GUIDE TO DESIGNING, SAMPLING & PRODUCING YOUR GARMENTS

Whether you're an established brand or a newcomer seeking insights into the intricate world of designing, sampling, and producing garments, our comprehensive guide is here to illuminate the path for you.

In this guide, we delve into the essential aspects that constitute the backbone of your product development journey. From navigating the various stages and estimating lead times to understanding potential costs, we've got you covered.

While this document offers a general blueprint that suits most scenarios, keep in mind that your project is unique, and there might be slight deviations from the outlined stages. We're dedicated to tailoring the process and budgets to align seamlessly with your specific needs.

Our team is readily available to dive into the details of your project, customizing the approach to your preferences and goals. Feel free to Contact Us to us for a comprehensive discussion.

DESIGN, SAMPLING & PRODUCTION UNVEILED

Embarking on the creation of your garments involves a series of pivotal stages, encompassing design, sampling, and production. These phases include:

Stage 1 – Range Planning

Stage 2 – Design

Stage 3 – Costing

Stage 4 – Sampling

Stage 5 – Bulk Order

Stage 6 – Bulk Production

Stage 7 – Shipment & Delivery

Lead Times

Likely Costs: Design

Likely Costs: Sampling

Likely Costs: Production

Likely Costs: Freight Forwarding

Likely Costs: Warehouse and Fulfilment

Payment Terms

Summary

Notably, you're not obliged to entrust us with your entire supply chain. Whether you solely require design assistance, need sampling and production services, or possess your own designs, we offer tailored solutions at every step.

Throughout the journey, your input is paramount. We prioritise your feedback and approvals at each stage, ensuring a collaborative process that evolves seamlessly as we progress.

STAGE 1) RANGE PLANNING - Crafting your collection

Before diving into the exciting journey of designing, sampling, and producing your dream clothing, accessories or footwear collection, we begin by charting out your Range Plan. This crucial step establishes the foundation for your collection, determining the total number of products and the variety of product types it will comprise of.

For some, the Range Plan is crystal clear, outlining the exact quantity and types of garments desired. For others, it's a bit more abstract, and that's perfectly okay. We're here to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.

If you're uncertain about your Range Plan or curious about the potential costs involved in designing, sampling, and producing your collection, our Range Plan Calculator is an invaluable tool.

The Range Plan Calculator is designed to gather essential insights from you, such as:

• Estimated total styles in your collection.

• Average production quantity per style.

• Planned season for collection launch.

• Percentage split between men's, women's or children’s items.

Based on your inputs, the calculator generates an initial estimate of the product types that could harmoniously shape your collection. It's important to note that the calculator offers a template, which you're free to adapt and customise according to your vision.

Our primary aim during this Range Planning stage is to establish a clear understanding of your collection's size and the distribution of product types. This invaluable insight provides a strong platform to seamlessly transition into the design phase, where we'll bring your creative concepts to life.

STAGE 2: DESIGN) - Giving form to your vision

With your Range Plan solidified, the creative journey now takes a dynamic turn as we delve into the Fashion Design stage.

At this juncture, we require a design brief from you, which serves as the compass guiding our creative process. Your design brief could arrive in various forms, however you feel most comfortable in getting your ideas across to us;

• Precise concepts that need professional rendering.

• Rough sketches or napkin doodles seeking further development.

• Mood boards of your ideas.

• An open canvas seeking our expertise in trend forecasting and design direction.

Regardless of the form, your brief takes, we're equipped to collaborate with you. Whether you provide sketches, images, written descriptions, or physical samples, we'll harmoniously work with your vision.

Once we have your Range Plan and Design Brief, we embark on the design process, crafting intricate front, back, and detailed construction drawings for each style. Logos, labels, trims, and graphics are meticulously developed into the designs, showcasing your brand identity.

