Knitwear Manufacturer for US Fashion Brands — Direct from Turkey

Are you a US fashion brand grappling with rising costs, complex supply chains, and ever-tightening compliance regulations? The Section 301 tariffs on Chinese knitwear are impacting your bottom line, and ensuring your products meet CPSIA and Prop 65 standards is a constant concern. Kiwi Giyim, a leading flat-knit manufacturer based in Gaziantep, Turkey, offers a compelling alternative. We deliver high-quality knitwear, direct to your US warehouse, with transparent USD pricing, proactive compliance, and a streamlined process designed for brands like yours. Stop leaving money on the table – and start building a more resilient supply chain.

Why US-based brands choose Turkey for knitwear

For decades, China dominated knitwear manufacturing. But the landscape is shifting. US brands are increasingly recognizing Turkey as a strategic sourcing hub, and for good reason. Beyond the significant savings offered by avoiding Section 301 tariffs – currently up to 25% on many knitwear categories – Turkey provides a unique blend of advantages. We’re geographically closer to the US than China, resulting in faster lead times. Our skilled workforce and modern facilities ensure consistent quality. And, crucially, Turkey boasts a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, aligning with the growing demands of conscious consumers. We’re not just a manufacturer; we’re a partner in building a more responsible and profitable future for your brand. Learn more about our /capabilities/.

Compliance & Standards That Matter for US

We understand the critical importance of compliance for the US market. Kiwi Giyim is fully equipped to meet and exceed your requirements. We are deeply familiar with:

CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): We meticulously manage all materials and processes to ensure full compliance with lead content, phthalates, and other regulated substances. We provide comprehensive testing reports upon request.
Prop 65 (California Proposition 65): We proactively screen all yarns and dyes to avoid restricted chemicals, minimizing the risk of Prop 65 warnings on your products.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Many of our yarns are OEKO-TEX® certified, guaranteeing they are free from harmful substances.
REACH Compliance: We adhere to European REACH regulations, ensuring responsible chemical management throughout our supply chain.
Social Compliance: We operate under ethical labor practices and can provide documentation demonstrating adherence to fair working conditions.

We don’t just say we’re compliant – we prove it. This commitment protects your brand reputation and minimizes potential legal liabilities.

Logistics: Turkey → US

We’ve optimized our logistics to deliver your knitwear efficiently and cost-effectively. We specialize in ocean freight to both New York City (NYC) and Los Angeles (LA).

Typical Transit Time (Gaziantep to NYC): 21-28 days
Typical Transit Time (Gaziantep to LA): 28-35 days
Freight Costs (Estimate, per CBM): NYC: $350 – $550; LA: $400 – $600 (These are estimates and fluctuate based on fuel surcharges and carrier rates. We provide accurate quotes with each order.)
Port of Origin: Mersin, Turkey
Incoterms: Primarily FOB (Free On Board) USD. We can also accommodate CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) terms.

We handle all export documentation and work with reliable freight forwarders to ensure a smooth and transparent shipping process. We provide tracking information at every stage, giving you complete visibility over your shipment.

Production Capabilities

Kiwi Giyim is equipped with 22 state-of-the-art flat-knitting machines, including both Shima Seiki and Stoll models. This allows us to produce a wide range of knitwear styles with exceptional precision and detail.

Monthly Capacity: Up to 100,000 pieces
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 250 pieces per style/color
Gauge Range: 3gg – 14gg, enabling us to work with a diverse range of yarn weights and textures.
Machine Types: Shima Seiki and Stoll flat-knitting machines, offering versatility and advanced capabilities.
Specializations: Full-fashion, intarsia, cable knit, ribbing, and a variety of stitch patterns.

We’re equipped to handle everything from simple basic styles to complex, highly detailed designs. Explore our full range of /process/ capabilities.

Yarn & Material Specialties for US brands

We source high-quality yarns from trusted suppliers, both domestically and internationally. We specialize in:

Merino Wool: Fine, extra-fine, and super-fine merino wool for luxurious knitwear.
Cashmere: Premium cashmere yarns for exceptional softness and warmth.
Cotton: Organic and conventional cotton yarns in a variety of weights and finishes.
Viscose/Rayon: Sustainable viscose and rayon yarns for drape and comfort.
Acrylic & Blends: Durable and cost-effective acrylic and blended yarns.
Specialty Yarns: Mohair, alpaca, silk, and other specialty yarns to create unique textures and effects.

We are happy to source specific yarns based on your requirements and can provide samples for your approval. We prioritize sustainable yarn options whenever possible – see our /sustainability/ page.

Working Models: OEM / ODM / Private Label / Sample Development

We offer flexible working models to suit your needs:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): You provide the tech pack, and we manufacture your designs to your exact specifications.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): We can develop designs based on your concepts and market trends.
Private Label: We manufacture knitwear under your brand label.
Sample Development: We create high-quality samples to evaluate fit, construction, and aesthetics. This is a crucial step in our process.

We’re committed to providing a collaborative and transparent experience, regardless of the working model you choose.

Communication & Time Zone Compatibility

We understand the importance of seamless communication. Our team is fluent in English and readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns. The time zone overlap between the US East Coast and Turkey (GMT+3) allows for real-time communication during European morning hours, facilitating efficient collaboration. You can reach Founder Mehmet Özbakır directly via WhatsApp at +90 532 013 17 61 or email us at info@kiwigiyim.com.

Real Cost Comparison

Here’s a realistic comparison of knitwear manufacturing costs:

Location	Labor Cost (per piece)	Material Cost (Estimate)	Shipping (per piece)	Total Cost (Estimate)
China	$3 – $7	$5 – $15	$1 – $3	$9 – $25
Turkey	$8 – $15	$6 – $18	$2 – $4	$16 – $37
US Domestic	$20 – $40	$8 – $20	$0.50 – $2	$30 – $62
Tariff Impact (China to US)	N/A	+ 15-25%	N/A	N/A

Note: These are estimates and vary based on complexity, yarn type, and order volume. Turkey offers a compelling balance of cost, quality, and compliance, especially when factoring in Section 301 tariffs.

Why Direct Partnership With Founder Mehmet Özbakır Matters

I, Mehmet Özbakır, founded Kiwi Giyim with a vision to bridge the gap between Turkish manufacturing excellence and the demands of discerning US fashion brands. I’m personally involved in every stage of the production process, ensuring quality control, timely delivery, and transparent communication. My decades of experience in the knitwear industry, combined with my commitment to innovation and sustainability, sets Kiwi Giyim apart. I believe in building long-term partnerships based on trust and mutual success. Learn more about my story at /author/mehmetozbakir_ns7rrpoe/.

How to Get Started: Three-Step Path

Ready to experience the Kiwi Giyim difference? Here’s how to get started:

Tech Pack Review: Send us your tech pack for a detailed assessment and accurate quote.
Sample Development: We’ll create a high-quality sample to ensure your design is perfectly realized.
Bulk Production: Once you approve the sample, we’ll efficiently manufacture your order to your specifications.

Don’t let tariffs and supply chain complexities hold your brand back. Kiwi Giyim offers a reliable, cost-effective, and compliant solution for your knitwear needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and unlock the potential of Turkish manufacturing.