Are you trying to find a purl knit sweater supplier for your brand in 2025? Picking the right supplier helps you do well in the fast-growing clothing market. The global knitwear market will reach USD 996.79 billion next year. So, choosing a good purl knit sweater supplier is very important now. Working with a good supplier keeps your brand strong, lowers sweater returns, and stops common problems with quality. You also get sweaters that are high-quality and can be made just for you. This helps your business get bigger. A good purl knit sweater supplier makes sure every sweater looks nice and is made well. If you want great knitwear and sweaters, you need a supplier who knows the clothing business.
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A trusted purl knit sweater supplier gives you:
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Good quality checks for each sweater.
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Less returns of products.
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A strong brand name.
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Choices for custom sweaters.
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Key Takeaways
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Picking the right purl knit sweater supplier is very important. The knitwear market is getting bigger. A good supplier gives you high-quality sweaters. This helps lower returns and makes your brand look better. The best suppliers let you customize your sweaters. This helps you make special sweaters for your brand. Look for suppliers who care about the environment. This will attract customers who want eco-friendly products. Always ask for samples before you buy a lot. This helps you check the quality first. Read reviews and learn about the supplier’s reputation. This helps you find partners you can trust. Know the prices and the smallest order you can make. This helps you control costs and try new styles. Talk clearly and often with your suppliers. This helps you build good partnerships.
Top Purl Knit Sweater Supplier List
Quick Rankings & Highlights
Are you looking for the best knit sweater supplier for your brand? Here is a quick list of the top sweater suppliers for 2025. These companies are known for custom knitwear, good quality, and helpful service. Take a look at this table for a fast summary:
|
Rank |
Company Name |
What Makes Them Top? |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Simply Knitting Mills |
High-quality sweaters, made in New York City. |
|
2 |
Ohio Knitting Mills |
Historic knitwear, trusted in Cleveland apparel. |
|
3 |
Luxury Knit |
Fashion-forward, cozy custom knitwear. |
|
4 |
Whalerknits |
Reliable, USA-made custom sweaters. |
|
5 |
Royal Apparel |
Nationwide reach, strong custom knitwear options. |
|
6 |
Percival |
Classic design, rare fabrics, ethical production. |
|
7 |
Howlin |
Hand-finished, sustainable custom knitwear. |
|
8 |
Bella+Canvas |
Innovative fabrics, sets top industry standards. |
|
9 |
Hongyu Apparel |
|
|
10 |
Knitwise |
Tech-driven, sustainable, on-demand custom knitwear. |
Tip: If you want custom sweaters or custom knitwear, these top suppliers have great choices for brands of any size.
Why These Suppliers Lead
You may wonder why these sweater suppliers are the best. Let’s look at what makes each one special so you can choose the right knit sweater supplier for you.
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Simply Knitting Mills gives you great quality and classic American style. Their sweaters last long and look nice.
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Ohio Knitting Mills has a long history and is trusted. Their knitwear has helped shape Cleveland’s clothing for many years.
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Luxury Knit makes cozy and stylish custom knitwear. Their sweaters are trendy and stand out.
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Whalerknits is part of the Merrow Group. They make custom sweaters in the USA and have a strong name.
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Royal Apparel began in New York and now helps brands all over the country. They offer reliable custom knitwear and quick service.
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Percival mixes classic styles with rare fabrics. They use ethical ways to make their seasonal collections.
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Howlin uses old-fashioned skills. Their custom knitwear is hand-finished and good for the planet.
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Bella+Canvas brings new ideas for fabrics. They offer top quality and care about sustainability.
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Hongyu Apparel has affordable custom knit sweater choices. Their OEM service gives you good value and quality.
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Knitwise uses technology to make custom knitwear when you need it. Their products are sustainable and made with fair labor.
If you want custom sweaters, custom knitwear, or a custom knit sweater for your brand, these top suppliers can help. Each one offers something special, from fancy fashion to good prices. You can trust these custom knitwear suppliers to help your business grow and keep your customers happy.
