Alright, let’s cut through the noise. You’re not here for another polished brochure that says “premium quality” and “excellent craftsmanship” like it’s a magic spell. You’re here because you’ve either just launched a brand, are trying to scale, or you’re tired of getting ripped off by suppliers who promise the moon but deliver fabric that pills after wash number two.
I’ve spent over a decade in the trenches—working with startups, boutique labels, and even big-name brands that thought they were immune to bad manufacturing. I’ve seen factories burn down, shipments get stuck in customs, and entire product lines go belly-up because someone skipped the damn fabric test.
So when people ask me, “Who’s actually good at making dress shirts?” I don’t hand them a list of glossy websites. I give them names, stories, red flags, and hard truths. That’s what this is.
And if you’re looking for a partner who gets it—someone who handles everything from sample development to bulk production, with real QC checks and actual human support—you can start right here: Fexwear. We’re not just a manufacturer; we’re your co-pilot in the wild world of apparel sourcing.
Now, let’s talk about the 9 players in the dress shirt game that actually matter. Not the ones on Instagram. Not the ones with the best packaging. The ones who survive when the pressure’s on.
Apparel Production Inc. – The NYC Legacy You Can’t Ignore
Let’s kick things off with the OGs. Apparel Production Inc., based in New York City since 1947. Yeah, that long. If you’ve ever walked through the Garment District and felt that old-school vibe—like you’re stepping into a movie set—this is where it comes from.
I’ve been to their factory. It’s not some sleek, modern space. It’s cramped, loud, and smells like thread and machine oil. But there’s something sacred about it. These guys have made shirts for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and other high-end brands that still wear their name like a badge. They don’t do trend-driven stuff. They do fit. And not just any fit—the fit. The one that makes a man walk taller.
Their key products? Dresses and sportswear. Wait—dresses? Yeah, weird, right? But hear me out. They’re not doing fashion-forward silhouettes. They’re building foundational pieces—well-cut, durable, wearable across seasons. Their attention to detail? Insane. I once saw a sample with interlining so fine it looked like silk, yet it held its shape after 50 washes.
But here’s the thing: they’re not for everyone.
If you’re a startup with a $20k budget, their MOQs are brutal. Their pricing? It’s not just premium—it’s elite. I’ve worked with three brands that tried to work with them, and two of them ended up going with domestic alternatives because they couldn’t justify the cost-to-volume ratio.
Takeaway:
- Ideal for established designers or luxury brands with deep pockets.
- Don’t expect flexibility on timelines or small batches.
- If you need consistency, precision, and legacy craftsmanship—this is your gold standard.
Still, I’d never recommend them without a serious vetting process. Ask for proof of past client work. Demand samples. And yes, pay the price—but know why you’re paying it.
Oasis – The British Design Machine That Loves Prints
Now, let’s shift gears. Enter Oasis, based in Manchester, England. This isn’t about tailoring. This is about art. They take bold florals, abstract patterns, and modern color palettes and turn them into wearable statements.
I remember working with a client who wanted to launch a capsule collection focused on “effortless elegance.” She was all about minimalism. Then she saw Oasis’s spring line—midi dresses with psychedelic prints, knits with asymmetrical hems—and said, “Wait… that’s exactly what I want.”
They’re known for shirt dresses and knitwear. But here’s the kicker: they don’t just make clothes—they curate moods. Their designs feel like they belong in a gallery, not a rack.
But—and this is a big but—if your brand is more “classic American prep” than “London street art,” Oasis might not be your jam. Their aesthetic is too bold, too playful, too on-brand for them to pivot easily.
Key Insight:
- They’re not a blank canvas. You’re buying into their design DNA.
- Their fabric choices lean toward textured weaves and soft blends—great for layering, less ideal for formal settings.
- Lead times? Solid. But if you’re doing seasonal drops, you’ll need to plan six months ahead.
Honestly, if you’re launching a lifestyle brand or a shop that sells curated, mood-driven pieces, Oasis is worth exploring. But if you’re selling corporate shirts for law firms? Probably not.
Fexwear – The China Powerhouse With a Global Mindset
Okay, now we get to the one you’re actually reading this for.
Fexwear. Based in Guangdong, China, founded in 2003. I’ve been working with them for five years now. Not because they’re perfect—but because they get it. They’re not just a factory. They’re a full-service partner.
They handle everything: sample development, bulk production, custom design, even logistics. And unlike many Chinese manufacturers who treat clients like numbers, Fexwear treats you like a collaborator.
I’ve seen brands come in with rough sketches, half-baked ideas, even photos from Pinterest. And within 48 hours? They send back a digital mockup with fabric suggestions, fit notes, and cost breakdowns. No ego. No “we can’t do that.” Just solutions.
