Finding a shorts manufacturer that actually fits your brand is harder than it looks. To make this selection more easier, this guide explores the Top 11 shorts manufacturers for custom and private label brands in 2026, highlighting what each manufacturer can offer to growing apparel businesses.
The right shorts manufacturer can help turn your designs into quality products while meeting your budget and production needs
1. Thygesen Textile Vietnam – Ethical Full-Package OEM/ODM for Global Brands
Thygesen Textile Vietnam is a trusted shorts manufacturer for custom and private label Brands, offering over 20 years of manufacturing experience in Vietnam. Headquartered in Hanoi with factories in Phu Tho province, Thygesen operates as a full-package OEM and ODM apparel manufacturer for buyers in the US, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
We offer full package service from design consulting and material sourcing to bulk production and global shipping. Built for consistent quality across repeat orders, the factory holds key international certifications including SA8000, WRAP, ISO 9001:2015, GRS, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Global brands like Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Girlfriend Collective rely on Thygesen for high-standard production.
Our shorts manufacturing service includes running shorts, casual bottoms, slim fit shorts, tennis shorts, and layered shorts etc for both men and women
2. Lefty Production Co. (Los Angeles, CA)
Lefty Production Co. is a Los Angeles-based apparel manufacturer founded in 2012 by Marta Miller, who started the company after struggling to find cut-and-sew partners for her own clothing brand. For brands looking for a shorts manufacturer in the USA, Lefty offers a partner that understands both the creative and technical sides of bringing a product to market.
Lefty specializes in activewear, swimwear, athleisure, and accessories, with in-house capabilities covering pattern-making, tech pack development, fabric sourcing, laser cutting, and full-scale production. For shorts production specifically, this means brands can develop custom activewear bottoms, performance knit shorts, or casual styles with dedicated support from concept through final delivery.
Lefty Production Co.: Full-package USA manufacturing for custom activewear and private label shorts in Los Angeles
3. Rajco USA (Brooklyn, NY)
Founded in 1935 and based in Brooklyn, New York; Rajco USA is a factory-direct athletic wear manufacturer with over 90 years of experience and 1,000+ brands served. Their Brooklyn facility handles everything from cut-and-sew to sublimation, screen printing, embroidery, and heat transfer, making them a true one-stop partner for custom sportswear.
Rajco USA specializes in athletic and performance shorts, covering gym, basketball mesh, running, compression, board/swim, yoga, cycling, soccer, streetwear, cargo, and fleece shorts.
Services include cut-and-sew, private label, OEM production, custom pattern making, and tech pack assistance. Decoration capabilities cover sublimation (100% poly), screen print, embroidery, heat transfer, and puff print all in-house. For shorts, they offer detailed customization such as inseam options (5″/ 7″/ 9″), waistband types, and pocket configurations. For brands comparing shorts manufacturers for custom and private label production, Rajco USA is best for those prioritizing USA-based manufacturing, low MOQ, and clear turnaround times.
Rajco USA specializes in athletic and performance shorts, covering gym, basketball mesh, running, compression, board/swim, yoga, cycling, soccer, streetwear, cargo, and fleece shorts
4. Argus Apparel (USA)
Argus Apparel is a Los Angeles-based apparel shorts manufacturer specializing in private-label clothing and custom production for small to mid-sized brands worldwide. Operating from its facility in Los Angeles, California, the company serves as a full-service manufacturing partner covering the entire production journey. From design consultation and material sourcing to sampling, bulk manufacturing, and final delivery. For brands seeking a reliable shorts manufacturer in the USA, Argus Apparel offers a practical alternative to overseas production, with faster communication, no customs delays, and direct coordination with a domestic team.
Their product capabilities span a wide range of apparel categories, including activewear, hoodies, t-shirts, swimwear, and custom bottoms, making them a versatile option for emerging labels and growing brands. Rajco USA offers low MOQs: 72 pieces per design for cut-and-sew manufacturing, 50 pieces per design for decoration services (screen printing, embroidery, dye-sublimation), and 1,000 pieces for woven labels
Material options include cotton, polyester, mesh, denim, and nylon blends, with decoration methods such as embroidery, screen print, and sublimation available in-house.
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Argus Apparel offer full-service LA manufacturer specializing in custom apparel and private-label shorts with low MOQs and versatile in-house capabilities.
5. Authentic Manufacturing (USA-designed custom shorts)
Founded in 2013 and based in California, Authentic Manufacturing specializes in custom athletic teamwear, focusing on basketball, running, MMA, and performance shorts for men and women.