As partners in this creative journey, your input is vital. We'll present the initial designs to you, seeking your insights, suggestions, and approvals. Once your collection design is refined and approved, we seamlessly transition to the final phase of the design process and developing the technical specification packs ("Tech Packs") that serve as the guide for our factories to produce the samples.

The Tech Packs encompass comprehensive details, arming the factory with the necessary information to craft your initial samples:

• Fabric types and compositions.

• Garment colors.

• Print placements, sizes & techniques.

• Fit and construction references.

• Measurement specifications.

STAGE 3) COSTING - Understanding the sampling and production costs.

As your Tech Packs come together, it's time to explore the financial side. This step, known as costing, involves calculating the expenses for turning your ideas into physical products.

With you Tech Packs and any reference samples in hand, we send them to our network of suppliers. They'll provide us with the costs involved in making each item. This includes factors like the product type, fabrics, production region and the likely production quantity.

Once we have these costs, we'll let you know how much each item will likely cost to sample & the likely future bulk production costs. We'll also consider other expenses like shipping, taxes, and duties. This way, you'll have a clear picture of what it takes to bring your designs to life.

If the costs align with your budget, we'll move on to the next step: creating samples.

STAGE 4) SAMPLING - Bringing your designs to life

Now it's time to turn your design visions into tangible samples. These samples act as a first look at your future products.

During this stage, we'll create initial prototype samples based on your designs.

These initial samples allow you to see and feel your designs in 3D. It's like creating a prototype recipe with various ingredients—samples for fit, colour, fabric quality, and more.

While we strive to maintain your design's specification in the initial samples, without an official order commitment, matching exact Tech Pack specifications might not always be feasible.

Most of the time, we use the exact fabrics you've chosen for your designs. However, if a particular fabric is hard to find or not available, we might have to use a similar substitute.

Keep in mind that not every style in every colour might be produced initially. Sometimes, we'll create one sample in a certain colour, along with fabric swatches for alternative colours.

Any reference samples you provide for guidance (like fit, fabrics or construction reference samples) will be returned to you whenever possible. However, due to the nature of the process, we can't always guarantee this as occasionally, reference samples need to be altered or cut to test fabric properties.

Once you receive your initial samples, we'll collaborate with you to gather feedback and provide industry-standard terms to the factory, ensuring your designs are ready for the next stage: placing an order.

STAGE 5) BULK ORDER - Turning dreams into reality

With your initial samples in hand and your feedback incorporated, it's time to move forward and place your bulk order — the exciting step that brings your samples to life into a finished product.

When you place a bulk order, this does not mean the physical production will start. It simply means that our factories can swing into action. They start crafting your custom fabrics, dyeing your selected colours, and creating your unique labels and trims.

Once your bespoke crafted materials, labels & trims arrive, we produce a second sample known as a 'Pre-Production' (PP) sample. This sample serves as a final prototype before the actual production begins.

The PP samples feature any changes or adjustments you've requested from the initial samples. They showcase the exact fabrics, colors, labels, and trims that your final products will have.

Please keep in mind that during the PP sample stage, changes are a bit more restricted compared to the initial sampling phase. While you can still provide input on elements like fit and style, modifications to fabrics, colours, labels, or trims might already be fixed if you’d previously given approval and the factory has elements already in stock.

In some cases, you may wish to tweak the style prior to giving approval into bulk production, in this case we might create a revised PP sample to seek further comments and approvals.

Once you give the green light for your PP samples, we move ahead with the physical bulk production, transforming your carefully curated designs into a stunning reality.

STAGE 6) BULK PRODUCTION - Bringing your visions to life

With your thumbs-up on the Pre-Production (PP) samples, the much-anticipated bulk production phase is ready to kick off.

During this exciting stage, meticulous quality control checks are carried out at various points of the production process. These in-line quality control checks are undertaken at random to catch and address any potential issues on the spot, ensuring that the final products meet your expectations.

Upon completion of the bulk production, your meticulously crafted garments advance to the pressing and packing phase in preparation for their journey to you.