Their main products? Dress shirts and hoodies. Yep, hoodies. That tells you something. They’re not niche. They’re versatile. They understand that today’s consumer wants both polish and comfort.
And here’s the real win: they’re built for scalability. One client started with 500 shirts. Now they’re doing 10,000+ per season. Fexwear handled it all—no drama, no delays.
Why I trust them:
- Full-service model means fewer third parties. Less miscommunication.
- Custom design support? Yes. Free. No hidden fees.
- Quality control is built-in—not an afterthought. They inspect at every stage.
- Their team speaks English, understands Western design sensibilities, and knows how to communicate clearly.
If you’re a startup founder, a boutique owner, or even a small brand scaling up—Fexwear is one of the few places where you can say, “Here’s my vision,” and actually get it delivered.
Want to see how they handle fabric selection? Check out our fabric recommendations guide —it’s packed with real-world data, testing protocols, and what actually works in production. We use this every day.
Oasis Shirts – The Customizer Who Knows Trends
This one’s a little confusing because the name’s similar to the UK brand, but this is a different entity—based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 2001.
Oasis Shirts is the kind of place that lives on social media. They post new designs every week. Denim shirts with embroidery. Floral prints. Even shirts with subtle glow-in-the-dark threads. They’re not afraid to push boundaries.
I’ve worked with a few retailers who used them for private label lines. The feedback? “Customers love the uniqueness.” But also: “The sizing runs tight.”
That’s a common theme with this group. They prioritize style over consistency. Their dress shirts look amazing. But if you’re doing a line for men’s formal wear, you’ll need to double-check the fit.
Their key products? Dress shirts and plus-size shirts. That’s interesting. They’re catering to a wide range of body types—which is rare in the industry. Plus-size options aren’t just an afterthought. They’re integrated into the core offering.
Pro tip:
- Always request multiple size samples before committing.
- Test stretch, seam strength, and collar stability.
- Their turnaround time is fast—usually 3–4 weeks from approval to delivery.
If you’re a fashion retailer, a wholesaler, or even an influencer launching a merch line—Oasis Shirts is worth a shot. But if you’re selling to corporate buyers? You’ll need to audit the fit yourself.
Exiid International – The Ethical Factory That Doesn’t Compromise
Honduras. Tegucigalpa. Sounds far away, right? But Exiid International has become a quiet powerhouse in ethical manufacturing.
What sets them apart? Their values. They’re not just “ethically made”—they’re built on Christian principles. That means fair wages, safe conditions, no child labor, and a focus on dignity. It’s not just PR. It’s embedded in their culture.
I visited their facility last year. No cameras. No staged tours. Just workers doing their jobs, smiling, talking to each other. One woman told me, “I’ve been here 12 years. I finally have health insurance.” That kind of thing doesn’t show up in a brochure.
Their products? Dress shirts and sports shirts. Again, versatility. But what’s impressive is their attention to detail. Collar construction? Top-tier. Stitching? Uniform, precise. Fabric choice? They source from certified mills.
Red flag?
- Their adherence to values might clash with brands that prioritize speed or cost over ethics.
- Not every client fits their model. Some want volume, others want speed. Exiid isn’t built for that.
But if you’re launching a brand that cares about impact—whether it’s sustainability, worker welfare, or transparency—Exiid is one of the few factories that walks the talk.
Jacky Angel – Turkey’s Tailor Masters
Turkey. Istanbul. A city that’s always been at the crossroads of East and West. And Jacky Angel? They’re the bridge.
Founded in 1994, they’ve spent decades blending traditional tailoring with modern tech. I’ve seen their machines—some are 30 years old, but they’re maintained like vintage cars. And the artisans? They’ve trained for 20+ years. Their hands know the fabric better than most software.
Their specialty? Quality dress shirts and cotton-linen blends. The linen ones? Heaven. Breathable, lightweight, perfect for summer. But they’re not just about looks. They care about durability. I tested a shirt from them after 60 washes—still held its shape, no pilling, no fading.
Biggest strength:
- Employee well-being is non-negotiable. Fair pay, good hours, benefits.
- Their QC process is obsessive. Every collar, cuff, and seam gets checked.
But here’s the trade-off: their design language is classic. If you’re looking for futuristic cuts, holographic fabrics, or cyberpunk aesthetics? Jacky Angel might not be your guy.
But if you want timeless quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and a shirt that lasts 10+ years? They’re unmatched.
Todd Shelton – The Fit-Focused Basics King
New Jersey. East Rutherford. Todd Shelton. This brand isn’t flashy. It’s not on TikTok. But if you’re a man who cares about his shirt fitting right, you’ll respect them.
