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Outerwear Manufacturers

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 75 outerwear manufacturers across the United States, from performance activewear to highly specialized insulated jackets.

Buyers in this category are typically solving critical product challenges: ensuring garments deliver reliable protection against the elements, maximizing thermal efficiency, and achieving specific performance characteristics for specialized use cases. This involves meticulous attention to details like consistent DWR application, achieving target down fill power without clumping, and managing complex multi-paneling strategies to optimize fit and articulation without compromising durability.

Supplier types in the outerwear space vary significantly. You'll find highly specialized boutique manufacturers excelling in small-batch, technical softshells or bespoke alpine gear, often leveraging advanced machinery for ultrasonic welding or laser cutting. On the other end are large-scale, vertically integrated operations capable of handling millions of units of insulated parkas or rain jackets, offering extensive fabric sourcing, in-house lamination, and comprehensive testing facilities for everything from breathability to seam strength.

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Company Directory

75 companies nationwide

1620 Workwear, Inc.

Based in Amesbury, MA, 1620 Workwear, Inc. manufactures technical jackets, outerwear, and durable workwear. Their US-based facilities produce a range of company gear including pants, hoodies, shirts, and shorts, all proudly made in the USA and guaranteed for life for B2B clients.

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Adrian Jules Ltd.

Rochester, NY

Based in Rochester, NY, Adrian Jules Ltd. is a US-based private label and bespoke manufacturer specializing in hand-made luxury garments. The company offers custom clothing production for retailers and brands, focusing on high-quality, tailored creations crafted to client specifications.

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Al Dixon

Al Dixon specializes in manufacturing private label outerwear collections, crafting versatile and high-quality pieces with meticulous attention to detail. The company offers free shipping on orders over $100 and provides dedicated customer service during business hours.

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All American Clothing Co

Arcanum, OH

Based in Arcanum, OH, All American Clothing Co manufactures a variety of American-made coats and jackets for men and women. Their product range includes denim, fleece, and canvas duck outerwear, along with durable work pants, all crafted in the USA. The company focuses on producing high-quality clothing at affordable prices.

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Apparel Branders

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Apparel Branders is a full-service private label custom clothing and textile goods manufacturer. They provide comprehensive services from concept development to final product realization for various apparel items, serving brands seeking custom manufacturing solutions.

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Apparel MFG USA

Glendale, CA

Based in Glendale, CA, Apparel MFG USA is a full-service cut and sew garment manufacturer specializing in apparel production from development to final delivery. The company provides in-house patternmaking, sampling, grading, marking, cutting, sewing, and finishing services. It partners with designers, startups, and retailers to produce high-quality garments.

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Arcus Apparel Group

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Arcus Apparel Group is a small batch clothing manufacturer. They specialize in producing garments with low minimum order quantities, offering manufacturing solutions for a range of apparel needs, including outerwear.

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Argus Apparel

Los Angeles, CA

Argus Apparel, based in Los Angeles, CA, is a custom cut and sew manufacturer providing full-service apparel production. They specialize in transforming prototypes to bulk orders and offer solutions for small-batch clothing. As a US-based manufacturer, they support various apparel needs.

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Blauer Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Based in Boston, MA, Blauer Manufacturing Co. Inc. specializes in professional-grade outerwear. They produce ANSI certified waterproof jackets, raincoats, and hi-vis rainwear for public safety and tactical professionals. Products include insulated jackets, bomber jackets, and other specialized apparel designed for demanding conditions.

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Boathouse Sports Custom

Boathouse Sports Custom manufactures custom outerwear and performance athletic apparel for teams. Specializing in American-made, premium quality athletic wear, the company designs products for temperature regulation and moisture management. They offer comprehensive customization services, allowing clients to design and produce unique team apparel with fast delivery.

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Chinamine USA

Chinamine USA is a vertical garment manufacturer offering end-to-end solutions for fashion products. They provide full-service product development, design, production, and sourcing for brands and retailers across fashion, accessories, and home goods. Their facility develops and dyes fabrics using sustainable and synthetic fibers.

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Carhartt Company Gear

Carhartt Company Gear specializes in manufacturing custom and embroidered work jackets, integrating classic and modern technologies. They produce durable, high-performance outerwear featuring innovations like Force®, Rain Defender®, and Storm Defender®. The company serves commercial clients with high-quality workwear solutions.

