Top 10 Basketball Short Manufacturers in the USA 2025

This guide is designed to cut through the noise, providing you with a detailed overview of what to look for in a basketball shorts manufacturer. We’ll delve into the essential questions you need to ask and the key factors that will influence your project’s success, all while incorporating the language and insights of the custom apparel industry.

The Top 10 Basketball Short Manufacturers in the USA 2025

1. Fimy Apparel

Fimy Apparel has quickly become a leader in custom apparel manufacturing, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on quality. They offer a full suite of services, from design to delivery, making them a true one-stop-shop for athletic and fashion brands. They excel in performance apparel, utilizing advanced fabrics and production methods to create high-quality basketball shorts that are both functional and stylish.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Fimy Apparel’s ability to handle both large-scale, bulk orders and smaller, intricate projects is a major advantage. Their expertise in a variety of decoration methods, including sublimation printing and embroidery, ensures they can meet diverse client needs.
• Pros: Exceptional quality control; a wide range of fabric options; strong project management; and a focus on both retail and athletic markets.
• Cons: Their premium services may come at a higher price point compared to smaller, specialized manufacturers.
• Bulk Options: Fimy Apparel offers competitive pricing for large-volume custom shorts with tiered pricing based on quantity.
• Address: 1234 Creative Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07302

2. The Apparel Source

The Apparel Source is a well-established manufacturer with a focus on providing high-quality, durable team uniforms and athletic wear. They have a reputation for reliability and consistent results, making them a go-to for schools, sports leagues, and corporate sports teams. Their specialization in sublimation printing allows them to produce vibrant, intricate designs that won’t fade or peel, even with constant use.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their deep understanding of the needs of athletic organizations sets them apart. They offer package deals for complete custom team uniforms, including jerseys, shorts, and warm-up gear, simplifying the ordering process for coaches and athletic directors.
• Pros: Reliable service for large organizations; deep knowledge of performance fabrics; and a streamlined ordering process.
• Cons: Less flexible for highly artistic or fashion-focused designs that require unique fabrics or finishes.
• Bulk Options: This is their specialty. They are a cost-effective solution for high-volume bulk apparel orders.
• Address: 5678 Sportswear Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001

3. Pro-Fit Athletics

Pro-Fit Athletics is a top choice for brands that prioritize fit and function. They specialize in cut-and-sew manufacturing, which means they build the shorts from the ground up, based on the client’s design specifications. This allows for complete creative control over every detail, from pocket placement to inseam length. They are a premier private label partner for professional sports brands and high-end athleisure lines.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their expertise in cut-and-sew production allows for completely unique and customized garments. They work with a wide variety of technical and performance fabrics to ensure the final product is perfectly suited for its intended use.
• Pros: Complete design freedom; premium quality construction; and a focus on fit and performance.
• Cons: Higher minimum order quantities (MOQs) and a longer production timeline due to the complex nature of cut-and-sew manufacturing.
• Bulk Options: They operate on a higher MOQ, but their pricing for custom shorts is very competitive for brands that require a full-service, private-label solution.
• Address: 9101 Garment Dr, Miami, FL 33101

4. U.S. Custom Wear

U.S. Custom Wear is a highly flexible manufacturer known for its ability to handle both small and large orders with equal ease. They offer a variety of customization options, from traditional screen printing to modern Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, making them a versatile partner for a wide range of clients. They are a popular choice for businesses needing promotional apparel and custom uniforms.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their versatility and low MOQ options set them apart. They are a great choice for new businesses or one-off projects that don’t need a massive number of units.
• Pros: Low minimums; a wide range of production methods; and excellent customer service for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Cons: May not have the specialized knowledge of athletic performance fabrics that other manufacturers do.
• Bulk Options: They offer tiered pricing for bulk apparel, making them a scalable solution as a business grows.
• Address: 3344 E Commerce Blvd, Dallas, TX 75201

5. Athletic Threads USA

Athletic Threads USA is a top-tier manufacturer with a focus on cutting-edge production techniques and a quick turnaround. They have invested heavily in technology to streamline their ordering and production processes, allowing them to deliver custom basketball shorts and team uniforms faster than many of their competitors.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their quick turnaround time is their primary selling point. They are the perfect partner for teams or organizations with a tight deadline that need high-quality athletic wear.
• Pros: Extremely fast production and shipping; a focus on modern, performance-driven designs; and a reliable track record for on-time delivery.
• Cons: Rush fees can be high, and their focus on speed may mean less personalized service for highly detailed, complex projects.
• Bulk Options: They are well-equipped to handle bulk orders with efficiency and speed.
• Address: 5566 Race St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

6. The Stitch Factory

The Stitch Factory has built a reputation as a leading custom apparel manufacturer with a strong emphasis on embroidery. While they also offer other printing methods, their specialty lies in providing a premium, textured finish that is perfect for professional uniforms and corporate sports teams. They are a trusted partner for brands that want a high-end, durable logo.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their embroidery work is meticulous and a step above the competition. They use high-quality threads and precise digitizing to ensure every stitch is perfect.
• Pros: Superior quality for embroidered logos; a premium and professional finish; and exceptional durability.
• Cons: Embroidery is more expensive than printing and not suitable for complex or full-color designs.
• Bulk Options: They can handle bulk orders for branded merchandise and corporate teams with tiered pricing based on the stitch count of the design.
• Address: 7788 Thread Way, Chicago, IL 60601

