a comprehensive end-to-end guide
clothing manufacturing process
Eight phases carry a garment from first tech pack to packed and shipped. The timelines below are what we plan against.
| Phase / Step | Estimated Timeline | Key Activities & Requirements | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mindset & Preparation | Ongoing (3 months overall post-sampling) | Commit to realistic timelines and an ethical manufacturing approach. Understand that various aspects (shipping, QC, sourcing) must align. | First-time productions naturally take longer than subsequent ones. Producing ethically supports local communities and living wages. |
| 2 Tech Packs & Quoting | Initial Phase | Submit a detailed ‘Tech Pack’ including measurements, desired fabrics, printing techniques, lining details, and reference images. | Quotes provided are approximations for C.M.T (Cut, Make, Trim) only and do NOT include material costs. Complex designs increase costs. |
| 3 Material Sourcing | Prior to Sampling | Identify desired fabrics and materials. Suppliers can assist with in-house or outsourced screen/digital printing. | Custom dyes and printed fabrics often require Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). Manufacturing textiles directly from a mill is an option for custom needs. |
| 4 Patterns & Sampling | 1 to 4 Weeks | Tech packs are converted into paper drafting templates, then cut and sewn into initial samples. Provide a preferred sizing guide (US, UK, EU, etc.) for grading. | Sample creation typically costs 4-5x the bulk production rate. Patterns and samples are charged separately. |
| 5 Sample Review & Testing | Client Dependent | Review samples for fit, drape, and feel. Test durability by pulling seams and washing/drying 3-4 times according to care instructions. | Communicate required changes using exact centimeter measurements, annotated photos, or physical notes on the garment. Fabric changes require restarting this phase. |
| 6 Pre-Production | 1 to 4 Weeks (Up to 2 months for custom textiles) | Once ‘master samples’ are perfect, order all bulk fabrics, elastics (or framilon), and accessories (buttons, zippers, snaps, eyelets). | Standard fabric/hardware delivery takes 1-2 weeks. Custom textiles from a mill can take up to 2 months. Custom hardware takes up to 4 weeks. |
| 7 Bulk Production (CMT) | 1 to 3 Months | The mass Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) production phase is executed based on the master sample. | The exact timeframe depends on total quantity, design complexity, and the factory’s current production schedule. |
| 8 Quality Control (QC) & Delivery | During Production + 3 Days Post-Delivery | Factory performs random Quality Control on 15-20% of pieces during bulk production. Client reviews final shipped order within 3 days of receipt. | Errors caught during production are corrected immediately. Defective items identified by the client within 3 days will be repaired or replaced. Final items are pressed, packed, and shipped. |
1 Mindset & Preparation Ongoing (3 months overall post-sampling)
Key Activities & Requirements
Commit to realistic timelines and an ethical manufacturing approach. Understand that various aspects (shipping, QC, sourcing) must align.
Important Considerations
First-time productions naturally take longer than subsequent ones. Producing ethically supports local communities and living wages.
2 Tech Packs & Quoting Initial Phase
Key Activities & Requirements
Submit a detailed ‘Tech Pack’ including measurements, desired fabrics, printing techniques, lining details, and reference images.
Important Considerations
Quotes provided are approximations for C.M.T (Cut, Make, Trim) only and do NOT include material costs. Complex designs increase costs.
3 Material Sourcing Prior to Sampling
Key Activities & Requirements
Identify desired fabrics and materials. Suppliers can assist with in-house or outsourced screen/digital printing.
Important Considerations
Custom dyes and printed fabrics often require Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). Manufacturing textiles directly from a mill is an option for custom needs.
4 Patterns & Sampling 1 to 4 Weeks
Key Activities & Requirements
Tech packs are converted into paper drafting templates, then cut and sewn into initial samples. Provide a preferred sizing guide (US, UK, EU, etc.) for grading.
Important Considerations
Sample creation typically costs 4-5x the bulk production rate. Patterns and samples are charged separately.
5 Sample Review & Testing Client Dependent
Key Activities & Requirements
Review samples for fit, drape, and feel. Test durability by pulling seams and washing/drying 3-4 times according to care instructions.
Important Considerations
Communicate required changes using exact centimeter measurements, annotated photos, or physical notes on the garment. Fabric changes require restarting this phase.
6 Pre-Production 1 to 4 Weeks (Up to 2 months for custom textiles)
Key Activities & Requirements
Once ‘master samples’ are perfect, order all bulk fabrics, elastics (or framilon), and accessories (buttons, zippers, snaps, eyelets).
Important Considerations
Standard fabric/hardware delivery takes 1-2 weeks. Custom textiles from a mill can take up to 2 months. Custom hardware takes up to 4 weeks.
7 Bulk Production (CMT) 1 to 3 Months
Key Activities & Requirements
The mass Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) production phase is executed based on the master sample.
Important Considerations
The exact timeframe depends on total quantity, design complexity, and the factory’s current production schedule.
8 Quality Control (QC) & Delivery During Production + 3 Days Post-Delivery
Key Activities & Requirements
Factory performs random Quality Control on 15-20% of pieces during bulk production. Client reviews final shipped order within 3 days of receipt.
Important Considerations
Errors caught during production are corrected immediately. Defective items identified by the client within 3 days will be repaired or replaced. Final items are pressed, packed, and shipped.