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This is another edition of the now popular Dobizo Answers page. For more information on how you can get your questions directly answered on the blog visit the Dobizo Answers page and read the guidelines.

Aspiring Designers asked three questions:

1. Possibly I?ll begin my brand with a line of hoodies and t-shirts for juniors (female). Could you please tell me how to decide on the sizes for these garments?

This question tells me…you haven’t been reading the blog before asking questions or the Dobizo Answers page because we covered this question last week. For your answer take a look at this page.

I will still elaborate on the question a little bit. Basically to sum up that article you need to know your customer. Yeah that’s it in the simplest form, but it definitely gets more complex.

You can’t just come out with what you feel will work, but base it on the average size of your customer and scale from that. If you have no idea of what size your customer is take a look at your competition and what sizes are they offering that would be the quickest way to find what most would want to wear. Remember its not really what you should you offer, but what do they want, because at the end of the day it is your customer that has to be pleased with what you offer.

2. Also, what to do if, for instance, I love how a certain fashion brand cuts the waist of their t-shirts. I?m planning to make something different from what they are doing, absolutely not identical, with other fabrics, prints, embellishments, with substantially altered neckline, bottom hem and sleeves. Besides, I know that garment cut is not protected by copyright, so it?s perfectly legal. I just want to make a similar waistline for my t-shirts, because I love how their shirts hug the waist, back and tummy. How do I approach the manufacturer with a request to make something partly similar (but not identical) to an existing garment? Do I bring the existing garment to them? Or maybe I should hire a pattern maker first and bring patterns to the manufacturer? Will all this increase the costs dramatically?

You could go about it either way really as long as you are not planning on copying their exact garment and making your own changes to make it more of your brand.

I would go with developing an unique pattern of my own so that you can add other things to it rather than just taking it to the manufacturer and asking for a complete clone of the cut of their garment. If the cut is that unique and lovable someone is bound to notice the uncanny similarities between the two brands. Of course going this route will cost more money so just make sure that your financial back end is inline.

3. Also, I have to say that I care about the cut of the shirts, but maybe I shouldn?t? Maybe it?s better to take a typical garment (like wholesale stuff offered by American Apparel) and just print a design on it? However, I must admit that this wouldn?t make me too happy, because I want the garment to be tailored quite well. How to balance this issue with the costs?

Here is another question that has been answered on the blog…way back, but is still a great article. Take a look at Producing Custom Garments or Wholesaler’s Blank.

In short if you can afford it go with cut and sew pieces it will immediately separate your brand from all the others who use blank garments giving you a competitive edge and carving out your brand identity.

What is the best way to approach top glossy fashion magazines to have your line mentioned on their pages? I?ve seen indie lines featured in such magazines sometimes, on the ?collage? pages along with other brands. So I guess there is some way to get a foot in the door, even if you?re an indie designer.

Hmm…for this question I will have to point you in the direction of our forum. Someone pretty much asked the exact question and our star moderator kindly replied with an answer that I must say is logical and makes sense. So if you haven’t joined the Fashion Network than I would suggest you do so today and take a look around the forum. You can go to that exact article by clicking here. Also take a look at Promoting Your Clothing Line The Easyyyyyyy Way.

If you ever have any questions just leave me a comment on Dobizo Answers.

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