如何开始服装生产线：设计、取样、生产和包装的完整指南

对于有远见的创意企业家来说，创办服装系列可能是一次非常有益的经历。 无论您是想创建一个简单的印花服装系列，还是想要创建一个包含各种单品和季节性元素的完整剪裁和缝制系列，这篇文章都将向您展示如何开始一个服装系列。

根据您想要创建什么样的服装系列，该过程可能涉及许多不同的步骤。 您希望参与生产线的采购和生产越多，您需要投入的时间、精力和金钱就越多。 如果您只是对快速轻松地开始一些事情感兴趣，那么也有一些选择。 在这篇文章中，我们将逐步向您展示如何开始自己的服装系列，无论您的预算是 100 美元，还是投资超过 10,000 美元。

如果您曾经考虑创办一个服装品牌，那就别无所求。 这篇文章已经写了将近一年，在此过程中，我们收集了数十位服装行业企业家和公司的知识和经验。 该行业知识范围包括：

• 一个成功发起众筹活动的小品牌，筹集了 300,000 美元，用于制造高端美利奴羊毛服装系列
• 面向 B2B 市场的空白服装自有品牌批发商
• 一名制版师和技术包设计师，与有抱负的服装系列创作者合作，帮助他们将愿景变为现实
• 最后，我们直奔源头，从一家染色纱线和编织纺织品的工厂获得洞察力

建立自己的服装系列涉及很多方面，所以让我们开始吧。

决定你想销售的服装产品

在创建服装和时尚产品时，您有很多选择。

如果您一直想开办服装系列，您可能已经对要创建和销售的特定产品有了很好的了解。 对于其他人来说，创建服装品牌可能是设计代表您个人风格的产品的独特而有趣的机会，但您可能不确定要销售哪些产品。

无论您属于哪一类，重要的是在决定继续选择其中一个之前仔细考虑所有服装和服装选择。

您可能需要为您的品牌考虑的一些服装和服装产品是：

• 短袖衬衫
• 长袖衬衫
• 连帽衫
• 裤子/打底裤
• 连衣裙
• 内衣/内衣/袜子

在围绕它们建立服装品牌时，这些服装产品中的每一种都有自己的机遇和挑战，因此仔细考虑它们很重要。 在继续阅读本文时请记住这一点。

下面，我们将研究一些最常见的服装系列商业模式，以更好地了解每种模式所需的工作、时间和金钱投资。

选择服装生产线商业模式

如果您已准备好开始您的服装品牌，那么此时您将需要做出一些重要的选择。

您可以采取多种方向来创建自己的品牌，这些方向彼此都非常不同。 最重要的是，每个选项之间的难度、成本和时间投入差异很大。

让我们来看看最常见的选项：

• 按需印刷
• 自有品牌服装生产线
• 定制剪裁和缝制服装生产线

让我们深入了解下面每一个的优点和缺点。

选项#1：按需印刷服装生产线

开始您自己的服装系列的第一个也是最简单的选择是在标准空白服装上打印您的设计或徽标。

对于预算较低（低于 1,000 美元）和希望从能够建立几乎完全自动化的业务中受益的人来说，这是一个有吸引力的选择。 这种商业模式的最大缺点是利润率较低，并且由于您使用的是标准批发服装，因此无法在材料、缝合和合身等方面区分您的产品。

按需印刷或直接到服装印刷工艺使用特殊的数字喷墨打印机将墨水直接印刷到服装和服装上。 这些数字打印机能够以极高的精度在服装上生成全彩色图像。

按需印刷可快速高效地生产高质量的印花服装。 因此，与丝网印刷不同，没有设置成本。 这意味着打印小订单（包括仅 1 个单位）既简单又经济。

优点

• 没有设置成本
• 高品质印刷品
• 无限的颜色选择
• 非常适合低订单量或一次性使用
• 许多服装选择（衬衫、紧身裤、袜子、连衣裙等）

缺点

• 对于大型生产运行来说不具有成本效益
• 一般没有批量折扣
• 有限的印刷品选择
• 有限的整理选项（标签、标签等）

选项#2：批发/自有品牌服装生产线

通过批发或自有品牌供应商采购服装产品时，您实际上是从其他品牌购买服装产品，然后从您自己的商店将其出售给客户。 当您以这种方式采购服装产品时，您将以折扣价从供应商处批量购买商品，然后以加价将这些商品出售给您的客户。

使用此选项，您将不会从头开始制造自己的服装，但您将挑选出适合客户口味的单品。 您将无法像制造服装一样定制每件服装，但您也不必经历制造自己的服装的漫长而昂贵的过程。 但是，此选项的主要缺点是您必须批量和预先购买许多服装商品的库存单位 (SKU)，这意味着您需要现金流。

优点

• 不需要制造自己的物品
• 可以更轻松地跟上不断变化的趋势
• 开始策划您自己的产品系列
• 批量折扣
• 良好的利润率潜力
• 您可以使用自己的吊牌、包装等来标记物品。
• 与自有品牌供应商合作时，您将能够使用自己的品牌名称定制服装标签

