The global demand for custom sweatshirts has surged, driven by fashion trends, brand personalization, and the streetwear market. Businesses and designers are seeking manufacturers who can combine quality, reliability, and innovative customization options to bring their visions to life.
From North America to Europe and Asia, top custom sweatshirt manufacturers offer capabilities like embroidery, screen printing, sublimation, and private labeling. Many emphasize sustainability, using organic cotton and recycled materials to meet eco-conscious demands.
Choosing the right partner involves more than price comparison. Lead times, fabric selection, production flexibility, and design support are critical. Exploring the leading 10 manufacturers helps brands make informed choices to maximize quality and efficiency.
Directory: Top 10 Custom Sweatshirt Manufacturers Worldwide
- YC Apparels (China)
- Apliiq (USA)
- Printful (USA/Europe)
- Stanley/Stella (Belgium)
- BELLA+CANVAS (USA)
- HAE Now (India/USA)
- AS Colour (New Zealand)
- BHL Sports (Pakistan)
- Continental Clothing (UK)
- Gildan Activewear (Canada)
1. YC Apparels (China)
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Fuzhou, China
Jacket Strengths: Sustainable fabrics; hybrid production model; small-to-large order flexibility; advanced customization; eco-friendly packaging.
Company Overview: YC Apparels is a global OEM/ODM apparel manufacturer specializing in custom sweatshirts, hoodies, and sportswear. With a focus on sustainable fabrics, advanced color-matching technology, and high-precision cutting, the company supports both small brands and large enterprises with private-label manufacturing. YC Apparels integrates modern equipment with strict quality management and eco-conscious packaging, ensuring consistency from prototype to delivery. Its global network spans Australia, Europe, and North America, making it a trusted choice for premium apparel production.
Website: https://www.ycapparels.com
2. Apliiq (USA)
Founded: 2008
Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
Jacket Strengths: No minimum order; private-label dropshipping; digital design tools; rapid production turnaround.
Company Overview: Apliiq has revolutionized U.S. apparel manufacturing through its unique on-demand system. The company allows entrepreneurs and creators to design, brand, and sell custom sweatshirts without maintaining inventory. Apliiq’s digital tools simplify the process of adding woven labels, embroidered patches, and printed logos, while its dropshipping model ensures direct-to-customer fulfillment. This flexible, scalable approach has positioned Apliiq as a top partner for small brands and independent designers.
Website: https://www.apliiq.com
3. Printful (USA/Europe)
Founded: 2013
Headquarters: Charlotte, USA & Riga, Latvia
Jacket Strengths: Global fulfillment centers; seamless eCommerce integration; sustainable printing processes.
Company Overview: Printful operates one of the world’s largest print-on-demand fulfillment networks, serving thousands of eCommerce brands. Their sweatshirt customization options include direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, and labeling. Integrated with Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, Printful automates the production and shipping process, allowing online stores to scale effortlessly. Their focus on eco-friendly inks and packaging underscores their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Website: https://www.printful.com
4. Stanley/Stella (Belgium)
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Jacket Strengths: 100% organic cotton; GOTS-certified production; ethical manufacturing; European craftsmanship.
Company Overview: Stanley/Stella has set new standards in Europe for sustainable and ethical apparel. Their sweatshirt collections feature organic cotton and recycled polyester fabrics, designed with minimal environmental impact. The company partners only with Fair Wear-certified factories and emphasizes transparency across its supply chain. Loved by eco-conscious brands, Stanley/Stella blends quality, comfort, and ethical responsibility in every garment they produce.
Website: https://www.stanleystella.com
5. BELLA+CANVAS (USA)
Founded: 1992
Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
Jacket Strengths: Premium materials; sustainable dyeing; retail-fit silhouettes; wide color palette.
Company Overview: BELLA+CANVAS has become synonymous with luxury-quality basics. The company’s sweatshirts and fleece apparel are crafted from combed and ring-spun cotton, ensuring superior softness and durability. Their eco-friendly dyeing process reduces water waste and energy consumption, while their modern fits appeal to fashion-forward consumers. As a result, BELLA+CANVAS is a preferred supplier for premium custom apparel worldwide.
Website: https://www.bellacanvas.com
6. HAE Now (India/USA)
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Chennai, India & San Francisco, USA
Jacket Strengths: Organic cotton; Fair Trade and GOTS certification; ethical labor practices.
