a difficult dilemma: how to keep pace with ever-changing trends and customer expectations while maintaining control over quality, speed, and ethics. Offshore fabric sourcing promises cost savings, but it brings long lead times, uncertain compliance, and a loss of visibility that can put brand reputation at risk.

Contrary to popular belief, the United States is still home to a vibrant and competitive fabric manufacturing sector. There are thousands of textile and fabric mills, especially in the Southeast, Midwest, and key fashion regions, producing a diverse range of materials from classic cottons to advanced performance and sustainable fabrics. These domestic suppliers give US apparel brands options for speed, customization, and full supply chain transparency.

As more brands rethink global sourcing and supply chain risk, understanding the landscape of American fabric manufacturing is becoming a must for anyone aiming to build a resilient, future-proof apparel business. Let’s explore how domestic fabric mills¹ work, where the major hubs are, and what practical benefits and challenges they bring to US apparel manufacturers².

What Is the Current Landscape of Fabric Manufacturing in the United States?

Industrial weaving line

The US textile sector has transformed over the last few decades. While the days of mass-market commodity textiles dominating the economy are over, today’s American mills have re-emerged as leaders in quality, innovation, and agility. Many have invested heavily in new technology, workforce skills, and customer-focused operations.

Today, there are still thousands of active fabric and textile mills operating across the US. These range from massive, vertically integrated producers to agile boutique mills³ specializing in short runs or technical fabrics. Most have shifted their focus from low-cost basics to high-value, differentiated products—often developed in partnership with apparel brands for unique applications.

If you walk the floor of a modern US fabric mill, you’ll see advanced weaving and knitting machines, digital color-matching labs, and dedicated R&D teams working side by side with apparel designers. This shift to a “partnership model” is making American textiles more relevant than ever.

How Many Fabric and Textile Mills Operate in the USA Today?

There are thousands of textile and fabric mills in the US—although the number is lower than a century ago, the ones that remain are far more specialized. According to industry data, over 6,000 textile and fabric establishments were active in recent years, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across manufacturing, development, and logistics.

Many mills are concentrated in historical textile regions, but new boutique operations are also emerging in design-focused states and cities, as the demand for on-demand and custom fabrics grows.

For example: Cone Denim in North Carolina has been producing denim for more than 125 years, supplying both global jeans brands and boutique designers with American-made fabric. Companies like Polartec in Massachusetts lead the way in performance fleece, serving major sportswear brands with technical innovation.

What Types of Fabrics Are Commonly Produced by American Manufacturers?

The product range from US mills is impressively broad. Major categories include cotton and blends for T-shirts and casualwear, denim for jeans and outerwear, polyester and spandex for sportswear, high-performance technical textiles for uniforms or workwear, and increasingly, sustainable or recycled fabrics that meet modern eco-standards.

Many mills now offer proprietary blends, functional finishes (like moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, or UV protection), and the ability to create new textiles on-demand.

For instance: Milliken & Company in South Carolina produces everything from flame-resistant workwear fabrics to innovative sustainable blends for eco-conscious brands. Circular Systems in California specializes in fabrics made from agricultural waste, bringing circular economy solutions to the fashion world.

Where Are the Major Hubs for Fabric and Apparel Manufacturers in the USA?

Fabric and apparel manufacturing are deeply connected to US geography and regional history. Knowing where these hubs are helps brands build more efficient, collaborative, and resilient supply chains.

The core of US fabric production remains in the Southeast, with North Carolina and South Carolina as traditional epicenters. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee also play key roles, thanks to their infrastructure, access to raw materials, and legacy workforce. On the coasts, California and New York focus more on fashion, trend-driven, and specialty technical textiles—often partnering with local designers for rapid innovation.

Proximity to fiber sources (cotton, synthetics), access to rail and port networks, and a tradition of technical training continue to support these regional advantages.

Why Are North Carolina and South Carolina Known for Textile Production?

North Carolina and South Carolina have been the backbone of American textiles for over a century. They offer deep pools of skilled labor, advanced technical programs at local universities, and robust infrastructure for moving both raw materials and finished goods.

For example: North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles is recognized as one of the top research institutions in the world for fiber innovation. Many graduates join regional mills, fueling the industry with new ideas and technical skill.

What Other States Play a Key Role in the US Fabric Manufacturing Industry?

Georgia’s textile industry is known for both scale and versatility, supplying apparel, carpet, and industrial fabrics nationwide. Alabama and Tennessee remain strongholds for knitwear, hosiery, and legacy brands, while California and New York cater to the fashion and design sectors, offering trend-setting, eco-conscious, and highly specialized materials.

As a case in point: Los Angeles’ fashion district is home to hundreds of boutique knit and print shops, supporting fast fashion and indie labels with local, on-demand production. New York’s garment center also hosts specialty mills providing luxury and technical textiles to designer brands.