缺点

• 与批发商合作时，您将无法使用您的品牌名称自定义服装标签
• 通常，最低订购量从（至少）每种颜色/尺寸 10 件开始，如果不是 100 或 1,000 件
• 您必须自己管理库存和运输
• 您需要现金流来预先购买许多产品

选项#3：定制裁剪和缝制服装生产线

定制剪裁和缝制衣服意味着您可以做任何事情。 我们正在谈论设计草图，将它们变成图案，采购面料和制造商，并支付完整的生产运行（可能是数千个单位）。

自己做衣服不适合胆小的人。 这可能是一个密集的过程，可能需要数月（至少）才能启动和运行。 您需要找到制造商，您需要与打版师合作，您必须创建 tach 包，您必须采购和测试织物，您还可能必须创建和测试甚至在您接近成品之前就有许多样品。

根据您要生产的确切服装项目，仅仅获得几个样品，因为成品可能要花费数千美元。

完成产品后，您还需要与制造商一起生产完整的产品，您需要库存库存，甚至制定运输策略以将您的衣服送到客户手中。

优点

• 您将获得 100% 定制产品
• 提高客户感知价值的潜力
• 提高利润率的潜力
• 您将 100% 控制品牌

缺点

• 启动成本非常高
• 这是一个涉及多个活动部件的复杂过程
• 启动可能需要数月或更长时间

成功服装品牌的要素

伟大的服装品牌之所以伟大是有原因的。 通常，他们把一件事做得很好，有时他们把多件事做得很好。 在开始自己的服装系列之前，您需要考虑成功品牌的四个重要因素：

• 利基
• 设计
• 质量
• 品牌

让我们在下面深入研究这些元素中的每一个：

选择服装品牌利基

选择特定的细分市场对于服装和服装行业的成功很重要，而且很多时候也是至关重要的。 盲目地尝试针对大量人群会让您拥有一个无人能及的品牌。

专注于特定人群有几个主要好处：

• 营销更容易（因为您可以更具体地关注目标市场）
• 它可以更实惠（因为您没有针对错误的受众）
• 竞争可能会减少（您的细分市场越多，您的竞争池就越小）
• 您可以吸引更高的客户忠诚度（因为您的受众知道您关注他们）

例如：“带有有趣标语的服装”或“男士连帽衫”都过于宽泛，无法攻击，因为市场非常发达。 细分将帮助您更好地瞄准您的市场，让您更轻松地接触他们，并能够为他们创造更多价值。 因此，除了“带有有趣口号的服装”之外，您还可以迎合一个特定且充满激情的市场，例如“带有护士或消防员口号的服装”。 或者，您可以专注于为寒冷气候下的人们制造超厚/保暖的连帽衫，而不是“男士连帽衫”。

服装设计

您的设计——无论是印刷、刺绣还是实际服装本身的设计——都至关重要。 不仅你的衣片需要很好看，但他们也需要在你的目标市场的大眼睛特意找。

最终，如果您的服装设计在美学上不美观且对您的买家没有吸引力，那么您将成为输家。 您的设计不一定需要很复杂——事实上，许多最畅销的服装设计都非常简单——但是，它们确实需要与您的特定受众/细分市场建立联系。

服装质量

你可以欺骗一个人一次，但你不能欺骗他们两次。 随着时间的推移会褪色和破裂的图案或洗过一次后在接缝处分崩离析的单品不会产生狂热的粉丝，他们会回来并重新购买。

并非所有的衣服都是一样的，衣服的质量可能存在巨大差异。 您选择的材料的质量和成分将影响衣服的穿着方式、洗涤方式、褪色、收缩方式以及最终的使用寿命。 正如我们上面提到的，质量对您的品牌及其成功至关重要，因此重要的是要进行自我教育并仔细选择材料。

为了更高的利润率而牺牲质量总是很诱人的，但从长远来看，您需要考虑质量将如何影响客户与他人分享您的品牌和重新购买的决定。

服装品牌

许多服装公司都建立在强大的品牌之上。 除了衣服本身，强大的品牌还会鼓励和加强您的目标市场购买、代理、分享和回购您的衣服。 您的品牌远远超出了产品本身，涵盖了品牌所代表的内容以及与之相关的生活方式。

区分您的服装系列

服装设计和服装行业是一些最饱和的行业。为了有效竞争，您需要有一个差异化点，使您在市场上与众不同。

在工厂工作也让我提前了解有多少人进入这个行业，但完全不知道要建立一个甚至远程成功的品牌需要什么。 指责无知并不完全公平……我们也完全不知道这会有多难。 然而，我们开始 Stock 时有一个明确的理由，即我们与众不同的原因，为什么人们会对购买我们的东西感兴趣，以及我们将如何进行销售。 这是我看到很多有抱负的制造商跳过的一步。 –吉姆斯内迪克| 股票制造公司