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Cord Apparel

Missouri City, TX

Cord Apparel is a US-based custom clothing manufacturer specializing in private label designs for fashion brands and retailers. They produce high-quality outerwear, including jackets, coats, bomber jackets, and hoodies. The company offers innovative apparel solutions with low minimum order quantities, supporting businesses with sustainable practices.

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CustomFab USA

Garden Grove, CA

CustomFab USA is an American-made sewing contractor and industrial cut and sew manufacturer, offering white-label contract sewing services. With over 25 years of experience, they utilize LEAN manufacturing principles. The company serves diverse industries including sporting goods, medical, military, and luggage, demonstrating expertise in textile manufacturing.

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Cut and Sew Co

Cut and Sew Co is a US-based apparel manufacturer offering comprehensive, on-demand solutions for businesses and designers. They produce high-quality, custom garments, providing services from design consultation, tech packs, and sample making to fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, and private labeling.

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DeLONG

Owatonna, MN

Based in Owatonna, MN, DeLONG is a US manufacturer providing custom outerwear, award jackets, and fleece. Serving the sporting goods industry, they offer comprehensive services including design, manufacturing, decoration, embroidery, and screen printing from their 140,000 sq ft facility. They emphasize superior quality and faster delivery.

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Dignity Apparel

Dignity Apparel is a USA-based manufacturer of high-quality, durable apparel, produced by a skilled Union workforce. They offer wholesale clothing, private label, and custom apparel, including hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, and polos. The company is committed to responsible manufacturing and creating dignified jobs.

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E&R Unlimited

Vernon, CA

Based in Vernon, CA, E&R Unlimited provides full-package fashion manufacturing and custom apparel services. They specialize in cut and sew, embroidery, screen printing, DTG, sublimation, and heat transfer. Capabilities include producing unique apparel, athletic wear, custom t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and workwear with precision and quality.

Email availablePhone available

Euphoric Colors

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, California, Euphoric Colors is an in-house studio offering custom apparel manufacturing. They specialize in small-volume production, with cuts ranging from 10-50 pieces per style and no minimum requirement. The company provides ethical manufacturing services from concept to final product.

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Fleet Street Outerwear & Swimwear

Based in New York, NY, Fleet Street Outerwear & Swimwear specializes in fashion manufacturing for outerwear and swimwear. They offer expert design, licensed brands, and private label manufacturing services, leveraging decades of experience in the apparel industry for their clients.

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Full Scale Inc.

Golden, CO

Based in Golden, CO, Full Scale Inc. specializes in manufacturing luxurious, 100% customized, and limited edition cut and sew apparel. They provide comprehensive services for designing, cutting, and sewing custom orders. Additionally, the company offers various printing services and produces promotional items.

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GTLA Apparel

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, GTLA Apparel is a full-service custom apparel manufacturer. They provide comprehensive in-house services, including design, development, cut & sew, heat transfers, screen printing, washing, dyeing, and garment finishing. GTLA Apparel assists brands in creating custom apparel collections with a focus on quality.

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Independent Trading Company

San Clemente, CA

Based in San Clemente, CA, Independent Trading Company manufactures custom apparel for top US brands. They specialize in producing various garments, including sweatshirts, tees, and woven items, in addition to supplying quality blank apparel.

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InStyle USA

Based in New York, InStyle USA is a private label garment manufacturer and contractor with over 30 years of experience. They provide full-service garment production for designers and brands. Capabilities include design consultation, pattern making, sample creation, fabric and trim sourcing, and professional sewing services.

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House of Ari Jogiel

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, House of Ari Jogiel is a full-package garment manufacturer offering strategy, design, development, and production services. They specialize in turning concepts into finished garments quickly, working with over 350 brands across categories like activewear, sportswear, and streetwear, often encompassing outerwear items.

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Lazzar USA

San Diego, CA

Lazzar USA manufactures custom outerwear and high-quality uniforms for businesses. They specialize in branded jackets with logos for corporate image or work teams, serving diverse industries. With over 25 years of experience, Lazzar USA provides special manufacturing services and fast US delivery.

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Lefty Production Co.

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Lefty Production Co. is a one-stop apparel and accessories manufacturer. They assist fashion labels with design, development, and full production services, including pattern making, sourcing, cutting, and assembly. Serving new and established clothing lines, they produce a wide range of men's, women's, and children's wear.

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Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Apparel, based in Los Angeles, CA, manufactures and distributes basics apparel, including outerwear like hoodies, zip-ups, pullovers, and sweatshirts. They focus on ethical production with US workers earning competitive wages. The company offers a variety of textiles and garment-dyed colors for its cozy apparel.

