How to Start a Clothing Line From Scratch

Sketch your apparel collection and start your clothing line.

Designers with an established and operational business entity generally have collection sketches prepared for sample-making. A specific budget is allocated for the line development, which entails purchasing textiles and trims as well as hiring patternmakers, cutters and sewers. The first set of collection samples are produced for fittings as well as adjustments, referred to as first prototype samples. The second set, referred to as preproduction samples, are geared for the production factory and are made with production fabrics and trims. Promoting the collection as well as showing the garments to retail buyers generally leads to sales.

Things You'll Need

• Collection sketches
• Textiles (your choice)
• Trims (your choice)
• Sample trims
• Patternmakers
• Cutters
• Sewers
• Patterns
• First prototype samples
• Models
• Photographer
• Look book
• Company blog
• Production packages
• Technical flats
• Stapler
• Fabric swatches
• Internet access
• Factory samples
• Factory cost sheets

Instructions

Preparing the Collection

1. Categorize the collection sketches into specific groupings such as dresses, tops and bottoms. The sketches will dictate the types of fabrics, trims and construction required to produce the line.

2. Choose your textiles and narrow your selection according to the sketches. For example, if you have designed a denim collection, select different stonewashed shades such as light, medium and dark. Look for different patterns such as rain or crosshatch denim. Experiment with different weights such as 6 ounce for shirts, 8 to 10 ounce for lightweight jeans or a heavyweight 13 ounce.

3. Choose complementary fabrics for the collection. For instance, 9- to 10-ounce bull denim as well as 4.5-ounce chambray for tops adds variety to the denim collection.

4. Choose complementary trims for the garments. For instance, a T-shirt collection entails artwork and often includes such trims as rhinestones, foil or flocking, which are heat-seal applications.

5. Purchase staple trims to stock the sample room. This is essential if you have hired in-house patternmakers, cutter and sewers. Keep in mind, sample trims do not have to perfectly match the sample garment. These items are used as substitutions for fittings until production items are purchased. For instance, if you design dresses, you will need zippers in several length as well as hook and eye closures.

6. Draft patterns to sample the garments within the collection. As an option, hire a professional patternmaker. Patterns are used to average cost components such as fabric yardage. For instance, if a dress requires 3 yards to make and the fabric costs 10 dollars a yard, you will need to factor 30 dollars as part of the cost.

7. Make first prototype samples and develop the collection by hiring skilled sewers. Make any necessary style adjustments to the line. It also is important to determine the length of time it takes for the sewer to construct the garment, giving you an indication of labor intensity and costs. For instance, garments completed in less than an hour will cost less to produce than a garment taking more than an hour to construct.

8. Hire models and a photographer to photograph the garments, keeping your budget in mind. For instance, offer new models free photos for their portfolio in exchange for their service.

9. Invite fashion magazine editors as well as stylists to your collection's launching party or event. Keep your promotional budget in mind. Though attracting specific guests is a challenging feat for nonbranded designers, often sending an invitation along with a look book will inspire certain guests to attend. The look book is photos of the collection in a book-like format.

10. Register your company on social media accounts and promote a company blog. These accounts are generally free and will enable you to post company information, fashion tips and photos.

Production

1. Write production packages for each style being produced, including garment technical flats, which are front and back view detailed sketches. Staple your fabric swatches to the sketches and include production information such as fabric content, yardage and trims.

2. Research production factories by conducting an apparel manufacturing Internet search. Websites such as ApparelSearch.com or GlobalSources.com enable you to find factories manufacturing your collection type. For instance, if you manufacture knit tops, do not use a factory producing bottoms. This is a clear indication the factory does not have the appropriate industrial machines.

3. Contact the factory representatives listed on the site. Descriptions also include factory location and production minimum requirements. Certain sites will also post verification information. This guarantees a website representative made three separate visits to the factory location.

4. Schedule appointments with the factory representative and request factory samples. Review the samples for construction as well as finishing such as clean hems, loose threads and skipped stitches. It also is important to request factory cost sheets and production minimum requirements.

5. Visit the factory to place your production as well as hand in your production packages with your first prototype samples. Keep your travel budget in mind if you are producing garments outside of the U.S.

References

• Apparelsearch.com: Clothing Factory Directory
• GlobalSources.com: Men's and Women's Manufacturers
• "Fashion Unraveled: How to Start, Run and Manage An Independent Fashion Label;" Jennifer Lynne Matthews; 2009