好消息是，有多种方法可以让自己与众不同……

设计

如果您打算在衣服上添加图形或图像，设计（设计风格和设计质量）可以帮助您与其他人区分开来。

示例： Blackmilk Clothing 通过创造设计独特的紧身裤而闻名并成为 Shopify 最大的商家之一，同时还与主要品牌合作，在下面的案例中，Dr. Who：

合身/风格

如果您打算从头开始制作自己的服装，则衣服的实际合身度和款式可能是区分的一个重要点。

示例： Sharp Casualwear 为 5 英尺 8 英寸及以下的男士提供高档服装，他们正在寻找合身的时尚主食。 也许最初出名并因更合身而闻名的在线品牌是 Bonobos。 Bonobos 决定打造一款更合身的男士裤子。 他们更好的身材帮助他们在早期建立起来，并将他们的品牌变成了一家价值 1 亿美元的公司。

品牌

在所有其他方面都相同的情况下，人们更有可能从与他们的故事最相关的品牌购买。 此外，单独与消费者建立联系的强大品牌可以让您要求更高的价位，即使质量与其他常见或较便宜的品牌相对相同。

示例：在 2000 年代初期，亿万富翁男孩俱乐部以近 100 美元的价格出售 T 恤，上面写着“亿万富翁男孩俱乐部”。 尽管可以说，他们的 T 恤与市场上数百款 T 恤的质量相同，但消费者还是对这个年轻的都市品牌及其故事产生了兴趣。

利基

您选择经营的利基市场和您的目标市场（如果定义得足够好并且服务不足）本身就是一个差异化点。

示例： See Ya Never 以远程工作和周游世界的数字游牧民为目标。 即使市场上有成千上万的服装品牌，针对这一特定人群的服装品牌也很少（如果有的话）。

80s Tees 销售来自 80 年代电影和电视节目的独家设计。 这些设计不仅具有吸引力和怀旧感，而且许多设计都获得了许可，因此它们是独一无二的，几乎不可能在其他地方找到。

最后，Canada Threads 专注于与加拿大人产生独特共鸣的服装和配饰，包括与心爱的加拿大之家河马相关的设计。

性能/材料/质量

材料类型在区分您的服装单品与其他服装单品方面起着重要作用。 它们对穿着者的表现（它们是否舒适、发痒、受限、温暖、轻盈、透气、是否容易起皱等）和它们的整体质量（包括任何接缝、纽扣、织物的重量等）将所有这些都在您的客户满意度中发挥作用。

示例： Unbound Merino 进行了一次成功的众筹活动，筹集了 300,000 美元，并根据其服装的性能建立了自己的品牌：休闲装由 100% 超柔软美利奴羊毛制成，具有卓越的透气性和阻隔异味能力，允许这条路线旅行衣服穿很多次不洗。

为您的服装系列制定商业计划

有了一些基础知识，下一步是为您制定一个基本（但至关重要）的商业计划，为您的服装公司制定决策和发展方向。

在制定电子商务业务计划时，您需要考虑的一些主要因素是：

• 您的商业模式
• 客户角色
• 竞争对手的优势和劣势
• 成本和利润

奖励：我们推荐我们独家的一页电子商务商业计划，以帮助您为服装系列制定商业计划和战略。 包括整页工作表和 40 页随附电子书，单页电子商务商业计划旨在指导您完成业务基础的 12 个主要领域，因此您不会错过任何重要步骤或忽略任何重要数字。

为您的服装系列打造品牌

下一步是为您的新服装公司开发品牌。

为您的新服装公司打造品牌至关重要。 有这么多的服装公司和品牌，你需要让自己与众不同。 您的品牌将是其中的重要组成部分。

最终，每个企业都有一个品牌，每个新企业都会有一个品牌。 提前打造您的品牌让您有机会更好地定义和传达您的信息和故事。

如果您计划创建定制剪裁和缝制服装系列，您可能需要考虑聘请专门的品牌代理机构来帮助您打造品牌。 如果您计划投资和预算要小得多的按需印刷或自有品牌品牌，那么开发自己的品牌可能是一个值得且成本低廉的选择。

在这个阶段，您需要确定：

• 你的市场是谁
• 什么品牌最适合这个市场

下面，我们将快速向您介绍发展您的服装公司品牌的几个关键要素，但是，要了解所有品牌要素的完整细分以及定义所有品牌要素的指南和工作表，请查看我们的品牌指南 A更好的品牌。

定义您的市场

定义您的市场对任何品牌都很重要，尤其是服装和服装市场中的品牌，因为它非常饱和。 通过广泛针对大量人群，您从一开始就为失败做好了准备。 您要做的是细分市场并创建细分市场。

在这个阶段要问自己的一些关键问题是：

• 我想制作什么类型的服装和服装产品？
• 谁会购买我的产品？
• 我的产品或品牌会给这些人带来什么具体价值？
• 我的产品有什么独特之处？
• 谁是我的竞争对手？

