Sourcing high-quality blank apparel is a fundamental step for screen printers, embroiderers, and clothing brand owners. When you need to purchase items in bulk, working with a dedicated wholesale distributor is the most efficient way to manage costs and ensure a steady supply of inventory. These distributors act as the middleman between the manufacturers and the businesses that provide finished goods to consumers.
In the wholesale apparel industry, major players often consolidate to provide better service and wider selections. For example, well-known distributors like TSC Apparel have integrated with larger networks such as S&S Activewear to offer a more comprehensive catalog. This guide will help you understand how to navigate the wholesale landscape, set up your accounts, and choose the right products for your specific needs.
Understanding the Role of Wholesale Distributors
Wholesale distributors are companies that purchase massive quantities of clothing directly from brands like Gildan, Bella + Canvas, and Next Level. Because they buy in such high volumes, they receive significant discounts, which they then pass on to smaller businesses. These distributors maintain large warehouses across the country to ensure fast shipping and local availability.
By using a distributor, you gain access to hundreds of different brands and thousands of styles in one place. Instead of managing dozens of individual relationships with manufacturers, you can place a single order that includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and bags. This streamlined process saves time and reduces the logistical complexity of managing a custom apparel business.
The Transition of Major Distributors
The landscape of wholesale apparel is constantly evolving. In recent years, significant mergers have occurred to create more robust supply chains. One of the most notable changes was the acquisition of TSC Apparel by S&S Activewear. If you were previously a customer of a specific distributor that seems to have disappeared, it is likely they have joined a larger network.
These mergers are generally beneficial for the customer. They often lead to better website interfaces, more accurate real-time inventory tracking, and more shipping locations. When a company like TSC Apparel joins S&S Activewear, customers gain access to an even larger portfolio of exclusive brands, such as Tultex, alongside industry staples. If you are looking for a previous distributor, check for their new parent company to continue your service.
How to Set Up a Wholesale Account
To access wholesale pricing, you cannot simply walk in and buy a single shirt at a discount. Most major distributors require you to create a business account. This process ensures that they are selling to legitimate businesses rather than individual consumers looking for a deal.
Gather Your Documentation
Before applying for an account, you will need several pieces of information. Most distributors will ask for your business name, contact information, and a federal tax ID number. This helps them verify that you are operating a legal business entity.
The Resale Certificate
Perhaps the most important document is the Resale Certificate or Sales Tax Exemption Certificate. This document proves to the distributor that you intend to resell the items you are buying. By providing this, you can purchase the apparel without paying sales tax at the time of purchase, as you will be collecting sales tax from your end customers later.
The Approval Process
Once you submit your application, it typically takes one to three business days for the distributor to verify your information. Once approved, you will be granted access to the “wholesale” side of their website, where you can see bulk pricing, volume discounts, and detailed inventory levels across various warehouses.
Top Brands to Consider for Bulk Orders
When browsing a wholesale catalog, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Knowing the strengths of different brands can help you make the right choice for your project.
- Gildan: Known for being the industry standard for budget-friendly basics. They offer a wide variety of colors and heavy-duty fabrics that are excellent for promotional events.
- Bella + Canvas: A favorite for retail-quality apparel. They focus on soft, premium fabrics and modern fits that are popular with high-end clothing brands.
- Next Level Apparel: Excellent for “fashion-forward” blanks. They are known for their poly-cotton blends and sueded finishes that feel very high-end.
- Tultex: Often an exclusive brand within certain distributor networks, Tultex offers a great balance of price and softness, making it a versatile choice for many printers.
- Champion: A leading name in activewear and fleece. If you are looking for high-quality hoodies and sweatshirts with brand recognition, this is a top choice.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs
Not all blank t-shirts are created equal. The material you choose will affect how the garment feels, how it fits, and most importantly, how well it takes to different decoration methods. Understanding fabric types is essential for providing a quality product.
100% Cotton
Cotton is breathable and natural. For screen printing, 100% cotton is often the preferred choice because the ink bonds well to the fibers. Within this category, look for “ring-spun” cotton, which is much softer and more durable than standard “open-end” cotton.
Polyester and Performance Fabrics
Polyester is the go-to for activewear because it is moisture-wicking and durable. However, polyester requires special inks and lower curing temperatures during the printing process to prevent “bleeding,” where the fabric dye seeps into the print.
Blended Fabrics
CVC (Chief Value Cotton) and Tri-blends are very popular in the current market. These fabrics combine the comfort of cotton with the durability and drape of polyester and rayon. They are incredibly soft and have a slight heathered look that many customers prefer.
Tips for Successful Wholesale Ordering
To get the most out of your relationship with a wholesale distributor, keep these practical tips in mind. Managing your inventory and ordering process efficiently can significantly impact your bottom line.
Check Local Warehouse Stock: Most distributors have warehouses in multiple states. When ordering, try to select items that are in stock at the warehouse closest to you. This reduces shipping costs and ensures your blanks arrive as quickly as possible, often within one or two days.
Order Samples First: Before committing to a large order of 500 shirts, always order a sample of the specific style and color you are considering. Colors can look different on a screen than they do in person, and the fit of a shirt can vary significantly between brands.
Look for Case Pricing: Many distributors offer a deeper discount if you buy a full case of a single size and color. If you have a high-volume project, ordering by the case can save you several cents per garment, which adds up quickly on large runs.
Stay Informed on Discontinuations: The apparel industry moves fast. Styles and colors are discontinued every season. Check the “clearance” or “discontinued” sections of the distributor’s website regularly to ensure the blanks you are using for your brand will be available for the long term.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of wholesale apparel is a vital skill for anyone in the garment decoration or fashion industry. By understanding how distributors like S&S Activewear and the former TSC Apparel operate, you can streamline your sourcing process and access the best products at the lowest prices. Remember to keep your business documentation ready, choose your fabrics based on your decoration method, and always check local inventory to save on shipping. Building a strong relationship with a reliable distributor is one of the best ways to ensure the long-term success of your business. For more tips on managing your small business or understanding industry trends, explore our other helpful articles on professional growth and logistics.