The Textile Industry and Woodbridge
New Jersey has deep roots in textile production. Paterson was once known as the Silk City, and mills across the state produced fabrics for clothing, upholstery, and industrial uses. Today, the industry has evolved toward specialty, technical, and performance textiles. Woodbridge Township, with its excellent highway access and proximity to New York City's fashion, interior design, and hospitality industries, is a strategic location for textile distribution, converters, and businesses that rely on reliable fabric suppliers.
The textile manufacturers below were selected for their product quality, innovation, reliability, and ability to serve customers in the Woodbridge area, whether through regional facilities or national distribution networks.
Types of Textiles in Demand
Businesses in the Woodbridge region source a wide range of textiles, including apparel fabrics, performance knits, upholstery and contract fabrics for hospitality and healthcare, industrial and technical textiles, yarns for knitting and weaving, and nonwovens used in filtration and medical products.
The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers Serving Woodbridge
1. Milliken & Company
Milliken is a diversified manufacturer known for performance fabrics, floor coverings, and specialty chemicals. Its textile innovations serve workwear, protective apparel, and commercial interiors, making it a trusted supplier for many businesses in the region.
2. Unifi
Unifi is a leading producer of recycled and synthetic yarns, including its well-known recycled polyester fiber made from plastic bottles. Apparel and home textile brands value its sustainable materials.
3. Glen Raven
Glen Raven produces performance fabrics for outdoor furniture, awnings, marine applications, and protective uses. Its durable fabrics are popular with businesses in hospitality and outdoor living.
4. Culp
Culp manufactures mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. Furniture makers and bedding brands rely on its design capabilities and consistent quality.
5. Absecon Mills
Absecon Mills is a New Jersey textile manufacturer specializing in woven contract fabrics for healthcare, hospitality, and office environments. Its in-state production is a notable advantage for local design professionals.
6. Lion Brand Yarn
Lion Brand Yarn is a well-known New Jersey-based yarn company with a long heritage. Retailers and crafting businesses throughout the state carry its wide selection of yarns.
7. Elevate Textiles
Elevate Textiles brings together several historic textile brands that produce denim, workwear fabrics, and technical textiles. Its global reach supports apparel manufacturers and brands of all sizes.
8. Parkdale Mills
Parkdale is one of the largest spun yarn manufacturers in the United States. Its cotton and blended yarns supply apparel and home textile producers nationwide.
9. Precision Fabrics Group
Precision Fabrics Group specializes in technical fabrics for medical, filtration, and protective applications. Its engineered textiles are used in demanding environments where performance is critical.
10. Crypton
Crypton is known for stain-resistant and moisture-resistant performance fabrics used in homes, hospitality, and healthcare. Interior designers in the New York and New Jersey region frequently specify its materials.
Trends Shaping the Textile Industry
Sustainability is the most important trend in textiles today. Recycled fibers, reduced water dyeing, and transparent supply chains are increasingly expected by brands and consumers. Performance textiles with antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and stain-resistant properties are growing rapidly. Domestic manufacturing is also gaining attention as companies seek shorter lead times and greater supply chain resilience.
For Woodbridge-based distributors and converters, these trends create opportunities to serve New York designers, healthcare systems, and hospitality groups that want reliable access to specialty fabrics.
Benefits of Sourcing from Established Manufacturers
Working with established textile manufacturers offers consistent quality, testing and certification support, and dependable lead times. Many provide technical documentation for flammability, durability, and cleanability, which is essential for commercial interiors and healthcare settings.
How to Choose a Textile Supplier
Identify the performance requirements of your product, such as durability, colorfastness, or fire resistance. Request samples and testing data, compare minimum order quantities, and ask about lead times and sustainability certifications. Proximity to distribution hubs like Woodbridge can reduce shipping costs and improve delivery reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Woodbridge businesses source textiles from national manufacturers?
Large-scale textile production in New Jersey has declined over the decades, but national manufacturers maintain distribution networks and sales teams that serve the Northeast. Woodbridge's location near major highways allows fabrics to arrive quickly from mills and warehouses across the country.
What are performance textiles?
Performance textiles are engineered for specific properties such as stain resistance, moisture management, antimicrobial protection, flame resistance, or durability. They are widely used in healthcare, hospitality, workwear, and outdoor products.
Are recycled textiles as durable as virgin materials?
Many recycled fibers, such as recycled polyester, offer performance comparable to virgin materials. Buyers should review technical specifications and testing data for their intended application.
What is the role of textile converters?
Converters purchase unfinished fabrics and arrange dyeing, printing, and finishing to meet specific customer needs. The New York and New Jersey region has a long tradition of converters serving fashion and interior design clients.
Final Thoughts
The textile industry continues to evolve through innovation and sustainability. Woodbridge businesses that depend on fabrics have access to a strong network of manufacturers and distribution channels. The companies above represent some of the most respected names serving the region.