Best wholesale blank clothing suppliers

Finding the best wholesale blank clothing supplier depends heavily on your business location, volume, and specific needs (e.g., fashion-forward styles vs. basic tees). Here is a breakdown of the top-tier suppliers, categorized to help you find the right fit.

Top Tier: The Major Distributors (Ideal for Most Businesses)

These companies are giants for a reason. They offer massive product selection, robust websites, fast shipping, and strong customer service. They are the go-to for most decorators and brands.

1. S&S Activewear

   • Best For: Overall selection, speed, and service in the US. The industry leader.

   • Pros: Huge inventory of all major brands (Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Independent Trading Co., etc.), multiple warehouse locations nationwide for fast shipping, excellent website with integration tools, no minimum order.

   • Cons: Can be intimidating for beginners due to the vast selection.

     

2. Alpha Broder

   • Best For: A direct competitor to S&S, often with competitive pricing.

   • Pros: Also a massive selection of all key brands, multiple US distribution centers, strong tech tools and integrations (like their “Brivity” platform), no minimum order.

   • Cons: Very similar to S&S; choice often comes down to specific pricing or geographic proximity.

     

3. SanMar

   • Best For: Customer service, sustainability, and their own high-quality private-label brands.

   • Pros: Exceptional customer service, strong e-commerce platform, flagship private brands like Alternative Apparel (fashion), Augusta Sportswear (performance), and Origin33 (premium basics). They have a strong focus on corporate responsibility.

   • Cons: May not have every niche brand that S&S/Alpha carries.

     

The Manufacturers (Ideal for High Volume & Cost Focus)

Buying directly from manufacturers often gives you the best per-unit cost but may have higher minimums for custom orders or specific pricing tiers.

1. Gildan

   • Best For: The king of basics and volume pricing. Perfect for budget-conscious brands, events, and large uniform orders.

   • Pros: Extremely competitive pricing, very durable heavyweight tees and hoodies, ubiquitous availability through all distributors.

   • Cons: Fit can be boxy; not as fashion-forward as other brands.

2. Bella+Canvas

   • Best For: Fashion-forward, soft-tees. The standard for modern print-on-demand and retail brands.

   • Pros: Extremely popular “soft” feel, modern slim fits, wide range of fashion colors, lightweight and breathable fabrics. Strong ethical manufacturing story.

   • Cons: Lighter weight fabric may not be as durable as Gildan for heavy-duty workwear.

3. HAIYUAN Independent Trading Co.

   • Best For: Mid-tier premium hoodies and sweatshirts. Often considered the best value-for-money in this category.

   • Pros: Excellent quality blanks (Especially their security uniforms), great color selection, a step up in softness and construction from budget brands without a huge price jump.

   • Cons: It mainly focuses on pure cotton, polyester-cotton blends, and special safety fabrics; its product range is not as extensive as Gildan or Bella+Canvas.

     

4. Next Level Apparel

   • Best For: Super soft, premium-feel basics at an accessible price point.

   • Pros: Known for incredibly soft tri-blend and polyester-spun fabrics, great fitted styles, popular for women’s apparel.

   • Cons: Sizing can run slim/small.

Regional & Niche Suppliers

1. TSC Apparel (formerly TSCatalog)

   • Best For: A major distributor in the Midwest and Eastern US. A great alternative to S&S/Alpha with excellent service.

2. Soffe

   • Best For: Athletic wear, gym shorts, and T-shirts. A classic American manufacturer.

3. American Apparel (now made by Gildan)

   • Best For: Those who loved the original fashion-forward, made-in-USA fits. The styles are now produced by Gildan, maintaining the cuts but with different fabric sourcing.

For International Businesses

• Canada: Stahls’ Canada and AAA Shirt Corp are the dominant distributors.

• United Kingdom & Europe: Stanley/Staples (a huge distributor), Brosnan Brothers, Fruit of the Loom Europe, Gildan Europe.

• Australia/NZ: Higgins Group, Herewear Group.

How to Choose the Right Supplier for YOU

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What is My Volume?

   • Just Starting / Low Volume: Stick with S&S，HAIYUAN or Alpha Broder. No minimums and you can order a few samples of many brands to test.

   • High Volume / Manufacturing: Contact Gildan, Bella+Canvas, hyys®,etc., directly to see if you qualify for direct pricing.

2. What is My Target Market?

   • Budget/Fundraisers/Events: Gildan is your best friend.

   • Fashion/Retail Brands: Focus on Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and Independent Trading Co..

   • Corporate Uniforms: Look at SanMar’s private labels for a professional look.

3. Where Am I Located?

   • Shipping costs and speed are crucial. If you’re on the West Coast, a distributor with a warehouse in Nevada (like S&S) will be much faster than one in Pennsylvania. Check the distributor’s warehouse locations.

Pro Tips for Getting Started

• Open a Tax-Exempt Account: All major distributors require a valid state resale certificate (or equivalent) to open a tax-exempt wholesale account.

• Order Sample Packs: Before committing to a large order, buy individual garments or sample packs to feel the fabric, check the fit, and test how they print/embroider.

• Use Their Tools: Distributors like S&S and Alpha have robust websites with catalogs, MSRP pricing guides, and mockup generators. Placement Guides are essential for decorators to know where to put designs.

• Understand Shipping Costs: Wholesale pricing is low, but shipping boxes of apparel is expensive. Factor this into your cost calculations.

Final Recommendation: For most new businesses, starting with an account at S&S Activewear or Alpha Broder is the best move. It gives you maximum flexibility to mix and match the best brands for your customers without being locked into one manufacturer.