Louisiana is home to a thriving fashion industry, with clothing manufacturers that produce everything from couture gowns to casual t-shirts. From New Orleans to Shreveport, these Louisiana-based clothing companies create quality apparel and accessories that are sold across the United States and around the world.
Introduction
The clothing manufacturing industry plays an important role in Louisiana’s economy and culture. Many iconic Louisiana brands like Fleurty Girl and Dirty Coast got their start designing and producing locally-inspired apparel and accessories. Other companies like Perlis and Hardeman Clothing have been manufacturing high-end suits, dresses and sportswear in Louisiana for decades.
Louisiana’s clothing manufacturers range from small boutique operations to large-scale producers that work with major retailers. The diverse landscape allows for creativity and innovation, while also supporting tried-and-true regional traditions. Factors like the availability of raw materials, access to shipping routes, and a skilled workforce contribute to the success of clothing manufacturing in the state.
Below are 12 of the top clothing manufacturers that design, produce and distribute apparel from Louisiana.
1. Peter Mayer Group – New Orleans
Founded in 1964, Peter Mayer Group is a print, packaging and promotional product company based in New Orleans. Their apparel division includes PMG Classics, which manufactures customized shirts, and PMG Heritage, which produces printed and embroidered apparel.
PMG has a 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility and distribution center in Louisiana. They use cutting-edge digital printing to create customized shirts with photo-quality images. With a research and development team focused on innovative techniques, PMG has patent-pending technologies for apparel decoration.
In addition to custom t-shirts and polos, PMG manufactures apparel for corporate uniforms, resorts, branded merchandise and more. Major clients include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the Hard Rock Cafe.
2. Perlis – Baton Rouge
Family-owned Perlis opened its doors in 1939 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Now run by the third generation, Perlis designs and manufactures upscale menswear including suits, sport coats and formalwear.
The company has a 60,000 square foot factory with an on-site tailor shop for custom adjustments. Perlis is known for attention to detail like hand-sewn button holes, hand-shaped collars and premium European fabrics. They produce classic business wear as well as modern slim-cut designs and casual options.
In addition to their retail location and factory in Baton Rouge, Perlis operates stores throughout Louisiana along with an ecommerce site shipping nationwide. Their apparel is proudly made in the USA.
3. KG Men – Covington
KG Men manufactures men’s clothing including pants, shorts, shirts and jackets. Based in Covington, Louisiana, KG Men was founded in 1958 by the Goldring family.
The company’s expansive 125,000 square foot manufacturing facility houses hundreds of sewing operators along with cutting, distribution and warehousing. They estimate over 12 million articles of clothing are produced in the factory each year.
KG Men works with brands like Under Armour Golf, Cutter & Buck, Twelve South and Greyson Clothiers. Their clients are higher-end catalogs, specialty stores and boutiques. Known for versatility, they can produce anything from outdoor apparel to business casual designs.
4. Saint Germain – Lafayette
Founded in 2000 by brother-sister duo Stephen and Monica Loyacano, Saint Germain is a contemporary women’s clothing brand based in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Loyacanos designs are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Southern Louisiana.
The brand manufactures its own lines in their studio and factory in Lafayette. They focus on high quality fabrics and construction featuring details like hand dying, ruching and original prints. The separates and dresses evoke casual elegance and draw from New Orleans, Cajun and Creole style traditions interpreted in a modern way.
In addition to their own label, Saint Germain operates a private label manufacturing division working with clients to produce custom orders. They distribute to over 1,000 specialty boutiques and stores nationwide.
5. Hardeman Clothing – Thibodaux
Hardeman Clothing got its start in Thibodaux, Louisiana in 1923, specializing in outfitting railroad workers with durable pants, shirts and outerwear. Now run by the fourth generation of the family, Hardeman remains located in Thibodaux where they design and manufacture a wide range of apparel.
The company owns and operates a 60,000 square foot factory housing computerized cutting equipment along with over 100 sewing machines. They offer extensive production capabilities for high-quality clothing, including wool suits, jackets, pants, shorts, shirts and technical outerwear.
In addition to direct sales and their own label, Hardeman manufactures private label clothing for catalog companies like Blair and Brookstone and national retailers like Bass Pro Shops. Their items can be found at stores across the country.
6. Aurelius Clothing Co. – New Orleans
Founded in 2014 by designer Matthew Hess, Aurelius Clothing Co. produces high-end menswear with a focus on tailored suits and sport coats. Based in New Orleans, their collection of contemporary classics appeals to modern southern gentlemen.
The suits are manufactured in New Orleans using custom fabrics from around the world including Italy, Portugal and Japan. Details like hand-sewn interiors and stitched edging reflect the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship.
In addition to ready-to-wear, Aurelius offers custom suiting and alterations. The brand is available through their New Orleans showroom along with select specialty retailers. Their tailored aesthetic embodies the elegance of classic style with a modern sensibility.