创建您的品牌支柱

品牌支柱是几个关键词或属性（通常是 3-4 个），它们体现了您的品牌是什么，它们是发展您的品牌形象的起点。 后来，这些词被用作对品牌大多数活动的检查点。 例如，在创建您的网站、广告甚至与客户的对话时，您应该对照您的品牌支柱进行检查。 问问自己：我的设计/网站/广告/对话是否代表了我的品牌支柱词背后的本质？

您的品牌支柱是一个简单的工具，可以在您的所有活动中保持品牌的一致性，并且它们是您品牌的基础。

开发您的品牌视觉效果

您的品牌视觉效果是许多人在想到特定品牌时立即想到的常见品牌元素。 这包括您公司的徽标、品牌颜色和字体，以及您的整体设计和摄影美学。

• 创建情绪板：情绪板是开始整合您想要的视觉风格的完美方式。 从本质上讲，情绪板是图像、照片、设计、颜色以及您从网络上找到的任何其他多媒体片段的集合，可作为您品牌的灵感来源。 虽然有许多在线工具可以帮助您收集这些元素，但最简单的方法往往是使用 Pinterest 或 Instagram。
• 选择调色板：品牌推广过程的下一步是缩小要使用的调色板的范围。 预先选择调色板将有助于让您的品牌在所有渠道中保持一致。 您首先要特别注意情绪板中使用的主色，因为这些颜色很可能会立即引起您的注意。 从那里我们还建议您使用 Adob​​e Color 之类的工具来查看其他受社区启发和投票的调色板，以获得一些额外的想法。 最后，Adobe 还提供了一个工具来帮助选择和优化您的调色板，请在此处查看。
• 制作徽标：在为您的企业制作徽标时，您需要一个不仅能很好地代表您的品牌，而且还能与您的目标人群相关的徽标。 虽然我们始终建议与受人尊敬的徽标设计师合作，为您的品牌制作完美的徽标，但预算较少的人几乎可以使用 Looka 之类的工具开始使用。

奖励：查看我们的电子商务品牌指南，以帮助您开发品牌的所有关键组成部分，包括您的品牌形象以及您的所有品牌视觉效果，如情绪板、调色板、徽标和摄影风格。 本指南包括 PDF 电子书和工作表，可帮助您为您的服装系列打造完美品牌。

您的服装生产线的产品开发过程

对于任何一个完全不熟悉时尚行业的人来说，重要的是要知道这是开始和运营裁剪和缝制服装系列过程中非常重要的一步。 在这一点上，我们强烈建议您考虑与知道自己在做什么以及如何正确做的专业人士合作。

打版师、技术包创建者、设计合作伙伴、材料合作伙伴和生产合作伙伴等专业人士在各自领域拥有丰富的经验，他们的工作是以最有效的方式使您的服装系列成为现实。 如果没有专业人士的帮助，制版和技术包之类的事情不仅对您来说都是一场噩梦，对您计划与之合作的未来制造商来说也是一场噩梦。

不过，这是提前研究您的制造商会为您带来回报的地方。 一些制造商提供专业的产品开发服务，一些制造商只有在他们自己完成产品开发后才会为您制造，而另一些制造商不提供这些服务，但他们有更喜欢的合作伙伴。 所有这些信息都将在制造商的网站上列出或直接联系他们。

当涉及到您的服装系列的产品开发时，无论您正在开发什么类型的服装产品，通常都会遵循一些通用术语的通用路径。 First, we will look at what the general process of clothing product development looks like, then we will discuss the process in more detail.

• Designs: This generally refers to the initial design concept and is usually represented as sketches either on paper or digitally. While your patterns might start out as concept sketches, eventually you'll likely turn them into digital sketches using a program like Illustrator.
• Tech Pack: A tech pack is essentially a blueprint for your apparel product, providing a manufacturer with all the details and technical specifications for production. This includes the designs, measurements, materials, and any accessories (zipper, buttons, etc.).
• Pattern Making & Grading: Pattern making is the process of turning your technical drawings into patterns that can be used for production. Grading is the process of taking a single pattern and grading the pattern up or down to create the additional patterns for all the other sizes in your apparel line.
• Sourcing: Sourcing involves finding, communicating, vetting, and working with multiple manufacturers to determine which one is best suited for the full production of your particular products.
• Samples: This involves manufacturers producing a one-off or small batch of samples to provide you with a proof of concept, as well as for you to identify potential issues or improvements prior to a full production run.
• Production: A full product run is the mass production of your apparel products. Depending on the products and the manufacturer, this can be hundreds of units, thousands of units, or even hundreds of thousands of units.

Below, we will go into greater detail about each of these steps in the process and provide you with more content and resources to get you started. However, it's important to note that there are other resources available that will guide you through the full process, helping you at each step of the way.

