Turning “I want to start a clothing brand” into boxes of real product on your doorstep follows a fairly predictable path. Here’s the roadmap, with the manufacturing steps most guides gloss over.
1. Nail the concept and designs
Decide what you’re making and for whom. Start narrow — one or two hero styles beat a sprawling range you can’t afford to produce. Sketches or reference garments are enough to begin.
2. Turn designs into a spec (tech pack)
A factory builds from a tech pack — sketch, measurements, fabric/GSM, trims, colours, artwork. You don’t need it perfect; a manufacturer with in-house CAD can help develop it from a reference.
3. Find the right manufacturer
Match the factory to your size. Big factories want big minimums; for a first run of a few hundred pieces you want a low-MOQ, small-batch-friendly factory. Vet them carefully — samples, video tour, references (see our guide on vetting a factory).
4. Sample, then produce
Get a pre-production sample and approve fit, fabric, and finish before bulk. Then your approved sample goes to the floor for your first run. Expect sampling in a couple of weeks and bulk in a few weeks after approval.
5. Think landed cost, not just unit price
Where you make it affects your true cost. Sourcing knit basics from an LDC like Nepal means duty-free import to the EU/UK/Canada — a real margin advantage for a young brand. Here’s how.
Ready to make your first run? We’re built for exactly this — low MOQ, in-house CAD, honest guidance. Tell us what you’re launching.