Operating directly from the US, they provide short shipping routes, rapid communication, and zero timezone friction ideal for brands facing tight seasonal deadlines. For brands searching for a shorts manufacturer that can handle authentic teamwear construction, double-layer mesh, tackle twill, and performance fabrics, Authentic Manufacturing is a practical shortlist option.
Authentic Manufacturing stands out for its unusually low MOQ, with some cases accepting as few as 15–20 pairs per design. Fabric options include double-layer mesh polyester in NBA-authentic style for basketball, plus recycled polyester and organic cotton for brands prioritizing eco-friendly materials.
They offer unlimited colors and prints, and can handle rush orders in under 2–3 weeks on a case-by-case basis with an added fee. Sizing runs from XS to 3XL, with surcharges for XXL and 3XL. Their decoration capabilities include tackle twill, screen print, and embroidery well suited to teamwear visuals and custom branding. For brands whose core need is custom basketball, mesh, or team athletic shorts with very low MOQ or rush timelines, Authentic Manufacturing is a strong fit.
Founded in 2013 and based in California, Authentic Manufacturing specializes in custom athletic teamwear, focusing on basketball, running, MMA, and performance shorts for men and women
6. Kendar International (Los Angeles, CA)
Kendra International is a well-established apparel manufacturing company with a long history of serving brands, retailers, and buyers across global markets. While specific founding details and location information are limited in publicly available sources, Kendra International has built its reputation as a reliable partner for businesses seeking high-quality garment production, including custom shorts manufacturing for both men and women.
The company operates with a focus on flexibility, quality control, and consistent communication, making it a suitable option for emerging brands as well as established labels looking to expand their shorts offerings.
Kendra International provides comprehensive apparel manufacturing services with a particular strength in custom shorts production for private label and OEM clients. Their capabilities cover a wide range of shorts styles, including athletic shorts, casual shorts, performance bottoms, and fashion-oriented designs. The company supports full customization, from fabric selection and pattern development to sampling and bulk production. While exact minimum order quantities (MOQ) 150 units per style, Kendra International works with brands to accommodate flexible order volumes that suit different stages of business growth. Whether you are launching a new shorts line or scaling an existing collection, Kendra International provides a practical manufacturing partnership for custom and private label shorts.
7. Blue Sky Clothing Co. (Asheville, NC)
Founded in Asheville, North Carolina, Blue Sky Clothing Co. is a US-based apparel manufacturer dedicated to sustainable short manufacturer and ethical garment production. Operating out of NC, the company serves as a transparent domestic production partner for independent labels, eco-conscious startups, and established brands seeking reliable American manufacturing.
Featured on platforms like Maker’s Row, Blue Sky Clothing Co. bridges the gap between small-batch flexibility and commercial-grade craftsmanship, eliminating the timezone friction and long shipping routes associated with overseas supply chains.
The manufacturer specializes in eco-friendly apparel, with a strong focus on sustainable shorts lines, activewear, and casual wardrobe essentials. Utilizing GOTS-certified organic cotton and GRS-certified recycled fabrics, Blue Sky Clothing Co. maintains complete supply chain transparency from raw material sourcing to final stitch.
With a low minimum order quantity (MOQ) of just 50 units per style, they provide custom cut-and-sew, private label production, and pattern-making services tailored to sustainable brands. While Blue Sky is an ideal domestic partner for low-MOQ organic shorts production, brands scaling up to larger volume runs can also compare their offerings with GOTS/GRS-certified overseas partners to optimize unit costs.
Blue Sky Clothing Co. is a US-based apparel manufacturer dedicated to sustainable short manufacturer and ethical garment production
8. Royal Apparel (USA)
If you are building an eco-conscious fitness or lifestyle brand and searching for a short manufacturer based in the United States, Royal Apparel offers an authentic domestic production solution with a strong focus on ethical standards. Established in 1992 and headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, Royal Apparel has grown into a highly trusted US clothing manufacturer specializing in high-quality, union-made, and eco-conscious apparel.
As a premier domestic partner featured on leading manufacturing directories such as Scrod Industries, the company caters to independent labels, activewear brands, and corporate clients seeking transparent, American-based supply chains that reduce overseas transit times, minimize import complexities, and guarantee fair labor practices.
The manufacturer excels in full-package custom clothing manufacturing, with a distinct specialization in custom gym shorts, activewear, and performance lifestyle essentials. Royal Apparel stands out in the industry for its extensive selection of certified sustainable fabrics, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled polyester, eco-friendly RPET, bamboo blends, and premium USA-grown cotton.