Key US Fabric & Apparel Manufacturing Hubs

State/Region	Focus Fabrics/Products	Industry Strengths
North Carolina	Cotton, knits, denim	R&D, skilled labor, innovation
South Carolina	Performance, synthetics	Tech textiles, logistics
Georgia	Apparel, industrial, home	Raw materials, processing
Alabama & Tennessee	Knitwear, hosiery	Legacy skills, specialty mills
California, New York	Fashion, technical	Design focus, trend agility

How Do American Fabric Manufacturers Support Apparel Manufacturers in the USA?

Choosing a domestic fabric supplier doesn’t just mean closer proximity—it means more direct communication, rapid innovation, and a supply chain that can adjust as your brand grows or pivots. US mills frequently offer services beyond basic supply: R&D, technical support, color matching, and collaborative prototyping.

Here are some practical examples of how American mills support apparel brands:

1. Faster Sampling: A US sportswear brand works with a local mill to prototype a new moisture-wicking knit. Sampling, lab testing, and revisions can happen in weeks, not months.
2. Low Minimums: Small fashion startups partner with LA-based knit mills for limited-edition T-shirts and hoodies, leveraging low minimum order quantities and quick replenishment.
3. Co-Development: Brands like Patagonia collaborate with US mills to create exclusive recycled fabrics with full traceability, directly supporting their sustainability story.
4. Compliance & Audits: A children’s wear brand sources locally to ensure easy factory visits and safety audits, meeting strict US consumer protection requirements.

This partnership approach gives American apparel brands unique advantages. Lead times are shorter, product development is faster, and there is more control over quality and compliance. For smaller brands and startups, the ability to run small batches or make last-minute adjustments is especially valuable.

How Does Domestic Fabric Production Benefit US Apparel Brands?

The integration of design, development, and production within the US streamlines every step of the process. Brands benefit from improved lead times, easier troubleshooting, and a more collaborative approach to product development.

What Are the Supply Chain Advantages of Sourcing Fabrics Locally?

Local sourcing means fewer customs delays, predictable shipping costs, and greater transparency throughout the supply chain. With ongoing supply chain disruptions worldwide, these advantages are becoming more important than ever.

What Are the Challenges Facing Fabric and Apparel Manufacturers in the USA?

Despite their strengths, American mills must contend with global price competition, rising wages, and the constant need to invest in new technology. Many choose to specialize in technical or sustainable fabrics, premium production, or rapid-turn services, rather than compete head-to-head with the lowest-cost offshore producers.

Staying competitive means embracing innovation—whether it’s automating processes, adopting greener manufacturing techniques, or investing in workforce training. Brands that choose domestic partners benefit from access to this innovation pipeline, but they must also be prepared for higher base costs and the need for strong supplier relationships.

As the industry continues to consolidate, those mills that thrive are typically those with strong brand partnerships, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

How Do Labor Costs and Competition Affect US Fabric Mills?

Higher labor costs are a reality in the US, pushing mills to become more efficient and to focus on value-added products. The best US suppliers differentiate themselves through service, flexibility, and technical know-how—not just price.

What Steps Are Manufacturers Taking to Stay Competitive in the Global Market?

US mills are investing in robotics, data-driven quality control, and sustainability certifications to win premium business. Many are building direct-to-brand relationships, skipping middlemen, and offering co-development programs that let apparel brands shape the fabrics of tomorrow.

What Is the Future of Fabric and Apparel Manufacturing in the United States?

The future for US fabric manufacturing is increasingly shaped by three drivers: sustainability, technology, and strategic partnership with brands. Consumer preferences are shifting toward ethical and eco-friendly products, and regulatory expectations are rising. Mills that innovate in closed-loop recycling, organic inputs, and energy-efficient production will lead the industry.

Digital printing, 3D knitting, and on-demand production are already changing the landscape, making it possible to offer more custom solutions at competitive timelines. US mills will play an even bigger role in rapid, small-batch launches and “just-in-time” retail strategies.

As the lines blur between design, manufacturing, and distribution, the most successful brands will treat their domestic mills not as vendors, but as true innovation partners—co-creating products that win in both the market and the eyes of today’s consumers.

How Are Innovation and Sustainability Shaping the Industry?

Manufacturers are adopting advanced technologies to reduce water, energy, and waste. Closed-loop processes, recycled fibers, and greener dyeing are increasingly standard among leading US mills.

What Can Brands Expect from American Fabric Manufacturers Going Forward?

Looking ahead, brands will find greater opportunities for collaboration, flexible order sizes, and access to technical expertise. US mills will continue to improve transparency, invest in digital tools, and support ethical supply chains.

Conclusion

Fabric manufacturing is not just alive in the United States—it’s evolving, offering brands new pathways to success in a competitive global market. By partnering with domestic mills, apparel companies gain reliability, speed, and the flexibility to adapt to whatever comes next.

For brands ready to future-proof their supply chains, US fabric manufacturers are a resource worth rediscovering.

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