Developing a new tactical or MOLLE-compatible vest requires more than a strong design — it takes a manufacturing partner with the experience, precision, and capacity to bring that design to life. A MOLLE vest isn’t just another sewn product; it’s a load-bearing system that must meet strict performance and durability standards for use in the field.
At Fieldtex, we’ve spent decades manufacturing MOLLE-compatible vests and tactical gear for the U.S. military, prime defense contractors, and private companies introducing new product lines. For organizations developing the next generation of modular vests, our role is to turn complex prototypes into scalable, production-ready designs.
What Is a MOLLE Vest?
A MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) vest uses a grid of PALS webbing—rows of one-inch straps sewn at precise intervals—to create a modular surface for attaching pouches, holsters, and gear. The design gives users complete control over how their equipment is arranged, balancing accessibility and comfort in demanding environments.
Producing MOLLE vests requires strict attention to spacing, reinforcement, and material selection. Even a few millimeters of misalignment can affect how attachments fit or how weight is distributed across the body.
Who Manufactures MOLLE System Vests?
Only a few U.S. sewing factories have the experience and equipment to produce true MOLLE-compliant vests. Fieldtex is proud to be one of them.
From our 86,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Rochester, NY, we’ve partnered with:
- Branches of the U.S. military, producing modular vest systems and medical harnesses
- Prime defense contractors supplying tactical kits and gear to government agencies
- Private companies bringing new tactical vest designs to market
Our focus isn’t just sewing—it’s engineering repeatable quality at scale. We help partners refine prototypes, test material options, and prepare designs for consistent, high-volume production.
From Prototype to Production
Many of our customers come to us after creating a small-batch prototype. Our engineering team works alongside them to transition those early-stage designs into fully documented, manufacturable products.
We provide:
- CAD patterning and grading for multiple vest sizes
- Sewing process development for consistent PALS webbing alignment
- Material sourcing for Berry-compliant fabrics, webbing, and hardware
- Pilot builds to confirm fit, durability, and functional performance
This process allows our partners to maintain design control while gaining access to our decades of sewing and process expertise.
Materials and Quality Standards
Every Fieldtex MOLLE vest is manufactured to meet or exceed defense and tactical requirements using:
- Heavy-duty nylon and polyester fabrics with excellent abrasion resistance
- Bonded nylon thread and multiple bar tacks at all high-stress points
- Reinforced seams and load-tested stitching for long-term durability
- ISO-9001:2015 certified production systems, with the ability to meet ISO-13485 standards.
This combination of materials and precision sewing ensures reliable performance in the harshest conditions.
Configurations and Applications
Because every mission profile is unique, Fieldtex produces a wide range of vest configurations, including:
- Load-bearing tactical vests for communications, medics, or field personnel
- Lightweight modular vests designed for law enforcement and security operations
- Specialized vest systems integrated into wearable medical or sensor technology
Each configuration is built around the same core MOLLE principles: standardized attachment spacing, secure load distribution, and durability under pressure.
Why Developers Choose Fieldtex
- Decades of experience manufacturing tactical and military-grade gear
- Responsive engineering support from prototype to production
- Small-batch and high-volume capabilities within the same U.S. facility
- Berry compliance and U.S. sourcing for government contracts
Our customers rely on Fieldtex not just to sew their products—but to help shape their success in the tactical market.
Looking for a U.S. manufacturer for your new MOLLE or tactical vest design?
Fieldtex has over 50 years of sewing experience and the expertise to scale production for defense, law enforcement, and commercial applications.
Request a Quote or learn more about our Tactical Gear Manufacturing Services.