Textiles and the North Texas Economy
The textile and apparel industry has deep roots in Texas, from cotton farming in the High Plains to garment manufacturing and distribution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Today, Carrollton's strategic position near major highways, rail lines, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport makes it an ideal location for companies that design, distribute, and sell textile products. Local businesses including uniform suppliers, promotional product companies, interior designers, hospitality operators, and fashion brands all depend on reliable textile manufacturers.
Whether a business needs workwear, upholstery fabrics, performance yarns, or commercial flooring, choosing the right manufacturer affects quality, cost, and sustainability. Here are ten of the best textile manufacturers serving Carrollton and North Texas buyers.
1. Williamson-Dickie
Founded in Fort Worth, Williamson-Dickie is one of the most iconic workwear brands in America. Its durable work pants, shirts, and uniforms are widely used by tradespeople, industrial workers, and service businesses throughout Carrollton and the Metroplex.
2. Haggar Clothing
Dallas-based Haggar has a long history of producing men's apparel, particularly slacks and dress pants. Its Texas heritage and focus on comfortable, affordable clothing make it a well-known name in the regional apparel market.
3. Milliken and Company
Milliken is a global leader in textile innovation, producing performance fabrics, protective textiles, and specialty materials. Its fabrics are used in uniforms, healthcare settings, and industrial applications, and its commitment to research drives advances in durability and safety.
4. Unifi
Unifi is a major producer of recycled and synthetic yarns, best known for its recycled performance fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Brands seeking sustainable materials for apparel and home goods rely on Unifi's products.
5. Glen Raven
Glen Raven manufactures performance fabrics used in outdoor furniture, awnings, marine applications, and protective apparel. Its well-known outdoor fabrics are popular with Carrollton patio retailers, restaurants, and homeowners.
6. Culp
Culp produces mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. Furniture makers and interior designers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area value its design variety and quality.
7. Parkdale Mills
Parkdale is one of the largest spun yarn producers in the world, supplying cotton and blended yarns to fabric manufacturers. Its operations connect directly to the Texas cotton supply chain.
8. Hanesbrands
Hanesbrands manufactures basic apparel such as T-shirts, underwear, and activewear. Its blank apparel is widely used by screen printers and promotional product companies in Carrollton for custom branded merchandise.
9. Interface
Interface is a global manufacturer of modular carpet tiles and resilient flooring with a strong sustainability focus. Commercial offices, schools, and healthcare facilities in North Texas use its products for durable, design-forward flooring.
10. Shaw Industries
Shaw Industries is one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world, producing carpet, hardwood, and resilient flooring. Its residential and commercial products are widely sold through retailers and contractors serving Carrollton homes and businesses.
Applications of Textiles for Local Businesses
Carrollton businesses use textiles in many ways. Warehouses and manufacturers need durable workwear and safety apparel. Restaurants and hotels purchase uniforms, linens, and upholstery. Promotional companies print logos on blank T-shirts and bags. Offices and schools install commercial carpet and acoustic fabrics. Healthcare providers require antimicrobial and fluid-resistant textiles for scrubs and furnishings.
Choosing a Textile Manufacturer
Consider product quality, minimum order quantities, lead times, and pricing. Ask about certifications for safety, flame resistance, or sustainability. Evaluate whether the manufacturer can provide consistent supply and customization options. Working with distributors in the Dallas area can help smaller businesses access major brands without large minimum orders.
Textile Industry Trends
Sustainability is reshaping the textile industry, with growing demand for recycled fibers, water-saving dyeing processes, and circular product programs. Performance fabrics with moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, and antimicrobial properties are increasingly popular. Nearshoring and domestic production are gaining momentum as companies seek shorter, more resilient supply chains, and digital printing allows smaller, customized production runs.
Sourcing Tips for Carrollton Businesses
Smaller companies often find it challenging to source textiles directly from large manufacturers because of minimum order requirements. Working with regional distributors, uniform suppliers, and fabric wholesalers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area provides access to major brands in more manageable quantities. Request samples before placing large orders to confirm color, weight, durability, and comfort. For branded apparel, ask decorators which blank garments print or embroider best with your designs. Restaurants and hospitality businesses should compare linen rental services against purchasing to determine the most cost-effective approach. Businesses with sustainability goals can request recycled content documentation and third-party certifications from suppliers. Building long-term relationships with reliable suppliers can also improve pricing, priority during busy seasons, and consistency across repeated orders.
Planning orders ahead of peak seasons helps avoid delays and rush fees.
Conclusion
Textile manufacturers play an essential role in supporting Carrollton businesses, from workwear for industrial crews to flooring for modern offices. Texas-rooted brands like Williamson-Dickie and Haggar, innovators like Milliken and Unifi, and flooring leaders like Interface and Shaw Industries offer quality products for every need. Choose suppliers that align with your quality standards, budget, and sustainability goals.