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Make It LA

Los Angeles, CA

Make It LA, located in Los Angeles, CA, offers comprehensive full package garment manufacturing services. The company specializes in high-quality sewing and manages the entire production process from start to finish. They provide complete apparel manufacturing solutions for businesses, focusing on reliability and quality.

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MVA Design & Supply

Oceanside, CA

Based in Oceanside, CA, MVA Design & Supply specializes in bespoke cut and sew manufacturing for custom apparel and headwear. With over 17 years of expertise, they offer services including graphic design, screen printing, embroidery, and sewing.

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NOMAR

Homer, AK

NOMAR is an Alaskan manufacturer specializing in custom, made-to-order outerwear and gear designed to withstand extreme conditions. They produce jackets, vests, pants, rain gear, and offer custom shop services for items like boat enclosures and equipment covers, serving demanding applications worldwide.

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Oasis Jackets

Beverly Hills, CA

Based in Beverly Hills, CA, Oasis Jackets offers all-inclusive OEM and private label manufacturing services for a wide range of outerwear. They specialize in producing jackets, coats, and other outwears for men, women, and kids, providing tailored apparel solutions for businesses.

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Pacific Athletic Wear

Garden Grove, CA

Based in Garden Grove, CA, Pacific Athletic Wear is a vertically integrated apparel manufacturer established in 1994. They offer contract sewing, screen printing, dye sublimation, and embroidery with a 146-seat capacity. Specializing in athletic uniforms, military apparel, and activewear, they serve the athletics, military, and corporate fashion industries, utilizing eco-friendly inks on performance fabrics.

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Radians

Memphis, TN

Based in Memphis, TN, Radians manufactures and supplies industrial safety PPE. They offer protective outerwear, including high-performance rainwear and flame-resistant clothing, plus custom-imprinted protective gear. Radians also provides disposable gloves and eye/hearing protection for industrial, hardware, and sporting goods sectors.

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Schott NYC

Schott NYC is an American manufacturer of classic leather jackets, coats, and riding gear. The company is renowned for its "American made" outerwear, offering a range of styles including the iconic Perfecto® jacket. They provide factory tours, showcasing their manufacturing operations and heritage.

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Seam Apparel

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Seam Apparel is a cut and sew clothing manufacturer specializing in custom apparel and small batch production within the USA. The company offers full-service manufacturing solutions, including private labeling and all-over sublimation printing, for brands seeking to scale their clothing lines.

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Core Products International, Inc.

Osceola, WI

Based in Osceola, WI, Core Products International, Inc. offers high-volume contract cut and sew textile manufacturing services in the USA. With two plants, they specialize in industrial sewn goods for sectors like medical, military, power sports, and automotive, providing efficient, complex textile manufacturing solutions.

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Steve Apparel

Hilliard, OH

Based in Hilliard, OH, Steve Apparel is a contract cutting and sewing manufacturer specializing in activewear, sportswear, and custom apparel. They provide product development, sampling, and full-scale production services, including cut and sew, sublimation printing, and embroidery. The company assists brands in building their custom clothing lines.

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Storm Creek

Eagan, MN

Based in Eagan, MN, Storm Creek manufactures eco-friendly, outdoor-inspired apparel, specializing in responsibly made outerwear. They offer new silhouettes, fabrics, and custom apparel services with a strong focus on sustainability initiatives. The company is committed to recycling plastic bottles and continuously improving production methods.

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Tack Apparel

Long Beach, CA

Based in Long Beach, CA, Tack Apparel offers full-service custom clothing manufacturing for startups and retail brands. They specialize in cut & sew production, private label garments, and custom embroidery, creating market-ready apparel including t-shirts, hoodies, and sportswear from concept to mass production.

Email availablePhone available

Taylor's Leatherwear

Lynchburg, TN

Based in Lynchburg, TN, Taylor's Leatherwear manufactures custom-made leather jackets, offering private label services for resale or organizational outfitting. Specializing in police duty and motorcycle jackets, they have been producing genuine leather outerwear since 1966.

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The Evans Group

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, The Evans Group (TEG) is a full-service clothing and sewing factory. They provide comprehensive cut and sew manufacturing, design, and development services for various apparel needs. The company emphasizes ethical production solutions, serving clients seeking quality and responsible clothing manufacturing partners in the United States.