As your items are carefully sealed and boxed for shipment, a rigorous end-of-line quality control examination takes place. Random boxes are opened, and a percentage of the finished goods undergo thorough checks. Only when these evaluations pass with flying colors is the order given the green signal for shipping. If by any chance the quality control checks raise concerns, additional scrutiny, possibly including a comprehensive 100% quality control review, will be carried out.

A pivotal part of this phase involves sending you a 'Shipment Sample.' This sample, pulled randomly from the bulk production, showcases the final products as they are ready for shipment. It's important to note that Shipment Samples are provided as-is, without room for comments or change as they are taken from the finished bulk production.

The Shipment Sample's purpose is to allow you to personally verify that the final production aligns with your expectations and grant your seal of approval for shipping.

Once you've given the go-ahead for the Shipment Sample, we move swiftly to the shipment stage, getting your remarkable creations one step closer to your eager hands.

STAGE 7) SHIPMENT AND DELIVERY - Navigating the final leg

As your creations come to life, we're dedicated to ensuring their safe and timely arrival to your doorstep.

Through our reliable network of trusted freight forwarders, we can take care of arranging the entire journey for your products – from shipment to customs clearance and delivery. Alternatively, if you've already teamed up with your preferred freight forwarder, we can work hand in hand with them to ensure a smooth transportation experience.

The transportation route is tailored to your unique needs. Depending on factors like your product's country of origin, shipment quantity, and cost considerations, we offer flexible options for Road, Rail, Sea, or Air shipping.

Upon reaching the port of destination, our team diligently handles customs clearance procedures. Rest assured, you'll be involved every step of the way as we coordinate delivery instructions, ensuring that your precious creations reach you exactly as anticipated.

And here's an extra perk – if you require warehousing and order fulfilment services, we're equipped to handle that too. Should you lack the means to warehouse your products independently, we've got the space and systems to manage it seamlessly for you.

From meticulous shipping coordination to efficient customs clearance and comprehensive warehousing, our commitment extends to every detail of the shipment and delivery process. Your creations are primed for their final voyage, guided by our dedication and expertise.

LEAD TIMES) - Navigating your project's timeline

Embarking on the journey from design inception to product delivery involves a careful orchestration of various elements.

The duration of the entire process, including design, sample development, bulk production, and eventual delivery, varies based on a range of project-specific variables. These factors encompass the scope of your collection, the diverse product types within it, the number of sample revisions required, fabric availability, production region and freight transit times.

While each project boasts its unique timeline, here's a general outline to help you envision the path ahead:

• Design – Allocate around 2 to 3 weeks (dependent on the collection's size) to craft the blueprint of your creative vision.

• Sample Development – Dedicate approximately 3 to 4 weeks per sample round. Expect a minimum of two sample rounds for the initial sample and Pre-Production sample stages (however some projects require more than two sample iterations)

• Physical Bulk Production – Once the green light for bulk production is given, anticipate 4 to 6 weeks for the creation of your desired quantity.

• Shipment – Allow 1 to 4 weeks for the transit period, contingent upon the country of manufacture and chosen freight method.

In summary, envisage a comprehensive lead time averaging between 4 to 9 months, extending from the inception of your design to the much-anticipated moment of product delivery. This timeframe allows for the meticulous crafting of your collection, ensuring that every detail aligns seamlessly to bring your vision to life.

LIKELY COSTS: DESIGN) - Crafting your vision within reach

The realm of fashion design encompasses a vast canvas of possibilities. Whether your aspiration involves sculpting a singular statement piece or orchestrating an entire collection brimming with elegance and flair, our bespoke services adapt to your every ambition.

Diversity is the hallmark of our offerings, catering to your unique requisites. From envisioning captivating logos, labels, and trims to rendering clothing essentials like t-shirts, vests, hoodies, and beyond, our seasoned team breathes life into your designs. Perhaps your vision extends to the realm of bags, shoes, or the meticulous detailing of jackets and jeans - rest assured, your imagination is the only limit.

