Streetwear Sweater Manufacturer for Startups

As someone who helps startup streetwear brands develop their first knitwear collection, I’ve learned that sweaters are one of the trickiest categories to produce.
Unlike hoodies or graphic tees, streetwear sweaters rely on yarn quality, knitting gauge, silhouette shaping, and finishing — and every mistake shows immediately.

If you're launching a new streetwear label, this guide will help you understand how sweater manufacturing works and how to choose the right OEM partner with confidence.

Table of Contents

• Why Streetwear Sweaters Need the Right Manufacturer
• How to Choose a Streetwear Sweater Factory
• Top 5 Streetwear Sweater Manufacturers for Startups
  • 1. FuKi Apparel — Custom Streetwear Sweater OEM (China)
  • 2. Apliiq — Private-Label Streetwear Knitwear (USA)
  • 3. Appareify — Flexible Knitwear Factory for New Brands
  • 4. KnitSeek — Scalable Knitwear Production (China)
  • 5. Labwear Studios — European Designer Sweaters (Portugal)
• Streetwear Yarn, Gauge & Design Guide
• MOQ, Lead Time & Pricing Comparison
• Which Factory Is Best for Your Streetwear Brand?
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Why Streetwear Sweaters Need the Right Manufacturer

From my experience working with streetwear creators, sweaters are harder than they look. Here’s why startups should be careful with factory selection:

• Streetwear silhouettes are unique
  Oversized, boxy, drop-shoulder, cropped — each requires specific knitting patterns.

• Yarn choices affect the entire aesthetic
  Acrylic for streetwear bulkiness, cotton for breathable basics, wool for premium pieces.

• Knitwear tension must be controlled
  Too loose = deformed hem
  Too tight = uncomfortable and stiff

• Artwork placement is limited by knitting structure
  Jacquard patterns require programming, not printing.

• Finishing determines the “streetwear luxury feel”
  Washing, brushing, steaming — each adds polish.

A reliable OEM partner helps founders avoid costly mistakes and ensures consistency across drops.

How to Choose a Streetwear Sweater Factory

✔ 1. Choose a factory with streetwear experience

Streetwear fits are different from traditional knitwear brands.

✔ 2. Confirm yarn sourcing for small batches

Startups need flexible yarn options:

• acrylic
• recycled yarn
• cotton blends
• mohair-style yarn
• seasonal color lots

✔ 3. Evaluate gauge capability

Common streetwear gauges:

• 3GG–5GG: chunky, oversized
• 7GG–9GG: midweight streetwear
• 12GG: refined, high-fashion looks

✔ 4. Ask for sample-to-bulk consistency

Same gauge, same tension — no deviation.

✔ 5. Check finishing quality

Good linking and steaming make sweaters look premium.

✔ 6. Make sure MOQs are startup-friendly

Many factories require 300–500 pcs per color—too high for most new brands.

Top 5 Streetwear Sweater Manufacturers for Startups

1. FuKi Apparel — Custom Streetwear Sweater OEM (China)

Best For: streetwear labels, modern fashion brands, and oversized knitwear projects.

Capabilities

• MOQ 100 pcs
• 3GG–12GG knitting
• Oversized sweaters, jacquard graphics, rib-knit cuffs
• Acrylic, cotton, wool, mohair-blend yarns
• Embroidery, patches, woven branding
• Sampling: 10–15 days
• Production: 25–35 days

FuKi Apparel is ideal for startups needing trendy silhouettes and reliable small-batch production.

2. Apliiq — Private-Label Streetwear Knitwear (USA)

Why it works for startups

• Very low MOQ
• Labeling and branding support
• U.S.-based sampling
• Suitable for limited drops and DTC brands

Great for founders testing their first knitwear release.

3. Appareify — Flexible Knitwear Factory for New Brands

Strengths

• Accepts smaller orders
• Supports sweaters, cardigans, and knitwear sets
• Multiple yarn options
• Good for seasonal streetwear collections

A practical option for multi-style knitwear development.

4. KnitSeek — Scalable Knitwear Production (China)

Highlights

• Strong capacity for oversized pieces
• Handles wool, acrylic, cotton, and blended yarn
• Reliable for brands scaling from 100 pcs to wholesale volumes

Good for brands planning long-term growth.

5. Labwear Studios — European Designer Sweaters (Portugal)

Best For

• premium streetwear
• sustainable yarn
• European-style craftsmanship

Ideal for designers aiming for high-end textures and silhouettes.

Streetwear Yarn, Gauge & Design Guide

Streetwear Gauge Guide

MOQ, Lead Time & Pricing Comparison

Which Factory Is Best for Your Streetwear Brand?

Pick FuKi Apparel if:

• you want oversized or graphic sweaters
• you need low MOQ
• you want predictable production quality

Pick Apliiq if:

• you’re starting your first streetwear knitwear drop

Pick Appareify if:

• you want multiple knitwear categories under one supplier

Pick KnitSeek if:

• you're planning to grow into larger volumes

Pick Labwear Studios if:

• you want premium, European-style streetwear sweaters

FAQ

1. What’s the ideal MOQ for streetwear sweaters?

Most factories start around 100 pcs for custom knitwear.

2. Can I make oversized sweaters in low MOQ?

Yes — but you need a factory used to streetwear silhouettes.

3. How long does sampling take?

About 10–15 days, depending on gauge and artwork.

4. Can knit sweaters include bold graphics?

Yes — jacquard, intarsia, patches, embroidery all work well.

5. What’s the best yarn for streetwear startups?

Acrylic blends (for bulkiness) or cotton blends (for comfort).

Conclusion

Finding the right streetwear sweater manufacturer is crucial for startups that want modern shapes, bold textures, and reliable production. With flexible MOQ, strong pattern development, and consistent finishing, FuKi Apparel helps new brands create high-quality streetwear sweaters with confidence.

👉 Start your streetwear sweater development here:
https://fukiapparel.com/products/custom-sweaters/