2025 The Largest Textile Mills in the U.S. - QL Textiles

The textile industry remains a vital cornerstone of American manufacturing, weaving together tradition, innovation, and economic resilience. While many associate U.S. textiles with a bygone era, today’s industry tells a different story. Modern American textile mills are technology-driven powerhouses that combine advanced automation, sustainable practices, and specialized production to compete on the global stage.

The First U.S. Textile Mill in History

The American textile industry’s roots trace back to 1790, when Samuel Slater established the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Often called the “Father of the American Industrial Revolution,” Slater memorized the design of British textile machinery and recreated it in America, launching an industry that would shape the nation’s economic development for centuries.

This pioneering mill marked the beginning of America’s shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial powerhouse. By the early 1800s, textile manufacturing had spread throughout New England, with massive mill complexes emerging along rivers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The industry eventually migrated south in the 20th century, seeking lower labor costs and proximity to cotton production, establishing the foundation for today’s concentration of textile manufacturing in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama.

Overview of the U.S. Textile Industry in 2025

• The U.S. textile mill market is projected to reach around $45 billion in revenue by 2025.
• Automation, smart manufacturing, and reshoring are driving competitiveness.
• Growth is now concentrated in technical, performance, and sustainable textiles rather than commodity fabrics.

Criteria for the Ranking

• Annual production capacity or revenue scale
• Product categories (yarn, woven fabrics, nonwovens, technical textiles)
• Market coverage (domestic vs export)
• Certifications and sustainability programs (ISO, OEKO-TEX, ZDHC, etc.)

Top 10 Largest Textile Mills in the U.S. (2025)

1. Milliken & Company (South Carolina)

Milliken & Company stands as one of the world’s largest privately held textile manufacturers, operating from its Spartanburg, South Carolina headquarters since 1865. This family-owned company has built its reputation on relentless innovation and diversified product offerings spanning apparel, industrial, flooring, and specialty chemical applications.

The company’s scale is impressive, with more than 40 manufacturing facilities globally and deep expertise across the textile value chain. Milliken produces everything from performance fabrics for athletic wear to protective textiles for military and industrial use. Their fabric technologies appear in products from leading global brands, often incorporating moisture management, antimicrobial properties, or enhanced durability.

Performance fabrics represent a core strength, with Milliken investing heavily in R&D to develop proprietary treatments and constructions. Their innovation labs work closely with brands to create custom solutions that address specific performance needs, whether that’s quick-drying fabrics for activewear or flame-resistant materials for workwear.

Sustainability initiatives permeate Milliken’s operations. The company has achieved major reductions in water consumption and energy use while maintaining strict chemical management protocols. Their commitment extends beyond their own facilities to helping customers improve their environmental footprint. Multiple certifications validate these efforts, including OEKO-TEX and various ISO standards demonstrating both environmental stewardship and quality management excellence.

2. Elevate Textiles (North Carolina)

Elevate Textiles emerged as a powerhouse through strategic acquisitions, bringing together iconic American textile brands under one corporate umbrella. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company operates manufacturing facilities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, serving customers worldwide with a diverse portfolio of premium fabrics.

The brand portfolio includes well-known names like Burlington, Cone Denim, and American & Efird, each maintaining its identity while benefiting from shared resources and innovation infrastructure. This structure allows Elevate to offer exceptional breadth, from heritage denim to advanced performance textiles for technical applications.

Performance and technical fabrics drive much of Elevate’s growth strategy. The company invests continuously in developing materials that meet demanding specifications for athletic wear, outdoor gear, and protective clothing. Its global supply chain flexibility allows customers to source efficiently across regions while maintaining quality consistency.

Elevate’s sustainability initiatives align with its global reach. The company is committed to science-based targets for emissions reduction and chemical compliance under ZDHC guidelines, positioning it among the global textile leaders balancing performance with responsibility.

3. Parkdale Mills (North Carolina)

Parkdale Mills has earned its position as one of the world’s largest yarn producers through decades of focused excellence in spinning operations. Headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, this family-owned company processes billions of pounds of cotton and synthetic fibers annually, supplying yarn to manufacturers across North America and beyond.

With dozens of spinning facilities across the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, Parkdale produces yarn in virtually every count and construction needed by fabric manufacturers. This capacity makes Parkdale a critical link in the American textile supply chain, providing the fundamental building block for countless fabric producers.

Domestic cotton integration gives Parkdale significant advantages. The company works closely with U.S. cotton growers and can trace fiber sources throughout production. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality while supporting American agriculture, a selling point for brands emphasizing domestic content.

