How to Find Wholesale Blank Apparel for Your Embroidery Business
Sourcing quality blank apparel at wholesale prices is essential for embroidery business profitability. The difference between wholesale and retail pricing on blank garments represents direct profit on every item you sell. This guide covers the major wholesale apparel distributors, how to open accounts, and what to look for when selecting blank apparel suppliers.
Major Wholesale Blank Apparel Distributors
S&S Activewear
One of the largest blank apparel distributors in North America. Carries thousands of styles from brands including Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Port and Company, and dozens more. No minimum order requirements for most products. Free shipping on qualifying orders. Website: ssactivewear.com
SanMar
The other major wholesale distributor alongside S&S. Similar product range with a focus on business and corporate apparel alongside fashion-forward brands. Strong on Port Authority, Eddie Bauer, and Nike branded blanks. Website: sanmar.com
AlphaBroder
Third major distributor. Strong on decorated apparel brands and wholesale pricing tiers. Website: alphabroder.com
TSC Apparel
Specialty distributor with strong selection of fashion-forward and contemporary blanks. Good for businesses targeting retail and fashion-oriented customers. Website: tscapparel.com
How to Open a Wholesale Account
Opening accounts with blank apparel distributors is straightforward:
- Visit the distributor's website and navigate to the dealer/wholesale account application
- Provide your business name, EIN (tax ID), and business contact information
- Most distributors approve accounts within 1-2 business days
- Some distributors require a sales tax exemption certificate for your state
Most major distributors have no minimum order requirements, allowing you to order as little as one piece.
What to Look for in Blank Apparel
Ring-spun vs open-end cotton: Ring-spun cotton is softer and more durable than open-end (standard) cotton. For premium embroidery work on corporate and branded merchandise, ring-spun is preferred. Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and American Apparel use ring-spun; standard Gildan heavy cotton is open-end.
Weight (oz): Heavier fabric (5.5-6 oz) is more durable and holds embroidery better. Lighter fabrics (4-4.5 oz) are more comfortable but may show through on dense embroidery.
Pique vs jersey knit for polos: Pique polo fabric (the textured weave) is the traditional corporate polo fabric. Requires water-soluble topping when embroidering to prevent stitches from sinking into the texture.
Top Blank Apparel Brands for Embroidery
- Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend Sweatshirt: Most popular sweatshirt blank for embroidery. Affordable, consistent quality.
- Port Authority Pique Polo: Standard corporate polo. S&S and SanMar both carry extensively.
- Bella+Canvas 3001 T-Shirt: Premium retail-quality t-shirt. Best for higher-end custom apparel work.
- Carhartt Work Jacket: Premium outerwear for tradesperson and corporate embroidery clients. High perceived value.
- Richardson 112 Trucker Hat: Most popular hat for custom embroidery. Available in dozens of colors.
Pricing Your Embroidered Items
Purchase blanks at wholesale, mark up 40-60% on the garment, and add your embroidery fee on top. A polo shirt purchased at $9 wholesale, marked up to $20, plus $10 embroidery fee = $30 per shirt to the customer. This is a standard and competitive price point for corporate embroidery.
For equipment to embroider your wholesale blanks, view our commercial embroidery machine collection with pricing starting at $4,995.
FAQ
Do I need a business license to buy wholesale apparel?
Most wholesale distributors require proof of a legitimate business (EIN number or business registration) to open a wholesale account. A sales tax exemption certificate may also be required in your state.
Can I buy blank apparel in small quantities for embroidery?
Yes. Most major distributors including S&S and SanMar have no minimum order requirements, allowing you to order as few as one piece. Per-unit prices are lower at higher quantities.