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The Lab Factory ATL

Atlanta, GA

Based in Atlanta, GA, The Lab Factory ATL provides full-scale apparel manufacturing services. Capabilities include design, development, and meticulous cut & sew for custom garments. They also offer screen printing, DTF printing, embroidery, and finishing. With 11 years of experience, they bring apparel visions to life for designers and brands, including fulfillment.

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Urth Apparel Inc.

Orange, CA

Urth Apparel Inc. is a California-based clothing factory offering comprehensive apparel manufacturing services. They specialize in product development, design, sourcing, and production. The company works with diverse fibers including nylon, lycra, bamboo, and Pima Cotton, using knit structures like French Terry and fleece, and offers moisture-wicking and sunproof technologies.

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WaterShed

Salem, OR

Based in Salem, OR, WaterShed manufactures premium, 100% waterproof outerwear, including jackets, bibs, pants, and jumpsuits. They cater to industrial, public safety, and lifestyle markets. The company further provides contract manufacturing services, specializing in durable, tape-sealed waterproof apparel production for businesses.

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Activewear Manufacturer

Beverly Hills, CA

Activewear Manufacturer is a US-based company specializing in fitness clothing manufacturing. With over a decade of experience, they provide comprehensive wholesale production services. They offer solutions for various activewear apparel, including items suitable for outerwear for fitness and outdoor activities.

Email available

Alpine Fit

Bellingham, WA

Based in Bellingham, WA, Alpine Fit manufactures adventure apparel for outdoor activities. The company specializes in fit-forward layers and merino wool headwear, emphasizing USA-made fabrics and local sourcing for trims and packaging. Products include technical base layers, fleece neck warmers, and long-sleeve tops.

Email available

Apliiq

Based in Philadelphia, PA, Apliiq offers brand-first print on demand and private label manufacturing services for retail-ready clothing. They specialize in custom apparel, including jackets, hoodies, and shirts, providing expert printing, embroidery, woven labels, and patches for comprehensive branding.

Email available

Apparel Factory USA

Los Angeles, CA

Apparel Factory USA, based in Los Angeles, CA, manufactures and supplies custom and blank apparel. The company provides wholesale production for various garments, including outerwear such as hoodies, designed for brand collections and merchandise drops. They offer soft, durable, and versatile blanks for businesses.

Email available

Carina

Based in New York, NY, Carina is a private label garment manufacturer specializing in leather, shearling, and denim production. Established in 1996, the company offers comprehensive services including cut & sew, pattern work, development, and full-service production for high-quality garments.

Email available

The Checkroom

Chicago, IL

Based in Chicago, IL, The Checkroom manufactures 100% wool coats using small batch, made-on-demand methods. Their skilled labor force crafts each outerwear piece from start to finish. They source USA farmed wool, supporting regenerative agriculture and reducing waste, while also accommodating wholesale inquiries.

Email available

Gino Private Label

Sacramento, CA

Based in Sacramento, CA, Gino Private Label is a bespoke cut and sew manufacturer specializing in small-volume, high-end production. They provide emerging designers with a unique opportunity to launch American brands, handling idea development and spearheading the entire clothing manufacturing process.

Email available

LC King

Bristol, TN

Based in Bristol, TN, LC King is a family-owned apparel manufacturer with over a century of experience, established in 1913. They specialize in producing durable outerwear, including chore coats and jackets, alongside jeans, overalls, and shirts. The company is known for its true craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

Email available

Pologeorgis

Pologeorgis is a US manufacturer specializing in custom dyeing furs and shearlings, offering comprehensive manufacturing services. The company maintains a vast inventory of quality furs including minks, sables, and foxes, catering to clients in the outerwear industry with their unique capabilities.

Email available

Round House

Round House is an American manufacturer specializing in durable workwear, including a range of jackets, jeans, and overalls. With over 120 years of history, the company prides itself on producing 100% American-made garments from its own facilities in the USA, serving workers and consumers.

Email available

Rule Design & Development

Rule Design & Development specializes in apparel product design, development, and small-batch domestic production for creatives. They guide designers through their process, from brand ideation and business strategy to full conceptual realization, with a commitment to sustainable fashion and ethical industry practices.

Email available

Threadbird

Orlando, FL

Threadbird offers comprehensive cut and sew garment manufacturing services for businesses seeking custom apparel solutions. Based in Orlando, FL, they provide both ready-made products with instant pricing and bespoke garment creation from scratch. Their expertise supports clients needing diverse apparel and textile manufacturing capabilities.

