Clothing design and production is a complex business. After you have chosen the best business model for your clothing line and the niche, you must then think about the actual garments. It would be best if you launched your fashion brand with a successful first collection. Your first collection will reflect your brand’s core values and essence.
Clothing design and production is a complex business. After you have chosen the best business model for your clothing line and the niche, you must then think about the actual garments. It is crucial to have a strong first collection as this will launch your fashion brand. Your first collection will represent the essence and values that you want to convey through your clothing line. It will also introduce your unique style. As you grow and expand, you can explore new avenues. However, your first collection should preview what your audience will see consistently from you as a designer. Finding the right clothing manufacturer to work with is not easy. We have put together three tips to help you find the best factory to suit your needs.
Source your supplier wisely.
First, you will need to decide if you want to work with local manufacturers in your country or continent or with manufacturers overseas. We usually refer to countries such as China, Hong Kong, or India when we mention overseas manufacturers. Both domestic and foreign clothing manufacturers have their pros and cons. These revolve around cost, communication, and shipping. When it comes to working with domestic clothing manufacturers, for example, you are more likely to get higher-quality products and regulated labor standards. This comes with a price; it is usually more expensive to buy your clothing locally. You’ll ultimately want to select the manufacturer that can offer you the best quality products at a price range that is compatible with your small business budget. If you choose a domestic supplier, you will want to look for a manufacturer who can offer you the fastest delivery times. You’ll also want to choose a manufacturer with the best communication skills and experience in order to build a strong relationship and ensure smooth production.
Calculate Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ).
You will want to start small with your brand as a small company. Small-batch producers are able to produce smaller runs and provide support, even if you have limited experience with textile manufacturing.
Clothing manufacturers today understand that small businesses face budget restrictions when they enter the market. They cater to a variety of needs rather than the pre-sets from the past. Some factories accept MOQs of 50 pieces or less so that even the smallest designers can produce their first collection. Check that the low MOQs will not restrict your production or style options.
It’s difficult to predict how your business will expand, but it is important to select a factory that can scale up to meet your needs. This may not initially be an important factor, but if your business grows quickly, it will be essential to choose a factory that can scale with your brand.
Consider The Production Process
You can either ask a factory to use the fabric that you have purchased to create a design, or you can request it to find materials, make a pattern, and then assemble everything from your sketch. You will need the CMT package if you are looking to cut, complete, and trim. Designers who have an existing line and are already hand-making their products on a smaller scale will find this package most useful. They already have a line of products and know what they want to do with them. A full package production could be the best option for designers who have little or no experience in garment making or pattern cutting. These factories produce your product from beginning to end. The factories cut, sew, and add the finishing touches, such as buttons and labels. The package will be more expensive, but it allows every type of entrepreneur a chance to have a piece of the fashion pie. Working collaboratively and cooperatively with the factory of your choice will result in a successful working relationship. This will allow you to get more production at a lower cost.
It is possible to switch manufacturers as your career progresses. Still, if you do your research early, you may be able to establish a long-lasting relationship with a factory that will last throughout your entire career as a designer.
