What to Look for in a Good Garment Manufacturer?

Whether you’re just launching your business in the fashion industry or you’re a well-established brand looking to expand,

12:49 30 December 2019

finding the right clothing factory is critical to your success. But unfortunately, choosing from the wide range of garment manufacturers our there can be very overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the fashion industry.

However, knowing the key elements that you should look for in a good garment manufacturer can significantly narrow down the endless list of manufacturers and help you make the best decision for your business. 

Below are some of the most critical areas to consider when looking for a fashion manufacturer for your brand.

Can They Make the Garments you Want?

This can seem like a redundant question, but it’s a very important one because not all garment manufacturers can produce all types of clothing. Certain types of clothes like swimwear and sportswear require special materials and waterproof fabrics which not all manufacturers can supply. This is why it’s best to choose a factory that specializes in the type of garments you sell to guarantee that they’re a good fit for your fashion brand. A garment manufacturer that has significant experience and extensive knowledge of your niche will have the best equipment and tools needed to produce high-quality attire.

Where Are They Located?

Working with a domestic garment manufacturer can make it much easier for you to keep a close eye on the production process and communicate your special needs and requirements with the manufacturers in person without a language barrier. Moreover, domestic manufacturers offer faster shipping which is a major advantage that can guarantee your customers’ satisfaction. However, local-based manufacturers typically charge higher costs.

On the other hand, overseas manufacturers are typically much cheaper to work with, which is why you’ll find that many of your clothes are made in Vietnam and China. Because the Vietnam Clothing Manufacturing and textile industry are known for its wide range of options when it comes to styles, fabrics, and colors, which are some of the reasons why many fashion brands prefer to source their clothes overseas. Plus, an overseas factory will probably be more inclined to go the extra mile to accommodate your needs.

However, because they’re based overseas, it will be difficult for you to visit the factory and get a feel for the production methods and quality that’s being created. Also, the delivery times are typically much longer when they’re being shipped internationally.

Generally, local-based clothing manufacturers are a better option for fashion businesses that are looking to produce small and limited collections or brands that are looking to create garments with extensive, intricate details that require regular face-to-face meetings to communicate. But for companies seeking larger quantities and specific textiles, overseas manufacturers might be a better choice since they’re more cost-effective. Besides, almost all textile products are produced in Asia.

Can They Provide Samples?

Before you sign any contracts or commit to any large orders, you want to make sure that the manufacturer you’re considering can provide some samples. Asking to see samples of their work is a great way to assess the production quality and determine whether they’ll be able to execute your vision the way you expect them to. When examining samples from garment manufacturers, keep an eye on the quality of the stitching, embroidery, embellishment, and inner seams and also check that the collar and the sleeves are nice and even.

What’s Their Standard Minimum Order Quantity?

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies from one manufacturer to another. Make sure that the MOQ of a factory is manageable for you before you start working with them because if their MOQ is higher than the quantity you actually need, you may not be able to afford or sell the clothes which can result in you ending up with excess stock that’s difficult to move and your money will likely go down the drain.

Can They Support Your Business Growth?

 

Many fashion brands hope to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry, but what happens when your business expands? Can you rely on your manufacturer to keep up with the increased demand? Can they produce your garments quickly and in greater quantities while preserving the great quality moving forward? Even if this isn’t something that you’re thinking about right now, you need to understand your manufacturer’s production capacity for future reference, shall you need them to crank it up a bit.

As you can see, many factors come into play when choosing the best manufacturer for a smooth and stress-free production process. The aforementioned elements are some of the key aspects that you should consider in order to make the right choices with the best information available. We hope that our tips can help you compare your manufacturer choices and ultimately select the right one for your fashion brand.