Fabric Programs for Garment-Dyed Production (Los Angeles & USA)

Essentials Made builds fabric programs designed specifically for garment-dyed production. A fabric program defines the foundation of a product so fabric, handfeel, construction, and performance remain consistent across production runs and future reorders.

All production runs through our Los Angeles network using 100% cotton fabrics prepared for dyeing (PFD). For a broader overview of our manufacturing approach, see Clothing Manufacturers in Los Angeles & USA.

What a Fabric Program Means in Garment-Dyed Manufacturing

In garment-dyed production, fabric is not dyed as yardage. Garments are dyed after they are fully sewn. This means the fabric must be selected, sourced, and prepared intentionally before production begins.

A fabric program defines the exact fabric source, knit construction, weight (GSM), and preparation for dyeing. This is what allows a brand to reorder the same style months later without changes in feel, drape, or performance.

Why Fabric Comes Before Color

Many brands initially ask about polyester or cotton-poly blends because they are thinking in terms of pre-dyed fabric. Dyeing fabric at the mill requires large minimum yardage — often 800–1,000+ yards per color — plus additional dye charges.

Garment dye changes that structure. Instead of committing to massive quantities of pre-colored fabric, brands commit to a single PFD fabric base and apply color after garments are made.

This is why garment dye is not about “small quantities” — it is about separating fabric commitment from color commitment so brands can launch professionally without overextending on yardage.

The Three Core Fabric Families We Work With

Most garment-dyed essentials are built around three core fabric families. Each can be developed across a range of weights depending on season, price point, and brand direction.

• French terry programs (lightweight to heavyweight)
• Fleece programs (midweight to heavyweight)
• Jersey programs (lightweight to heavyweight)

French Terry Fabric Programs

French terry is commonly used for premium essentials because it works across seasons and garment dyes cleanly. It is often selected for hoodies, crewnecks, sweatpants, and coordinated sets.

French terry programs can be built in lighter weights for warmer climates or heavier weights for structured collections. All options remain 100% cotton and prepared for dyeing to support consistent reorders.

Fleece Fabric Programs

Fleece programs are used when warmth and structure are the priority. This fabric family is commonly selected for hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants in fall and winter collections.

Because fleece is heavier, garment-dyed fleece programs allow more flexibility in color planning while maintaining a stable fabric base.

Jersey Fabric Programs

Jersey programs are used for tees, long sleeves, and tanks. In garment-dyed production, jersey selection directly affects drape, shrink behavior, and final handfeel.

Jersey programs are built with consistency in mind so future reorders match the original product, not just visually but in wear and feel.

Color Flexibility Within a Fabric Program

One of the main advantages of garment-dyed production is color flexibility without committing to massive fabric yardage per color.

For a typical 300-piece production sharing the same fabric program:

• Fleece or French terry: up to 3 total colors
• Jersey: up to 2 total colors

This structure allows brands to launch multiple colorways professionally without the mill minimums required for pre-dyed fabric.

Fabric Swatches and Selection

Fabric selection is part of the development process. Once a project moves forward, we provide fabric swatches so brands can evaluate weight, texture, and handfeel before finalizing direction.

We work with trusted Los Angeles mills. Whether you need lightweight jersey, structured fleece, or premium French terry, every fabric program is built to support consistency and growth.