NAICS 315 - Apparel Manufacturing

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Key Terms

apparel manufacturing cut and sew uniform production custom garments tactical clothing protective apparel government contracts small business set-asides fabric knitting ready-to-wear apparel contract bidding blanket purchase agreement sustainable fabrics military uniforms quality compliance

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Related NAICS Codes for NAICS 315

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What is NAICS 315

NAICS code 315 covers the Apparel Manufacturing subsector, which comprises establishments engaged in two primary manufacturing processes: cut and sew operations, where fabric is purchased and then cut and sewn into garments, and integrated processes where fabric is first knitted and subsequently cut and sewn into finished apparel. This subsector encompasses a wide variety of apparel production including ready-to-wear clothing, custom garments, and specialized manufacturing. Businesses in this sector range from large-scale manufacturers producing full apparel lines to smaller contractors and tailors specializing in custom or limited-run garments. Government agencies contract apparel manufacturing services to meet needs for uniforms, protective clothing, and specialized apparel that require both standard and custom specifications, ensuring personnel are equipped with appropriate attire for various operational environments.

Industry Classification for NAICS 315

Industries in the Apparel Manufacturing subsector group establishments with two distinct manufacturing processes: (1) cut and sew (i.e., purchasing fabric and cutting and sewing to make a garment) and (2) the manufacture of garments in establishments that first knit fabric and then cut and sew the fabric into a garment. The Apparel Manufacturing subsector includes a diverse range of establishments manufacturing full lines of ready-to-wear apparel and custom apparel: apparel contractors, performing cutting or sewing operations on materials owned by others; jobbers, performing entrepreneurial functions involved in apparel manufacturing; and tailors, manufacturing custom garments for individual clients. Knitting fabric, when done alone, is classified in the Textile Mills subsector, but when knitting is combined with the production of complete garments, the activity is classified in the Apparel Manufacturing subsector.

Breakdown for NAICS 315

  • Includes both cut and sew operations and knitting combined with garment manufacturing.
  • Encompasses ready-to-wear apparel, custom garments, and uniform manufacturing.
  • Small to medium-sized enterprises predominate, many qualifying as small businesses.
  • Government contracts focus on uniforms, tactical gear, and protective clothing.
  • Contracts vary from small custom orders to large-scale uniform production.

Included Activities for NAICS 315

  • Purchasing fabric and cutting and sewing garments.
  • Knitting fabric followed by cutting and sewing into finished apparel.
  • Manufacturing custom garments for individual clients.
  • Providing apparel contractor services performing cutting or sewing on client-owned materials.
  • Producing full lines of ready-to-wear apparel.
  • Performing entrepreneurial functions related to apparel manufacturing (jobbing).
  • Ensuring compliance with government quality and specification standards.
  • Packaging and delivering finished garments to government agencies.

Business Types for NAICS 315

  • Apparel manufacturers specializing in cut and sew processes.
  • Knitting and garment manufacturing establishments.
  • Uniform and tactical clothing producers.
  • Custom tailors and garment contractors.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises focused on government contracts.
  • Jobbers providing entrepreneurial apparel manufacturing services.

Government Buyers for NAICS 315

Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and various law enforcement and emergency services frequently procure apparel manufacturing services. These agencies require durable, functional, and compliant uniforms, tactical gear, and protective clothing to support their workforce. Additionally, institutions such as correctional facilities, public health organizations, and transportation agencies also contract for apparel to meet specific operational needs. The demand for standardized uniforms and specialized garments that meet regulatory standards and functional requirements drives government purchasing in this sector.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 315

Contracts in the Apparel Manufacturing sector typically include fixed-price agreements for uniform production, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) for recurring needs, and small business set-asides to promote supplier diversity. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding processes, including requests for proposals (RFPs) and invitations for bids (IFBs). Contract values vary widely depending on the scale, customization, and specifications, ranging from small orders for limited garment runs to large, multi-year contracts for mass uniform production. Timely delivery and compliance with quality standards are critical contract elements.

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