2007
Custom Apparel Manufacturing requirements and how much will it cost me
Posted by: Fashion06 in Design, Starting your own line |
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So you decided that you’re through with screen printed blanks and replacing labels…so it’s time to cut n sew some garment pieces. If you made it this far you at least have designs….second step. Well if you’re wondering what the first step is than I will tell you and that is finding a manufacturer that is lucky enough to work with your promising clothing line. Don’t just choose the first hole in the wall manufacturer you come in contact with take your time and make sure they can meet all of your clothing line needs as far as trims, fabrication, turn around time, quality, and price points (What are your needs?).
Well now that you have found that manufacturer that has everything you need and has minimums you can work with…what do you need on your end to get the ball rolling? Thanks go out to Thom for giving me an idea for this post! I compiled a small list of actions you need to complete so that the manufacturer will know exactly what you want produced and what it will look, feel, smell like…. 
and how much will it cost you. Remember to order samples before any production run!
- Initial order quantity some manufacturers are happy to make samples for your custom order, but many require you to place a production order with them before any sample is made or at least a deposit that will go toward your final production run.
- Sample size. This will depend on your size scale. Most likely if your size range is from medium to 3x you will order a medium or large for your sample size and grade up.
- Size range. What sizes will your shirts, jeans, or jackets run. Small through 2x or will they run larger big and tall sizes. After your sample is developed they will need to adjust the pattern for your size range, which is called grading it depends on the size scale you have specified (Sizes vary depending on your target audience).
- What type of labels will you want to use? Do you have your own supplier or can they supply them for you. Remember some of the different types of labels we spoke about damask, satin, and taffeta. Each have different quality levels and should be used depending on the type of clothing you design. Also you will need to provide the placement of the label and how it is to be attached.
- What colors? As far as embroidery, trims, and inks (If any screen printing is involved). Remember when matching colors for printing use the Pantone color matching system.
- Fabric. What weight, content, color, construction (weft or warp a whole other article!). You can use the Pantone system for matching the colors of your fabric. Switching too many colors can be expensive and usually has higher minimums!
- Financing….yeah that’s right money. I’m pretty sure that is why most start with blanks other than not knowing how to go about approaching a manufacturer and getting fair prices.
- Also something else I noticed about when screen printing or embroidering the same logo or design on different sizes. Most manufacturers won’t ask you if you want to enlarge the design for larger sizes and your print looks silly on a 3x or 4x compared to the medium and larges. Even though it is more expensive, because that would be another screen charge it is worth it and just shows your looking out for the big and tall who are for the most part overlooked.
Hopefully this will help you when you decide to take the plunge into custom manufacturing for the first time.
Did I miss anything? Let me know. Otherwise add what you know in a comment and share your knowledge! 
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Fred
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April 19th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Yo Fashion, you are going to have a lot of future designer indebted to you for all of the jewels you drop. Moreover for this great institution that you have created.
I am a manager of a urban clothing store.Today I asked one of my co-workers what he thought about the name of my clothing line. He is young and is real maybe not a part of my target audience but I asked him anyway and he gave me some feedback. Then I asked this customer what he thought by showing him on a piece of paper. This dude was very belligerent. He glanced at it and said “that sh@! is wack. I think he was trying to come off hard in front of this young lady that he was with. Then I asked him why and he said, “I am on another level I don’t wear this kind of sh@!.” Now remind you we are in an urban clothing store. He is assuming that my line is a urban line when it really isn’t. I did even think that he even looked at what I had written down so I asked him literally second later what was the name that I wrote down. He told me that the name was so wack that he didn’t remember. So I thanked him for his opinion and kept it moving. Then I guess he wanted to show out in front of his lady friend a little more so I had to take it street and put him in check. Needless to say, I pulled up his skirt and he was wearing a thong. I love to get input, negative are not but don’t disrespect me. (Sorry I had to vent a little here because I feel that you guys (this blog) would understand me a lot more than average cats out there. But if this is unacceptable REALLY pleas let me know and I will find another way to vent my anger.
Back to business. Yes, I think the name that I came up with is SICK. But, I guess my question is how much does the name really matter?
I also had another question. My line is in its infancy. I have a lot of ideas and some of them are drawn on paper. What is the best and most professional way to produce my ideas. Is it adobe illustrator, photoshop or what. My warm and hook is ready. please teach me how to fish.
