The political climate is shifting and one of the most common questions we get is where our garments are made. And because we’re all about transparency at BELLA+CANVAS, we wanted to shine some light on our American made shirt’s supply chain so you know exactly where our tees come from!
USA Manufacturing
American made shirts are something we believe in deeply, which is precisely why we’ve dedicated immeasurable resources to growing our domestic sewing during the two-plus decades we’ve been manufacturing tees. We employ over 1,000 people in our Los Angeles facility, including our domestic sewing operation that yields an astounding 10 million units per year. What’s more? We also have a Made in the USA Collection that is dyed, cut, and sewn in the US, and our private label program is totally USA made as well.
Hybrid Manufacturing
We’ve developed a hybrid approach to our manufacturing that utilizes America’s strengths along with the strengths of our international partners to create the highest quality product, at the best price, all while supporting US jobs.
Sourcing American Made Shirts:
We source fiber yarns and knit yarns from sources locally and from the best suppliers around the globe. Because our sourcing is not restricted by any trade agreements, we have the ability to access the highest quality raw materials in the world, and in turn, make best fabrics in the industry.
Dyeing American Made Shirts:
We dye our American made shirt’s fabric locally (in Southern California) using the most efficient dyeing equipment available. For every pound of fabric dyed, we only use 3 gallons of water, which is 2-5 times less than other apparel manufacturers. To ensure the highest level of consistency of color, our color matching is all computer driven. Every fabric lot is color matched using automated equipment and checked on a lot by lot basis for consistency.
Cutting American Made Shirts:
Almost all of our cutting takes place right here, at our Los Angeles manufacturing headquarters. We have the most advanced cutting facility in North America and have developed proprietary software and cutting tables that allow us to cut an absurd number of garments, about 3 million, a week with unmatched precision. We utilize automated technology that makes it possible for all cutting to be done by machine, and after the blade precisely cuts the fabric, it makes small notches indicating exactly where the pieces should be lined up when sewn, ensuring perfect construction. Having the dyeing and cutting processes in our backyard (literally!) allows us to produce American made shirts with the utmost attention to quality assurance.
Assembly:
Cut fabrics are then assembled locally or in other sewing facilities in the north and central American regions. Our quality control team is in every factory ensuring the sewers are finishing garments with the exacting quality that the BELLA+CANVAS brand is known for. Also, the neck label on each BELLA+CANVAS piece lists the country the garment is sewn as country of origin. That said, a BELLA+CANVAS tee with a tag that says “Nicaragua” still has USA-made elements to it.
Off-the-Shelf and Ready to Ship:
Once the garments are sewn, they return to our US headquarters to go through a final round of quality control. They’re then sent out to our distributors or stored in our massive distribution center in LA, so when a customer places an order, it’s ready to ship that day. We have over 100 million garments in stock so you can always order with confidence!
The result is a first-tier global operation led by technology and data – all available in Los Angeles. If you are in the LA area, we’d love for you to stop by for a tour! Interested? Reach out to [email protected].
Check out our new brand video for what makes us different!
56 Comments
JT
So what about the NOT MADE IN AMERICA collection?????
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi JT, Our apparel is dyed, dried and cut here in Los Angeles! We have some apparel assembled in other countries as well as the U.S. However, items like our 3001U are guaranteed to be made 100% in USA, hence the “U” after the style number! Fore more questions regarding where and how our apparel is made, reach out to us at [email protected]!
peter mwangi
wow; i think your products is one of the best and world wide products that i like most.i always fell part and partial of u when am in your bland.
Ricky
Are your products made in the USA? I called our distributor (Alphabroder) to confirm and they told me that Bella products are made in many different countries. The tricky part is, my client wants a USA made T shirt but I can’t guarantee them that Bella is in fact made in America. Can you clarify this? How do I know which shirt is or isn’t made in the USA when selling to clients?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Ricky! Our apparel is dyed, dried and cut here in Los Angeles! We have some apparel assembled in other countries as well as the U.S. However, items like our 3001U are guaranteed to be made 100% in USA, hence the “U” after the style number! Fore more questions regarding where and how our apparel is made, reach out to us at [email protected]!
