Textiles and the Tyler Economy
Textiles play an essential but often overlooked role in Tyler's economy. Hospitals need scrubs, linens, and medical textiles. Manufacturers and energy companies need durable workwear and flame-resistant clothing. Restaurants, hotels, and schools rely on uniforms, towels, and fabrics. Texas is also one of the largest cotton-producing states, linking agriculture to the broader textile supply chain.
While Tyler is not a large textile manufacturing hub, local businesses depend on textile manufacturers and uniform service companies that operate throughout Texas and the United States. Here are ten textile manufacturers and suppliers that serve Tyler businesses and industries.
The Top 10 Textile Manufacturers and Suppliers Serving Tyler
1. Williamson-Dickie
Williamson-Dickie, known for the Dickies brand, was founded in Texas and is famous for durable workwear. Its pants, shirts, and coveralls are widely used by tradespeople, manufacturers, and service workers throughout East Texas.
2. Cintas
Cintas provides uniform rental, workwear, and facility services to businesses of all sizes. Tyler employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and food service rely on Cintas for clean, professional uniforms and safety products.
3. UniFirst
UniFirst designs, manufactures, and services uniforms and protective clothing. Its flame-resistant garments are particularly important for energy and industrial workers in the Tyler region.
4. Vestis
Vestis, formerly part of Aramark's uniform business, provides uniform and workplace supply services. It serves industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing with garments and facility products.
5. Milliken & Company
Milliken is a diversified manufacturer known for innovative textiles, including performance fabrics, healthcare textiles, and protective materials. Its fabrics are used in uniforms, upholstery, and industrial applications.
6. Parkdale Mills
Parkdale is one of the largest yarn spinners in the United States, converting cotton and synthetic fibers into yarn for apparel and textile production. Its operations connect cotton growers to textile manufacturers.
7. Glen Raven
Glen Raven produces performance fabrics used in outdoor furniture, awnings, protective apparel, and transportation. Its Sunbrella fabrics are widely used in outdoor living spaces, including patios across Tyler homes.
8. Culp
Culp manufactures mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. Its products reach consumers through furniture and bedding manufacturers.
9. Hanesbrands
Hanesbrands is a major apparel manufacturer known for basics such as T-shirts and undergarments. Its products are also widely used for custom printing and promotional apparel by Tyler businesses and organizations.
10. Unifi
Unifi produces recycled and synthetic yarns, including its Repreve brand made from recycled plastic bottles. Its sustainable materials are used in apparel, footwear, and home textiles.
Textile Industry Trends
Sustainability is one of the biggest trends in textiles. Manufacturers are using recycled fibers, reducing water use, and developing eco-friendly dyes. Performance fabrics with moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and flame-resistant properties are in high demand, particularly in healthcare and industrial settings.
Reshoring is also influencing the industry, as companies seek to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on overseas production. Automation and digital printing technologies are improving efficiency and enabling customized production in smaller quantities.
Opportunities for Tyler Businesses
Tyler businesses can benefit from local custom apparel decorators, embroidery shops, and screen printers that use materials from major textile manufacturers. These partners help create branded uniforms, team apparel, and promotional products. Healthcare organizations can also work with uniform and linen services to maintain hygiene and comfort standards.
How to Choose a Textile Supplier
- Product quality: Evaluate durability, comfort, and performance features.
- Safety compliance: Ensure protective garments meet industry safety standards.
- Service model: Decide whether you prefer to purchase garments or use a rental and laundering service.
- Sustainability: Consider suppliers with responsible sourcing and recycling programs.
- Customization: Look for branding options such as embroidery and custom colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my business rent or buy uniforms?
Renting through a uniform service includes laundering, repairs, and replacements, which is convenient for industries with heavy soiling or safety requirements. Buying uniforms can be more economical for office, retail, or hospitality teams that launder garments themselves.
What are flame-resistant garments and who needs them?
Flame-resistant clothing is designed to self-extinguish and protect workers from burns. Employees in oil and gas, refining, electrical work, and certain manufacturing environments often require these garments under safety standards.
How does Texas cotton connect to textile manufacturing?
Texas grows a large share of the nation's cotton. That fiber is ginned, spun into yarn by mills, and woven or knitted into fabrics used in apparel and home goods, linking Texas farms to the global textile supply chain.
Are sustainable textiles more expensive?
Some recycled or eco-certified materials carry a modest premium, but prices have become more competitive as demand grows. Many businesses find that durability and brand benefits offset the cost.
Where can Tyler organizations get custom apparel?
Local screen printers and embroidery shops work with major blank apparel manufacturers to produce branded shirts, uniforms, and promotional items for businesses, schools, churches, and events.
Conclusion
Textiles touch nearly every business in Tyler, from hospitals and schools to factories and restaurants. The manufacturers and suppliers on this list provide the fabrics, uniforms, and protective garments that keep East Texas industries running. Choosing the right textile partner helps businesses look professional, stay safe, and operate efficiently.