Designing a clothing range and getting it manufactured

[JoMc]

If I wanted to design my own clothing range, how would I go about getting this manufactured? I live in Australia, and am interested in sourcing the manufacturing overseas. The range (babies clothes) would be limited in range. the following queries i have:
1. does the design need to be in a computer based format? if so, which format?
2. who transfers the design to a template? Is this a costly process?
3. what type of clothing manufacturers specialise in this?
4. do i need to source the material, emebellishments, etc. or does the manufacturer do this for me?

any assistance/leads would be appreciated.

[Matagascar]

Hey, good to see another Aussie on the forum. First of all welcome, and congratulations on taking the first step into the business world.

1) The design format really depends on the manufacture you're dealing with. Many will require the design to be in a computer format with file types such as .psd and/or .ai while other manufactures will accept anything from a prototype design on a piece of paper, to a fully loaded hand-stiched design on a piece of fabric.

NOTE: .psd is an Adobe Photoshop file format and .ai is an Adobe Illustrator file format.

2) Generally, the manufacturer will transfer the design to a template. Getting a sample made up will most likely cost you a fair bit. The factory needs to get their R & D team into the process and start a brand new line for you. They will probably be wary, as doing this for someone who may not turn out to be a long time customer can be costly to their business.

3) I'm not sure which type of clothing manufacturers specialise in this. I gather any normal fabric factory could do this for you - depending on your quanity and the factories MOQ.

4) If you're factory is only making clothes, they will generally have the materials on hand. If however, you are after a unique piece of cloth, fabric or accessory they will probably source it and use it, or you could import the clothes, and purchase the additional accessory separately and add it on yourself. With that said, with a good sales pitch to the factory, telling them what you could bring to their business and how they could prosper from partering with you, they will likely source whatever materials you need.

Thank you and good luck.

[sofia2909]

Hey guys,

Matagascar is right, the format of the artwork is depend on the clothing manufacturer that you are dealing with. In my opinion, .JPEG file is the most popular format. And the procedures and what do they need from you depend on your manufacturer also. You need to speak with them to find out. Based on my experience, some of them just do sewing, you must provide fabric for them, while another manufacturer will take care from A to Z for you, like sourcing fabric, design pattern , sewing, private labeling etc. I have known an sewing factory called 9mode Clothing Manufacturer
, they provide end to end services. You can find out them from Google or call them at :
+1 347 404 5344
+61 3 9005 73 79

Give them a call and find out what they can help. Good luck

[alcglobalpartners]

Originally Posted by JoMc

If I wanted to design my own clothing range, how would I go about getting this manufactured? I live in Australia, and am interested in sourcing the manufacturing overseas. The range (babies clothes) would be limited in range. the following queries i have:
1. does the design need to be in a computer based format? if so, which format?
2. who transfers the design to a template? Is this a costly process?
3. what type of clothing manufacturers specialise in this?
4. do i need to source the material, emebellishments, etc. or does the manufacturer do this for me?

any assistance/leads would be appreciated.

Hi there,

I own a sourcing consultancy that has helps small businesses find factories and make their products in China. I have had experience with several clothing and shoe lines - so I will answer your questions to the best of my ability.

1. Usually the most standard procedure for getting clothing made is to send a physical sample of the article to China and have it copied. Patterns and designs can be helpful, but usually they are sent in jpg form.

2. Transfering the design to a template will usually be included in a "modelling fee". This fee varies from factory to factory, but it is usually negociable or refundable after a certain number of purchases.

3. Most every clothing manufactuer that I know of in China can assist you with this. If I were to help you find a factory, I would request several samples of clothing that resembled your designs so that you could see which factory might have the most success making your garment. I would then negociate price and production costs. Finally, getting samples does not have to be costly. If you have a business such as mine that you are partnering with in China, they can get the samples sent for a minimal cost to a Chinese address and then DHL or Fedex them over to you all at once for significantly less money and hassle.

4. The factory will source all the embellishments for you. However, if you have something particular or specific in mind they might be unwilling to do this for you. Also, if you are only requesting a very small quantity of items to be made, the factory may request that you help them in the buying process so that they don't have to bother ordering such a small amount. Hope this helps! Don't hesitate to write to me from my website (in my signature) if you have any more questions!

Good luck!!!

Andrea