Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors
Description
This industry comprises establishments commonly referred to as contractors primarily engaged in (1) cutting materials owned by others for apparel and accessories and/or (2) sewing materials owned by others for apparel and accessories.
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Manufacturing 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. The assembling of component parts of manufactured products is considered manufacturing, except in cases where the activity is appropriately classified in Sector 23, Construction. Establishments in the Manufacturing sector are often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and material handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker's home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold, such as bakeries, candy stores, and custom tailors, may also be included in this sector. Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them. Both types of establishments are included in manufacturing. Selected industries in the Manufacturing sector are comprised solely of establishments that process materials for other establishments on a contract or fee basis. Beyond these dedicated contract manufacturing industries, establishments that process materials for other establishments are generally classified in the Manufacturing industry of the processed materials. The materials, substances, or components transformed by manufacturing establishments are raw materials that are products of agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, or quarrying as well as products of other manufacturing establishments. The materials used may be purchased directly from producers, obtained through customary trade channels, or secured without recourse to the market by transferring the product from one establishment to another, under the same ownership. The new product of a manufacturing establishment may be finished in the sense that it is ready for utilization or consumption, or it may be semi-finished to become an input for an establishment engaged in further manufacturing. For example, the product of the alumina refinery is the input used in the primary production of aluminum; primary aluminum is the input to an aluminum wire drawing plant; and aluminum wire is the input for a fabricated wire product manufacturing establishment. The subsectors in the Manufacturing sector generally reflect distinct production processes related to material inputs, production equipment, and employee skills. In the machinery area, where assembling is a key activity, parts and accessories for manufactured products are classified in the industry of the finished manufactured item when they are made for separate sale. For example, an attachment for a piece of metalworking machinery would be classified with metalworking machinery. However, component inputs from other manufacturing establishments are classified based on the production function of the component manufacturer. For example, electronic components are classified in Subsector 334, Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing, and stampings are classified in Subsector 332, Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing. Manufacturing establishments often perform one or more activities that are classified outside the Manufacturing sector of NAICS. For instance, almost all manufacturing has some captive research and development or administrative operations, such as accounting, payroll, or management. These captive services are treated the same as captive manufacturing activities. When the services are provided by separate establishments, they are classified in the NAICS sector where such services are primary, not in manufacturing. The boundaries of manufacturing and the other sectors of the classification system can be somewhat blurry. The establishments in the Manufacturing sector are engaged in the transformation of materials into new products. Their output is a new product. However, the definition of what constitutes a new product can be somewhat subjective. As clarification, the following activities are considered manufacturing in NAICS: <table width=100%><tr><td width=10%> </td><td><dl><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Milk bottling and pasteurizing;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Water bottling and processing;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Fresh fish packaging (oyster<br/> shucking, fish filleting);</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Apparel jobbing (assigning<br/> materials to contract<br/> factories or shops for<br/> fabrication or other contract<br/> operations) as well as<br/> contracting on materials<br/> owned by others;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Printing and related activities;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Ready-mix concrete production;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Leather converting;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Grinding lenses to<br/> prescription;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Wood preserving;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Lapidary work for the trade;</dt></dl></td><td width=10%> </td><td><dl><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Electroplating, plating, metal<br/> heat treating, and<br/> polishing for the trade;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Fabricating signs and<br/> advertising displays;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Rebuilding or remanufacturing<br/> machinery (i.e., automotive<br/> parts);</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Making manufactured homes<br/> (i.e., mobile homes) or<br/> prefabricated buildings,<br/> whether or not assembling/<br/> erecting at the customers'<br/> site;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Ship repair and renovation;</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Machine shops; and</dt><dt style='padding-left: 10px; text-indent: -10px;'>Tire retreading.</dt></dl></td><td width=10%> </td></tr></table> Conversely, there are activities that are sometimes considered manufacturing, but which for NAICS are classified in another sector (i.e., not classified as manufacturing). They include: 1. Logging, classified in Sector 11, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, is considered a harvesting operation; 2. Beneficiating ores and other minerals, classified in Sector 21, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, is considered part of the activity of mining; 3. Constructing structures, assembling prefabricated buildings, and fabricating at the construction site by contractors are classified in Sector 23, Construction; 4. Breaking bulk and reselling in smaller lots, including packaging, repackaging, or bottling products, such as liquors or chemicals; assembling and selling computers on a custom basis; sorting and reselling scrap; mixing and selling paints to customer order; and cutting metals to customer order for resale are classified in Sector 42, Wholesale Trade, or Sector 44-45, Retail Trade; and 5. Publishing and the combined activity of publishing and printing, classified in Sector 51, Information, transform information into a product for which the value to the consumer lies in the information content, not in the format in which it is distributed (i.e., the book or software compact disc). |
| 315 | Apparel Manufacturing 3-digit subsector | 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. |
| 3152 | Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing 4-digit industry group | This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing cut and sew apparel from woven fabric or purchased knit fabric. Included in this industry group is 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. Establishments weaving or knitting fabric, without manufacturing apparel, are classified in Subsector 313, Textile Mills. |
| 31521 | Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 315210. |
| 315210 | Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments commonly referred to as contractors primarily engaged in (1) cutting materials owned by others for apparel and accessories and/or (2) sewing materials owned by others for apparel and accessories. |
Need a supply chain stack that maps to this industry?