Their comprehensive B2B services cover custom cut-and-sew production, private label manufacturing, re-labeling, sample development, screen printing, and embroidery. With an accessible minimum order quantity (MOQ) starting at approximately 72 pieces per style, they provide an excellent entry point for growing fitness and lifestyle brands prioritizing authentic Made-in-USA credentials and sustainable materials over low-cost foreign production.
Royal Apparel: Premium Made-in-USA partner for certified eco-conscious and custom performance shorts
9. Apparel Production Inc. (New York, NY)
Located in the heart of New York City’s Garment District, Apparel Production New York is a premier domestic clothing manufacturer known for its high-end craftsmanship, precision engineering, and full-package garment development. The company provides boutique labels, emerging fashion houses, and designer brands with an authentic USA-based production partner.
Operating directly out of Manhattan gives clients direct oversight, rapid prototyping turnaround, seamless in-person communication, and complete transparency without the friction, timezone barriers, and lengthy transit times of overseas supply chains. Apparel Production New York offers a sport Manufacturer or full-package partner that bridges the gap between technical garment construction and high-fashion tailoring can be a game-changer for contemporary activewear and lifestyle brands.
The manufacturer specializes in high-end woven bottoms, structured shorts, tailored chinos, and fashion-forward athleisure cuts where construction detail serves as the primary differentiator. Unlike typical activewear factories that focus solely on simple knit mesh, Apparel Production New York excels in complex garment construction, utilizing in-house patternmaking, precision grading, fit development, and sample production. Their comprehensive services span full-package manufacturing, custom cut-and-sew, private label production, sourcing, and high-precision finishing. With an accessible domestic minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 100 to 200 units per style, they offer an ideal scale for contemporary and designer brands looking to launch elevated, structured shorts lines.
Apparel Production New York is a premier domestic clothing manufacturer known for its high-end craftsmanship, precision engineering, and full-package garment development
10. American Knits,(Los Angeles, CA)
For brands building an apparel line around US production, finding a Short Manufacturer that delivers real American quality and clear labeling is key. Based in the United States and featured on platforms like Maker’s Row, America Knits helps new streetwear labels, activewear startups, and retail brands produce their clothes domestically. Operating in the US means clearer supply chains, steady quality control, and faster shipping without the long delays or import hassle of overseas production.
America Knits focuses on high-quality knit basics, soft jersey shorts, fleece activewear, and everyday casual sportswear built around a true “Made in USA” promise. They handle full-package production, custom cut-and-sew, private labeling, and fabric sourcing making sure all items strictly meet US origin standards. With a low minimum order quantity (MOQ) of just 100 pieces per style, they make it easy for growing brands to launch American-made collections without buying huge amounts of stock. While they focus less on complex team uniforms, America Knits is a great choice for brands that want high-grade knit basics, comfortable jersey shorts, and reliable US manufacturing.
America Knits is a great choice for brands that want high-grade knit basics, comfortable jersey shorts, and reliable US manufacturing
11. SewNPrint NY (Brooklyn, NY)
If you are a new clothing brand testing your first collection, a Short Manufacturer like SewNPrint is a great local partner due to its low minimums and simple in-house services. Based in Brooklyn, New York, SewNPrint is a small studio listed on popular sites like Maker’s Row. Built to help new labels, the studio offers direct, US-based production. Working in NYC lets clients help with fit testing, skip long shipping times, and check production directly.
The studio makes small orders of custom shorts, sportswear, and casual clothes. They handle everything in one place, combining cut-and-sew making with screen printing and embroidery. SewNPrint is best known for its low minimum order quantity (MOQ) of only 25 to 50 pieces per style. While growing brands may later move to larger factories, SewNPrint stays a top choice for making first samples and launching new products safely.