Knit Sweater Manufacturers Profiles
Simply Knitting Mills, Inc.
Specialization & Products
You may want a supplier who makes many knitwear types. Simply Knitting Mills, Inc. is known for offering lots of products. You can buy sweaters, blankets, scarves, and other knit goods. They help you make samples and do production. Here is what they offer:
|
Specialization |
Product Range |
|---|---|
|
Fully fashioned knitwear |
Sweaters |
|
High fashion knitting |
Blankets |
|
Knit home goods |
Scarves |
|
Sample development and production |
Other knit goods |
Key Features
You get high fashion knitting and fully fashioned knitwear. The company works with brands that want custom designs. They also do small batch production. You can ask for sample development to test ideas before big orders. Their team makes stylish and strong sweaters.
Tip: If you want to start a new sweater line, Simply Knitting Mills, Inc. can help with design and production.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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You get many products, like sweaters and home goods.
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The company lets you test ideas with sample development.
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You can expect good craftsmanship.
Cons:
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Custom orders may take longer to finish.
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Some products need higher minimum order amounts.
Certifications
You can trust their products because they follow strict quality rules. They work with brands that need big apparel certifications, like OEKO-TEX and GOTS. You should ask for certifications when you order.
Ball of Cotton, Inc.
Specialization & Products
Ball of Cotton, Inc. makes custom knitwear and sweaters. You can pick from many styles and yarns. They help brands create special looks for collections. If you want a supplier who knows fashion trends, this company is a good choice.
Key Features
You save money because Ball of Cotton, Inc. uses smart production methods. Their team works fast, so you can launch new products quickly. You also get to change your order size as needed.
Pros & Cons
Here is a table to show the main good and bad points:
|
Advantage |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Cost Savings |
Lower labor and material costs help you earn more. |
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Improved Efficiency and Productivity |
Expert team and smooth production make things faster. |
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Increased Flexibility |
You can change production size and react to trends. |
|
Disadvantage |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Shipping Costs |
Extra shipping costs can make production more expensive. |
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Quality Control Challenges |
Not watching production closely may cause quality problems. |
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Intellectual Property Risks |
Designs may get copied or stolen by other companies. |
Note: Always ask for samples and check quality before big orders.
Certifications
Ball of Cotton, Inc. works with brands that want certified yarns and eco-friendly ways. You can ask for certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS for your knitwear. Always check certification details with their team.
Knitup
Specialization & Products
Knitup uses a modern way to make knitwear. You can pick from jersey, cable, half cardigan, tuck, needle transfer, pointelle, and jacquard styles. If you want something special, their atelier service lets you change stitches, labels, embroidery, and printing. This makes them popular with knit sweater manufacturers.
|
Service Type |
Customization Options |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Essentials |
Jersey, Cable, Half Cardigan, Tuck, Needle Transfer, Pointelle, Jacquard |
Defined look and feel |
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Atelier |
Custom stitch needs, labels, embroidery, printing |
Made for your design |
Key Features
You get a supplier who matches your brand’s style. Knitup uses new knitting technology and gives design help. You can order small batches or bigger collections. Their team helps you make sweaters that stand out.
If you want to try new knitwear styles, Knitup’s atelier service lets you be creative.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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You get lots of choices for both basic and special designs.
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The company takes small and big orders.
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Fast sample development helps you test ideas quickly.
Cons:
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Custom orders may cost more money.
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Some special styles may take longer to make.
Certifications
Knitup uses certified yarns and green processes. You can ask for certifications like OEKO-TEX or GOTS. Their team will give you papers to show your brand cares about the planet.