Some of the most popular ones are:

• Maker's Row
• Sqetch
• FactoryFinder
• Sewport
• CALA

Step 1: Design Your Clothing Line Concepts

Your clothing line will begin as sketches—most likely simple sketches in a notebook. This is usually the best route to get the ideas out of your head. As you begin sketching your clothing pieces, also think about adding any specific notes or unique ideas you have, as well as any special features or functionality. These notes will likely be part of tech packs later.

The initial goal is just to start developing your ideas and bring them to life.

Furthermore, the benefit of sketching out your ideas is that they can be shared. This is important because unless you're a professional clothing designer, you're going to likely need to enlist the help of a fashion designer or illustrator to help you pull together and refine your sketches into something more realistic and thought out.

Step 2: Create Patterns & Develop Tech Packs

You will need to enlist the help of a qualified pattern maker to take your idea and turn it into an actual pattern that can then be turned into an actual piece of clothing. A pattern can then be used to help create a tech pack.

A tech pack is essentially a blueprint for each garment. Your tech pack tells your manufacturer all the information required to transform your design into a final product. A proper and complete tech pack will reduce errors in production, save you money, prevent miscommunication, and ultimately, bring your product to life exactly how you envisioned it.

Your tech pack should include all possible details about your product, including (but not limited to) the:

• 设计
• 面料
• 测量
• 修剪
• Stitching
• 艺术品
• Label & Tag Information
• Packaging Instructions

Here's an example of a tech pack for a better understanding:

(Source: Michael Smith Design)

Here are some pattern makers and technical designers who have been vetted and provided by Maker's Row, to get you started:

• The Pattern Makers
• JLD Studios
• Nicole Melendez
• Clothier Design Source

Additional places to hire freelancers to help produce your tech packs:

• 每小时人数 – 技术包
• Upwork – Tech Pack 自由职业者

Step 3: Research Clothing Manufacturers

The next step in this process is to research potential clothing manufacturers.

Find out things like their location, capabilities, heritage, reputation, and what other brands they've worked with to get an idea of what they can offer you. It's important at this stage to really be thorough as small things such as location can have a massive impact on communication, turnaround time, and shipping when it actually comes to working with a manufacturer.

Not every manufacturer provides the same services so it's important to know the pros and cons of as many manufacturers as possible so you can find the services you're looking for without compromising on your brand values.

• Maker's Row : Maker's Row has nearly 10,000 factories to explore, including over 3,000 in apparel, all based in the USA.
• Sourcify: Sourcify has relationships with hundreds of Chinese manufacturers and will work with you to find and vet the right one for you.
• Sqetch: Sqetch is similar to Maker's Row but focuses on connecting you with European manufacturers.
• FactoryFinder : FactoryFinder can help with material selection, samples, and production by connecting you with the right clothing manufacturer.

Step 4: Determine Your Budget

Budgeting out product development and production costs is something you need to determine prior to selecting a factory to work with. You need to understand your budget availability and limits so you can map out all aspects of production, such as what fabric you'll be able to use and whether producing overseas or in your home country is your best option.

Costs to consider in your budget include:

• The price of professional product development services such as pattern making, tech packs, design development, etc.
• The cost of making samples (bearing in mind that more than one sample is usually made)
• The cost of materials such as fabric, buttons, zippers, hardware, and any other pieces used in the construction of your garments
• The cost of transportation between you and the factory for meetings/visiting the factory
• The cost of labor (determine the difference in labor cost between your home country and overseas labor cost requirements)
• The cost of shipping between you and the factory and the cost of shipping the necessary materials to the factory
• The cost of production and actually creating the clothing items themselves

After considering these factors, you'll be able to communicate your budget to your future manufacturer and find one that fits your requirements.

Pricing out all of these costs is also helpful in determining whether or not producing in an overseas factory is more realistic for your business—bearing in mind that while the cost of labor may be cheaper, the cost of shipping between you and the factory will increase; as will turn around time. Nonetheless, understanding the cost of product development and production helps you and your future manufacturer make the best choices for your business.

Step 5: Select Clothing Manufacturers

Once you've researched a bunch of different manufacturers and have an idea of what's out there, make a shortlist of manufacturers who seem like they'll be a good fit for your clothing brand.

Maybe there are some manufacturers who specialize in the kinds of clothing products you want to produce, maybe some operate out of your local area, maybe some have raving reviews from past or current clients, or maybe some fit into your budget range better than others. Whatever is important to you in a manufacturer, narrow down your shortlist to ones who seem like they check off some of your most important boxes.

Step 6: Contact Clothing Manufacturers

By now you should have been able to narrow down a long list of potential clothing manufacturers into a shorter list of manufacturers who meet your needs when it comes down to what you require in terms of professional services, which manufacturers are actually able to create your future garments, manufactures in an accessible location, or ones who meet your budget requirements.

Now is the time to contact your potential manufacturers, but that may be easier said than done. Response rates for manufacturers differ, but producing a well-thought-out initial email can increase your chances of actually receiving a response back from potential manufactures.

