- Hugely reduced shipping costs
- No import costs
- You will be able to check regularly on your garments production
- You can save costs by checking the quality of the product being produced yourself
- Quicker lead times
- React quickly to repeat orders (that’s where the money is made)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0516/2270/7399/files/2_03740d37-851e-4f9b-bb44-b3ef1c35e297_1024x1024.png?v=1637097011)
What Garments Can The Factory Make ? What Restrictions Do They have ?
The next step is to make sure the factory can produce the product that you need. Firstly, do they make knitted or woven garments? Do they make both? What types of garments do they make ?
Remember not every factory can make every type of garment, there are factories that are multi product, however you will find in the main that they produce only certain garments and that’s what they are experienced at. Do not push them to make a other garments unless they have experience producing it, otherwise you could have potential issues.
Check the garments they have made for other customers, check the showroom if they have one and discuss clearly your requirements.
Fabric
Obviously you are going to need fabric, most domestic or local factories offer only a CMT service (Cut Make Trim) this means they want you to give them the fabric and trimmings (aka accessories, labels, pos tickets) try and find your own supply base to ensure you have total control where possible.
The factory will give you a CMT price for cutting the fabric, constructing the garment, finishing and packaging it for you.
In terms of fabric if you need more understanding about fabrics, check out our guide on
Digital Printing 101 where you will get a simple understanding of how easy it is to print a design with very small or no minimum order quantity.
The Production Process
The critical part of this is ensuring that the garment you are going to get made fits in every size correctly and that the fabric you are using is the correct fabric for that product that will give it the “Wow Factor” you are looking for.
You will also need a pattern cutter who will do the initial pattern, then a grader (generally the same person) who will make the different patterns for each size. Testing is important, you do not need to do this on every size, however don’t get this wrong, if it don’t fit you will get returns, so be on point and ensure you get the fit right.
The Factory
Make sure that you go through each point with the factory; they should help you in some areas and can advise freelancers and companies that can supply what you will need to get your garment made, however just make sure you work independently with any supplier so you control everything from the price to the deadlines you need.
Industry Insider Tips
- When you find a good factory, keep them and look after them as they are very hard to find.
- Do not try to send your orders offshore until you have proved that the product you will be making can sell, as explained on small quantities there will not be a huge saving and new brands need to be on top of their first orders especially, so producing locally should be how you start.
- Networking at trade shows, fabric and trimming suppliers is very important. Everyone knows someone, has had the experience and maybe can recommend good companies and freelancers to work with.
- Check out the Drapers Record online which is the industries go to trade magazine that gives you all the latest info on whats going on in the industry and is a good resource for understanding the sentiment of the market.
NEED HELP?
Send us a message here if you have some questions or need some advice, if we can help we sure will.