As someone who works closely with global OEM apparel factories, I often get asked:
“Where does New Balance actually make its clothing today?”
Most people know New Balance for its U.S. and U.K. footwear production, but its apparel supply chain is far more international and strategically diversified.
Below is a clear, beginner-friendly guide to all major production regions, their strengths, and how NB maintains consistent quality across countries.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- 1. Main Countries Where New Balance Makes Apparel
- 2. What Each Region Specializes In
- 3. Why New Balance Uses a Multi-Country Strategy
- 4. Quality Control: How NB Keeps Standards Consistent
- FAQs
- Related Links
Quick Answer
New Balance apparel is manufactured mainly in Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Jordan, and the Philippines, with selective U.S. production for specialty items.
The brand chooses factories based on:
- technical fabric capability
- sportswear machinery
- long-term compliance
- scalability for global distribution
External references:
- New Balance Official: https://www.newbalance.com
- NB Sustainability & Supply Chain: https://www.newbalance.com/responsibility
1. Main Countries Where New Balance Makes Apparel
Based on OEM production data and current sourcing trends:
Primary Apparel Hubs
- Vietnam → performance tops, shorts, athletic layers
- China → seamless items, advanced synthetics, heat-transfer detailing
- Indonesia → training apparel, stretch-knits, logo applications
- Cambodia → lightweight tees, jersey knits
- Jordan → team sports apparel (NBA/MLB licensed pieces)
- Philippines → compression layers & technical tops
Limited U.S. Apparel Production
- Small-batch merchandise and licensed collections are sometimes produced in U.S. facilities.
2. What Each Region Specializes In
| Region | Strengths | Typical NB Products |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | High consistency, strong sportswear machinery | Running tops, leggings |
| China | Best seamless & synthetic tech | Heat-mapped tees, performance layers |
| Indonesia | Balanced cost + tech | Training gear, graphic activewear |
| Cambodia | Efficient basics | T-shirts, lifestyle apparel |
| Jordan | Premium team-sport capability | Licensed jerseys |
| Philippines | Compression expertise | Base layers |
3. Why New Balance Uses a Multi-Country Strategy
From a manufacturing perspective, NB’s approach is very intentional:
✔ Risk diversification
Different regions reduce reliance on one supply chain.
✔ Specialized machinery
Some factories excel in seamless knitting; others in bonded seams or technical printing.
✔ Better pricing balance
Allows NB to offer both premium and value-tier categories.
✔ Faster replenishment
Multiple hubs help serve U.S., EU, and Asia-Pacific markets efficiently.
Compared with brands like Nike or Adidas, NB has a more stable and mid-scale sourcing model, which supports consistent quality.
4. Quality Control: How NB Keeps Standards Consistent
New Balance conducts multi-stage checks, including:
- fabric testing (stretch recovery, pilling, colorfastness)
- stitching audits and seam pull tests
- laboratory checks for chemicals + sustainability standards
- fit validation using standardized NB blocks
- factory compliance audits
OEM Insight:
NB is known for fewer “trend-driven” silhouettes, which makes QC more stable compared with fast-fashion activewear brands.
FAQs
Q1: Does New Balance make apparel in the U.S.?
Only limited apparel; most large-scale production happens in Asia.
Q2: Is NB apparel high quality even if made overseas?
Yes — quality depends on factory capability, not country. NB uses top-tier sportswear factories.
Q3: Does NB own its factories?
No, but it maintains long-term partnerships with vetted facilities.
Q4: Are NB apparel materials sustainable?
Many items use recycled polyester and Bluesign-approved fabrics.
Related Links
- New Balance Official: https://www.newbalance.com
- NB Apparel Technology Overview: https://www.newbalance.com/innovation
- Activewear OEM Support (my team): https://fukigymwear.com