DGJiayan
Specialization & Products
DGJiayan gives you many choices for knitwear. You can buy casual knit dresses and sweater dresses. They also have trendy styles for every season. There are plus-size and petite options too. This helps you reach more customers. Small brands can order only 100 pieces per style. If your business gets bigger, DGJiayan can make more sweaters for you. They use OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. This means their products are safe and good for the planet.
|
Product Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Casual knit dresses |
Good for everyday wear. |
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Sweater dresses |
Warm and stylish for cold weather. |
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Trendy and seasonal styles |
Fashionable pieces for younger shoppers. |
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Plus-size and petite options |
Sizes for more people. |
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Start with 100 pieces per style. |
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Large order capability |
Can make bigger orders when you grow. |
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Quality assurance |
OEKO-TEX fabrics keep products safe and green. |
Key Features
DGJiayan uses wool yarn that you can wash in a machine. The yarn stays soft after many washes. This makes sweaters easy to care for. Their eco-friendly ways help the earth. The team works with you to make sure your order is right.
Tip: DGJiayan is smart if you want many sizes and green clothes.
Pros & Cons
Here are some good and bad things:
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Wool yarn stays soft after washing |
Eco-friendly ways may cost more money |
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Easy care for brands and shoppers |
Some green materials are hard to find |
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Green ways help the planet |
Higher prices may not fit all budgets |
Certifications
DGJiayan uses OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. This means their sweaters are safe and meet high green standards. Ask for proof of certification when you order.
JM Knitwear
Specialization & Products
JM Knitwear makes luxury knitwear with green yarns. You can buy homeware, accessories, and eco-friendly items for everyone. Their best collection uses Italian Merino, Scottish cashmere, British Lambswool, Indian cotton, and linen. If you want green products, JM Knitwear has recycled cotton blends and synthetic yarns. You can order small amounts and get your products fast.
|
Product Category |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Homeware |
Luxury items made with green yarns like Italian Merino and Scottish cashmere. |
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Accessories |
Fancy sweaters and accessories for men, women, and kids. |
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Eco-friendly |
Items made from recycled cotton blends and synthetic yarns. |
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JM Knitwear makes luxury knitwear.
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They use green yarns.
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You can buy for men, women, and kids.
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You can order small amounts and get them fast.
Key Features
JM Knitwear gives you high-end products with the best yarns. You can make green collections that stand out. Their team helps you get products quickly and lets you order what you need. You can build your brand with luxury and green choices.
Note: JM Knitwear is great if you want fancy, green clothes.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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You get luxury items with top yarns.
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The company helps you make green collections.
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Fast orders help you sell new styles quickly.
Cons:
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Fancy yarns cost more money.
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Some luxury yarns are hard to find.
Certifications
JM Knitwear has the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. This means they use organic cotton with no bad chemicals. They do not use genetically changed cotton. Their chemicals are safe. JM Knitwear can make GOTS certified 100% organic cotton knitwear in India.
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GOTS certified for organic cotton.
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No bad chemicals or fertilizers.
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No genetically changed cotton.
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Safe chemicals for making sweaters.
azknit
Specialization & Products
azknit helps you make products with machines and green ways. You can use their trend research to stay ahead. They study color, textile, and fashion trends. This keeps your products fresh. azknit checks raw materials and life cycle to make sure things are green. You get good yarns, fabrics, and trims. Their team makes custom textiles and trims with machines. They also give you design sketches and packages to keep quality high. azknit works with teams to make green processes and save money. You can work with them on marketing that fits your brand’s goals. Their design help lets you make trendy, cost-friendly knitwear.
|
Specialization |
Description |
|---|---|
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Services to make products with machines and green ways. |
|
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Trend Research |
Studying color, textile, and fashion trends. |
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Life Cycle Assessment |
Checking raw materials for green ways. |
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Sourcing Yarns-Fabrics-Trims |
Giving good and green yarns, fabrics, and trims. |
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Textile Design |
Making custom textiles and trims with machines. |
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Technical Design |
Giving design sketches and packages for good quality. |
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Production |
Working with teams for green ways and saving money. |
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Marketing Strategy |
Helping with product plans that fit brand goals. |
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Innovative Knitwear Design Consultancy |
Helping design trendy, cost-friendly knitwear with green focus. |
Key Features
azknit helps you from design to making products. They use machines and green ways. Their team gives you design help and makes sure your products fit your brand. You can trust their trend research to keep your clothes new and cool.
Tip: azknit is good if you want new ideas, green ways, and save money.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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You get expert help with design and making products.