7. Dirty Coast – New Orleans
Dirty Coast started out in 2004 as a small t-shirt operation inspired by the culture and traditions of New Orleans. Since then, founders Jay Connaughton and Blake Haney have grown the brand into a thriving local business that designs, manufactures and sells a wide range of apparel and accessories.
From their headquarters and warehouse in New Orleans, Dirty Coast designs original locally-themed graphics for tees, hats, sweatshirts and more. Focusing on quality, their items are manufactured in the USA. Product designs often incorporate iconic city symbols like fleur-de-lis, streetcars and camellias.
Dirty Coast has two retail stores in New Orleans along with a popular e-commerce site. Their tongue-in-cheek creations can also be found in boutiques and gift shops across the country.
8. Graham’s of New Orleans – New Orleans
Men’s clothier Graham’s of New Orleans creates custom suits, sport coats and formalwear using fine Italian and Australian fabrics. Founded in 1946, the company has been family-owned for three generations.
Graham’s 25,000 square foot design studio and factory are located in New Orleans where they produce everything in-house. With an emphasis on quality construction, they offer both tailored and more relaxed modern fits for high-end suiting.
Their custom clothing is hand cut and sewn using techniques like hand canvassing, fine stitching and bespoke finishing. Graham’s creates custom clothing for their clients locally as well internationally. Their classic style reflects the traditions of their New Orleans heritage.
9. Hoffman Manufacturing – Metairie
Founded in 1922, Hoffman Manufacturing produces custom uniforms for hospitality, healthcare, private clubs and schools. Based in Metairie, Louisiana, Hoffman owns and operates a 75,000 square foot factory housing computerized cutting machines and a large production floor.
Hoffman’s in-house services include pattern making, cutting, embroidery, sewing and distribution. They manufacture chef coats, dresses, aprons, medical scrubs, school uniforms and everything in between. With an on-site alterations team, each garment can be tailored for proper fit.
For custom orders, Hoffman guides clients through each step from design and fabric selection to the finished personalized product. In addition to uniforms, they manufacture apparel for brand merchandising. Major clients include Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons hotels.
10. Fleurty Girl – Mandeville
Founded in 2008, Fleurty Girl offers locally-designed t-shirts and gifts celebrating Louisiana. Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, husband and wife team Lauren and Matt LeBlanc create original designs inspired by their home state.
All of Fleurty Girl’s products are designed and screen printed at their Mandeville headquarters. Their shirts feature artistic renditions of Louisiana symbols like the state flower, bird and flag. Popular designs like “Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler” capture the festive spirit of New Orleans.
In addition to a robust online store, Fleurty Girl has a brick and mortar shop in Mandeville along with locations in Covington and Metairie. Their uniquely Louisiana apparel and gifts can also be found at boutiques statewide.
11. Scrubs & Beyond – Shreveport
Scrubs & Beyond manufactures and sells medical scrubs and uniforms. Based in Shreveport since 2004, they design, produce and distribute medical apparel including scrub tops, pants, lab coats, jackets and dresses.
The company’s in-house design team creates original prints and styles for their medical apparel. Their factory and distribution center in Shreveport has an on-site cutting room and large sewing floor with over 100 employees.
Scrubs & Beyond’s proprietary fabrics are designed for comfort and durability to withstand long shifts. Their scrubs are produced using antibacterial and moisture-wicking materials. The company also offers custom embroidery and print design services.
In addition to manufacturing, Scrubs & Beyond operates retail stores throughout Louisiana along with a robust e-commerce site shipping nationwide. Their affordable and stylish scrubs are popular with medical professionals across the country.
12. Billy Heroman’s – Baton Rouge
Family-owned Billy Heroman’s operates 14 stores in Louisiana along with an apparel manufacturing and distribution center in Baton Rouge. Founded in 1945, Billy Heroman’s specializes in custom decorated apparel including school uniforms, corporate uniforms, and branded merchandise.
Their 60,000 square foot production facility in Baton Rouge houses an art department, embroidery department, screen printing shop, and distribution center. They manufacture t-shirts, polos, outerwear, uniforms, and other custom apparel decorated using techniques like screen printing and embroidery.
Major clients include Louisiana State University, area medical centers, regional restaurant chains as well as national brands looking for decorated apparel. In addition to manufacturing, their retail stores carry a variety of clothing and gifts.
Conclusion
From couture gowns to chef coats, Louisiana is home to talented apparel producers. Clothing manufacturers like Perlis and Aurelius Clothing Co. carry on the tradition of quality tailoring in the state. Brands like Dirty Coast and Fleurty Girl evoke local pride in Louisiana-inspired designs. Medical uniform companies like Scrubs & Beyond cater to the healthcare industry. Whether it’s business formal or branded t-shirts, Louisiana clothing companies have the capabilities to design, manufacture and distribute top-notch apparel. The richness of Louisiana’s fashion industry shines through in the creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration of its leading clothing manufacturers.
