If you are building or scaling a motorcycle apparel brand in the United States, the manufacturing question comes early: do you source domestically, or overseas?

The honest answer is that almost every US motorcycle apparel brand manufactures overseas — even the well-known ones. Here is why, and how to do it right.

Why US Brands Go Overseas for Manufacturing

Domestic leather and textile manufacturing capacity for motorcycle apparel is extremely limited in the US. The few facilities that exist operate at high minimum orders and long lead times. Overseas manufacturing — specifically from Pakistan (Sialkot) and China — offers:

  • Full-stack capability: leather, Cordura, CE armor, hardware, custom branding
  • MOQs that work for emerging brands (50–200 pieces)
  • Competitive unit costs that allow healthy retail margins
  • Experience with US/Canadian market requirements

Certifications That Matter for the US Market

Unlike the EU, the United States does not legally require CE certification for motorcycle clothing sold domestically. However:

  • CE EN 17092 certification is a strong marketing differentiator in the US, especially for premium-positioned brands
  • CPSC compliance for any children's products (rare in moto gear, but worth noting)
  • DOT certification is required for helmets — not jackets or gloves
  • Armor inserts should carry EN 1621-1 (shoulder/elbow) and EN 1621-2 (back) certifications

At AJSAMCO, we supply both certified and non-certified armor. Most US brands starting out go with certified armor at Level 1 or Level 2 and let the certification do the selling for them.

How to Vet a Motorcycle Clothing Manufacturer

Before placing any production order, you want to verify:

  1. Samples first, always. Never commit production without a paid sample. This should cost $150–400 per design and take 2–4 weeks.
  2. Request references. A legitimate manufacturer can name brands they have worked with. Ask for two or three.
  3. Check CE certification documents. If a factory claims CE, ask for the test reports. These are issued by notified bodies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) and should have traceable report numbers.
  4. Understand payment terms. Standard is 30–50% deposit, balance before shipment. Avoid factories demanding 100% upfront.
  5. Confirm lead times in writing. Standard production runs 45–75 days from order confirmation. Factor in 15–30 days for ocean freight to US ports.

Sialkot vs. China for US Motorcycle Brands

Pakistan's Sialkot has been the global centre for leather motorcycle gear manufacturing for over 50 years. The majority of the world's leather motorcycle jackets — regardless of brand — are made here. Advantages over Chinese factories for US brands:

  • Superior leather quality (Pakistan tanneries lead globally for garment leather)
  • Lower MOQs — Chinese factories often require 500+ pieces
  • More customisation flexibility at smaller quantities
  • Established relationships with US and European brands

Working with AJSAMCO as a US Brand

We currently work with motorcycle apparel brands in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. For US clients, we handle:

  • Custom design development from your technical pack or reference
  • Private label with your branding (woven labels, hang tags, packaging)
  • CE certification sourcing if required for your market positioning
  • Consolidated shipment to US ports (Los Angeles, New York, Seattle)

Ready to get a quote? Send us your brief and we will respond within 48 hours with pricing and lead times. Or learn more about our private label programme.