Use this NAICS classification as the starting point, then connect it to Item workflows across inventory, warehousing, order management, fulfillment, and transportation.
Classification References
- 01Manufacturing cut and sew apparel from purchased fabric--are classified in Industry 315250, Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors);
- 02Manufacturing apparel accessories from purchased fabric--are classified in Industry 315990, Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing; and
- 03Embroidering apparel on a contract or fee basis for the trade--are classified in U.S. Industry 314999, All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills.
Index Items
Apparel cut and sew contractors
Apparel trimmings and findings cut and sew apparel contractors
Apparel, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Appliqueing on apparel
Aprons, waterproof (including rubberized fabric, plastics), cut and sew apparel contractors
Aprons, work (except leather), cut and sew apparel contractors
Arm bands cut and sew apparel contractors
Ascots cut and sew apparel contractors
Athletic clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Athletic uniforms, team, cut and sew apparel contractors
Bakers' service apparel, washable, cut and sew apparel contractors
Band uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Bandeaux cut and sew apparel contractors
Barbers' service apparel, washable, cut and sew apparel contractors
Baseball caps (except plastics) cut and sew apparel contractors
Baseball uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Basketball uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Bathing suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Bathrobes cut and sew apparel contractors
Beachwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Bedjackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Belts, apparel (e.g., fabric, leather, vinyl), cut and sew apparel contractors
Belts, money, any material, cut and sew apparel contractors
Bibs and aprons, waterproof (e.g., plastics, rubber, similar materials), cut and sew apparel contractors
Blouses cut and sew apparel contractors
Body stockings cut and sew apparel contractors
Bow ties cut and sew apparel contractors
Bra-slips cut and sew apparel contractors
Brassieres cut and sew apparel contractors
Bridal dresses or gowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Briefs cut and sew apparel contractors
Buntings cut and sew apparel contractors
Burial garments cut and sew apparel contractors
Buttonhole making apparel contractors
Buttonhole making, fur goods, cut and sew apparel contractors
Buttonholing and button covering apparel contractors
Caftans cut and sew apparel contractors
Camisoles cut and sew apparel contractors
Capes cut and sew apparel contractors
Caps (i.e., apparel accessory) cut and sew apparel contractors
Caps and gowns, academic, cut and sew apparel contractors
Caps, textiles, straw, fur-felt, and wool-felt, cut and sew apparel contractors
Chauffeurs' hats and caps cut and sew apparel contractors
Chemises cut and sew apparel contractors
Clerical vestments cut and sew apparel contractors
Clothing, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Clothing, leather or sheep-lined, cut and sew apparel contractors
Clothing, water resistant, cut and sew apparel contractors
Clothing, waterproof, cut and sew apparel contractors
Clothing, water-repellent, cut and sew apparel contractors
Coat linings, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Coat trimmings, fabric, cut and sew apparel contractors
Coats (e.g., tailored, fur, artificial leather, leather, sheep-lined), cut and sew apparel contractors
Coats, nontailored service apparel (e.g., laboratory, medical, mechanics'), cut and sew apparel contractors
Coats, waterproof (i.e., plastics, rubberized fabric, similar materials), cut and sew apparel contractors
Collar and cuff sets cut and sew apparel contractors
Contractors, cut and sew apparel
Corselets cut and sew apparel contractors
Corsets and allied garments (except surgical) cut and sew apparel contractors
Costumes (e.g., lodge, masquerade, theatrical) cut and sew apparel contractors
Coveralls, work, cut and sew apparel contractors
Culottes cut and sew apparel contractors
Cummerbunds cut and sew apparel contractors
Cut and sew apparel contractors
Cutting fabric owned by others for apparel
Diaper covers, water resistant and waterproof, cut and sew apparel contractors
Dickeys cut and sew apparel contractors
Down-filled clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Drawers cut and sew apparel contractors
Dress and semidress gloves cut and sew apparel contractors
Dress trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Dresses cut and sew apparel contractors
Dressing gowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Dungarees cut and sew apparel contractors
Dusters (i.e., apparel) cut and sew apparel contractors
Ensemble dresses cut and sew apparel contractors
Eyelet making contractors on apparel
Feather-filled clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Field jackets, military, cut and sew apparel contractors