Homer Boyer
We would like to offer you the opportunity to register in our free Made in USA database on our website https://otexa.trade.gov. I can send you an email that explains the whole program and provides a link to register. Please send me an email at [email protected] or call 202-482-5156.
Thank you,
Homer Boyer
Office of Textile & Apparel
Industry & Analysis
International Trade Administration
U.S
Glen
When I choose the Bella Canvas 3001U as my DTG option at Printful, their tag for shows ‘Made in Nicaragua’. I would think that the ‘U’ stood for ‘unisex’, not USA.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Glen! The 3001U means it’s made in the USA, but our 3001 is made of US components and sometimes assembled in Nicaragua. I hope this helps clear any confusion!
Storm
How can I purchase tees from Bella+Canvas as my distributor for my business?
Nick
Do you offer wholesale pricing and/or establish partnerships with local private label clothing manufacturers?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hey Nick! Yes, we sell wholesale apparel. You can create an account on bellacanvas.com. Please review the requirements by clicking the Create an Account on the top right corner of our homepage. You may also order through a distributor. Email [email protected]_ for more information on purchasing or partnerships!
Sophia Vitale
If the clothing is assembled in other countries, where can we find information regarding labor standards in those facilities? The reason I seek US-made garments is to ensure safe and fair labor practices for those making my clothing. Thanks
BELLA+CANVAS
You can find all of our wrap certification information on our website using the link below:
https://www.bellacanvas.com/company-info?#navigate=corp-respons
All of our production is 100% sweatshop-free and Platinum W.R.A.P. Certified, you can also check out the following videos for more information on our production process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvrYkUakX2s
All of our garments have different COO but our 3001U is the only garment that is 100% made in the USA, please see link below:
https://www.bellacanvas.com/product/3001U/Unisex-Made-in-the-USA-Jersey-Short-Sleeve-Tee.html
If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to reach out!
Penny
Are the shirts 100% cotton? Do any of the colors have polyester? I’m wondering how they shrink to know my size. I’m always in between a small and medium.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Penny! Our products come in various fabrications! Our Jersey collection features shirts made of 100% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Our flowy collection features shirts made of 65% polyester and 35% viscose. For the full list of fabrication details, check out the “Details” Tab beneath each product!
Knipidee
Great content, thanks for sharing!
Lily
I like your T-shirt’s but I am wondering more about production and quality of life for your workers both in nation and around the globe. Where are your fibers sourced and how do you maintain quality and safety of facilities, living wages, and benefits to working families? Do you have a code of ethics available to the public beyond what’s on the website?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hello Lily, thank you for contacting BELLA+CANVAS!
We are Platinum Wrap Certified, WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is a globally recognized, independent 3rd party certifying body whose mission is to promote ethical, humane and lawful conditions and practices in all manufacturing facilities. To learn more about our corporate responsibilities, please see below or for more information follow the link: https://www.bellacanvas.com/company-info?#navigate=cpsia
What Principles Does the WRAP Certification Include?
Human resources management
Health and safety standards
Environmental and eco-friendly practices
Legal compliance including import/export, customs compliance and security standards
Tune into our new video series, US vs THEM, to find out exactly what goes into all the most important attributes of a tee — fit, consistency, softness, durability, and environmental impact. Learn more here: https://www.bellacanvas.com/us-vs-them
Here at BELLA+CANVAS, we have a USA-strong approach to production. This means that almost the entire manufacturing process takes place right here in America. We’re designing it here, dyeing it here and cutting it here. The garments are then assembled in the U.S. or Central America. All of our production is 100% sweatshop-free and Platinum W.R.A.P. Certified. For more information, please see below:
https://www.bellacanvas.com/usa-strong
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns ?