Company Overview: HAE Now—short for Humanity And Earth Now—specializes in certified organic and Fair Trade apparel. Their sweatshirts are produced using eco-friendly materials under fair working conditions. The company collaborates with international clients seeking transparency and sustainability in production. With dual operations in India and the U.S., HAE Now ensures consistent quality and ethical sourcing across continents.
Website: https://www.haenow.com
7. AS Colour (New Zealand)
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
Jacket Strengths: Quality blanks; consistent sizing; ethical sourcing; strong retail presence.
Company Overview: AS Colour has built its name on producing minimalist, premium-quality blank apparel ideal for custom branding. Their sweatshirts are known for durability, smooth surface finish, and standardized sizing across collections. The company follows strict ethical sourcing guidelines and maintains a solid retail presence in multiple countries, supporting both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.
Website: https://www.ascolour.com
8. BHL Sports (Pakistan)
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Sialkot, Pakistan
Jacket Strengths: OEM/ODM expertise; sublimation printing; performance materials; competitive pricing.
Company Overview: BHL Sports is a pioneer in Pakistan’s sportswear export industry, producing high-performance tracksuits and sweatshirts for global brands. Their facilities include advanced sublimation printing, embroidery, and automated cutting equipment, ensuring precision and consistency at scale. The company serves private labels and distributors, offering flexible MOQs and custom material sourcing to meet diverse brand needs.
Website: https://bhlsports.com
9. Continental Clothing (UK)
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Jacket Strengths: Sustainable production; Fair Trade certified; European distribution; recycled materials.
Company Overview: Continental Clothing is one of Europe’s earliest advocates of ethical garment manufacturing. The company offers organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Fair Trade-certified apparel to a wide range of clients, from fashion labels to corporate brands. With decades of experience, they provide sustainable sweatshirt solutions backed by European craftsmanship and transparent production practices.
Website: https://www.continentalclothing.com
10. Gildan Activewear (Canada)
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Jacket Strengths: Large-scale production; affordable pricing; broad product catalog; consistent quality.
Company Overview: Gildan Activewear is a global leader in large-scale apparel manufacturing, producing millions of sweatshirts annually for retailers and merch brands. Known for affordability and consistency, Gildan offers one of the broadest product selections in the industry. The company’s vertically integrated facilities allow tight control over fabric knitting, dyeing, and assembly, ensuring durable products that meet strict quality benchmarks worldwide.
Website: https://www.gildan.com
Top 10 Custom Sweatshirts Manufacturers in the World — FAQ
1. What should I look for when choosing a custom sweatshirt manufacturer?
Focus on fabric quality, customization options, production capacity, and certifications. Reliable manufacturers provide sample approval, flexible MOQs, and transparent communication before bulk orders.
2. Can I order custom sweatshirts in small quantities?
Yes, many manufacturers like Apliiq and Printful offer small or no minimum order quantities, ideal for startups or limited-edition collections. Larger factories may require higher MOQs for bulk pricing.
3. How long does custom sweatshirt production usually take?
Lead times vary from 2 to 6 weeks depending on order size, design complexity, and location. Quick-turn options are available for small runs through on-demand producers like Printful or Apliiq.
4. Do these manufacturers offer eco-friendly or sustainable materials?
Yes. Brands like Stanley/Stella, HAE Now, and BELLA+CANVAS use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and ethical sourcing to ensure sustainability in every production stage.
5. Can I add my own logo or brand label to the sweatshirts?
Absolutely. Most OEM/ODM suppliers offer logo embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, and private labeling options to help brands create fully personalized apparel lines.
Conclusion
Partnering with the right manufacturer can transform your sweatshirt line from concept to reality. Global leaders excel not only in production scale but also in delivering consistency, customization, and innovation that elevate your brand.
Many top manufacturers integrate advanced printing techniques and sustainable practices to meet modern consumer expectations, allowing brands to create unique, high-quality apparel while maintaining ethical standards.
For businesses seeking a reliable and versatile partner, YC Apparels offers unmatched expertise in custom sweatshirt production. With comprehensive OEM/ODM services, extensive fabric options, and scalable solutions, YC Apparels helps brands worldwide create standout apparel combining style, quality, and efficiency.
