Top 12 Tips for Working with Custom Clothing Manufacturers

Now that you have a fantastic clothing design, get to work on making it real! The next step is to locate a clothing manufacturers who will create your clothing. Working with clothing manufacturers of personalized apparel can be challenging if you’re unprepared.

To make sure your experience is straightforward, we spoke with industry professionals and prepared some advice. In order to make your design ambitions a reality, you’ll need to locate the ideal manufacturing partner.

Communicating Your Design Ideas and Specifications

Communicating your vision is key to getting the custom clothing you want. Describe your design in detail. Don’t assume anything is obvious.

• Explain the style, cut, fabric, trims, and embellishments. Provide sketches, photos, or even a sample garment.
• Specify the exact measurements and fit you want. For tailored pieces, consider providing measurements for a well-fitting garment you already own.

Ask questions upfront. It’s better to clarify before production than deal with mistakes later.

• Inquire about their production capabilities and experience creating similar designs.
• Discuss how they will ensure quality and accuracy according to your specifications.

Provide clear specifications. Leave nothing open to interpretation.

• List the type of fabric, including fiber content, weight, and any special characteristics.
• Indicate the exact placement of pockets, buttons, zippers, pleats, or other details.
• Specify the stitching, seam allowance, and any finishing details.

Review and approve samples. Don’t move forward until you’re 100% satisfied.

• Check that samples match your design specifications and fit requirements.
• Make any tweaks needed to the pattern, construction, or materials before full production.

Maintain open communication. Stay in close contact throughout the production process.

• Provide feedback and approvals at each stage, from cutting to finishing.
• Ask for updates and photos to ensure they are on track to deliver your vision.

Understanding Pricing and Production Minimums

When working with custom clothing manufacturers, understanding their pricing structure and minimum order quantities (MOQs) is key.

Pricing

Manufacturers set prices based on:

• Cost of materials (fabric, trims, etc.)
• Amount of labor required (simple t-shirt vs tailored suit)
• Production volume (higher volume = lower cost per piece)
• Profit margin (some manufacturers charge more for better quality or service)

Shop around and get quotes from multiple manufacturers to compare. Look for ones with reasonable prices for the level of quality and service you need.

Minimum Order Quantities

Most manufacturers require a minimum number of pieces to be ordered, typically ranging from:

• 50 to 500 pieces or more per style

The MOQ depends on the type of garment and production capacity. Manufacturers need to meet a certain volume to make the production run cost-effective.

If their MOQ is too high for your needs, ask if they offer a lower “starter” MOQ to test the waters, or consider crowdfunding to reach the minimum. Some manufacturers may charge a fee for smaller orders to offset costs. Others may be open to negotiating the MOQ if you can commit to repeating orders of a certain volume.

Ensuring Quality and on-Time Delivery

Set Expectations Up Front

When first contacting manufacturers, clearly communicate your expectations for quality, production timelines, and delivery. Discuss the level of quality you want for materials and construction, providing photos or samples if possible. Get an estimate of the time required for production and confirm when they can deliver the final product. It’s best to overestimate production times to account for possible delays.

Check References and Past Work

Ask potential partners for references from other clients, especially those with similar products. See examples of their previous custom work to ensure quality and style match your needs. Check reviews from independent sources as well to verify references.

Review the initial samples carefully.

Once you begin working with a manufacturer, scrutinize initial samples closely to check that specifications are followed before full production starts. This is the time to catch any mistakes in sizing, design, branding,

On-time delivery, or other details, and request modifications. It’s much easier and less costly to fix issues at the sample stage than after production has begun.

Monitor Progress and Production

Stay in close contact with your manufacturing partner during the production process to make sure things are on schedule and going smoothly. Request photos or video updates if possible.

If you plan to visit the production facility, schedule a trip to check on progress in person. Catching delays or quality problems early gives more opportunities to get things back on track and avoid missed deadlines.

Double Check Before Shipment

When production is nearly complete, ask for final samples to inspect before full shipment. This last check ensures you receive exactly what you ordered. Once approved, the final shipment can be sent to you for delivery to your customers.

With the time invested in the custom design and production process, it’s worth the extra diligence to guarantee satisfaction and on-time delivery.

Building a Long-Term Partnership

Building a long-term partnership with a custom clothing manufacturer is key to success. Look for the following signs that you’ve found a partner interested in the long game:

Open Communication

The more you communicate openly, the better they’ll understand your needs and preferences.

Flexibility

The ability to adapt to changes in style, sizing, and delivery schedules is important. An ideal partner will work with you on modifications without delaying production or increasing costs. They should provide options for expediting orders or making last-minute changes when needed.

High-Quality

Look for manufacturers that source premium, sustainable materials and have rigorous quality control standards in place. Their products should meet or exceed your specifications and expectations with each order.

Competitive Pricing

While the cheapest option isn’t always the best, a fair price is important for an ongoing relationship. Look for manufacturers that charge reasonable rates relative to their quality and turnaround times. They should be open to negotiating the best deal for large or repeat orders.