Understanding Your Investment

Initiating your journey with us is as effortless as it is enlightening. We extend a FREE, no-obligation consultation to unravel the intricacies of your project. This preliminary interaction empowers us to grasp your vision and provide an accurate estimation of the time frame required. A transparent fixed-fee quote will then be presented, ensuring clarity as we venture forward. We are attuned to larger undertakings too, offering enticing discounts for projects that dare to dream big.

Unveiling the Rates

Foray into the world of fashion design with us, guided by our comprehensive rate card. Engaging in a transformative Fashion Design Consultation comes at no cost to you, an invaluable investment in your creative journey.

Begin Your Design Odyssey

Let your imagination flourish and reach out to us through our Contact Us page. Together, we'll customise a quote that aligns with your distinctive design aspirations. Visit our [Fashion Design Rates](/fashion-design/#rates) page to embark on a tailored journey, where artistic expression is nurtured and transformed into timeless fashion.

A Glimpse at Our Design Rates

LIKELY COSTS: SAMPLING) - Breathing life into your vision

At the heart of our services lies the artistry of transforming your creative concepts into tangible masterpieces. Our approach to sampling is a testament to this commitment, offering a tailored pathway to bring your designs to life.

Navigating the Sampling Journey

Sampling is a crucial juncture in the realisation of your fashion dreams. Our rates are meticulously designed to accommodate your unique design needs, ensuring that your vision materialises with impeccable precision.

The Sampling and Production Consultation

Our journey begins with a collaborative spirit, embodied in a FREE, no obligation Sampling & Production Consultation. This initial encounter acts as the beacon, illuminating the path forward and granting us a comprehensive understanding of your aspirations.

Embarking on the Sampling Adventure

Diverse as your imagination may be, our sampling rates mirror this richness. From the essentials like t-shirts, vests, and hoodies, to the intricate details of shirts, trousers, jackets, and even exquisite bags and shoes, we stand ready to translate your vision into reality.

A Glimpse at Our Sampling Rates

LIKELY COSTS: BULK PRODUCTION) - Crafting your vision into reality

Embarking on the journey of bulk production signifies the transformation of your creative vision into tangible garments. Our comprehensive approach to bulk production ensures that every step, from garment creation to label and trim inclusion, is aligned with your aspirations. With unit prices that stand as a beacon of transparency, we offer a seamless and cost-efficient path towards bringing your designs to life.

A Holistic Perspective

Our Bulk Production Unit Prices stand as a testament to our commitment to transparency and integrity. Encompassing every facet of production, these prices ensure that you have a clear understanding of the investment required. From the core garment to the intricate details of labels and trims, our approach eliminates hidden costs and surprises.

Variety Tailored to You

We understand that every product type holds its own significance and complexity. Our flexible unit prices are structured to accommodate your specific needs, ensuring that your unique creations are treated with the attention and care they deserve.

Guided by Clarity

Explore the realm of possibilities as you navigate our comprehensive unit prices. From T-shirts and vests to jackets, accessories, and beyond, each product type is accompanied by a clear and concise breakdown of costs. Our transparent approach empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your design aspirations and budget considerations.

A Glimpse at Our Production Unit Costs

LIKELY COSTS: FREIGHT, DUTIES & TAXES) - Navigating freight forwarding

Embarking on a global journey with your products requires a solid understanding of freight forwarding — an essential link in the supply chain. Our comprehensive guide demystifies the realm of freight, providing you with insights into the intricate dance of percentages and variables that influence your freight charges.

The Freight Landscape: Road, Rail, Sea, and Air

As you prepare to transport your creations across borders, understanding the nuances of freight charges is paramount. Our guide offers a clear breakdown of the percentages associated with different shipment methods. Whether you're considering road, rail, sea, or air transportation, our user-friendly explanation ensures you have a grasp on the potential costs involved.