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The company uses green ways and machines.
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Trend research keeps your clothes fresh.
Cons:
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Machines may limit some custom choices.
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Green materials can cost more.
Certifications
azknit uses green yarns and fabrics. Ask about their certifications when you order. Their team can give you details about green standards and product safety.
Luxury Knit
Specialization & Products
You want sweaters that look cool and feel soft. Luxury Knit makes high-end knitwear for brands that care about style and comfort. You can pick cozy sweaters, cardigans, and scarves. Their team helps you design custom pieces for your brand. They use premium yarns like cashmere, merino wool, and organic cotton. You get products that stand out in your collection.
Key Features
Luxury Knit is special because they mix fashion with green ways. You get help with design, samples, and making products. Their team uses new knitting machines for perfect sweaters. You can order small or big batches. They make samples fast, so you can test ideas before big orders. You also get help with branding and packaging.
Tip: If you want luxury sweaters that help the planet, Luxury Knit is a smart pick.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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You get premium yarns and cool designs.
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The company helps with custom branding.
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Fast samples let you try new ideas.
Cons:
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Luxury yarns cost more money.
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Some styles need bigger orders.
Certifications
Luxury Knit cares about fair ways and the earth. You can see their promise in the certifications and programs they follow:
|
Certification/Initiative |
Description |
|---|---|
|
The Knit Zero Initiative |
Promise to make no extra products, no waste, and use green ways. |
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Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) |
Focus on green cotton and fair farming. |
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Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) |
Makes sure animals are treated well and land is cared for. |
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The Good Cashmere Standard |
Helps cashmere goats and farmers live better. |
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Business Social Compliance Initiative |
Supports fair business in the supply chain. |
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Global Recycled Standard |
Checks recycled materials and fair making. |
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Higg Index |
Measures green and fair ways in clothing. |
Elite Knitwear
Specialization & Products
You want your brand to be special. Elite Knitwear helps with design and making products. You get custom handmade pieces and creative styles. They offer luxury and entry-level products. Here is what they have:
|
Specialization |
Product Range |
|---|---|
|
Knitwear design and manufacturing |
Custom handmade knitwear, tailored collections, original and creative knitwear collections, high-end to entry-level products |
Elite Knitwear gives you:
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Specialization in knitting
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Custom handmade knitwear
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Tailored collections for your brand
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Original and creative knitwear collections
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Products for luxury and entry-level markets
Key Features
Elite Knitwear helps new designers start in knitwear. You learn how to make ideas into real products. Their program has three parts: ideas, design, and business. You do exercises and get design chances. You send your work for feedback. This helps you grow skills and make unique clothes.
Tip: If you want to start your own knitwear line or get better at design, Elite Knitwear gives you tools and support.
Pros & Cons
Here is what is good and what to think about:
Pros:
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You can order custom handmade knitwear for your brand.
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You get help with design and business skills.
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Their collections fit luxury and entry-level needs.
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You get feedback to make your designs better.
Cons:
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Handmade products take longer to make.
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High-end options cost more money.
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You need to send materials for review, which takes extra time.
Certifications
Elite Knitwear helps new designers learn technical and business skills. You get training in design and business. This helps you do well in the clothing industry. Their program has modules to guide you from idea to finished product.
Note: If you want a supplier who helps you learn and grow, Elite Knitwear is a smart pick.
Best Knit Sweater Supplier Comparison
Comparison Table
You want to find the best supplier for your brand. It helps to see how each one compares. This table shows the top knit sweater companies side by side. You can look at quality, minimum order quantity (MOQ), customization, price, certifications, and service. The table makes it easy to find the right match for you.