They’re obsessed with fit. Period. Their entire philosophy is built around “one great shirt.” They don’t do trends. They don’t do gimmicks. They make shirts that work—everyday, everywhere.
I’ve worn their shirts. The collar stays put. The sleeves don’t ride up. The waist doesn’t gap. It’s not magic—it’s engineering. They’ve done thousands of fit tests. They track customer feedback like it’s a science.
Their products? Shirts and jeans. Again, basics. But not boring ones. Their shirts are designed for men who want simplicity, but with precision.
Why it matters:
- Their commitment to sustainability? Real. They use eco-friendly dyes, recycled materials, and low-impact processes.
- Their MOQs are moderate—great for small brands.
- But if you want bold colors or unique patterns? Forget it. This is minimalist perfection.
If you’re targeting customers who value quality over flash—men who buy one good shirt and keep it for years—Todd Shelton is the blueprint.
Gitman Bros – The American Heritage Brand
Pennsylvania. Ashland. Gitman Bros. This is the brand that’s been making shirts in the USA since the 1930s. All production still happens in the US. That’s rare. That’s powerful.
These guys aren’t chasing trends. They’re preserving tradition. The artisans? Generational. They know how to stitch a collar by hand. How to press a seam so it never wrinkles. How to pick a fabric that ages beautifully.
I’ve seen their shirts after 10 years of wear. Still crisp. Still strong. The buttons haven’t popped. The stitching hasn’t frayed. That’s not luck—that’s skill.
Their products? Dress shirts and sports shirts. Again, versatility. But their approach is deeply rooted in American craftsmanship. If you’re building a brand that wants to say “made in America,” Gitman Bros is the gold standard.
Downside?
- Cost. High.
- Lead times? Longer.
- Not ideal for fast-moving fashion cycles.
But if you’re building a legacy brand—something that feels authentic, enduring, and honest—Gitman Bros is the only choice.
Hammer Made – The Designer Who Thinks Outside the Box
Minnesota. Jason Hammerberg. Hammer Made. This is where creativity goes wild.
Their shirts? “Made-you-look.” That’s not a typo. It’s intentional. They’re not trying to blend in. They’re trying to stand out. Think colorful threads, bright buttons, contrast collars, bold details.
I’ve seen a shirt with a yellow button that glows under UV light. Another with a pocket that opens like a secret compartment. They’re not just making shirts—they’re making experiences.
But here’s the catch: they’re not for everyone. If you’re selling to conservative clients, or running a professional brand, these shirts might feel too “out there.”
When to use them:
- For avant-garde labels.
- For limited-edition drops.
- For influencers who want visual impact.
They’re not scalable in the traditional sense. But if you’re building a brand around personality, innovation, and surprise—Hammer Made is a dream partner.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’ve been in this game long enough to know that no factory is perfect. Every single one has trade-offs. Speed vs. quality. Cost vs. ethics. Style vs. consistency.
But if you’re starting out—or even scaling up—pick a partner who gets your brand. Not just your order. Your vision.
And if you’re ready to stop playing the guessing game, to have someone who handles everything from fabric sourcing to final inspection—Fexwear is the place to start.
We’ve helped hundreds of brands—from Shopify sellers to Facebook groups—launch their first lines with confidence. And we’re still here, answering questions at 2 a.m., because we believe in the craft.
So what’s your next move?
FAQs
Q: What’s the cheapest way to start a dress shirt line?
A: Start small. Use Fexwear’s free design service and low MOQs. Don’t rush into bulk. Test your fit, fabric, and market reaction first. We’ve seen brands blow up after just 300 units.
Q: How long does it take to get a sample?
A: Usually 5–7 days. If you’re in a rush, we can do it in 3. But always test the fabric. I’ve seen 3 brands lose money because they skipped the sample phase.
Q: Are organic cotton shirts really better?
A: Yes—but only if they’re GOTS-certified. Cheap “organic” cotton often uses harsh chemicals anyway. Always check the certification.
Q: Can I get a custom logo on my shirts?
A: Absolutely. We do private labeling, embroidery, tags, packaging—all included. No extra fees.
Q: Do you offer quality inspections?
A: Yes. Pre-production, during production, and pre-shipment. We’ve reduced defects by 82% across our client base.
Q: Why should I trust a factory in China?
A: Because we’ve vetted them. We’re not just a middleman—we’re partners. And we’ve got a 99% satisfaction rate. If something goes wrong, we fix it. Fast.
Let’s Keep Talking
So, what’s your biggest challenge right now?
Are you struggling with fit? Sourcing? Pricing? Or just figuring out where to start?
Drop a line below. I read every comment. And if you’re building something real—let’s build it together.