Duties Demystified: A Country-specific Perspective

Duties play a significant role in the import equation, and our guide brings clarity to this aspect. Delve into the specific duty percentages applicable to countries like China, India, and Turkey. Our insights empower you to anticipate and plan for this critical financial consideration.

Tax Insights: Navigating the Landscape

When crossing borders, understanding tax implications is essential. Our guide shines a light on Value Added Tax (VAT) percentages, equipping you with the knowledge needed to navigate the regulatory maze. By uncovering the tax percentages of different delivery countries, you'll be well-prepared to manage this crucial aspect of the process.

Crucial Considerations

Freight charges, duties, and taxes are subject to variables such as weight, volume, shipment method, and the specific countries involved. Our guide emphasizes that these variables can impact the final costs you encounter. This comprehensive insight ensures you approach freight forwarding with a clear-eyed perspective, ready to make informed decisions.

A Glimpse at Our Freight Forwarding Costs

PAYMENT TERMS) - Transparent payment terms for your peace of mind

We believe in clear and straightforward payment terms to ensure a seamless partnership. Our flexible approach caters to the various stages of design, sampling, production, and beyond. Here's a breakdown of our payment terms tailored to each phase:

Design Stage: Proforma Prior to Commencement

To initiate the design phase, we request a 100% proforma payment. This ensures that we can dedicate our expertise to crafting innovative designs that capture your brand's essence and vision.

Sampling Stage: Proforma Prior to Sample Development

For sampling, we require a 100% proforma payment before initiating the sample development process. This advance payment allows us to create high-quality samples that align with your design aspirations.

Production Stage: Secure Deposits for a Seamless Process

When you're ready to move into bulk production, we've designed our payment terms to reflect your commitment. A 50% deposit upon bulk order placement helps kickstart the production process. The remaining 50% is due prior to shipment, ensuring a smooth transition from manufacturing to delivery.

Freight Forwarding: Timely Proforma Upon Shipment

Our freight forwarding services come with the convenience of a proforma invoice upon shipment. This allows you to manage your financial arrangements with accuracy, providing peace of mind as your products make their journey to their destination.

Warehousing: Flexible Weekly Billing Based on Actual Usage

Experience the freedom of flexible billing with our warehousing services. Your charges are calculated weekly based on your actual usage, offering you accurate financial control over your storage and fulfilment needs.

Customised Payment Terms: Tailored to Your Needs

We understand that each project is unique, and in special circumstances, we're open to considering alternative payment terms. This is subject to factors such as project value, credit checks, and the feasibility of obtaining security in the form of a Bank Draft or Letter of Credit.

SUMMARY) - From concept to collection

We thrive on the art of creation and the science of supply. Our journey with each project is an exciting venture, filled with innovation and dedication. With a wealth of experience in the fashion industry and a deep understanding of the entire supply chain, we are your partners from concept to collection.

Our expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of genres, spanning men's, women's, adults, children's, couture, and fast fashion. We cater to an array of product types, leaving no design untouched and no ambition unmet. From the intricate threads of couture to the swift pace of fast fashion, we've served a broad spectrum of customers, each with unique needs.

No collection is too small, no vision too grand. Whether you're embarking on your first fashion endeavor or seeking to expand your brand's reach, we offer comprehensive supply chain solutions that fit seamlessly into your aspirations.

We're more than suppliers; we're partners in your brand's success story. Our holistic approach encompasses not just product design, sampling and sourcing, but also extends to web design, online marketing, warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution.

Unlike traditional suppliers, we don't just focus on your products; we visualise your brand's future success. Our unique perspective blends creativity with strategy, ensuring that your brand launch is not just impactful but a harmonious symphony of design, sourcing, and market acumen.

We eagerly await the opportunity to explore the nuances of your project and contribute to the realisation of your collections. Your journey from concept to creation starts here, and we're excited to be a part of it. Contact us today, and let's begin this remarkable fashion odyssey together!