Fashion brands now have the option to outsource production designs through clothing manufacturers. There are many types of clothing manufacturers, each with its own pros and cons. As a fashion brand owner, you’re going to have to choose between design flexibility, volume, sourcing, and timeline. This process is not overly complicated but is not straightforward either. There will be a number of factors you’re going to have to consider. After reading this blog post, you will have a clearer understanding of the nuances of each type of clothing manufacturer and be able to choose one that best suits your brand. 

What Does a Clothing Manufacturer Do?

A clothing manufacturer is responsible for turning your fashion designs into real products. Their core functions usually include:

1. Designing: Manufacturers can get involved in the design stage in order to adjust their processes to your needs.  

2. Cutting Fabric: After receiving tech packs (Read what techpacks are here. Link to our blogpost) and/or patterns, manufacturers cut fabric into the necessary pieces required for each garment.

3. Sewing: The pieces that were cut are then sewn together. This may be done by hand or machine, depending on the type of product and manufacturer.

4. Finishing: After the garment is assembled, manufacturers will often add any necessary finishes such as buttons, zippers, or decorative elements.

5. Packaging: Some manufacturers also offer packaging services, ensuring the final product is ready for shipping and sale.

Why Choosing the Right Manufacturer is Essential to Your Fashion Brand

The manufacturer you choose will have a significant impact on your production process, timeline, and overall brand quality. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Production Timelines

Manufacturers play a direct role in determining how quickly your products are produced and delivered. If you choose a manufacturer that is overbooked or inefficient, you could face long delays in getting your products to market. Oh my! Nobody wants that kind of nightmare. For new brands, this can be particularly devastating, as slow turnaround times may cause you to miss out on critical sales opportunities.

2. Product Quality

The quality of your garments will depend on the skills and capabilities of your manufacturer. Some specialise in high-end, luxury garments with meticulous attention to detail, while others focus on mass production. The materials they use, their attention to stitching, and their ability to execute your designs will all affect the final product. Partnering with a manufacturer that aligns with your quality expectations is the way to go.

3. Costs

The cost of production will largely depend on the manufacturer you select. Some may offer lower costs but might compromise on quality, while others may provide premium services at a higher price point. Understanding the cost-to-quality balance is needed to be profitable.

 

The 3 Main Types of Manufacturers

Different types of clothing manufacturers cater to different needs, production capacities, and product types. Selecting the right one depends on your specific requirements, budget, and business goals. Here, we explore 3 basic types of manufacturers in the fashion industry.

1. Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) Manufacturers

Cut, Make, Trim manufacturers specialise in creating custom garments by cutting fabric and sewing them together depending on their client's specific designs. For small batches, this type of manufacturing generally allows for the greatest level of customisation. They let fashion brands decide which design elements, fabric choice, and overall garment construction.

When to Use:

If you’re aiming to create a clothing line with custom designs, specific fits, and special features, CMT manufacturers are your best option. These are also best-suited for limited edition collections or brands that want to maintain exclusive, high-quality products. CMT is perfect if you already know what you need and just want to outsource the production. Cut, make, trim manufacturing is ideal for both small brands and large designers who value control over each garment's creation.

2. Private Label Manufacturers

Private label manufacturers produce pre-made designs that fashion brands can purchase and rebrand with their labels. This process is much faster and more cost-effective compared to custom production since the designs already exist, and the manufacturer is simply branding the clothing for your brand.

When to Use:

Private label manufacturing is perfect for brands looking to launch quickly or who want to focus more on branding and marketing rather than product differentiation. It's also ideal for basic clothing items such as t-shirts, jeans, or simple outerwear where customisation is less of a priority. Moreover, private label manufacturers offer quick turnaround since they already have everything ready to be manufactured. 

3. Full Package Manufacturers (FPP)

Full package manufacturers provide an all-inclusive service. It handles everything from initial design to production and sometimes even packaging. This includes sourcing fabrics, creating patterns, manufacturing, quality control, and logistics.

When to Use:

FPP is the best option for fashion brands that want to outsource the entire production process. If you're launching a clothing line for the first time or scaling your operations, FPP manufacturers can help you manage the complexity of production. With full package manufacturing, you only need to communicate with one party, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of miscommunication.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Clothing Manufacturer for Your Fashion Brand

We’ve had our fair share of experience with different types of clothing manufacturers. There are good and not so good ones. So far, we’ve outlined the advantages of each manufacturer type. But choosing one is not black and white. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right manufacturer for your fashion brand. 

A. Cost Considerations

Cost is always a factor when choosing a manufacturer, but it’s important to strike a balance between affordability and quality. Cheap production costs might save money upfront, but if the quality of your products suffers, it can damage your brand in the long game. 

