Top 10 Knit Fabric Manufacturers in the World for 2026

Knitted fabric is a type of textile material with unique structure and excellent performance, widely used in sportswear, casualwear and loungewear. Compared with woven fabric, knit fabric is made by interlocking continuous yarns through the looping process, thus possessing remarkable extensibility, flexibility and wearing comfort. This type of fabric can be composed of single or multiple blended systems of natural fibers (cotton), synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon), recycled fibers (viscose), and elastic fibers (spandex).

However, with so many suppliers in the market, finding a reliable partner can be challenging: varying fabric supplier qualifications, insufficient consistency in product quality, high minimum order quantity, and significant fluctuations in delivery cycles, all of which may affect the procurement efficiency and the quality of the final products. In this blog, we highlight the top 10 knit fabric manufacturers in the world to help you make informed sourcing decisions.

Top 10 Knit Fabric Manufacturers in the World (2026)

1. Suzhou Facto Textile Co., Ltd.（China）

Company overview:

Located in Suzhou, China, Suzhou Facto Textile is an innovative knit fabric factory dedicated to the research, development, and production of high-quality knit fabrics. The company focuses on combining advanced weaving technologies with sustainable development concepts to provide customized fabric solutions for global clients.

Key knit fabric products:

High-count cotton jersey knits, bamboo, tencel, modal, rayon knitted fabrics, functional activewear fabrics (polyester, nylon, spandex fibers), eco-friendly recycled fiber knits, and various fashionable jacquard knit fabrics.

Strengths:

Possesses exceptional R&D and innovation capabilities, enabling rapid response to market trends. It features a comprehensive quality control system and flexible production lines, supporting seamless transitions from small-batch customization to large-scale manufacturing.

Best for:

Mid-to-high-end apparel brands seeking cost-effective, high-quality innovative fabrics, as well as those requiring rapid sampling and flexible order processing.

Solid Cotton Lycra Jersey

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Custom Printed Athletic Knit

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CVC Lycra Jersey Solid Fabric

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Solid Bamboo Spandex Knit

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Tencel Nylon Yoga Fabric

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Rayon Cotton Spandex Jersey

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2. Antex Knitting Mills (USA)

Company overview:

Established in 1973 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Antex Knitting Mills is a leading vertically integrated knitting, dyeing, printing, and finishing company in the United States.

Key knit fabric products:

PyroSafe® flame-resistant knit fabrics, high-performance activewear fabrics, and various cotton and blended jersey and rib knits.

Strengths:

A fully vertically integrated production model ensures maximum control from yarn to finished fabric. The company holds a globally leading position in functional flame-resistant fabrics and high-performance sportswear textiles.

Best for:

Professional sports brands and protective clothing manufacturers requiring the “Made in USA” label, high-performance protection (flame resistance), and strict adherence to lead times and quality standards.

3. Loyal Textile Mills (India)

Company overview:

With over 125 years of history, Loyal Textile Mills is one of India’s largest and most respected vertically integrated textile groups, with operations spanning spinning, weaving, knitting, and garment manufacturing.

Key knit fabric products:

100% organic cotton knits, cotton-polyester blended fabrics, high-performance technical textiles, and various eco-certified fabrics.

Strengths:

Strong raw material self-sufficiency and large-scale production advantages. The company excels in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, holding multiple international environmental certifications.

Best for:

Global mass-market brands and eco-conscious fashion labels prioritizing a sustainable supply chain and requiring large volumes of high-quality cotton knit fabrics.

4. Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan)

Company overview:

A global leader in materials science headquartered in Japan. Its textile division is world-renowned for cutting-edge synthetic fiber technologies, setting the global benchmark for functional fabrics.

Key knit fabric products:

High-tech functional knit fabrics (e.g., moisture-wicking, heat-generating/thermal, ultra-lightweight fabrics) and textiles related to carbon fiber composites.

Strengths:

Operates world-class R&D laboratories that continuously drive fabric technology innovation. It maintains deep, long-term partnerships with top global brands (such as UNIQLO) and possesses immense industry influence.

Best for:

High-end sports and outdoor brands pursuing ultimate functionality, technological innovation, and long-term strategic partnerships.

5. Thygesen Textile (Vietnam)

Company overview:

Originating from Denmark with over 90 years of history, Thygesen Textile operates a major production base in Vietnam. It is a vertically integrated manufacturer focusing on high-quality knitted garments and fabrics.

Key knit fabric products:

Functional activewear fabrics, medical-grade knits, premium children’s wear fabrics, and various sustainable fiber fabrics.

Strengths:

Successfully combines Nordic design and management philosophies with Vietnam’s manufacturing advantages. It possesses unique expertise in knitting technologies for the medical and professional sports sectors.

Best for:

European and North American brands looking to establish a stable supply chain in Southeast Asia, with a strong emphasis on product compliance and premium manufacturing craftsmanship.

6. Milliken & Company (USA)

Company overview:

Headquartered in South Carolina, USA, Milliken is a diversified manufacturer with over 150 years of history, renowned for its profound expertise in materials science and textile technology.

Key knit fabric products:

High-performance industrial knit fabrics, military protective fabrics, medical textiles, and patented moisture-management fabrics.

Strengths:

Holds thousands of textile patents, creating extremely high technological barriers. It is virtually irreplaceable in the fields of durability, protection, and specialized functional fabrics.

Best for:

Specialized sectors requiring extremely high technical specifications (such as military, medical, and industrial protection) and outdoor brands demanding ultimate durability.

7. Gebr. Otto (Germany)

Company overview:

Founded in 1901, Gebr. Otto is a renowned German family-owned textile enterprise specializing in high-quality yarns and knit fabrics. It represents the “Industry 4.0” standard in the textile sector.

