Key Facts & Statistics on the U.S. Textile Manufacturing Industry

If you think of the textile industry as one of America’s oldest trades, you would be right, but you would also be overlooking how dynamic it has become. The sector that once clothed early America has evolved into a high-tech, global player supplying not just apparel and furnishings but also advanced materials for automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

Today’s textile mills are a study in contrasts: legacy family-owned companies operating alongside cutting-edge producers of smart fabrics and engineered fibers. Recent trade actions and shifting consumer priorities have prompted a renewed focus on domestic capability. Instead of relying solely on global sourcing, many firms are strengthening local partnerships, investing in sustainable production, and embracing innovation to compete in a global marketplace.

In this article, we’ll explore key facts about the U.S. textile manufacturing industry based on exclusive data collected directly from the nation’s companies by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect. 

Key Statistics and Trends in the U.S. Textile Manufacturing Industry

Textile production remains a vital part of U.S. manufacturing, with companies supplying essential materials to consumer and industrial markets alike. According to verified data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. textile sector includes:

• 2,038 companies nationwide
• 149,000 employees, representing a slight decline of 0.5% over the past year
•  $52 billion in total reported sales across the industry
• 3% women-owned companies and 1% minority-owned companies
•  48% of manufacturers reporting international distribution
•  32% importing raw materials, compared to just 11% across all manufacturing
• 137,000 square feet as the average facility size
• 51 years as the average company age

What Do Textile Manufacturers Make?

Textile manufacturing in the United States covers the entire value chain—from fiber and yarn production to fabric finishing and specialized applications. The industry’s structure reflects both its deep heritage and its modernization for advanced uses.

Miscellaneous Textile Goods (SIC 229): 742 companies (36.4%)

This broad category includes producers of specialty textiles such as coated fabrics, nonwoven goods, and narrow woven products. These materials are used in industrial filtration, protective gear, and other technical applications. The largest subcategories are Textile Goods, Not Elsewhere Classified; Cordage and Twine; and Nonwoven Fabrics.

Knitting Mills (SIC 225): 279 companies (13.7%)

Knitting mills manufacture hosiery, activewear, and knit fabrics for apparel and upholstery. The most common operations include hosiery production, knit outerwear, and warp-knit fabric manufacturing for performance and fashion markets.

Carpets and Rugs (SIC 227): 258 companies (12.7%)

Carpet and rug mills produce floor coverings for residential, commercial, and automotive use. Most facilities specialize in tufted or woven carpeting, and many companies are investing in recycled materials and sustainable fiber blends.

Yarn and Thread Mills (SIC 228): 168 companies (8.3%)

Yarn and thread mills produce both natural and synthetic fibers, sewing threads, and specialty yarns. Common subcategories include yarn spinning mills, thread mills, and spun-yarn producers supplying apparel, furniture, and industrial sectors.

Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Cotton (SIC 221): 152 companies (7.5%)

Cotton fabric mills remain a cornerstone of U.S. textiles. These firms manufacture woven fabrics for clothing, upholstery, and industrial products, continuing a long tradition of American cotton-based manufacturing.

Textile Finishing (SIC 226): 149 companies (7.3%)

Textile finishing firms provide dyeing, bleaching, and printing services that give fabrics their color, texture, and performance characteristics. Their work is essential in preparing materials for fashion, home goods, and industrial use.

Where Are Textile Manufacturers Located?

The geography of U.S. textile manufacturing tells a story of both legacy and reinvention. The South continues to dominate, accounting for 53% of all textile companies, followed by the East Coast at 22%. The Midwest and Pacific regions each account for 12%, reflecting a mix of heritage mills and modern specialty operations.

Top States for Textile Manufacturing (by Employment)

1. California – 27,537 employees (18.4%)

California leads the nation in textile employment, supported by companies producing apparel fabrics, nonwovens, and home furnishings. The state’s vast consumer market and strong ties to fashion, entertainment, and technology make it a powerful force in textile innovation.

2. North Carolina – 12,667 employees (8.5%)

North Carolina remains a cornerstone of American textiles, home to yarn spinners, knitting operations, and advanced finishing facilities. The state’s universities and technical centers also play a vital role in developing new materials and production methods.

3. Texas – 10,790 employees (7.2%)

Texas continues to expand its textile presence, producing industrial fabrics, yarn, and home textiles. The state’s logistics infrastructure and strong export connections enhance its manufacturing base.

4. Florida – 9,436 employees (6.3%)

Florida’s textile sector specializes in nonwoven goods, contract manufacturing, and specialty fabrics serving the retail and hospitality markets. Its proximity to Latin American trade routes also strengthens export activity.

5. New York – 8,858 employees (5.9%)

New York remains a hub for apparel, décor, and technical textile companies. Its blend of manufacturing, fashion design, and export-oriented production makes it one of the most diverse textile states.

6. Ohio – 8,472 employees (5.7%)

Ohio’s long-standing fiber and yarn production base continues alongside the growth of engineered fabrics and industrial textile applications.

7. Pennsylvania – 7,933 employees (5.3%)

Pennsylvania remains a leader in textile finishing, industrial fabrics, and carpet manufacturing. Its diversified industrial base supports a wide variety of production.

8. New Jersey – 6,745 employees (4.5%)

New Jersey’s textile producers serve niche markets including medical, industrial, and high-fashion textiles, taking advantage of proximity to major East Coast cities.

9. Georgia – 6,665 employees (4.4%)

Georgia combines a strong legacy in yarn spinning and carpet manufacturing with a growing emphasis on high-performance and technical fabrics.

10. Michigan – 5,880 employees (3.9%)

Michigan’s textile companies supply the automotive, aerospace, and technical sectors with seat fabrics, filtration materials, and composite textiles.

Top Cities for Textile Manufacturing (by Employment)

• Los Angeles, CA – 7,816 employees. Los Angeles leads the nation in apparel textiles, nonwovens, and contract manufacturing, serving the fashion and entertainment industries.
• Miami, FL – 4,734 employees. Miami’s textile producers support apparel, upholstery, and export-oriented manufacturing that serves both domestic and Latin American markets.
• New York, NY – 3,708 employees. New York City remains a global hub for apparel and home textiles, blending design, production, and retail activity.
• San Antonio, TX – 2,937 employees. San Antonio’s mills focus on industrial and specialty fabrics as well as regional apparel production.
• Houston, TX – 2,578 employees. Houston’s producers manufacture textiles for industrial, energy, and filtration applications.

Who Owns America’s Textile Manufacturers?

The U.S. textile industry remains largely entrepreneurial and family-driven. Nearly 40% of companies operate as private corporations, while limited liability and Subchapter S corporations account for about one-quarter of the total. Publicly traded corporations represent a smaller share by count but employ a larger portion of the workforce, particularly in areas like carpet, apparel, and technical materials. Sole proprietors and partnerships remain active in regional and niche markets, reflecting the industry’s long-standing culture of independence and innovation.

Connecting with U.S. Textile Manufacturers

If you’re looking to reach textile manufacturers across the United States, the Textile Mill Products Industrial Database from MNI, provides verified company profiles, executive contacts, and powerful filters for sales, marketing, recruiting, and sourcing. Looking for a different industry? Explore all of our 200+ databases, available by industry, region, state, executive type, and more. 

Start with a free demo account, preloaded with 500 verified profiles, and see how IndustrySelect can help you connect directly with decision-makers in America’s textile manufacturing industry.