Contractors & Sub-Contractors for the Apparel & Clothing Industry

Factories and guides to assist with locating contracting factories and supplies for clothing manufacturing.

Welcome to the contractor section of our manufacturing guide.

Cutting Contractors

Embroidery & Aplique

Printing / Dyeing

Sewing Contractors

 Finishing Textiles and Apparel Finishes

Pattern Makers

 Block Fusing

Design Studio

 Stonewashing
  Click here for USA Factories.

This is a business to business directory of sub-contractors for the fashion and textile industry.  If you need garments to be cut, sewn, embroidered, printed etc., you can utilize the Apparel Search Directory to help find the proper factory.  You can also return to our Clothing Manufacturer directory main page to find factories that produce completed garments. 

Clothing manufacturers and contractors are responsible for a variety of tasks, including sourcing materials, overseeing quality control, and providing technical advice and support. They are also responsible for managing the production process, from the initial design to the final product. Clothing manufacturers work closely with designers to ensure that the finished product meets their specifications and standards.

In the context of clothing manufacturing, a "contractor" typically refers to a third-party business or individual that specializes in providing specific manufacturing services for clothing companies. These contractors are also known as clothing manufacturers or garment manufacturers, and their role in the production process can vary widely. Here are some key aspects of what a clothing manufacturing contractor does:

Production Services: Clothing manufacturing contractors are responsible for producing clothing items based on the specifications, designs, and requirements provided by the clothing company or brand. They handle the actual sewing and assembly of garments.

Specialization: Contractors can specialize in various aspects of the manufacturing process. Some may focus on cutting and sewing, while others might specialize in specific types of clothing, such as sportswear, formal wear, or outerwear.

Outsourced Production: Many clothing companies outsource manufacturing to contractors. This allows clothing brands to focus on design, marketing, and sales while leaving the production to experts who can efficiently and cost-effectively produce the garments.

Customization: Contractors often offer customization services, allowing clothing companies to create unique designs, select fabrics, and specify production details to meet their brand's specific needs.

Sourcing Materials: Some clothing manufacturers may also assist in sourcing raw materials (fabric, trims, zippers, etc.) for the production process. This is particularly helpful for clothing companies that want an all-in-one solution.

Quality Control: Contractors are responsible for ensuring the quality of the manufactured garments. They must adhere to quality control standards and meet the clothing company's quality expectations.

Scalability: Contractors provide clothing companies with the ability to scale production up or down as demand fluctuates. This flexibility is particularly important in the fashion industry, which often experiences seasonal variations in demand.

Cost Management: By outsourcing manufacturing to contractors, clothing companies can often reduce overhead and production costs, as they don't have to invest in specialized equipment, facilities, or a full-time production staff.

Lead Time Management: Contractors can help clothing companies manage production lead times and meet tight deadlines, which is crucial in the fast-paced fashion industry.

Local or Global Reach: Clothing contractors can be local or international, allowing clothing companies to choose based on factors like cost, proximity, and specific expertise.

It's important to note that the relationship between clothing companies and manufacturing contractors can vary. Some contractors may work exclusively with one brand, while others might provide production services to multiple clients. The choice of a contractor depends on the specific needs and strategies of the clothing company, including factors like cost, quality, and capacity.

Clothing Factory Directory

Clothing Manufacturers
Clothing Factories
Components / Trimming

Related Manufacturing Sections

Production / Sourcing Service
Quality Testing & Factory Inspection
Customs Info. for Clothing & Textiles
Production Agents / Buying Services
Human Rights

If you are looking specifically for trimming such as zippers, yarn, thread etc. you can try the trim components section for the following:

zippers

yarn

thread

fabric

buttons

labels

hang tags

hangers

interlining

waistbands

packaging

price tickets

lace

 

When you are researching the production of clothes, shoes, or fashion accessories, your first stop should always be Apparel Search.