Advanced spinning technology keeps Parkdale competitive despite lower labor costs abroad. The company has invested heavily in automation and process optimization, achieving productivity levels that allow them to compete effectively on both price and quality.

4. Glen Raven, Inc. (North Carolina)

Glen Raven, Inc. has built a distinctive position in the textile industry by combining technical expertise with strong consumer brands. Operating from Glen Raven, North Carolina since 1880, the company is best known for Sunbrella, the leading brand in outdoor performance fabrics, but its capabilities extend beyond outdoor furniture textiles.

Sunbrella fabrics dominate the outdoor and marine markets through superior performance and extensive color offerings. These solution-dyed acrylic fabrics resist fading, mildew, and staining while remaining soft and visually appealing. The brand’s strength has allowed Glen Raven to build premium positioning and loyalty across industries.

Vertical integration distinguishes Glen Raven’s operational model. The company controls processes from fiber extrusion through finishing, ensuring quality and flexibility. This integration also enables rapid product development, allowing new colors and patterns to reach the market quickly.

Design innovation receives significant emphasis, with Glen Raven maintaining design studios that track trends and create forward-looking palettes. Its balance of technical and aesthetic strengths keeps it a leader in high-performance decorative textiles.

5. Unifi, Inc. (North Carolina)

Unifi, Inc. has pioneered circular economy practices in textiles through REPREVE, its flagship brand of recycled performance fibers. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Unifi transformed itself from a traditional synthetic yarn producer into a sustainability leader whose fibers appear in products from hundreds of global brands.

REPREVE recycled polyester primarily comes from post-consumer plastic bottles processed into high-quality textile fibers. The technology maintains performance characteristics equivalent to virgin polyester while significantly reducing environmental impact. Each year, Unifi diverts billions of plastic bottles from landfills and oceans, transforming waste into valuable raw material for the textile industry.

Unifi also provides traceability through its U TRUST® verification program, offering brands proof of recycled content. This transparency gives confidence that sustainability claims are verifiable rather than greenwashing.

Leading global brands, including Nike, The North Face, and Ford, use REPREVE fibers in apparel, footwear, and automotive interiors. This widespread adoption validates Unifi’s approach and demonstrates that recycled fibers can compete on quality, not just environmental benefit.

6. American & Efird (A&E)

American & Efird has established itself as a global leader in industrial sewing threads and embroidery products, with significant U.S. manufacturing operations supporting customers across multiple industries. Headquartered in Mount Holly, North Carolina, A&E supplies threads used in everything from apparel and footwear to automotive and furniture manufacturing.

Industrial threads are critical to product performance and efficiency. A&E’s expertise ensures optimal strength, durability, and colorfastness across varied applications. The company provides technical guidance to manufacturers, optimizing production processes for reliability and speed.

Sustainability has become central to A&E’s strategy. The company offers thread lines made from recycled polyester and organic cotton and implements advanced dyeing systems that minimize chemical impact. A&E also complies with ZDHC, confirming its leadership in chemical safety and responsible production.

Global reach combined with U.S. manufacturing strength positions A&E uniquely. While maintaining domestic facilities that ensure quick service, the company supports global brands through an international network of manufacturing and distribution centers.

7. Mount Vernon Mills (Georgia)

Mount Vernon Mills has carved out a strong position in denim, uniform fabrics, and protective textiles through consistent quality and reliable service. Operating from Alto, Georgia, this family-owned company maintains a diverse product portfolio serving both consumer and industrial markets with American-made fabrics.

Denim production remains a key strength, alongside uniform and protective fabrics for industrial and public safety use. Mount Vernon’s integrated operations, from yarn spinning to finishing, enable control over quality and quick response to customer specifications.

Uniform and protective fabrics provide stable demand from institutions requiring dependable textile suppliers. These markets value domestic sourcing for compliance, shorter lead times, and reliable quality.

The company’s geographic advantage within Georgia keeps it close to raw materials and customers while maintaining flexibility in development and delivery. This integration has helped Mount Vernon maintain its presence in competitive markets where many others have disappeared.

8. Shaw Industries Group (Georgia)

Shaw Industries Group dominates the U.S. carpet and flooring textile market through scale, innovation, and comprehensive product offerings. Based in Dalton, Georgia, the carpet capital of the world, Shaw operates as a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and employs more than 20,000 people.