|
Supplier |
Quality |
MOQ |
Customization |
Price Range |
Certifications |
Service Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Simply Knitting Mills |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
50 |
High |
$$$ |
OEKO-TEX, GOTS |
Design & Sampling |
|
Ball of Cotton, Inc. |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
100 |
Medium |
$$ |
OEKO-TEX, GOTS (ask) |
Fast Production |
|
Knitup |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
30 |
Very High |
$$-$$$ |
OEKO-TEX, GOTS |
Tech Support |
|
DGJiayan |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
100 |
Medium |
$-$$ |
OEKO-TEX |
Size Variety |
|
JM Knitwear |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
30 |
High |
$$$ |
GOTS |
Luxury Service |
|
azknit |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
50 |
High |
$$ |
Green Yarns (ask) |
Trend Research |
|
Luxury Knit |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
50 |
High |
$$$$ |
BCI, RWS, GRS, Higg |
Branding Help |
|
Ohio Knitting Mills |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
100 |
Medium |
$$ |
OEKO-TEX |
Heritage Service |
|
Custom Sweater Co. |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
50 |
High |
$$-$$$ |
OEKO-TEX (ask) |
Custom Orders |
|
Elite Knitwear |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
20 |
Very High |
$$-$$$ |
Training Program |
Designer Support |
Tip: ⭐ means better quality. More stars show higher quality.
Quick Reference
Are you not sure which supplier to pick? Here is a simple guide to help you choose:
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If you want the best quality and fancy sweaters, try JM Knitwear or Luxury Knit.
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If you need small orders or want to test new ideas, Elite Knitwear and Knitup are good choices.
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If you care about green materials, DGJiayan, azknit, and Luxury Knit focus on eco-friendly options.
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If you want fast production and lower prices, Ball of Cotton, Inc. and DGJiayan are smart picks.
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If you need help with design or branding, Simply Knitting Mills and Luxury Knit give strong support.
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If you want a supplier with a long history, Ohio Knitting Mills is a good pick.
You can use this table and guide to find what fits your brand. Think about what is most important to you—quality, price, custom options, or green ways. Then contact the supplier that matches your goals. The right knitwear partner helps your business grow and keeps your customers happy.
How to Choose a Purl Knit Sweater Supplier
Quality Standards
When you pick a supplier, you want sweaters that feel nice and last long. Good quality is very important. You should look at how the sweaters look and how they are made. Check if the sweaters fit well and feel soft. Workers look at each sweater for color, stains, and if it looks even. They also check the seams, edges, and stitching to make sure the sweater is strong. You want sweaters that do not feel rough or scratchy. Labels and tags should be right and easy to see.
Here’s a simple table to help you know what to check:
|
Inspection Point |
What Workers Check For |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearance |
Color, stains, evenness |
Looks good and matches brand |
|
Construction |
Seams, edges, stitching |
Lasts longer and feels smooth |
|
Fit |
Measurements, shape |
Fits you well |
|
Comfort |
Softness, no scratchy spots |
Feels good on your skin |
|
Labels & Tags |
Correct info, placement |
Gives you care and brand info |
You should also ask about tests like stretch, pilling, shrinking, and color staying bright. These tests show if the sweaters keep their shape and color after washing. Look for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and the Good Cashmere Standard. These show the supplier cares about good quality and green materials.
Tip: Always ask for samples before you buy a lot. This helps you check the quality yourself.
Customization Options
You want your sweaters to be special. Customization lets you pick colors, patterns, and sizes for your brand. Some suppliers let you add custom labels, embroidery, or special packaging. You can ask for different stitches or green yarns. If you want a new style, talk to the supplier about your ideas. They can help you make sweaters that fit your vision.
Many suppliers let you order small amounts to test new styles. This helps you see what your customers like before you buy more. Customization also lets you pick green options, like recycled yarns or organic cotton. This makes your brand look modern and caring.
Note: Talking clearly with your supplier helps you get the custom sweaters you want.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly choices are very important now. You want sweaters made with green materials and safe ways. Suppliers who care about the planet will show you their certifications. Look for GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Fair Trade Certified, GRS, RCS, RWS, ZQ Merino, SFA, The Good Cashmere Standard, and USDA Organic. These prove the supplier uses safe chemicals, treats workers well, and cares for animals and nature.