Here are some general DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to contacting a manufacturer:

• DON'T come across as a “tire-kicker.” If your interest in manufacturing doesn't seem to be serious or genuine you may not get a response. Manufacturers don't want to waste their own time working with people who aren't serious when they could be working with people who actually want to build and grow their business.
• DO be polite. You and your manufacturer will be working together in this process—they don't solely work for you—so treat them with respect and be mindful of their requirements, services, and processes.
• DO be clear. In the best interest of yourself and your future manufacturer, it's best practice to be clear about what you're looking for, the services you require, your timeline, etc. Be upfront about what you need and don't leave any room for ambiguities in the event that it will create more confusion down the road.
• DO follow up. It's okay to follow up after your initial email to ensure the factory received and read the message, so be prepared to send up to three follow-up emails spaced apart by a week or so to prompt a response from a factory. This will make you seem eager and serious to the factory which, if you're new to this process, is what you want.
• DON'T give them too much information. Introduce your company, the products that you're looking to create with them, what services you're looking for, and ask what further information they need from you. Give them enough information to know your intentions and that you're serious about the inquiry, but don't overload them with your brand goals, material choices, and timelines yet.

Click here to learn more about how to construct the perfect initial contact email.

Step 7: Screen Potential Factories

If you're lucky, by this step you'll have received responses from some of the factories you've contacted and now it's time to narrow down your search.

Even if you only received a response from one factory, it is still important to make sure it's the right fit for you. At this step, you should communicate further with the factories and learn more about how they conduct business and the quality of their products. You should be looking to evaluate whether or not you will get along with them personally and professionally in order to gauge your potential for success as colleagues.

These are things to look out for:

• How they prefer to communicate with their clients (by email, phone, or personal visits)
• Ask for references from other clients (to get a first-hand evaluation of what they are like to work with)
• Ask for samples of products they've made (to judge if the quality of their products is at the level you're looking for)
• Understand how they charge for samples, services, and what constitutes extra charges
• Get a feel for their timeline and availability

Now is the time to learn more about the factory, see their workspace in action, and communicate further with the manufacturer. This stage will give you an initial glimpse of what it will be like to work with this factory in the long run so it's important to identify your respective strengths and weaknesses now so you can reduce the possibility of headaches and potential miscommunications in the future.

This is also now the right time to let the manufacturer in on your brand goals, where you see your brand starting off, what you see your brand scaling to, and let them know how you want them involved in that process. All the time you spent defining your brand in the first step should be communicated to the manufacturer to see if they understand where your brand is going and if they can get excited for your brand, too.

Step 8: Get Samples Made

Now that you can see yourself manufacturing your clothing line with a factory or two, it's time to get some samples made so you can truly experience what your potential product will be like.

No matter how well-designed your patterns and tech packs have been, there are always opportunities for adjustments and corrections so it's strongly encouraged that the sampling step is never skipped. It can be easy to want to jump straight into production—especially when time and money are on the line—but in the end, a whole line of garments that don't fit properly will cost you more than just having a few samples done right from the start.

At this stage, it is appropriate to have more than one factory make samples of your garments. Feel free to shop around so you're absolutely sure the factory you pick will be producing the garments you want at the quality level you want!

Step 9: Start Full-Scale Production

The final step of the manufacturing process is really just the first step of building your own clothing brand.

This is the time to work with your manufacturer and get your garments produced! At this stage, it's important to stay five steps ahead of everything:

• Make sure deadlines are adhered to
• Be available to answer any questions your manufacturer may have for you
• Be diligent with quality control

Once production for one season of garments starts, the planning for the next season begins—this is only just the beginning! But now that you have the right manufacturer for your business, let their skills and services help you build your clothing brand to where you want it to be.

Step 10: Brand Your Clothing & Packaging

The branding of your clothing line has everything to do with how you'll be perceived by your customers. Branding tells the story of your company and your packaging is one of the few parts of your brand—besides your clothing items themselves—that your customers will actually be able to touch, feel, and see. It engages your customers, it can make them feel valued, and it can even increase the perceived level of quality your customers associate with your brand and your clothing items.

This is why it's important to seriously consider how you package and present your clothing items, no matter what items you're selling.

There are plenty of different ways to enhance your brand's packaging and presentation and to make it unique and true to your brand.

Let's learn more…

Step 11: Branded Packaging Options

There are two different types of options when it comes to branding your packaging: The actual elements that you use for the packaging itself, and the additional extras you can include with the package to elevate the unboxing experience.

The package elements are the more functional items that are required to actually ship your clothing pieces, whereas the added extras enhance the experience and help to make your customers feel valued.

Elements of a Branded Package

These are the functional parts of a shipping package that you'll need in order to ship your items from you to your customers. You won't need every single one of these items, but they're all options that you can use depending on what you want your packaging to achieve.