April 20th, 2007 at 2:22 am
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When it comes to choosing a name foryour clothing brand, just choose ssomething that you believe in. Don’t pick something that you think other people will like. Then after you choose your name…represent that “ish” to the fullist. You make the name speak by putting out some fire ass product. I mean, bring the heat with it. Oh yeah.. and back to the CEO topic….., Since you are most likely getting your custom cut-n-sew shirts overseas, make sure you have a solid customs broker on your side. Build a good relationship with your customs broker because he or she can sure speed up the proces when he or she wants to. Also, have your shipping and payment terms in writing before starting your order. This will avoid any confusion. Make sure you can stay a few seasons ahead so that you can get your garments shipped via sea. This takes about 30 days and is the cheapest route… I’m in the process of getting some denim done in Mexico. It will be the first time I have done business in Mexico, so I’m going to take lots of pictures of the process and the factories and keep you guys informed .Feel free to ask questions along the way…
“What ever your Hussel, Keep it Premium”
-Hussel Premium
April 20th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I also had another question. My line is in its infancy. I have a lot of ideas and some of them are drawn on paper. What is the best and most professional way to produce my ideas. Is it adobe illustrator, photoshop or what. My warm and hook is ready. please teach me how to fish.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Phoenix…I use photoshop mostly but Illustrator, Corel Draw…their are many but for the most part I use photo and illustrator.
Hussel, make sure and send us some pictures of the process and I will post them on the blog…a little exposure for you and some info for the blog….so far like your logo…but what happen to your blog???
April 20th, 2007 at 9:50 am
In regards to the cut-n-sew manufacturing….if you are working with a new manufacturer, you should put in your contract that you want to see a few finished pieces in the middle of production to inspect. This allows you to correct any errors before they complete your entire order. If you don’t have that in your contract then make sure that the manufacturer you choose does this anyway as part of their service. Once your completed products are shipped back to you and in your hands, you have lost money because it will cost you double to get it shipped back, fixed, and re-shipped.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I quit writing in my own blog because i currently write in about 15 to 20 blogs and forums a day like yours. In this regards, they all have links to my myspace account. It lets my myspace generate almost 1000 hits a day. i also have other people who write for me (under Hussel Premium) and post for me in other forums and blogs. But it is always me and only me that post in your forum, Ceo. Also, to Iceland & Powder,…it is a bad idea to wait on samples like that. It is better to go overseas and over see your production. Its usually just a week out of town for the whole collection. Saves a lot of time and you have better quality control. There will be another China factory trade show in New York from June 12th -15th. Over 100 apparel factories reps from China will be there. You can see there capabilities first hand. Then you can decide who you want ot work with…. by the way…its free. Just bring your tax id card
“what ever your Hussel, keep it Premium”
-Hussel Premium
April 21st, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Man, I just jumped on Google looking for some info on how to get me and my partners clothing line off the ground and TADAAA!!! Man, you guys have been a Godsend to us with the info!
One question, WHERE IS THAT CHINA TRADE SHOW IN NEW YORK? We got the tax ID card and everything!
We started last summer and had all of our stuff ready, labels, designs, even some sample shirts, but they were bad quality because we were using blanks and we didn’t know how to get to a manufacturer. SOMEONE PLEASE PUT US ON TO THE CHINA FACTORY SHOW!!!
April 22nd, 2007 at 1:38 am
Yo GillMook !!! email me at Husselpremium@gmail.com i will give you the link to the tradeshow… Holla
MASTER YOUR CRAFT
“what ever your Hussel , keep it Premium
-Hussel Premium
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:46 am
I am a start up designer from london and i have to admit that this site has been a godsend for me. I have learned alot from the information available please keep up the good work.
I was also wondering if you have any info on the best t-shirts to screenprint on this info would be very helpfull thank you.
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:50 am
Many clothing companies use Alstyle blanks (The Hundreds)…but I really like luxe-t but they have high minimums and tend to run out of colors.
April 25th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
I want to know what The name of the trade show was in the nyc thats in june, and where was a good site to get labels for the inside of your shirts.
April 25th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
for the tradeshow just email hussel premium…as far as the label..check out the industry page for links…
http://www.dobizo.com/industry/
October 12th, 2007 at 7:02 am
My Line is in Lingerie, I have no idea how to draw or sketch anything let alone Lingerie. But my question is what software is the best to design lingerie,and once I have the designs how do I get them turned into patterns so that I can get a production sample????Please Help Somebody
January 24th, 2008 at 3:56 am
My clothing line is for children starting from toddlers to about age 12. I have made sketches, however I don’t know how to sew. Do I need to purchase fabric so that I can get a sample or pattern made? What is my next step, like verbatim? Please help me because I don’t have a clue.