Findings, suit and coat (e.g., coat fronts, pockets), cut and sew apparel contractors
Firefighters' dress uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Flannel shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Formal jackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Foundation garments cut and sew apparel contractors
Fur accessories and trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Fur apparel (e.g., capes, coats, hats, jackets, neckpieces) cut and sew apparel contractors
Fur clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Fur finishers, liners, and buttonhole makers cut and sew apparel contractors
Fur plates and trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Garments, leather or sheep-lined, cut and sew apparel contractors
Garter belts cut and sew apparel contractors
Garters cut and sew apparel contractors
Girdles cut and sew apparel contractors
Glove linings, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Gloves and mittens (except athletic), leather, fabric, fur, or combinations, cut and sew apparel contractors
Gloves and mittens, woven or knit, cut and sew apparel contractors
Gowns (e.g., academic, choir, clerical) cut and sew apparel contractors
Gowns, formal, cut and sew apparel contractors
Gowns, hospital, surgical and patient, cut and sew apparel contractors
Gowns, wedding, cut and sew apparel contractors
Graduation caps and gowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Handkerchiefs (except paper) cut and sew apparel contractors
Hat bodies (e.g., fur-felt, straw, wool-felt) cut and sew apparel contractors
Hat findings cut and sew apparel contractors
Hat linings and trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Hats (e.g., cloth, fur, fur-felt, leather, straw, wool-felt) cut and sew apparel contractors
Hats, trimmed, cut and sew apparel contractors
Headbands cut and sew apparel contractors
Hemstitching apparel contractors on apparel
Hospital service apparel, washable, cut and sew apparel contractors
Housecoats cut and sew apparel contractors
Housedresses cut and sew apparel contractors
Hunting coats and vests cut and sew apparel contractors
Industrial garments cut and sew apparel contractors
Infants' cut and sew apparel contractors
Jackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Jackets, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Jackets, leather (except welders') or sheep-lined, cut and sew apparel contractors
Jackets, service apparel (e.g., laboratory, medical), cut and sew apparel contractors
Jackets, ski, cut and sew apparel contractors
Jean-cut casual slacks cut and sew apparel contractors
Jeans cut and sew apparel contractors
Jerseys cut and sew apparel contractors
Jogging suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Jumpsuits cut and sew apparel contractors
Knickers cut and sew apparel contractors
Knit gloves cut and sew apparel contractors
Laboratory coats cut and sew apparel contractors
Leather apparel (e.g., capes, coats, hats, jackets) cut and sew apparel contractors
Leather clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Leather gloves or mittens (except athletic) cut and sew apparel contractors
Leggings cut and sew apparel contractors
Leotards cut and sew apparel contractors
Lingerie cut and sew apparel contractors
Linings, hat, cut and sew apparel contractors
Lounging robes and dressing gowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Mackinaws cut and sew apparel contractors
Maternity bras and corsets cut and sew apparel contractors
Medical service apparel cut and sew apparel contractors
Melton jackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Middies cut and sew apparel contractors
Military dress uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Millinery cut and sew apparel contractors
Millinery trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Mittens (e.g., leather, woven or knit) cut and sew apparel contractors
Mufflers cut and sew apparel contractors
Neckpieces, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Neckties cut and sew apparel contractors
Neckwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Negligees cut and sew apparel contractors
Nightgowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Nightshirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Nightwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Opera hats cut and sew apparel contractors
Overall jackets, work, cut and sew apparel contractors
Overalls, work, cut and sew apparel contractors
Overcoats cut and sew apparel contractors
Pajamas cut and sew apparel contractors
Panama hats cut and sew apparel contractors
Panties cut and sew apparel contractors
Pants (e.g., athletic, dress, leather, sweat, waterproof outerwear, work) cut and sew apparel contractors
Pants outfits cut and sew apparel contractors
Pantsuits cut and sew apparel contractors
Panty girdles cut and sew apparel contractors
Paper dresses cut and sew apparel contractors
Plastics gowns cut and sew apparel contractors
Plastics rainwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Playsuits cut and sew apparel contractors