装运箱

Depending on the clothing items you sell, you may have to ship them to your customers in a shipping box. Shipping boxes are sturdy and are a good option for shipping heavy or bulky items (such as coats) or delicate items that need to be protected throughout the shipping process (such as beaded clothing pieces, or items with 3D applique).

Shipping boxes, however, can add weight and size to your package making it more expensive to ship, but if it will protect your clothing items while they're on their way to your customers, it's a small price to pay upfront that should decrease the potential of damaged items and returned products in the future.

Keep in mind that your shipping boxes don't have to be boring cardboard boxes. There are plenty of services available to entrepreneurs and small businesses that can create custom boxes for your products at competitive prices, whether you're looking for something sleek, simple, and plain or something colorful, bold, patterned, and vibrant.

You can also use these services to get your brand name printed onto the box itself for a more professional unboxing experience.

Where to Source Shipping Boxes:

• 精制包装
• 可派克
• Packwire
• 卢米
• Wolfpack Packaging Inc.
• Arka
• 盒子怪胎
• Custom Boxes & Packaging
• Custom Boxes Now
• 电子供应商店
• Fast Pack: Boxes
• Instabox (Canada)
• PakFactory
• 纸市场
• 值邮件者

Poly Mailers

Another great alternative for shipping clothing items is shipping bags—otherwise referred to in the industry as poly mailers.

These are an ideal option because unlike shipping boxes, they don't add much weight or bulk to your package, so you won't be adding extra shipping costs to your package. They are less sturdy than a box though, so they're a good option if you're shipping clothing pieces that aren't easily damaged and can be bent and folded throughout the shipping process. They do come in plenty of sizes too, so whether you're shipping one item or a few at a time, you should be able to source a selection of different sized poly mailers to meet your customer's needs. Plenty of brands ship clothing items to their customers in poly mailers, so it is an appropriate method for the industry.

There are plenty of places online where you can get custom poly mailers made for your business so you're able to add your logo, brand colors, or fun patterns to make it more exciting for your customers.

Where to Source Poly Mailers:

• 贴纸骡子
• 可派克
• 卢米
• Uline: Poly Mailers
• eSupplyStore: Poly Mailers

Bubble Mailers

If your clothing items need a bit more protection but you don't want to completely upgrade from a poly mailer to a full-on shipping box, you have another option: Bubble mailers. As the name would suggest, they're like poly mailers but they have a layer of bubble wrap included on the inside of the mailer which helps protect whatever's inside.

They don't offer the same sturdiness that shipping boxes do, but they help to cushion the contents of the mailer throughout the process and are less bulky than shipping boxes.

Where to Source Bubble Mailers:

• 可派克
• Uline: Bubble Mailers
• eSupplyStore: Bubble Mailers
• Fast Pack: Bubble Mailers

Tissue Paper

If using packing peanuts and crinkle paper isn't your style, or if your products don't need additional protection, or even if you're using a poly mailer, tissue paper may be an ideal option to enhance the unboxing experience for your customers.

Tissue paper makes the unboxing experience feel more like a gift, which can make your package seem thoughtful and your customers feel valued.

Tissue paper is also an easy way to add to your packaging without adding any extra bulk or weight, and you can have it printed with your logo or choose colored or patterned paper to add some extra flair to the package. Use an everchanging assortment of patterns, colors, and styles to keep repeat customers interested.

Where to Source Tissue Paper:

• Uline: Retail Cushioning
• Uline: Industrial Tissue Paper
• JAM Paper: Tissue Paper
• eSupplyStore: Tissue Paper
• Fast Pack: Tissue Paper
• Papermart: Tissue Paper

Packing Tape

Depending on your brand's style, using packing tape that's colorful, patterned, or printed with your logo may be an interesting way to decorate your shipping box or package. Not only is it decorative, but packing tape is functional and adds another layer of security to keep box openings sealed throughout the shipping process.

Where to Source Packing Tape:

• 磁带丛林
• Uline: Tape
• JAM Paper: Packaging Tape
• eSupplyStore: Packing Tape

Stickers

If you don't need something as heavy-duty as packing tape to seal your boxes or mailers shut, stickers can be an alternative option that can also add to the branded packaging experience. Get your logo printed on them, your brand's tagline, mission statement, fun facts about your brand, or any other piece of info you want to share with your customers for an added layer of personalization. Alternatively, use stickers to brand plain shipping boxes or mailers, or include them inside your package for customers to use or share as they please.

Stickers are super versatile, so think about how you can use stickers to enhance your unboxing experience!

Where to Source Stickers:

• 贴纸巨人
• 贴纸骡子
• 贴纸你
• 穆

Include Extra Branded Material

These aren't necessary to include, but if you're interested in elevating your unboxing experience, making it memorable for your customers, and making them feel valued, then including one or two of the following options can help you to start out in a positive way.

Promotions, Discounts & Deals

Including packing inserts that notify your customer of an upcoming promotion, or share a discount code or deal they can use for themselves or share with a friend is a pleasant surprise your customers will likely appreciate when opening their package. It shows thought and care from your end, and it's also likely to encourage them to purchase from you again, which is advantageous for you.