Email available

Weft Apparel

Amherst, NY

Based in Amherst, NY, Weft Apparel is a US manufacturer specializing in custom jackets and diverse outerwear. They offer comprehensive clothing production services including private label, cut and sew, screen printing, sublimation, and embroidery. Weft Apparel caters to entrepreneurs, startups, and established brands.

Email available

American Made Apparel Manufacturing, Inc.

Aurora, CO

Based in Aurora, CO, American Made Apparel Manufacturing, Inc. offers custom apparel manufacturing with over 30 years of experience. The company operates a fully-equipped facility to develop high-quality custom garments, including outerwear, providing comprehensive manufacturing services for its clients.

Phone available

American Sewing Corp

Mount Airy, NC

Based in Mount Airy, NC, American Sewing Corp. is an FDA-registered contract manufacturer of American-made textile products. They specialize in comprehensive cut and sew and industrial sewing services for commercial and government clients. Capabilities include producing specialty garments, tactical outerwear, medical products, and industrial soft goods.

Phone available

Apparel Production Inc.

Based in New York, NY, Apparel Production Inc. is a clothing manufacturer established in 1947. The company provides full private label solutions, offering domestic, nearshore, and overseas production capabilities. Services include pattern making, research and development, sample creation, and quality control.

Phone available

Argyle Haus

San Fernando, CA

Based in San Fernando, CA, Argyle Haus is an American outerwear manufacturer specializing in design, development, and production for clothing brands. They offer comprehensive services including pattern making, sample making, sourcing, and cut & sew manufacturing, ensuring precision and quality.

Phone available

Better Team USA

Clifton, NJ

Based in Clifton, NJ, Better Team USA manufactures technical outerwear and garments. Leveraging over 50 years of experience, they offer product development, cutting, and production services. Their US facility utilizes advanced technologies like down rooms and ultrasonic welding.

Phone available

Edgington Studio LLC

Wheeling, WV

Based in Wheeling, WV, Edgington Studio LLC is a full-service cut-and-sew apparel manufacturer. They provide product design, pattern-making, fabric cutting, and production services. Specializing in no-minimum, small-batch runs, they support both new and established brands with fashion development and production needs.

Phone available

EthixMerch

Based in Sutton, MA, EthixMerch specializes in manufacturing a range of unisex jackets. The company produces its apparel right in the USA, emphasizing quality and domestic production for clients seeking custom outerwear solutions. They provide American-made outerwear products.

Phone available

Peckham

Caledonia, MI

Based in Caledonia, MI, Peckham is a nonprofit federal contractor specializing in innovative apparel manufacturing and textile solutions. With over 50 years of experience, they provide high-quality manufacturing services for government and commercial customers, while empowering people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Phone available

Tingley

Tingley manufactures safety rainwear, protective apparel, and outerwear for demanding industrial and commercial environments. They offer liquid-proof garments for food processing, heavy-duty fishing gear, and specialized workwear for construction and agriculture, all designed for superior protection and comfort in challenging conditions.

Phone available

Vapor Apparel

Charleston, SC

Based in Charleston, SC, Vapor Apparel specializes in private label manufacturing, offering customized versions of their performance apparel products. They provide outerwear, base layers, and other garments designed for comfort and all-season wear to various brands.

Phone available

Weckworth Manufacturing

Haysville, KS

Based in Haysville, KS, Weckworth Manufacturing specializes in military and commercial textile contract sewing services. They offer custom design and engineering capabilities, utilizing high-quality materials for their textile production projects.

Phone available

California Jacket

Richmond, TX

Based in Richmond, TX, California Jacket manufactures a wide variety of excellent quality outerwear products. The company specializes in producing outfits made from materials such as leather, polyester, cotton, and parachute fabric.

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Cut and Sew Manufacturers

Tustin, CA

Based in Tustin, CA, Cut and Sew Manufacturers are expert custom clothing producers. They offer comprehensive cut and sew services, including digital printing on premium fabrics, for a diverse range of apparel. The company supports on-demand production with no minimum order requirements.

No contact on file

Ferrara Manufacturing

Long Island City, NY

Based in Long Island City, NY, Ferrara Manufacturing is a family-owned garment factory specializing in luxury apparel and tailored suits. They provide sustainable, Made in USA manufacturing services for various fashion brands.