Gregory Sellers
Hi. Regarding Bella+Canvas. What country is the tri-blend fabric manufactured in? We know that you “design, cut, and dye” your fabric in L.A. and that you assemble in Nicaragua. We know that you are Platinum WRAP certified. The question that is not yet answered is: What country are the giant rolls of fabric manufactured in originally (before they are designed, cut, etc . Is it China, Bangladesh?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Gregory! Thank you for reaching out. We source most of our fabric from India. Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Jeff Pearson
Hello hello,
Some of the villaige idiots and I were at the Windjammer on the Isle Of Palms this afternoon where it where the ocean breeze made it a little chilly. We each bought your fleece hoodies and were all really impressed with how soft and comfortable they were/are.
It made me want more of your stuff. How might I go about buying just a few different single items? Local Rep perhaps?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hey Jeff! Thanks for reaching out. We love to hear you were impressed with our products!
We sell wholesale apparel. You can create an account on bellacanvas.com. Please review the requirements by clicking the Create an Account on the top right corner of our homepage as you will need to have a resell license. You may also order through a distributor via http://www.bellacanvas.com/distributor-locator OR through our new retail site at shop.bellacanvas.com
Please email us at [email protected] for more information!
Thanks!
Jeanmarie Langman
This bellacanvas.com and American Made Shirts article has helped me a lot, is very well written, I’m glad I found it.
My friend DorrisGriff and I used best weight loss product:
https://s96.me/fit and we reached the ideal weight.
I’m so happy now! 🙂 Kiss you all!
Pamela
Hi!
Have you considered changing the name of your “fast fashion” line of products? It really has a negative implication in the fashion world and represents harmful practices and values that go against what Bella & Canvas stand for – sustainable, ethical, quality production of clothing. I’m confused, why would you use this name?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Pamela! Thanks for reaching out. Our Fast Fashion collection was created to curate fashion forward silhouettes to the wholesale market. Our sustainability efforts diminish any preconceptions on the “fast fashion” term, by manufacturing in a no-sweatshop, eco-friendly approach:)
fleck 5600sxt water softener reviews
I’m not sure the place you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time studying more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent info I used to be in search of
this info for my mission.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi, thanks for reaching out. BELLA+CANVAS is our brand so all this information is being given directly from us to you! We’re glad you found it useful!
เช็คพัสดุ นินจา
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should publish more on this
subject matter, it might not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t
discuss these subjects. To the next! Many thanks!!
BELLA+CANVAS
Thanks for your positive feedback! Feel free to check out our Youtube channel as well! We have plenty of videos uploaded about our brand:)
Leslie Harris
Hi! A conversation came up today and the tag on my shirt said Made in the USA of foreign fabric. It is 100% cotton. Can you tell me where you get the fabric from?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Leslie! Thank you for reaching out! We source most of our fabric from India.
Ashley
Which shirts are either solely USA made or in collaboration with solely LGBTQ friendly countries? I work with an LGBTQ non-profit that wants their swag to be solely made and touched by allies of the community, any recommendations?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Ashley! Our 3001U is 100% made in the US. Some of our products are assembled in Central America but we unfortunately don’t know where they stand as far as their beliefs.
Elaine
It says on your production details that “All US production and office facilities have received Platinum accreditation from WRAP. We only work with partners who share our values of a humane and safe workplace and are in the process of becoming WRAP certified.” Are the non-US places involved in production (ex. assembling in Nicaragua and sourcing the fabric from India) not WRAP or GOTS certified?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Elaine! They are actually! We only work with partners who are WRAP certified or in the process of becoming certified. 🙂
Andrew
Hi,
Are you employees unionized?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hello! Thanks for reaching out. We are not unionized!
Robin
You say your shirts are “Made in the USA” but “assembled” in other counties and the fabric is sourced from India. Most would not consider this “Made in the USA”. Production of the fabric used and assembly of the shirts are both vital components of making the garment, are they not? My client requires 100% US-based manufacturing. Do any B+C products meet that standard – 100% US-based production?
