Archives: Industry Basics category

Why Small Batch Production Is No Small Cost

Costing, Fashion Business, Industry Basics

Small batch production is an attractive option for brands that are just starting out and want to test their products in the market before investing in large amounts of inventory. But, while producing small batch has a lower environmental and start-up cost, the cost per unit is actually much higher.

Size Charts, Spec Charts, and Grade Rules – What They Are For And How They’re Different

Fit, Industry Basics, Product Development, Sizing, Tech Design

Size charts, spec charts, and grade rules are all terms that are thrown around a lot during development and pre-production. While they do sound (and sometimes look a bit) similar, their meanings are all distinct and each has a different use and purpose.

How To Troubleshoot An Out-Of-Spec Garment Sample

Fit, How To, Industry Basics, Product Development, Tech Design

During development and even pre-production, there are times that you might get a sample back that isn’t quite how you wanted it. But, when the sample doesn’t fit, how do you determine whether cutting, sewing, shrinkage, markers, or the pattern itself caused the problem and what needs to be done to correct it?

A Step By Step Guide To Navigating A Virtual Sourcing Trade Show

Fashion Resources, How To, Industry Basics

Despite the lack of physical samples to touch and feel at a virtual show, though, virtual sourcing is totally possible and doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s my step by step guide to navigating a virtual sourcing trade show before, during, and after the show.

The Numbers Every Fashion Designer Needs To Know

Costing, Fashion Business, Industry Basics

If you’re designing for a business and not just for yourself, the numbers are important. It is true you can delegate much of the number stuff to an accountant, technical designer, or production coordinator, but there are some numbers that you as the designer really need to know and understand yourself.

Calculating Fabric Usage For Your Design

How To, Industry Basics, Product Development

Part of running a successful fashion brand is managing your resources well. That includes ordering the right amount of fabric you need without running short or sitting on a bunch of leftover yardage. Having a better understanding of what affects your yields will help you order materials more efficiently.

Don’t Forget About These 5 Things When Designing Apparel

Fashion Design, How To, Industry Basics, Product Development

Fashion is art that is functional. Art that works in three dimensions on a curvy body and moves with the wearer throughout her life. Because of this, think beyond your two-dimensional fashion sketch. If your goal is to design successful apparel for real people to wear, don’t forget about these things when designing.

The Difference Between Full Service and Cut & Sew Factories

Industry Basics, Product Development

There are many different types of factories that specialize in different fabrics, products, price points, and size of brands they serve. But, overall, factories fall into two main categories – full service and cut & sew factories. Let’s look at the difference between the two and the pros and cons of each for your brand.

The Samples You Need to Develop Apparel Products

Industry Basics, Product Development

Sampling is what allows you to test out all aspects of your design before investing in production. There are different types of samples needed during the process each serving a purpose. In today’s post, we’ll talk about what samples you need for each stage of development, what they are for, and who should make them.

What To Do If Your Product Cost Is Too High

Costing, Fashion Business, How To, Industry Basics

What do you do if you find that your costs are too high and your factory can’t cut and sew your product for the cost you budgeted? Today we’ll look at four ways you can lower your cost to meet your target.

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