Blank apparel wholesale distributors

Here is a comprehensive guide to blank apparel wholesale distributors, categorized to help you find the right supplier for your business needs.

The Major “Big Box” Wholesalers (Best for Beginners & Volume)

These are the giants of the industry. They offer huge selections, competitive pricing (especially at volume), and robust websites with easy online ordering.

1. S&S Activewear

   • Best For: T-shirts, polos, fleece, sportswear, and accessories. Arguably the most popular starting point for new decorators.

   • Key Brands: Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Hanes, Independent Trading Co., Awdis, Alo, Champion, American Apparel.

   • Notes: Excellent website, fast shipping, and a huge network of distribution centers across the US.

     

2. Alpha Broder

   • Best For: A direct competitor to S&S with a very similar product range. Often has different brand exclusives or promotions.

   • Key Brands: Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Jerzees, Fruit of the Loom, New Era, Legacy.

   • Notes: Also has a top-tier website and extensive distribution network. Many shops compare prices between Alpha and S&S on every order.

     

3. SanMar

   • Best For: Corporate apparel, workwear, and higher-end basics. Known for exceptional customer service and reliability.

   • Key Brands: Nike, The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Ogio, as well as their own high-quality house brands (Port & Company, District).

   • Notes: Requires a business license to open an account. They have a strong focus on sustainability and have their own line of “Climate+”.

     

Specialized & Niche Wholesalers

These distributors focus on specific types of apparel, such as fashion-forward styles, sustainable options, or headwear.

For Fashion-Forward & Trendy Blanks

4. TSC Apparel (formerly T-Shirt & Cap)

   • Best For: A major player with a strong focus on the fashion-forward and streetwear-inspired market.

   • Key Brands: Bella+Canvas, Awdis, Gildan, Allmade, Coalesce, Tonywear.

   • Notes: Great alternative to S&S and Alpha, often with a slightly different brand mix.

     

5. Stahls’

   • Best For: While famous for their transfer materials and equipment, they are also a major wholesaler for blanks, especially for the DTF (Direct-to-Film) market.

   • Key Brands: Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Independent Trading Co., Awdis.

   • Notes: Excellent educational resources and support for decorators.

     

For Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Focus

6. Appalachian Clothing

   • Best For: A smaller, mission-driven distributor focused on USA-made and eco-friendly apparel.

   • Key Brands: Los Angeles Apparel, Bella+Canvas, Royal Apparel, TS Designs.

   • Notes: Perfect if your brand identity is built around sustainability and domestic manufacturing.

     

For Headwear & Headwear Only

7. Headwear Unlimited / Yupoong

   • Best For: The leading specialist in blank headwear. Yupoong is one of the largest blank cap manufacturers in the world.

   • Key Brands: Primarily their own Yupoong brand, which is the industry standard for unstructured caps.

   • Notes: If you need caps, this is often your best and most direct source.

For Work Clothes & Protective Clothing

8. HAIYUAN / HengLu®   hyys®

   • Best For: A leading specialist in blank workwear. Haiyuan is one of China’s leading manufacturers of workwear and safety clothing.

   • Key Brands: Primarily our own brand, HengLu®, the industry standard for protective clothing.

   • Major Brands: Primarily our own brand, hyys®, the industry standard for workwear.

   • Notes: If you need workwear/protective clothing, this is generally your best and most direct source.

     

Comparison Table at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Distributor for You

1. Open a Wholesale Account: You will need a valid Business License/Reseller’s Permit (often called a Tax ID or EIN) to open an account with any of these companies and see wholesale pricing.

2. Compare Pricing & Shipping: Create a spreadsheet with your most common products (e.g., a Bella+Canvas 3001 t-shirt) and compare the delivered price from each distributor, as shipping costs and speeds vary.

3. Consider Location: Check where their nearest warehouse is to you. Closer warehouses often mean cheaper and faster shipping.

4. Evaluate the Website & Ordering Process: A good, easy-to-navigate website with real-time inventory is crucial for efficiency.

5. Look at Brand Selection: If you specialize in a specific brand (like Los Angeles Apparel or Allmade), you’ll need to find a distributor that carries them.

6. Start with Two: Most small businesses start with accounts at both S&S and Alpha Broder as their primary suppliers, then add a specialist like SanMar or Appalachian as needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the house brands from these distributors (e.g., Port & Company at SanMar, Awdis at S&S/TSC , HengLu®   hyys®). They often provide excellent quality and value, sometimes outperforming the name brands.

By starting with the major players and then branching out into niche distributors, you can build a robust supplier list that meets all your blank apparel needs.