315210 - Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors
The apparel manufacturing industry is vast and diverse, with numerous specialized processes and business models. One critical sector within this industry is NAICS Code 315210, representing Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors. This niche plays a vital role in transforming fabric and materials into finished garments — predominantly on a contract basis. If you're exploring opportunities in apparel manufacturing, understanding this NAICS code is essential for market insight, government contracting, and business classification.
What is NAICS Code 315210?
NAICS code 315210 covers establishments primarily engaged in cutting and sewing apparel from purchased fabric and other materials, typically under contract for other companies. Importantly, these contractors focus strictly on manufacturing services — they do not design or market the apparel themselves. Their core expertise lies in bringing pre-designed garments to life via skilled sewing and assembly.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
- Sector: Manufacturing
- Industry Group: Apparel Manufacturing
Businesses classified under NAICS 315210 are engaged in various contract-based apparel manufacturing operations such as:
- Contract apparel manufacturing
- Cut and sew garment production
- Custom sewing services for clothing brands
These contractors serve fashion brands, wholesalers, and retailers needing reliable manufacturing partners without internal sewing capacity.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 315210
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sets the size standard for this industry at 750 employees for eligibility as a small business. This size cap is crucial for firms seeking government contracts or small business certifications under this NAICS code.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 315210
- Contract apparel manufacturing facilities producing uniforms or sportswear
- Custom sewing shops handling fashion brand garment production
- Specialized cut and sew firms crafting waterproof apparel or leather garments on demand
- Manufacturers supplying service apparel (hospital, professional, industrial) without design functions
NAICS Code 315210 — Detailed Code Description Table
| Code Description | Classification |
|---|---|
| Apparel cut and sew contractors | Core activity |
| Apparel trimmings and findings cut and sew apparel contractors | Accessory manufacturing |
| Apparel, fur, cut and sew apparel contractors | Specialty materials |
| Appliqueing on apparel | Decoration process |
| Aprons, waterproof (including rubberized fabric, plastics), cut and sew apparel contractors | Protective apparel |
| Athletic clothing cut and sew apparel contractors | Sportswear manufacturing |
| Baseball caps (except plastics) cut and sew apparel contractors | Headwear production |
| Bathing suits cut and sew apparel contractors | Swimwear manufacturing |
| Belts, apparel (e.g., fabric, leather, vinyl), cut and sew apparel contractors | Accessories production |
| Bridal dresses or gowns cut and sew apparel contractors | Formal wear manufacturing |
| Coats (e.g., tailored, fur, artificial leather, leather, sheep-lined), cut and sew apparel contractors | Outerwear production |
| Dress and semidress gloves cut and sew apparel contractors | Glove manufacturing |
| Firefighters' dress uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors | Uniform manufacturing |
| Jackets cut and sew apparel contractors | Outerwear production |
| Leather apparel (e.g., capes, coats, hats, jackets) cut and sew apparel contractors | Specialty product manufacturing |
| Medical service apparel cut and sew apparel contractors | Service and professional apparel |
| Military dress uniforms cut and sew apparel contractors | Uniform manufacturing |
| Pants (e.g., athletic, dress, leather, sweat, waterproof outerwear, work) cut and sew apparel contractors | Diverse pants apparel manufacturing |
| Raincoats (e.g., water resistant, waterproof, water-repellent) cut and sew apparel contractors | Outerwear specialty |
| Shirts, outerwear, cut and sew apparel contractors | Casual and formal shirts |
| Skirts cut and sew apparel contractors | Lower garment production |
| Suits (nontailored, tailored, work) cut and sew apparel contractors | Business and workwear |
| T-shirts, outerwear, cut and sew apparel contractors | Casual apparel production |
| Uniforms, band and team athletic cut and sew apparel contractors | Specialty uniform manufacturing |
| Work coats and jackets cut and sew apparel contractors | Industrial and service apparel |
Note: This is a representative selection from the extensive list covered within NAICS 315210.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does NAICS 315210 specifically cover?
It covers establishments engaged in cutting and sewing apparel from purchased fabric and other materials on a contract basis, excluding design and marketing activities.
Which sector does NAICS 315210 belong to?
It belongs to the Manufacturing sector, specifically within apparel manufacturing.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 315210?
The size standard is 750 employees to qualify as a small business.
What types of garments are made by cut and sew apparel contractors?
They produce a wide range including uniforms, athletic apparel, outerwear, formal wear, and specialized garments like waterproof coats and leather apparel.
Can these contractors design apparel?
No, their services are limited to manufacturing; designers and marketers engage separately.
Are cut and sew apparel contractors eligible for government contracts?
Yes, if they meet the SBA size standards and other regulatory requirements, they can pursue government contracts.
Conclusion
Understanding NAICS Code 315210 - Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors is crucial for anyone involved in apparel manufacturing, contracting, or government procurement. This code encapsulates the essential contract manufacturing services that turn fabric into finished garments for brands and businesses nationwide. Whether you're a business owner seeking to classify your operation or a buyer searching for manufacturing partners, knowing the specifics of NAICS 315210 empowers smart decision-making and compliance.
Keywords: NAICS 315210, cut and sew apparel contractors, contract apparel manufacturing, custom sewing services, apparel manufacturing sector, SBA size standards, apparel production, garment manufacturing, government contracting.