Here’s a table of top green certifications:
|
Certification |
Description |
|---|---|
|
GOTS |
Cotton is organic, processed sustainably, and workers are treated fairly. |
|
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
No harmful chemicals in textiles. |
|
Fair Trade Certified |
Fair wages and ethical labor. |
|
GRS |
Recycled fabrics and safe working conditions. |
|
RCS |
Tracks recycled content in products. |
|
RWS |
Animal welfare and land management. |
|
ZQ Merino |
Ethical animal treatment and environmental care. |
|
SFA |
Animal welfare and land preservation in cashmere. |
|
The Good Cashmere Standard |
Animal welfare and economic sustainability for farmers. |
|
USDA Organic |
Hemp grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. |
You should ask your supplier about their green ways and where they get their materials. This helps you build a brand that cares about people and the earth.
Tip: Picking green suppliers helps you get customers who care about the planet.
Reputation & Reviews
You want to work with a supplier who has a good name. Reputation matters a lot in the knitwear business. If a company has happy customers, you can trust them more. You should look for reviews online. Read what other brands say about their experience. Did they get high-quality sweaters? Was the delivery on time? Did the supplier fix problems quickly?
You can check places like Google, Trustpilot, or even social media. Sometimes, you find real stories from other apparel brands. If you see many good reviews, that’s a great sign. If you see complaints about late orders or bad quality, you should be careful. You can also ask the supplier for references. A good company will share contact info for past clients.
Tip: Always read both good and bad reviews. This helps you see the full picture.
Service & Support
You need strong service and support from your supplier. Good service means you get answers fast. If you have questions about knitwear styles or order details, you want clear help. Some companies offer design support, sample making, and updates during production. You should ask how they handle problems. Will they fix mistakes? Do they offer refunds or replacements?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you judge service:
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Do they reply to emails or calls quickly?
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Can they help with design or custom requests?
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Do they give updates on your order?
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Will they solve problems if something goes wrong?
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Can you reach them easily during business hours?
If you feel comfortable talking with the team, you will have a better experience. Good support helps you avoid stress and keeps your business running smoothly.
Pricing & MOQ
You want to know the price before you order. Pricing can change based on yarn, style, and order size. Some suppliers offer discounts for bigger orders. Others let you start with a small minimum order quantity (MOQ). This is helpful if you want to test new knitwear styles or start a small apparel line.
Here’s a table to help you compare:
|
Supplier Type |
Typical Price Range |
MOQ (pieces) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Luxury |
$$$$ |
50-100 |
Premium yarns, high quality |
|
Mid-range |
$$-$$$ |
30-100 |
Good value, custom options |
|
Entry-level |
$-$$ |
20-50 |
Basic styles, lower cost |
You should ask for a price list and check if there are extra fees for samples or shipping. If you want to grow your brand, pick a supplier who offers fair prices and flexible MOQ. This helps you manage costs and try new ideas without risk.
Note: Always get a written quote before you agree to an order.
Sourcing Tips for Knit Sweater Manufacturers
Building Partnerships
When you want to grow your brand, you need a strong relationship with your production partner. Start by talking openly about your goals and what you expect. Share your ideas for new knitwear styles and ask for feedback. Good communication helps you avoid mistakes and keeps both sides happy.
You can build trust by visiting the factory if possible. Meet the team and see how they work. If you cannot visit, set up regular video calls. Ask questions about their process and how they handle problems. A good supplier will answer quickly and give you honest updates.
Tip: Treat your supplier like a teammate, not just a vendor. When you respect each other, you both win.
Negotiating Terms
You want a fair deal that works for both you and your supplier. Before you sign anything, talk about prices, payment terms, and delivery times. Make sure you understand all the costs, including shipping and samples. If you order more, you might get a better price.
Here are some things to discuss:
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Payment schedule (deposit, balance, or after delivery)
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Discounts for large orders
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What happens if there are delays
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How to handle returns or quality issues
Write down everything you agree on. This helps you avoid problems later. If you are new to apparel sourcing, ask for help from someone with experience.
Note: Never be afraid to ask questions. Clear terms protect your business.
