Introduction
New York City is the heartbeat of global fashion – but for small to mid-sized brands, producing garments locally comes with high costs, limited flexibility, and scalability issues.
Thatโs why a growing number of NYC-based fashion labels are choosing India – especially Tiruppur – for low MOQ, export-ready garment production. In this guide, weโll break down everything you need to know, from how sourcing works to timelines, factory selection, and compliance standards.
Why NYC Brands Are Turning to India for Garment Production
While Los Angeles and NYC have manufacturing hubs, they often lack the flexibility that small and growing fashion brands need.
India, by contrast, offers:
๐๐ป Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) โ ideal for sampling or small drops
๐๐ป Certified factories (WRAP, GOTS, BSCI) with export experience
๐๐ป Competitive pricing without compromising on quality
๐๐ป A complete ecosystem โ from yarn to final packaging
| Further reading: Why India’s Tiruppur is the knitwear capital of the world
How Garment Production in India Works (Step by Step)
Hereโs a simplified view of the end-to-end process for New York brands sourcing from India:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
|
1. Tech Pack or Design Submission |
You share sketches, references, or ready tech packs |
|
2. Fabric & Trim Sourcing |
Based on your specs โ organic cotton, bamboo blends, etc.
|
|
3. Sampling |
Fit samples or photo samples developed and couriered
|
|
4. Approvals & Bulk Production |
Once approved, production begins with real-time tracking
|
|
5. Quality Control & Labeling |
AQL-level inspections, packaging, and branding applied |
|
6. Shipping |
Sent via air or sea – DDP available for NYC/JFK |
What NYC Brands Should Know Before Sourcing from India
1. MOQ Isnโt Fixed – Itโs Negotiable
While some factories ask for 1000 pcs/style, others accept 300โ500 pcs if fabric is shared across styles. India is increasingly friendly to low-MOQ private labels.
๐ Read: How Low MOQ Apparel Production Works
2. Certifications Matter (Especially for Export)
For US imports, especially kidswear and sleepwear, compliance is non-negotiable.
Key certifications:
๐๐ป GOTS โ Organic textiles
๐๐ป WRAP โ Social accountability
๐๐ป CPSIA compliance โ For children’s clothing exported to the U.S.
๐ง External Resource: U.S. CPSC guidelines for kidswear
3. Communication Makes or Breaks the Process
Factories are busy โ and not all respond promptly. Thatโs why working with a Tiruppur-based sourcing partner ensures:
๐๐ป Clear timelines
๐๐ป Active follow-up
๐๐ป Real-time updates
๐๐ป Accountability on the ground
Popular Product Categories for NYC Fashion Labels
| Product Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
|
T-Shirts & Polos |
Easy to start, popular in DTC
|
|
Loungewear & Sleepwear |
Growing in eCommerce
|
|
Kidswear |
High-margin, compliance-focused
|
|
Streetwear / Graphic Tees |
Print flexibility, custom packaging
|
|
Activewear |
Moisture-wicking knits & stretch blends |
Logistics: Shipping Garments from India to NYC
โ
Air Freight (5โ7 days) โ For urgent sample runs or small batches
โ
Sea Freight (3โ4 weeks) โ For bulk orders, more economical
โ
DDP Available โ Includes customs handling to JFK or Newark
Need help with shipping? Contact us for FOB/DDP options.
Final Thoughts: India Is the Scalable Option NYC Brands Need
You donโt need a massive budget or team to build a clothing brand in New York. With the right sourcing approach, India offers startup-friendly, small-batch production with global quality standards.
If you’re ready to move from theory to samples, weโd be happy to help you make it happen.