No contact on file

Loomstate LLC

Loomstate LLC manufactures sustainable casual and professional apparel using 100% organic cotton and a transparent, verified process. Beyond its own line, the company collaborates with businesses to provide eco-friendly uniforms, blanks, and fashion design services. Loomstate focuses on balancing economic success with environmental health and fair labor practices.

No contact on file

RCSLA

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, RCSLA is a full-service apparel manufacturing studio and sewing house. They offer fabric sourcing, sample making, pattern services, and production for designers and apparel brands. RCSLA specializes in creating accurate prototypes and production-ready garments, serving emerging and established designers.

No contact on file

SCOTTxSCOTT

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, SCOTTxSCOTT provides full package apparel production services, specializing in cut-and-sew manufacturing since 2008. This family-owned and operated company offers comprehensive solutions for brands, handling high-quality garment manufacturing, including various outerwear styles, all made in the USA.

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How to Choose a Company

  • For high-performance technical shells, verify the manufacturer's Bluesign or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for responsible material sourcing and chemical management.
  • Demand proof of a factory's consistent seam sealing process, including tensile strength testing reports for taped seams, especially for garments with a high hydrostatic head rating.
  • Assess their experience with specific fabric technologies like GORE-TEX or eVent, and if they possess the necessary licensing or specialized machinery for working with these performance materials.
  • For insulated garments, inquire about their down fill power testing protocols, their Responsible Down Standard (RDS) compliance, or their expertise with synthetic insulation types like Primaloft, including thermal mapping capabilities.
  • Investigate their DWR application methods (spray, dip, roll-on) and their ability to handle PFC-free DWR treatments, along with in-house water repellency testing to validate performance.
  • For startups, prioritize manufacturers offering robust design for manufacturability (DFM) consultation specifically for complex outerwear patterns, ensuring intricate paneling and pocket placements are production-ready.
  • Be wary of manufacturers who provide suspiciously low material costs for branded technical fabrics without clear proof of sourcing directly from licensed distributors, as this can indicate counterfeit materials or future supply chain issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hydrostatic head rating do I need for my outerwear product?

The ideal hydrostatic head rating depends entirely on the intended use. For light rain protection or casual wear, 5,000mm to 10,000mm might suffice. For sustained heavy rain or snow, look for 15,000mm to 20,000mm. Extreme conditions like mountaineering or prolonged exposure to severe weather often require 20,000mm or higher, often paired with robust seam sealing to ensure full waterproof integrity.

What's the difference between seam taping and seam sealing, and which is better?

Seam taping involves applying a waterproof tape over stitched seams, physically blocking water entry. Seam sealing, often used interchangeably, refers to the broader process of ensuring a seam is watertight, which can include taping, welding, or using liquid sealants. For true waterproof outerwear, full seam taping is critical for all seams that could allow water penetration, as stitching itself creates holes in the fabric's waterproof membrane.

How often does Durable Water Repellent (DWR) need to be reapplied, and what impacts its longevity?

DWR is a topical treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off. Its longevity depends on wear frequency, abrasion, dirt, and exposure to detergents. For active use, it may need reapplication every few months, while casual wear might last a year or more. Consistent washing (even with DWR-safe detergents) and friction from backpacks or harnesses are primary factors that degrade DWR performance over time.

What is down fill power, and how does it relate to garment warmth and cost?

Down fill power measures the loft or fluffiness of down. It's the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of down occupies (e.g., 800 fill power means one ounce fills 800 cubic inches). Higher fill power down is lighter and traps more air, providing greater warmth for its weight, making the garment more compressible and more expensive due to the higher quality and scarcity of the down clusters.

Can any outerwear manufacturer work with specialty technical fabrics like GORE-TEX or Polartec?

No, not every manufacturer can. Working with branded technical fabrics like GORE-TEX often requires the manufacturer to be a licensed partner. This ensures they have the specific machinery, quality control protocols, and expertise (e.g., precise seam sealing, specific pressing temperatures for laminates) required to maintain the fabric's performance guarantees and intellectual property. Always confirm their licensing and experience with your chosen specialty material.

What are typical Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) for specialized outerwear, and how do they vary?

MOQs for specialized outerwear can vary widely. For highly technical, insulated jackets or custom-laminated shells, MOQs might start from 500-1,000 units per style per color due to material minimums and complex production setup. Simpler softshells or windbreakers might have MOQs closer to 300-500. Boutique or startup-focused factories might offer lower MOQs (e.g., 100-200), but this often comes with a higher unit cost.

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