How to Find the Right Clothing “Fashion Factory”?

By DavidPage

Your Brand

The selection of the right clothing Fashion Factory to produce your new collections is crucial for a brand’s success in terms of both production efficiency and brand identity. It is difficult to choose from the many clothing factories available Fashion Hub around the world. This is why it is so important to do your research.

You will need to start by asking yourself these questions: What do you want to create? In what quantities and with what requirements? Before you start looking at clothing factory options, it is important to have a clear picture of your brand. Let’s take a look at some important factors that you should consider when looking for the best clothing factory for your company.

Are they familiar with similar projects?

Seek out evidence to determine if they’re a good fit.

Are they able to produce the exact type of garment you want?

A factory that is familiar with your Fashion Factory and who understands your ideas can make the manufacturing process much easier. You will find that they have the right equipment and tools to make the garments you need at a high standard.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Each factory will have different minimums which will affect the final price of your product. It is important to determine the quantity you will need for each style of garment. These MOQs depend on the type of garment and not the number of garments that you need.

Which production processes are you looking for?

It is important to determine whether you require a complete-service package (also known as FPP or full production) or if your clothing can be taken straight to manufacturing (CMT, cut, make and trim). While the former is great for new fashion brands, the latter is more affordable and allows you to have greater control over the final product.

Is your supplier able to grow with you?

Although it is impossible to predict how your business Fashion Factory will grow, it can help you choose a factory that can scale with your growth. This may not be an important factor when choosing a supplier in the beginning. However, establishing your brand is often the best place to start. If you need to expand quickly, choosing a manufacturer who can grow with your brand will be crucial for a seamless transition.

Since the 1990s, brand ethics has shifted to transparency. This includes accounting for sustainability, transparency about manufacturing processes and making sure your customers are treated fairly by those who make your clothes. Fashion brands with strong reputations for producing eco-conscious clothing are especially vulnerable. You can be sure your clothing is made by an eco-conscious clothing producer. You can check if the factory has any ‘green certificates’, their source of fabrics, their labour standards, and the steps they take to reduce carbon emissions.

What do the samples look like?

Asking for samples in the fabric or design you are interested in is the best way to ensure quality. Attention to the following details:

  • Stitching: Use a tug to check the quality and durability of your stitching.
  • Embroidery and embellishment – make sure that any details are securely attached to the garment
  • Collared sleeves and collar-check sleeves are the same length
  • Check the quality of the inside seams.

Which clothing manufacturer will you choose?

When looking for suppliers, a common question is whether you would rather source from domestic sources or overseas. Any location Fashion Factory can be considered overseas, but most commonly, it refers to India, China, or Taiwan. Both overseas and domestic sourcing offer advantages as well as drawbacks.

There are many Domestic Advantages 

* Higher manufacturing quality is more common

* Employees are typically held to higher standards

* Clear and simple communication

* Similar time zones

* Faster shipping times

* Lower shipping costs

* No tariffs or import duties

Domestic manufacturing does not come without its drawbacks 

* Higher manufacturing costs

* There are fewer factories to choose from

In fact, overseas advantages can be counterbalanced by domestic disadvantages

* Lower manufacturing costs

  • A greater variety of factories available

There are several disadvantages to overseas factories:

* May have a lower quality depending upon the factory used

* Lower manufacturing and labour standards are common

* You will be responsible for import and custom taxes

Language and communication problems could be a problem

* Differences in time zones

* Cultural differences in scheduling and negotiating

Visit the factory is more expensive

* Longer shipping times

* Shipping costs may be higher

Where can I find a fashion factory?

Directory

Numerous legitimate directories have done an excellent job consolidating manufacturer profiles.

Google

If you are willing to spend some time and dig deep, Google can be a great place to search for clothing manufacturing companies.

Tradeshows

Trade Shows can be a great way to find and vet potential partners in manufacturing. There are plenty of trade shows for the fashion and clothing industry.