12. Shorts Manufacturer Evaluation Checklist
Before contacting potential suppliers, use this checklist to evaluate whether a shorts manufacturer meets your brand’s product, quality, and production requirements.
| Evaluation Criteria | What to Check | Key Questions to Ask |
Product Specialization | Experience with your shorts category, fabrics, and construction details. | Do they manufacture your target styles, such as running shorts, gym shorts, casual shorts, or tailored shorts? Can they work with your preferred fabrics and functional features? |
MOQ & Production Capacity | Minimum order quantities, production volume, and scalability. | What is the MOQ per style and color? Can they accommodate your initial order and future volume increases? |
Sampling & Quality Control | Sample development, fit approval, inspection procedures, and quality standards. | Can they develop samples from your tech pack? Do they offer pre-production samples and conduct quality inspections before shipment? |
Customization & Private Label | Pattern development, fabric sourcing, branding, and packaging services. | Can they customize fit, labels, trims, printing, and embroidery? Do they offer full-package OEM/ODM services? |
Certifications & Compliance | Social compliance, quality management, material certifications, and market requirements. | Can they provide valid certificates and supporting documents? Can they meet your material, testing, and labeling requirements? |
Total Production Cost | Unit price, development fees, materials, packaging, shipping, and other additional costs. | What does the quotation include? Are sampling, custom trims, testing, freight, and duties charged separately? |
Lead Time & Delivery | Sampling timeline, bulk production schedule, and shipping arrangements. | How long do sampling and bulk production take? Can they meet your launch deadline? Which shipping terms are available? |
Communication & Reliability | Responsiveness, documentation, problem-solving, and repeat-order support. | Do they communicate clearly, document revisions, identify potential issues early, and provide a realistic production schedule? |
Prepare the following information to help manufacturers understand your requirements and provide more accurate quotations.
| Information to Prepare | Details to Include |
Product Specifications | Shorts type, target customer, reference images, and tech pack if available |
Fabric Requirements | Composition, fabric weight, performance features, and sustainability preferences |
Order Quantity | Estimated quantity per style and color, plus potential repeat orders |
Customization Details | Logo placement, labels, trims, printing, embroidery, and packaging |
Quality Requirements | Measurement specifications, workmanship standards, and testing requirements |
Production Timeline | Target sampling date, bulk production deadline, and delivery destination |
Budget & Shipping | Target price range, preferred shipping terms, and budget constraints |
A well-prepared inquiry makes it easier to compare shorts manufacturers based on pricing, MOQ, quality, and lead time. More importantly, it helps you identify a manufacturing partner whose capabilities align with your product requirements and long-term business goals.
14. Frequently Asked Questions about Shorts Manufacturers (FAQ)
Can a shorts manufacturer help with design if my brand does not have an in-house design team?
Yes. Many OEM/ODM shorts manufacturers offer product development support for brands without an in-house design team. OEM manufacturers can work from your sketches, reference garments, or initial concepts to develop technical packs, patterns, and size grading.
ODM manufacturers may also offer existing designs that brands can customize with different fabrics, colors, logos, and private labels. Full-package manufacturers such as Thygesen Textile Vietnam can further support fabric sourcing and product development, helping brands turn initial ideas into production-ready shorts.
Should I choose a US-based shorts manufacturer or manufacture in Asia, such as Vietnam?
The right choice depends on your order volume, budget, delivery timeline, and target market. US-based manufacturers may suit brands that prioritize domestic production, Made in USA labeling, closer communication, or small-batch orders.
Manufacturers in Asia, including Vietnam, can be a strong option for brands scaling up production and seeking competitive unit costs, established textile supply chains, and larger manufacturing capacity. When comparing options, consider the total cost, including sampling, materials, shipping, duties, and quality control, rather than unit price alone.
What fabrics are commonly used for gym and athletic shorts?
Polyester and nylon blended with spandex are widely used for athletic shorts because they offer stretch, durability, and quick-drying performance. Mesh fabrics are popular for basketball shorts and layered designs because of their breathability, while cotton blends are often used for casual gym wear and lifestyle styles. Brands seeking more sustainable options may also consider recycled polyester, certified organic cotton, and other lower-impact materials, depending on the product’s performance requirements. The best fabric choice depends on the intended activity, fit, comfort, durability, and target price.
Does manufacturing with an internationally certified factory cost more?
Manufacturing with a certified factory may involve higher production costs because of requirements for documentation, audits, quality management, and responsible sourcing. However, the actual cost difference depends on the factory, product specifications, and certifications involved.
Working with a manufacturer whose verified certifications align with your brand’s requirements can help reduce compliance risks, support supply chain transparency, and meet retailer or market expectations. Brands should compare both the quoted price and the potential costs of quality issues, non-compliance, and production delays when evaluating suppliers.
In conclusion, choosing the right shorts manufacturer means balancing product quality, MOQ, customization capabilities, and total production costs. Whether you are launching a private label collection or scaling your business, the right partner can support your long-term growth. Looking for a reliable OEM/ODM shorts manufacturer? Contact Thygesen Textile Vietnam at sale@thygesen.com.vn or visit thygesenapparel.com to discuss your project.