Pleating contractors on apparel
Pockets (e.g., coat, suit) cut and sew apparel contractors
Police caps and hats (except protective head gear) cut and sew apparel contractors
Police uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Polo shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Ponchos and similar waterproof raincoats cut and sew apparel contractors
Prayer shawls cut and sew apparel contractors
Professional service apparel, washable, cut and sew apparel contractors
Raincoats (e.g., water resistant, waterproof, water-repellent) cut and sew apparel contractors
Riding clothes cut and sew apparel contractors
Robes, lounging, cut and sew apparel contractors
Rompers cut and sew apparel contractors
Scarves cut and sew apparel contractors
Service apparel, washable, cut and sew apparel contractors
Sewing fabric owned by others for apparel
Shirts, outerwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
Shirts, underwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
Shorts, outerwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
Shorts, underwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
Ski pants cut and sew apparel contractors
Ski suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Skirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Slacks cut and sew apparel contractors
Slacks, jean-cut casual, cut and sew apparel contractors
Slips cut and sew apparel contractors
Snowsuits cut and sew apparel contractors
Sport coats cut and sew apparel contractors
Sport coats, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Sport coats, leather (including artificial and tailored), cut and sew apparel contractors
Sport shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Sports clothing cut and sew apparel contractors
Suit trimmings cut and sew apparel contractors
Suits (i.e., nontailored, tailored, work) cut and sew apparel contractors
Suspenders cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweat bands cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweat pants cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweat suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweater jackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweater vests cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweaters cut and sew apparel contractors
Sweatshirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Swimsuits cut and sew apparel contractors
Tailored dress and sport coats cut and sew apparel contractors
Tank tops cut and sew apparel contractors
Team athletic uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors
Teddies cut and sew apparel contractors
Tennis shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Tennis skirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Theatrical costumes cut and sew apparel contractors
Ties cut and sew apparel contractors
Topcoats cut and sew apparel contractors
Training pants (i.e., underwear) cut and sew apparel contractors
Trimmings, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors
Trousers cut and sew apparel contractors
T-shirts, outerwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
T-shirts, underwear, cut and sew apparel contractors
Tuxedos cut and sew apparel contractors
Underwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Underwear shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Underwear shorts cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniform hats and caps cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniform shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniforms, band, cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniforms, dress (e.g., military, police, firefighter), cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniforms, nontailored, cut and sew apparel contractors
Uniforms, team athletic, cut and sew apparel contractors
Union suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Vestments, academic and clerical, cut and sew apparel contractors
Vests cut and sew apparel contractors
Vests, leather, fur, or sheep-lined, cut and sew apparel contractors
Warmup suits cut and sew apparel contractors
Washable service apparel (e.g., barbers', hospital, professional) cut and sew apparel contractors
Water resistant apparel cut and sew apparel contractors
Water resistant outerwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Waterproof outerwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Water-repellent outerwear cut and sew apparel contractors
Wedding dresses cut and sew apparel contractors
Windbreakers cut and sew apparel contractors
Work coats and jackets cut and sew apparel contractors
Work gloves, leather, cut and sew apparel contractors
Work pants cut and sew apparel contractors
Work shirts cut and sew apparel contractors
How Item Can Help
Item.com WMS optimizes apparel warehouse space for mixed batches while tracking fabric yardage efficiently.
Yard Management software ensures accurate fabric tracking and reduces fabric waste for cut-and-sew contracts.
Order Management streamlines high-volume garment fulfillment, matching styles across manufacturers and retail orders.
