31525 - Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors)

In the intricate world of manufacturing, NAICS Code 31525 plays a vital role in the apparel industry. Known as Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors), this classification represents businesses specializing in transforming purchased fabric into finished apparel products. Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or government contractor, understanding this NAICS code is crucial for market identification, compliance, and opportunity recognition.

What is NAICS Code 31525?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 31525 encompasses establishments primarily engaged in cutting and sewing apparel from purchased fabric and other materials, but it explicitly excludes contractors who perform these activities on a contract basis. These manufacturers create a wide variety of apparel including:

• Dresses
• Suits
• Outerwear
• And more

This classification targets core production businesses that own their design, production process, and inventory, differentiating them from contract sewers or outsourced manufacturers.

Sector: Manufacturing

NAICS Code 31525 falls under the Manufacturing Sector, an essential component of the economy involving the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials or substances. In this sector, firms under this specific code focus on:

• Cutting fabric
• Sewing apparel components
• Assembling garments
• Quality control and finishing operations

This sector is pivotal in satisfying consumer and business demands for diverse clothing products.

Typical Business Activities in NAICS Code 31525

Businesses categorized under NAICS 31525 often engage in:

• Cut and sew manufacturing of women's dresses
• Production of men's suits and coats
• Manufacturing children’s outerwear and related apparel
• Apparel product design and material sourcing
• Full-scale assembly and finishing of garments

These activities involve sophisticated machinery, skilled labor, and consistent quality standards.

Size Standards for NAICS Code 31525 Eligibility

For government contracting and other regulatory purposes, businesses classified under NAICS 31525 must adhere to specific size standards. The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards based on either average annual receipts or number of employees. For NAICS Code 31525:

Threshold Type	Limit
Average Annual Receipts	$25 million
Number of Employees	Not specifically defined for this code

Businesses must not exceed the $25 million receipts cap to qualify as a small business under this code, impacting their eligibility for federal contracts and programs.

NAICS Code 31525 - Detailed Code Information

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	31525
Industry Title	Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors)
Sector	Manufacturing
Description	Establishments primarily engaged in cutting and sewing apparel from purchased fabrics, excluding contract sewers.
Typical Products	Women's dresses, men's suits and coats, children's outerwear
Size Standard (SBA)	$25 million in average annual receipts
Exclusions	Contract apparel manufacturing on a contract basis

Examples of Businesses Classified Under NAICS 31525

• A manufacturer specializing in cut and sew production of women's formal dresses.
• A company producing tailored men's suits and outerwear with owned design processes.
• An apparel manufacturer focusing on children's jackets and coats, managing full assembly operations.

These companies typically handle their design, fabric procurement, cutting, sewing, and finishing internally without subcontracting the production process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of apparel does NAICS 31525 include?

NAICS 31525 includes dresses, suits, coats, outerwear, and similar apparel items primarily sewn from purchased fabrics.

Does this code cover contractors who sew garments?

No, it excludes contractors who perform cut and sew operations on behalf of other businesses.

What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 31525?

The SBA sets the small business size standard at $25 million in average annual receipts for this code.

Can businesses classified under NAICS 31525 subcontract out sewing?

No, businesses must primarily perform cutting and sewing themselves to be classified here.

How is NAICS 31525 different from other apparel manufacturing codes?

This code specifically excludes contractors and focuses on manufacturers who own and operate cut and sew processes in-house.

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By understanding NAICS Code 31525, manufacturers and stakeholders can better position themselves for compliance, contract eligibility, and market segmentation in the competitive cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry. Whether you're producing high-end menswear or children’s outerwear, this code defines where your establishment fits within the broader manufacturing landscape.

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Keywords: NAICS 31525, Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing, Apparel Manufacturing NAICS Code, Cut and Sew Manufacturers, SBA Size Standards, Apparel Manufacturing Sector