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Robin! Thanks for sharing your input. Our 3001U is 100% made in the US, which is part of our Made in the USA collection. Please note that while we do dye and cut everything in Los Angeles and sewn them in our LA sewing factory or in Central America, our USA Strong production model doesn’t necessarily mean our garments are all made in America. We proudly provide American jobs and have become the largest dyer and cutter of apparel in the U.S!
Mir razin mahmud
May I know the name of the dyeing machines that you are using for dyeing the garments. How efficient and environmentally friendly are the machines. How is it saving water and chemicals.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi there! Yes, you can learn more about our eco-friendly dyeing process and manufacturing through here: https://blog.bellacanvas.com/eco-friendly-dyeing-tees/ & https://blog.bellacanvas.com/eco-friendly-manufacturing/
Ellen
Do you have or are you perusing any 3rd party certifications for your processes?
What do you mean by “high quality cotton?” What is the environmental and human impact of that part of your supply chain? What kind of labor standards are you maintaining for your US and other manufacturers? I tend to be skeptical of any company that claims transparency but doesn’t back it up with 3rd party review.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Ellen! We use the most premium blend of combed and ring spun cotton called Airlume. The raw cotton we use goes through a unique process where it’s literally combed through to remove impurities. Then it’s ring-spun to create a long, nice strand of yarn. That yarn is turned into our Airlume Combed & Ring-Spun Cotton jersey fabric, which has a super tight weave, smooth consistency and creates an ideal surface to print on. In regards to your comment about 3rd party certifications, all US production and office facilities have received Platinum accreditation from WRAP. We only work with partners who share our values of a humane and safe workplace and are in the process of getting all our international facilities WRAP certified as well. Every one of our styles that are produced overseas are fair trade, and we produce over 10 million garments each year in the United States. At BELLA+CANVAS, we’ve also set out to reduce our footprint in two ways in our eco-friendly manufacturing process. To learn more about our Anti-Sweatshop Movement, our Airlume cotton, and our manufacturing process, feel free to check out these blog posts:
https://blog.bellacanvas.com/anti-sweatshop-movement/
https://blog.bellacanvas.com/airlume-best-cotton/
https://blog.bellacanvas.com/eco-friendly-manufacturing/
Kelsey
Can you tell us about your labor practices in other countries? I’m fine with the items being assembled outside the US , but I’d like to know it’s still ethical.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Kelsey! Of course! Every one of our styles that are produced overseas are fair trade! We only work with partners who share our values of a humane and safe workplace and are in the process of getting all our international facilities WRAP certified as well. You can check out one of our other blog posts to learn more via https://blog.bellacanvas.com/anti-sweatshop-movement/
RG
In a reply to “Ricky” on 4/25/2019 a representative states: “items like our 3001U are guaranteed to be made 100% in the USA hence the “U” after the style number!” Later replies to similar inquiries contradict this. I want to partner with companies that offer clothing that is 100% USA made in Are any of your products 100% made in the USA? Thank you,
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi there, yes we have products that are dyed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles! This is the 3001U or talk with your sales rep to see what else we are sewing at our HQ!
Heather
Which country is the fabric used to manufacture your 3001U shirts from?
BELLA+CANVAS
We get our raw goods from a variety of places, however, we dye and cut our fabric in Los Angeles! We have some sewing in the US and some sewing takes place in Central America.
Julie
I understand from other comments and replies that you have international sources for your components like cloth from India. Are these also sweatshop/ slavery free facilities? I don’t mind purchasing from either USA or international sources, but I don’t want my tshirt to perpetuate someone else’s oppression.
BELLA+CANVAS
Hi Julie! We only work with partners who share our values of a humane and safe workplace. With that being said, all of our garments produced overseas are fair trade. We are in the process of getting all our international facilities WRAP certified as well. Visit https://blog.bellacanvas.com/anti-sweatshop-movement/ to learn more!
Lelex Shop
Wow-what a great informative article.Thanks to share us such an important thing. I have also a great collection for the deer hunter t-shirts.
Grace Stefan
Absolutely love this post! You’ve easily given great sustainable and ethical brands for all my needs. Thank you so much!
BELLA+CANVAS
We appreciate the love!