Key knit fabric products:

High-count combed cotton knits, eco-friendly organic fabrics, and knits made from technical functional yarns.

Strengths:

Exemplifies ultimate German craftsmanship and quality standards. It leads the industry in sustainable production and transparent supply chains, with products known for their fine hand-feel and long-lasting durability.

Best for:

European premium fashion brands pursuing exceptional quality, valuing “Made in Germany” craftsmanship, and demanding the highest levels of environmental sustainability and transparency.

8. Kipaş Holding (Turkey)

Company overview:

One of Turkey’s largest fully vertically integrated textile enterprises and a leading yarn and fabric supplier in Europe, boasting highly modernized production facilities.

Key knit fabric products:

Various blended knit fabrics, fashionable jacquards, high-performance stretch fabrics, and mass-produced basic cotton fabrics.

Strengths:

Strategic geographical location connecting Europe and Asia ensures rapid logistics. Its massive yet highly flexible production scale allows it to quickly adapt to the fast-paced changes of the fashion market.

Best for:

Fast-fashion and mid-market apparel brands requiring quick replenishment, large-scale production, and a highly cost-effective supply chain near the European market.

9. Hyosung TNC (South Korea)

Company overview:

The core textile enterprise of South Korea’s Hyosung Group, it is the world’s largest producer of spandex (creora®) and holds a dominant position in the functional fiber sector.

Key knit fabric products:

Ultra-high stretch knit fabrics, cooling/warming functional fabrics, and eco-friendly recycled spandex fabrics.

Strengths:

Controls core raw material (spandex) technologies, allowing it to optimize the elasticity and comfort of knit fabrics from the fiber source. It possesses strong global competitiveness in functional fabric R&D.

Best for:

Intimate apparel, yoga wear, and professional sports brands that demand the highest levels of elasticity, shaping effects, and wearing comfort.

10. Arvind Limited (India)

Company overview:

A flagship enterprise of the Indian textile industry headquartered in Ahmedabad, Arvind is one of the world’s largest producers of denim and knit fabrics.

Key knit fabric products:

High-quality cotton jersey, indigo-dyed knits (Indigo Knits), and various blended fashion fabrics.

Strengths:

Massive production capacity and vertical integration advantages. It holds a unique technological lead in indigo-dyed knit fabrics, perfectly combining the look of denim with the comfort of knits.

Best for:

Global mainstream apparel brands seeking large-scale stable supply, unique design aesthetics (like indigo knits), and strong cost-efficiency.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Knit Fabric Suppliers

What is Knit Fabric?

Knit fabric is a type of textile constructed by forming yarn into a series of interconnected loops. This looped structure allows the fabric to stretch and move more easily compared to woven fabrics, which are typically more rigid.

One of the key advantages of knit fabric is its natural flexibility. Because of the way the loops interact, the fabric can adapt to body movement, making it especially suitable for garments that require comfort and fit. This is why knit fabrics are widely used in products like T-shirts, sportswear, underwear, and loungewear.

Knit fabrics can be produced using different types of yarns, including cotton, polyester, viscose, and blends. By adjusting the yarn composition and knitting method, manufacturers can control important properties such as weight, elasticity, breathability, and durability.

Understanding what knit fabric is helps buyers better communicate with manufacturers and select the right material for their products. Different knit structures and fiber choices can significantly impact cost, performance, and production efficiency.

The Different Types of Knit Fabric

Based on the construction, knit fabrics can be divided into 3 main categories: weft knit, warp knit, and flat knit. Each type differs in structure, performance, and typical applications, which directly affects how they are used in garment production and how buyers should source them.

1. Weft Knit Fabric

Weft knit fabric is the most common type of knit fabric. It is formed by looping yarns horizontally, creating a soft and flexible structure that stretches easily. Fabrics such as jersey, rib, and interlock are typical examples of weft knits and are widely used in T-shirts, casualwear, and underwear. While these fabrics are comfortable and versatile, they can be less stable in shape compared to other knit types.

2. Warp Knit Fabric

Warp knit fabric is produced by knitting multiple yarns vertically at the same time, resulting in a more stable and structured fabric. Compared to weft knits, warp knit fabrics have less stretch but better strength and shape retention. Common types include tricot and raschel, which are often used in sportswear, lingerie, and linings.

3. Flat Knit Fabric

Flat knit fabric is similar in construction to weft knit, as it is also formed by looping yarns horizontally. However, flat knit fabrics are made within limited width and length. Because of this structural limitation, flat knit fabrics are commonly used in specific garment parts rather than large fabric panels. Typical applications include collars, cuffs, hems, as well as products like socks and gloves, where elasticity and shape retention are important.

Conclusion

The global knit fabric manufacturing industry is highly competitive. While large manufacturers dominate bulk production, smaller and specialized suppliers offer flexibility and customization.

Choosing the right knit fabric manufacturer depends on your specific needs, whether it’s cost, quality, sustainability, or production scale. Evaluating suppliers carefully can significantly impact your product success. If you are looking for wholesale knit fabric, feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements or request samples.

FAQs

Q1: What is knit fabric used for?

A1: Knit fabric is widely used in apparel such as T-shirts, sportswear, underwear, and casualwear.

Q2. What is the difference between knit and woven fabric?

A2: Knit fabrics are stretchy and flexible, while woven fabrics are more rigid and structured.

Q3. Which country produces the best knit fabric?

A3: China, India, and Turkey are among the top producers globally.

Q4. How to find reliable knit fabric manufacturers?

A4: Look for certifications, production capacity, client reviews, and sampling services.