Cheap blank clothing wholesale

Finding reliable sources for cheap blank clothing wholesale is a fundamental step for starting a clothing brand, print-on-demand business, or any venture requiring bulk apparel.

Here’s a comprehensive guide broken down by supplier type, what to consider, and tips for getting the best deals.

Tier 1: The Giants (Best for Most Startups & High Volume)

These are the major, well-known distributors with huge catalogs, competitive pricing, and reliable logistics. They are the go-to for a reason.

1. S&S Activewear

   • Best For: A massive selection of brands, styles, and colors.

   • Pricing: Very competitive, especially as quantities increase.

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

   • Notes: Excellent website and search filters. They have warehouses across the US for fast shipping. You’ll need to create a business account to see pricing.

     

2. Alibaba (for International Manufacturing)

   • Best For: The absolute lowest possible cost per unit, but in very high quantities (MOQs).

   • Pricing: Extremely low, but you must factor in shipping costs, import duties, and lead times.

   • Key Brands: None specifically; you’re dealing directly with factories.

   • Notes: Ideal for ordering thousands of units of a single item. Requires careful vetting of suppliers, requesting samples, and understanding international trade. Not for small, quick orders.

     

3. Alpha Broder

   • Best For: A direct competitor to S&S with a similarly huge inventory.

   • Pricing: Highly competitive; it’s worth comparing prices with S&S on your most-used items.

   • Key Brands: All the major ones, plus their own “Next Level” brand which is very popular for softer tees.

   • Notes: Also requires a business account. Known for strong customer service.

Tier 2: Brand-Direct & Specialty Wholesalers

These are great if you have a preferred brand or are looking for a specific type of product (like eco-friendly or fashion-forward blanks).

1. SanMar

   • Best For: Reliability, quality control, and a strong focus on customer service.

   • Pricing: Competitive, sometimes slightly higher than S&S/Alpha, but often justified by service.

   • Key Brands: Nike, The North Face, Patagonia, and their own high-quality brands like Port & Company and District.

   • Notes: Caters heavily to the uniform and promotional product industries. Account required.

     

2. Bella+Canvas (Direct)

   • Best For: If you primarily use their trendy, soft-tee styles.

   • Pricing: Buying direct can sometimes offer promotions or bulk deals.

   • Key Brands: Bella+Canvas only.

   • Notes: Their 3001U tee is a modern favorite for print-on-demand. You can also buy them through S&S and Alpha Broder.

     

3. Gildan (Direct)

   • Best For: If you need large quantities of basic, durable, and cost-effective tees and hoodies.

   • Pricing: Very low, especially on bulk orders of basics.

   • Key Brands: Gildan only.

   • Notes: The workhorse of the blank apparel industry. Perfect for event shirts or budget-focused brands.

4. TSC Apparel / TSC Miami

   • Best For: Fashion-forward blanks, cropped styles, and unique cuts.

   • Pricing: Mid-range.

   • Key Brands: They distribute brands like Awdis, Rue Porter, and other fashion-focused manufacturers.

   • Notes: A great place to look if you want to move beyond the standard Gildan Heavy Cotton tee.

     

Tier 3: Regional & Online-Focused Wholesalers

These can be great for faster/cheaper shipping depending on your location.

• JiffyShirts

  • Pros: No business account needed, transparent website pricing, and often free or flat-rate shipping. Excellent for beginners placing small test orders.

  • Cons: Selection might not be as vast as the giants, and per-unit cost can be slightly higher.

• J. America

  • Pros: Known for good quality and a wide range of activewear and polos. Strong in the uniform market.

Key Factors to Consider Beyond Price

“Cheap” can be expensive if the quality is poor. Always consider:

1. Quality & Fabric: A $3 Gildan Heavy Cotton tee is stiff and boxy. A $5 Bella+Canvas tee is soft and lightweight. Know your target audience.

2. Shipping Costs & Speed: This can drastically change your “cost per unit.” Check where the warehouse is located relative to you.

3. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Most major wholesalers have no MOQ for individual items, but you get better pricing at higher tiers (e.g., 12+ pieces, 72+ pieces). Alibaba factories may have MOQs of 500-1000+ per style/color.

4. Account Requirements: You will typically need a business EIN (or your country’s equivalent) and a reseller certificate/tax ID to set up a tax-exempt account with the major distributors.

5. Sample Orders: ALWAYS ORDER SAMPLES BEFORE BUYING IN BULK. Feel the fabric, check the fit, and test your printing/DTG process on it.

   

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Deal

• Compare, Compare, Compare: Don’t just stick with one supplier. Check prices for your core items across S&S, Alpha, and SanMar.

• Consolidate Your Order: You get better pricing when you buy 36 of one item instead of 3 of twelve different items. Plan your inventory.

• Watch for Closeouts & Sales: Wholesalers often have sections for discontinued colors or overstocked items at deep discounts.

• Build a Relationship: Once you’re a consistent buyer, you might be assigned a sales rep who can help you with better pricing or stock alerts.

Final Recommendation for a Beginner:

Start with JiffyShirts for your first small test orders to get a feel for different brands without commitment. Once you’re serious, open accounts with S&S Activewear and Alpha Broder—they are the backbone of the industry for a reason.