Sample Orders
Ordering samples is a smart way to check quality before you buy a lot. Ask your production partner to make a sample of your design. Look at the stitching, fabric, and fit. Try the sample on or show it to your team. If you see any problems, tell the supplier right away.
You can use a table to keep track of your sample orders:
|
Sample Name |
Date Ordered |
Date Received |
Notes on Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweater A |
5/1/2025 |
5/10/2025 |
Soft, good fit |
|
Sweater B |
5/1/2025 |
5/12/2025 |
Needs better label |
If you like the sample, you can move forward with a bigger order. If not, ask for changes. This step saves you money and helps you get the best knitwear for your customers.
Remember: Samples show you what to expect from your supplier. Never skip this step.
Lead Times & Logistics
When you order knitwear for your brand, you want everything to arrive on time. Lead times and logistics can make or break your business. If you plan well, you avoid delays and keep your customers happy. Let’s talk about how you can manage these steps like a pro.
First, you should ask your supplier about their usual lead times. Lead time means how long it takes from placing your order to getting your finished apparel. Some suppliers need only a few weeks. Others may take months, especially for custom designs or large orders. Always check this before you agree to anything.
You can use a simple table to track your orders:
|
Order Name |
Order Date |
Expected Delivery |
Actual Delivery |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweater A |
6/1/2025 |
7/1/2025 |
7/2/2025 |
On time |
|
Sweater B |
6/5/2025 |
7/10/2025 |
7/15/2025 |
Delay, ask why |
If you see delays, talk to your supplier right away. Sometimes, problems happen because of shipping, customs, or even weather. You can ask for updates every week. This helps you know if your knitwear will arrive as planned.
Here are some tips to help you with logistics:
-
Choose a shipping method that fits your budget and timeline. Air shipping is fast but costs more. Sea shipping is cheaper but takes longer.
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Ask your supplier if they offer tracking. You can follow your order and see where it is.
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Make sure you know about customs rules. Some countries need special papers for apparel. If you miss these, your order may get stuck.
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Plan for busy seasons. Holidays and sales can slow down shipping. Order early to avoid problems.
-
Keep extra stock if you can. This helps you fill orders even if there are delays.
Tip: Always build a little extra time into your schedule. If you expect delays, you can still deliver on time.
You want your knitwear to arrive in good shape. Check the packaging when your order comes in. Look for damage or missing items. If you see problems, take photos and contact your supplier. Good suppliers will help you fix issues fast.
You can also ask about insurance for your shipments. This protects you if something gets lost or damaged. Some suppliers offer this as part of their service. If not, you can buy insurance yourself.
Managing lead times and logistics takes practice. You learn more with each order. Stay organized, ask questions, and keep records. This helps you get high quality products and grow your apparel brand.
Choosing the right supplier sets your brand up for success in 2025. You can use the comparison table and criteria to find the best fit for your knitwear needs. Want to see real results? Reach out for samples and quotes. Next, build strong partnerships and keep your apparel business growing.
Ready to take the next step? Start your sourcing journey today!
FAQ
What is purl knitwear?
Purl knitwear uses a special stitch that creates a textured look. You see bumps on both sides of the fabric. This style feels soft and looks cozy. Many brands choose it for sweaters and scarves.
How do I choose the right supplier?
You want a supplier who listens to your needs. Check their reviews and ask for samples. Look for clear communication and reliable delivery. Good suppliers help your brand grow.
Can I order small batches of apparel?
Yes, many companies let you start with low minimum order quantities. You can test new styles or launch a small collection. This helps you manage costs and see what your customers like.
What certifications should I look for?
You should ask about OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and Fair Trade. These show the supplier cares about safe materials and ethical practices. Certifications help you build trust with your customers.
How long does production usually take?
Production times vary. Most suppliers need two to six weeks for knitwear orders. Custom designs or large batches may take longer. Always ask for a timeline before you place your order.
Can I customize my knitwear designs?
You can choose colors, patterns, and labels. Some suppliers offer embroidery or special packaging. Customization lets you create unique apparel for your brand.
Tip: Always share your ideas with the supplier. Clear details help you get the results you want.