B. Product Specialisation

Different manufacturers specialise in different types of garments. For instance, some manufacturers may specialise in activewear, while others focus on luxury apparel or accessories. Choosing a manufacturer with expertise in your specific product type ensures they understand the unique needs and challenges of producing that type of garment and therefore, will make better quality garments faster. Their employees will also be less likely to produce rejects. 

C. Location Matters: Domestic vs. Overseas Manufacturing

Location plays an important role in the cost, speed, and quality of production. Working with a local manufacturer typically means faster turnaround times, easier communication, and more direct quality control. However, domestic manufacturing can be more expensive than overseas options. Economies of scale can be tapped if you want to lower the costs down. A long-term partnership would also help. Overseas production is generally more affordable, but it can come with challenges such as longer lead times, potential quality control issues, and communication barriers. This can be fixed by initial factory visits for QA and partnering with an overseas manufacturer long term to establish trust. Yup, we’ve dealt with so many and now we have a good list of manufacturers we can trust.

D. Production Volume: High vs. Low Volume

One of the first things to consider when selecting a manufacturer is the volume of production. Are you producing a small, boutique collection, or are you aiming for large-scale production? Bigger manufacturers will most likely have large MOQs. Low volume manufacturers have a tendency to have better specialisation and better quality control. Generally speaking, CMT manufacturers are best for low volume high specialisation operations. 

Tips on Choosing Your Clothing Manufacturer

1. 1. Define Your Product Needs

If you know what your product needs, it is easier to find a manufacturer that matches it. Consider the type of garments you’re producing, the materials you want to use, and the level of customisation needed. Certain manufacturers specialise in specific types of clothing, such as activewear, outerwear, or luxury garments.

1. 1. Choose the Right Manufacturer

Match your needs according to your product needs. Always consider the manufacturer’s expertise. Look for sample products and check their quality. Visit the factory if possible (both domestic and overseas). Check their certifications, operations, quality control measures and other business practices.  

1. 1. Get Sample Runs First

This should be standard practice especially if you’re just starting. Smaller runs minimise your losses in case an unproven manufacturer produces a bad batch. 

1. 1. Factor in Lead Times and Delivery Schedules

The sample run can also indicate if your manufacturer’s claimed lead time and delivery schedule are true. We want a clothing manufacturer that communicates well and gives a quick turnaround. 

1. 1. Cover Your Bases

To ensure quality, consider asking for references and customer testimonials. Make sure the manufacturer is willing to sign legally binding contracts, especially if you’re sharing proprietary designs or ideas. Contracts should outline the terms of production, timelines, payment structure, and any penalties for delays or quality issues.

This outlines clothing manufacturers and tips to ensure you get a good one! Yes, it can be quite overwhelming since there are many ways to check. But as a fashion brand owner, you have to do everything in order to ensure your fashion brand chooses the best manufacturer for your needs. But once you find good ones, everything else can be straightforward. Trust us, we know. We already have a long list of trusted clothing manufacturers in our book. You can do this yourself, or work with us to build your fashion brand. 

Why Work With Spec to Sample?

At Spec to Sample, we don't just connect you with manufacturers; we offer a full suite of services that guide you through the entire process, ensuring your production runs smoothly from start to finish. No more worrying if a manufacturer is legit or not. Here's why working with us can be a game-changer for your business.

Expert Guidance at Every Step

Design Development: If you need help refining your designs before heading into production, we provide design expertise. We ensure that your techpacks are production-ready, avoiding costly errors or delays down the line.

Personalised Support: Our team helps you make decisions from the design stage, to choosing about the right type of manufacturing, materials, and production processes that will bring your designs to life.

Material Sourcing: We have relationships with various fabric suppliers, ensuring that you get access to quality materials that match your brand ethos. If your brand focuses on sustainable fashion, we can connect you with manufacturers specialising in eco-friendly fabrics.

Global Network of Trusted Manufacturers

Working with Spec to Sample gives you access to a global network of manufacturers. Whether you want to produce your garments domestically or explore the benefits of overseas manufacturing, we’ve got you. Our vast network includes manufacturers with specialisation, ensuring that your garments are crafted by professionals who understand the unique requirements of your niche.

Customisation and Flexibility

At Spec to Sample, we understand that every fashion brand has unique needs. That's why we offer flexible manufacturing solutions to meet those specific demands. Some brands need cut, make, and trim manufacturers for intricate, custom pieces, while others might prefer getting a helping hand every step of the way. Whatever your need, we tailor our services to match your business model.

Proven Track Record

Our track record speaks for itself. Spec to Sample has successfully helped a variety of fashion startups and established brands navigate the manufacturing process, from concept to final product. 

Don't let manufacturing challenges hold you back. Get in touch with Spec to Sample today and let us help you find the perfect manufacturing solution for your fashion brand. Together, we can turn your vision into reality.

Ready to take your fashion brand from concept to reality? Let us help you find the perfect manufacturing solution tailored to your brand's needs. Get in touch with Spec to Sample today, and let's start bringing your designs to life.