Tips to Choose the Right Sweatshirt Manufacturers

Finding good sweatshirt manufacturers is not just about finding some factory that will sew up a sweatshirt. For a clothing company the difficult part is always going to be finding a manufacturer that can reproduce the fit, fabric weight, construction and finishing details that they associate with their end product.

Because of this a sweatshirt might look very simple but the slight variance in fabric, pattern, ribbing, stitch, wash etc. all make an impact on the feel and fit. That is why it is important not only to compare the quotations from the sourcing but the sourcing itself is more important.

Start With a Clear Product Brief

A brand must know what his sweatshirt is before contacting manufacturers.

You do not have to have a perfect tech pack from the beginning; however, there is some helpful data such as fit, fabric content, general fabric weight, color, measurements, branding needs, and quantity.

Visuals of a style reference or a prototype can also be used to provide an initial idea of the overall approach.

The more specific the informaon, the more likely the prot.

Do All Sweatshirt Manufacturers Offer the Same Capabilities?

No.

Some manufacturers only have expertise in producing simple fleece sweatshirt whereas some have experience with heavy weight garments, itemakintos street ware, garment washing, embroidery, printing or more complex construction.

It is important because the right factory for a basic crewneck could be the wrong factory for a heavyweight oversized sweatshirt with a custom wash and several branding elements.

In the search of suppliers, consider their real experience with similar products of yours and not only the number of products it displays on its web page.

Fabric Is One of the First Things to Check

The fabric plays a very important part in the end result of a sweatshirt.

Two sweatshirts with the same pattern can vary enough if the fabric weights, compositions, textures or finishes are different.

Depending on the product, brands may need to consider:

• Based on the fabric composition, either all cotton or a cotton blend
• Fabric weight
• Fleece or French Terry A nap or pile is brushed on the new yarns creating a soft surface.
• Hand feel
• MATERIAL PROPERTIES. ENABLING THE STETCH AND RECOVERY.
• Shrinkage
• Surface texture
• Color consistency

In cases where you have a fabric requirement, please specify. If you‘re deciding, an established manufacturer should be able to talk you through what might work for your product.

Pay Attention to the Details That Affect Fit

A sweatshirt‘s general fit is about so much more than just your measurement around the chest.

Think about the details: shoulder width, sleeve length, armhole shape, body length, cuff details and neckline shape and construction.

This is fundamental for brands making laid back or oversized sweatshirts.

Your manufacturer needs to be flexible. Once you provide him with your measurement specifications, he should be able to make modifications immediately at the sampling stage, not merely manufacture a factory pattern you give him.

The First Sample Is a Test, Not the Final Product

Perhaps the best part of working with a manufacturer is the sample development stage.

A brand is able to assess a real garment, rather than relying on pictures or messages in the absence of buying a supplier.

Upon receipt of the sample, it is necessary to verify the fabric, measurements, fit, sewing, rib, color, printing or embroidery, finishing.

Wear the item or have it checked to see if it corresponds to the size that you desire.

Please also note if there is anything that is wrong and what you want to change to a clear. A good manufacturer would understand what you‘ve asked for and apply it to the next sample.

Look at How the Manufacturer Handles Changes

“What the manufacturer does in response to these revisions may well be how future business relationships will play out.

For instance, if the fit of the first sample is wrong (sleeves in too long, neckline not quite right, fabric heavier), you need a supplier capable of understanding this and making the necessary correction.

Product development is rarely as smooth-sailing as you might hope!

What it comes down to is whether the producer can have a smile on his face because he can communicate clearly, find the problem and the process to reach the required specification.

Quality Control Becomes More Important in Bulk Production

Good samples are just one part of the whole process.

The second question is whether it is possible to achieve that standard over the entire production run by the manufacturer.

Before bulk production, make sure the important specifications are clearly confirmed, including:

• Fabric
• Measurements
• Colors
• Stitching
• Ribbing
• Artwork
• Labels
• Packaging

G. For larger orders, QC should be implemented on both materials as well as garments.

Consistency is especiallycriticalif a brand is considering placing anotherorderfor the same sweatshirt in multiple colors, or orders in the future.

Compare Manufacturers Based on the Whole Process

As you compare sweatshirt producers, it is easy to go after the first quote you receive.

The most reliable way seems to be to compare the whole process of production.

Consider:

Product experience -> communication -> fabric options -> sample developing->pre-shipment customization -> quality controlling-> bulk production

Better, a more demanding and less communicative manufacturer might eventually take less time than a more appealing looking one, heard about just through an initial quotation.

Think About Future Production

As your Sweatshirt become one of your main products, you may need trade many times.

This is where a long-running manufacturing relationship proves the importance of an especially useful barrier.

Having chosen a supplier who already knows what your approved measurements, fabrics, labels, construction details and quality levels are will make future ordering much easier.

But for developing brands, it can be more advantageous to discover one old and reliable supplier that can help develop your future collections than searching for a new factory each time you produce a new product.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Manufacturer

Before moving forward, a brand can ask practical questions such as:

• What is the common apparel for your sweatshirts?
• What types of fabric are available?
• Do you have the ability to create for what you like?
• Is it possible for you to provide samples prior to the bulk production?
• What customization services are included?
• How does quality control on a production line?
• What do you require for a quotation?
• Are you able to provide repeat manufacturing?

The answers will allow you to determine if the manufacturer has the ability to meet your needs.

Finding the Right Sweatshirt Manufacturer

Finally, the decision to select a sweatshirt maker is no more about choosing the biggest factory but selecting the right match for your product.

Begin with a product brief, check relevant manufacturing experience, sample and test the product, and verify specifications before start bulk production.

For brands manufacturing custom sweatshirts, JiuvelWear which is a brand owned by Dongguan Jiuzuo Clothing Co., Ltd. is offering OEM, ODM, private label and custom clothing manufacturing services in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. This OEM clothing manufacturer is assisting brands with product development, sampling, customization and bulk apparel production.