Shaw produces billions of square yards of carpet and resilient flooring annually using advanced automation and quality control. The company’s reach spans residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, making it one of the largest vertically integrated flooring manufacturers in the world.

Advanced material science drives Shaw’s competitiveness. Proprietary technologies like R2X stain resistance and continuous filament fiber innovations enhance durability and comfort.

Shaw’s environmental leadership includes one of the industry’s largest carpet reclamation programs and multiple Cradle to Cradle® certifications, confirming commitment to circular production models and material safety.

9. Mohawk Industries (Georgia)

Mohawk Industries stands as the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, with textile-based flooring forming a major division of its business. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, Mohawk employs more than 21,000 people in the U.S. and many more globally, generating over $11 billion in annual revenue.

The company’s portfolio spans carpet, rugs, and hard-surface flooring under brands like Karastan, Mohawk, and Godfrey Hirst. Mohawk integrates design, manufacturing, and recycling operations to ensure quality and sustainability throughout its supply chain.

Innovation underpins Mohawk’s strategy. It continues to introduce fiber systems that improve softness, resilience, and color performance. Its Continuum process recycles billions of plastic bottles annually into polyester carpet fiber, reducing environmental impact while ensuring performance.

Mohawk’s large-scale investments in renewable energy and water conservation programs further reflect its long-term commitment to sustainable production and responsible resource use.

10. Inman Mills (South Carolina)

Inman Mills represents the enduring strength of specialized textile manufacturing. Operating from Inman, South Carolina since 1902, this family-owned company has evolved from traditional cotton spinning into a modern manufacturer serving diverse markets with quality yarns and fabrics.

Its heritage provides deep knowledge and refined processes developed over a century. This experience translates into consistency and technical expertise valued by long-term customers.

Modernization in spinning and finishing has kept Inman Mills competitive. Strategic investments in automation and process control enable productivity comparable to larger competitors.

Inman Mills focuses on niche markets where flexibility and service provide advantages, maintaining strong relationships and steady demand through reliability and specialization.

Regional Concentration (Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, etc.)

The southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas and Georgia, remains the heart of American textile manufacturing. This regional concentration reflects historical factors, infrastructure advantages, and ongoing benefits that keep production clustered in these states.

North Carolina and South Carolina account for the largest share of textile employment and production. Cities like Greensboro, Charlotte, and Greenville function as hubs with deep expertise and strong supplier ecosystems.

Georgia dominates carpet and flooring textiles in Dalton and northwest regions, while Alabama maintains a significant presence in nonwovens and technical fabrics.

Proximity to cotton production, favorable logistics, established infrastructure, and experienced labor continue to sustain this southeastern concentration. The clustering effect provides cost and innovation advantages difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Emerging Mid-Size and Specialized Textile Mills to Watch

Innovative mid-size and specialized manufacturers drive important developments in American textile production. Nonwovens manufacturers are expanding rapidly, supplying filtration, medical, and hygiene markets. Digital textile printing enables short-run custom fabrics, meeting the demand for on-demand production.

Eco-textile pioneers focusing on organic fibers, natural dyes, or closed-loop production lead in sustainability. Their research in waterless dyeing, enzymatic finishing, and fiber-to-fiber recycling shapes industry evolution.

Reshoring initiatives are opening opportunities for new U.S. ventures, especially in technical textiles. These high-value segments justify domestic production costs while supporting strategic supply chain resilience.

QL Textiles: A Leading Textile Mill

While this article focuses on U.S. manufacturers, understanding global competition provides context. QL Textiles, a Chinese mill, exemplifies the sophistication of international competitors American mills face today.

Modern Chinese manufacturers have shifted from low-cost production to high-tech, sustainable textile manufacturing. They invest in advanced European and Japanese machinery, adopt global quality standards, and increasingly focus on specialized, high-performance products.

For brands seeking comprehensive textile solutions, QL Textiles provides design, production, and quality assurance capabilities, bridging domestic and international supply chain strategies.

Conclusion

The largest textile mills in the U.S. represent the backbone of domestic manufacturing, blending tradition with innovation. Their investments in technology, sustainability, and skilled labor continue to reinforce America’s position in global textile production and create valuable opportunities for B2B partnerships.

FAQs

What defines a textile mill versus a textile company?

A textile mill specifically refers to a manufacturing facility that processes fibers into yarns or fabrics through spinning, weaving, knitting, or nonwoven production. The term emphasizes physical production capability. A textile company may engage in various activities, including design, sourcing, or retail, without necessarily owning mills. Some textile companies own mills, while others outsource manufacturing.