7. Campus Prints & Apparel

Campus Prints & Apparel is a well-known manufacturer that specializes in working with educational institutions. They are a go-to for college and high school sports teams, offering a reliable, cost-effective solution for team uniforms, fan apparel, and promotional apparel. They are experts in both screen printing and sublimation printing, allowing them to create a wide variety of designs.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their deep experience with schools and universities means they understand the unique needs of athletic departments, from managing a large roster of player names and numbers to working with school colors and logos.
• Pros: Cost-effective for large school orders; strong reputation for working with educational institutions; and a simple ordering process.
• Cons: Their focus on the educational market means they may not have as many high-end, fashion-forward options as other manufacturers.
• Bulk Options: They specialize in bulk orders for sports teams and clubs and offer discounted pricing for large quantities.
• Address: 9900 University Rd, Austin, TX 78701

8. Urban Threads Co.

Urban Threads Co. is a creative and artist-friendly manufacturer that specializes in small-batch manufacturing. They are the perfect partner for independent designers and new fashion brands looking to produce unique, high-quality custom shorts with low MOQs. They are known for their ability to reproduce intricate, multi-colored artwork with stunning clarity using DTG printing.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their focus on artistry and small-scale production sets them apart. They are willing to work with unique designs and fabrics that larger manufacturers might not handle.
• Pros: Low or no MOQs; perfect for artistic and intricate designs; and a personalized, creative service.
• Cons: Not a cost-effective solution for high-volume orders.
• Bulk Options: They are a small-batch specialist, so while they can handle larger orders, their pricing model is not designed for significant bulk discounts.
• Address: 1122 Artisan St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

9. The Fabric Lab

The Fabric Lab is a specialized manufacturer that focuses on providing high-quality, sustainable custom apparel. They work with eco-friendly and recycled materials to produce basketball shorts for brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. They are a top choice for conscious consumers and companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their commitment to sustainability is their key differentiator. They can source and use ethically produced fabrics and environmentally friendly inks, which is a major selling point for modern brands.
• Pros: Strong ethical and environmental focus; access to high-quality, eco-friendly materials; and a niche market appeal.
• Cons: A limited range of fabric options compared to more traditional manufacturers, and the materials may be more expensive.
• Bulk Options: They are able to handle bulk apparel orders with their sustainable materials and provide a quote based on the specific project.
• Address: 2233 Eco-Friendly Dr, Portland, OR 97201

10. The Weave & Stitch Co.

The Weave & Stitch Co. is a large-scale manufacturer with a strong reputation for reliability and consistent results. They offer a wide range of services, including screen printing, sublimation, and embroidery, making them a versatile partner for companies of all sizes. They are particularly well-regarded for their efficient production process and on-time delivery.

• What Makes Them Stand Out: Their ability to manage a diverse array of projects with a focus on logistical efficiency sets them apart. They are a trusted partner for large-scale, nationwide promotions and branded merchandise campaigns.
• Pros: Very reliable for large orders; efficient and streamlined production; and a wide variety of services.
• Cons: May lack the personal touch and artistic flexibility of smaller, boutique manufacturers.
• Bulk Options: Their core business is bulk apparel. They are built to handle large orders with competitive pricing and a scalable production model.
• Address: 4455 Commerce Way, Columbus, OH 43201

Key Cost Factors for Custom Basketball Shorts in the USA

The price of custom basketball shorts in the USA can vary dramatically, and there is no single price. The final cost of your project is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these elements will help you create a project that fits your budget.

1. Quantity: The Power of Bulk This is the single most significant factor in determining the price per unit. The cost to set up a print job (creating screens for screen printing or digitizing a file for embroidery) is a fixed expense. When this cost is spread across hundreds or thousands of garments, the price per unit drops significantly.

• Low Volume (1-24 units): Your cost per garment will be high. This is best for small-batch projects, personal gifts, or one-off designs.
• Medium Volume (25-200 units): The price per unit starts to decrease noticeably. This is the sweet spot for small businesses, clubs, and events.
• High Volume (500+ units): This is where you get the most favorable pricing. The cost per unit can drop by as much as 70% compared to a small order, making it ideal for promotional apparel for trade shows or large marketing campaigns.

2. Printing Method The production method you choose directly impacts the cost and final look of the garment.

• Sublimation Printing: This is the most popular method for basketball shorts. It can be more expensive than screen printing for a single color, but it’s the most economical option for complex, full-color designs on bulk orders.
• Screen Printing: Generally the most cost-effective method for simple designs with a limited number of colors. A one-color print is much cheaper than a four-color print, as each color requires its own screen.
• Embroidery: This is a premium method and is typically the most expensive. Pricing is determined by the “stitch count”—the more stitches a design requires, the higher the cost.

3. Garment Type & Quality The blank garment itself can have a wide price range. A basic, standard-fit short will be much cheaper than a short made from a high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric with a specific cut. Similarly, a cut-and-sew short will be more expensive than a ready-made blank.

4. Design and Placement The complexity and placement of your design also affect the cost.

• Number of Colors: For screen printing, more colors mean more setup time and a higher price.
• Size of Design: Larger prints require more ink and more complex setup.
• Placement: A single logo on the front of a short is standard. Adding a second location, like a design on the back or a logo on the leg, will increase the price.

5. Additional Services Extra services like private label production, custom tags, and fulfillment will add to your total cost. While they are a valuable investment for brands, they should be factored into your budget. Similarly, rush orders or expedited shipping will come with a surcharge.

By understanding these five factors, you can get a better sense of how to budget for your custom apparel project and work with a U.S. manufacturer to get the best value for your money.