Custom Clothing Manufacturers for Startups: What You Need to Know

Choosing the perfect custom clothing manufacturers for startups business can be one of the most crucial choices a new fashion label makes. A startup fashion label might be really passionate about their product idea but could have very little experience in manufacturing. So their initial supplier needs to offer clear communication, dependable sampling, customisation and a realistic production solution.

Instead of avoiding a factory that for a new brand, the objective of a new brand will be to seek out a manufacturing partner who can understand the development process and assist in bringing a preliminary idea to a finished product.

Start With the Product, Not the Factory

Many start out life looking for a manufacturer before knowing precisely what they want to produce.

It would be better to set the first collection as follows.

Consider:

• What kind of garment you‘ve making?
• What kind of fabrics would you like to use?
• What sort of fit are you after?
• The level of customization?
• Will they have to be printed, embroidered or washed?
• What branding and packaging do I need?

You don‘t need to have everything nailed down before you approach a manufacturer, but a firm idea of your product direction makes it simple for the factory to get the picture.

Start Small and Learn During Development

The startup does not necessarily require to have a vast collection for this first release.

Having a smaller, more focused product portfolio enables easier design testing, learning about customer preferences, and determining where to put the business emphasis.

It will also give the brand a chance to learn the way in which the manufacturer works before entering into larger production.

Initially conduct a project that is both product development and supplier evaluation.

Prepare the Information a Manufacturer Needs

Manufacturers require sufficient information to learn about what you sell and to give you meaningful comments.

Depending on the project, you may provide:

• Product sketches
• Reference photos
• Tech packs
• Measurement charts
• Fabric preferences
• Color references
• Artwork
• Label requirements
• Estimated quantities

If the company‘s tech pack is not complete, list whatever info is available and inquire about what further details are required.

Good communication is more effective than an excellent document made initially.

Sampling Is Where the Real Product Starts

For a start-up, the sample stage could identify problems not that easy to see on drawings or photographs.

A sample gives you the opportunity to verify that the clothing truly lives up to your hopes.

Look at the:

• Fit
• Measurements
• Fabric
• Weight
• Stitching
• Construction
• Printing
• Embroidery
• Labels
• Finishing

Putting the garment on and comparing it with the initial design requirements.

Give constructive feedback if something needs to be changed. The production process may include re-designing several times before going into production, especially with the unusual lines or details of construction.

Look for Customization Capabilities

Many startups want a product which looks like something far removed from wholesale garments.

Customisation can be a lot more than just Logo‘s.

Depending on the collection, you may need:

• Custom patterns
• Custom fabrics
• Special washes
• Embroidery
• Screen printing
• Woven labels
• Hangtags
• Custom packaging

First, Select the right manufacturer. Before shall chose the factory, he must go to check if this factory can realize the custom-made what they need.

Multi-process even if more than one process is involved, if so ask:“How will they be controlled during production and quality control?”

Communication Can Make or Break the First Order

Throughout product development, many questions arise for new brands.

You might also require to talk about measurements, fabrics, review samples, upcoming production, branding and packaging.

A good manufacturing partner would be happy to share such details and raise the above concerns when needed.

Ensure the quality of interactions prior to committing to accept an order.

If there are unanswered questions on the part of the manufacturer at the design stage, it can prove problematic once production has begun.

What Should Startups Check Before Bulk Production?

If a sample is approved, then their work is only half-done.

Verify the specifications.

These can include:

• Approved sample
• Measurements
• Fabric composition
• Fabric weight
• Colors
• Artwork
• Labels
• Packaging
• Quantity
• Production requirements

The accepted sample can be used as a reference of the completed garments.

This is very crucial for a startup as the initial production run can determine the standard of quality branded.

Do Not Focus Only on the Lowest Manufacturing Cost

A startup naturally needs to be frugal with his resources but selecting one manufacturer merely because it has the lowest quotation might generate other issues.

The extra time and trouble involved can by far outweigh the cost savings if the quality is quite variable, samples need to be sent back several times, or communication is poor.

Therefore, prefer to pit manufacturers against each other on the basis of their entire adequacy.

Consider:

Product experience + customization + sample quality + communication + quality control + production capacity

A manufacturer that is right must also serve the requirements of your product, and the current state of your company/organization.

Think About What Happens After the First Collection

Having a good manufacturing relationship means being able to grow along with your brand.

Your first collection may be limited, but with success, you will find yourself needing to repeat production, carry new colours, sizes and ultimately design a whole new collection, BIFT.

Think if the manufacturer is flexible for any future developments before selecting the supplier.

A supplier who is familiar with your products and is able to keep the same specifications can make the future production process a lot easier.

Questions a Startup Should Ask

Before moving forward, new brands can ask potential manufacturers:

• Are you manufacturing custom apparel for new brands?
• What products do you work with?
• Can you do samples?
• Custom designs and fabrics are they manageable?
• What kind of customization services do I have?
• What is your quality control process?
• What is the information that you require for a quote?
• How can you help support repeat production as the brand grows?

These questions are not just about gathering information. They enable you to determine if a manufacturer is suitable for your project.

Choosing a Manufacturing Partner for a New Brand

Dealing with custom clothmakers for new brands can allow a new brand to make things based on its own design rather than off-the-shelf.

• The most important single point is to treat manufacturing as a development process. Design your product, communicate it, develop samples, review the results and finally confirm the specification before jumping into mass production.

The first manufacturing relationship in start-ups can impact far more than the first collection. A good source can join the production of the brand as the project develops.

JiuvelWear, operated by Dongguan Jiuzuo Clothing Co., Ltd. in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, provides OEM, ODM, private label, and custom clothing manufacturing services for brands. The company supports product development, sampling, customization, and bulk apparel production for growing clothing businesses.