NAICS 3159

Apparel Accessories & Other Apparel Manufacturing

NAICS 3159: Apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing. Gloves, scarves, hats, belts, ties, and specialized apparel components for retail and commercial markets.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 3159 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
7,925
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
729
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$327.3M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$41,298
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$1.2B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

NAICS 3159 encompasses the manufacturing of apparel accessories and miscellaneous apparel items that complement core clothing products. This industry group includes production of items such as gloves, scarves, hats, belts, suspenders, neckties, headbands, leg warmers, and other specialized apparel components. These manufacturers serve both the direct consumer market and supply chain partners within the broader apparel manufacturing ecosystem, often operating as specialized producers focused on specific accessory categories or niche markets.

The industry plays a supporting but essential role in the overall apparel manufacturing sector, providing finished goods that enhance and complete clothing ensembles. Manufacturers in this space typically employ more flexible production runs than bulk apparel producers, allowing them to serve seasonal demand fluctuations and rapidly changing fashion trends. The segment has increasingly adopted just-in-time inventory practices and direct-to-consumer sales channels to remain competitive in a market increasingly influenced by fast fashion and e-commerce dynamics.

Many NAICS 3159 businesses maintain significant exposure to international supply chain considerations, with production often split between domestic manufacturing and overseas sourcing. The industry faces ongoing pressure from low-cost overseas manufacturers while benefiting from growing demand for domestic production, customization capabilities, and rapid turnaround times that support contemporary retail models.

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Industry Trends

01

Accelerating demand for sustainable and ethically produced accessories is driving manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly materials, reduce waste in production processes, and obtain third-party certifications that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

02

Customization and personalization capabilities are becoming competitive differentiators, with manufacturers investing in digital printing, embroidery, and on-demand production technologies to serve both direct-to-consumer brands and corporate bulk orders.

USA

Nearshoring and domestic manufacturing resurgence for accessories is increasing as retailers seek reduced lead times, lower shipping costs, and compliance with made-in-USA labeling requirements for premium product lines.

04

E-commerce growth is transforming distribution channels, with accessories manufacturers expanding direct-to-consumer sales and developing capabilities to manage smaller order quantities, faster fulfillment, and real-time inventory visibility.

05

Integration of smart textiles and functional innovations, including moisture-wicking materials, temperature-regulation fibers, and integrated wearable technology components, is expanding product categories and price points within the accessories segment.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

1 specialty industriesavailable on request
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 3159? ▾
NAICS 3159 is the classification for apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing in the United States. This industry group includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing accessories such as gloves, scarves, hats, belts, ties, and other miscellaneous apparel items that are not classified within other specialized apparel manufacturing categories. These manufacturers supply products to retailers, other apparel manufacturers, and direct-to-consumer channels.
How does NAICS 3159 differ from other apparel manufacturing categories? ▾
While NAICS 315 encompasses the broader apparel manufacturing industry, NAICS 3159 specifically focuses on accessories and supplementary apparel items rather than primary clothing garments like shirts, pants, or dresses. This specialization allows manufacturers to develop deep expertise in specific accessory categories and often enables more flexible production capabilities suited to rapid fashion cycles and seasonal variations.
What are the primary sales channels for manufacturers in this industry? ▾
Manufacturers in NAICS 3159 serve multiple distribution channels including wholesale relationships with national retailers and department stores, supply contracts with larger apparel manufacturers, online direct-to-consumer platforms, and specialized accessory retailers. Many companies operate across multiple channels simultaneously to maximize market reach and reduce dependence on any single distribution partner.
How is domestic manufacturing competing against overseas production? ▾
Domestic manufacturers in accessories are competing by emphasizing rapid production turnaround times, customization capabilities, compliance with labeling requirements like 'Made in USA,' and small-batch flexibility that overseas competitors find difficult to match. Additionally, reduced shipping costs and inventory carrying costs from nearshoring provide compelling economics for retailers managing diverse seasonal product assortments.
What technological investments are driving industry modernization? ▾
Key technological investments include digital textile printing for custom designs, automated cutting and sewing equipment, integrated inventory management systems, e-commerce platforms with real-time fulfillment capabilities, and quality control automation. These investments help manufacturers reduce labor costs, improve consistency, shorten production cycles, and better serve contemporary retail demands for speed and customization.

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