Business Cards

If you want your customers to remember you, refer you to a friend, or send you feedback about their experience with your business or your products, consider including your business card so they can hold onto it or pass it on to others. It's a small token, but it shows that you value their input and experience.

Custom Notes/Personalized Messages

This is the ultimate way to make your customers feel valued and shows an immense amount of consideration and thoughtfulness.

Custom, handwritten notes with personalized messages are a great way to connect with your customers and make them feel appreciated. While it likely won't be possible to include a handwritten note for all of your customers, consider including them for your very first customers, your most frequent purchasers, for customers who leave glowing reviews on your website, or ones who have taken the time to send you valuable feedback. Your customers will likely feel very touched by your effort and will likely also share their experience with their peers or on their social platforms, which is positive exposure for your brand.

Gifts or Samples

Who doesn't love to receive a gift?! Using gifts as a way to thank your customers for their purchase is a surefire way to capture their attention and make them feel valued. It doesn't have to be anything big (some companies include candy bars to treat their customers) as you just want it to be an addition to the package, but something small can be just as appreciated by your customers.

If you don't want to gift an item from another company, consider including a sample of one of your own products. Again, it doesn't have to be anything big, but something that complements their purchase could be appreciated.

Step 12: Brand Your Clothing Items

Beyond the packaging of your clothing items, you can also add additional touches of branding to your clothing items themselves to ensure they're as seemingly high-quality as possible and are presented in the most thought out way possible. The best way to do this is by adding custom labels and tags.

Clothing Labels & Tags

Clothing labels are a piece of fabric that's attached to the inside of clothing items that typically include the brand's logo. While it's required in most countries for clothing items to have care and size labels, brand labels aren't necessary but they add a thoughtful touch to the clothing piece. They also often help customers to remember where the clothing item is from once they've integrated it into their wardrobe, and they can add to the overall feel of the clothing piece.

Some labels can be scratchy and uncomfortable for the wearer, which can make the garment seem cheap, while others can be well sewn into the garment and made of a cloth material that's much more high quality. Think about how you want your brand to be perceived and choose a type of label that fits accordingly.

Clothing Label Material Options:

• Damask Woven Labels
• Satin Woven Labels
• Taffeta Woven Labels
• Woven Patches
• Cotten Twill Labels
• Canvas Printed Labels
• Nylon Printed Labels
• Satin Printed Labels
• Silicon Clothing Labels
• Leather Labels
• 以及更多

It's also important to consider which label types exist and where they can be located on the garment.

If you want to increase your brand's awareness, you may want to consider placing brand labels on the outside of your clothing items such as on hems or cuffs, but if you want to maintain relatively inconspicuous brand placement, you may just want to include the labels on the inside of your garments.

The types of clothing labels you can include on your garments include:

• Manhattan Fold Labels: These are quite similar to Center Fold Labels in their appearance, except that the top of the label is folded over to give a more finished and high-quality look. This type of label is typically sewn into the collar of a garment.
• The End Fold Labels: These have more of a finished and high-quality look to them because the edges are tucked in at the sides. These types of labels are typically printed with brand logos and they're quite small.
• Straight Cut Labels: These have no folds at all, which means they're typically sewn on flat—straight onto the garment. They're commonly also placed on the outside of a garment as a decorative patch, usually with a brand logo printed on them.
• Center Fold Labels: These are the most common type of apparel labels. They're usually made of woven materials and commonly attached to the inside of garment collars.
• The Mitre Fold Label: These are similar to the End Fold Label as they're quite small, shaped like a thin rectangle, and are typically printed just with a brand logo. This type of label, however, hangs down a bit farther than the End Fold Label instead of going straight across.
• Loop Fold Labels: These labels are commonly sewn on the inside of garments, typically close to the hemline in shirts or the waistband in some trousers. This type of label is usually reserved for care and size information, not brand logos.

Clothing Tags

Where to Source Clothing Labels and Tags:

• Custom Labels 4 U
• Uline: Hanging Tags

Step 13: Create Your Online Clothing Store

If you're serious about building a brand or learning more about digital marketing, search engine optimization, and conversion rate strategies, you need to build your clothing store on a customizable ecommerce platform. We can't recommend Shopify enough. Not only is Shopify one of the easiest platforms to get started with, but its app store is the most robust and has a host of print-on-demand clothing printers and dropshippers if you choose to go that route (read our Shopify Review to learn more about why we recommend it so highly).

Shopify enables you to build your own online clothing store wherever you are, with the ability to sell to customers all over the world. Setting up your store with Shopify is easy, and you don't have to worry about your website's security so you can be sure that you and your customers' sensitive information is protected when shopping on your site.

Overall, Shopify is the most recommended ecommerce platform out there, and it's your best option when it comes to starting your own clothing store online.

When setting up your clothing store on Shopify you'll want to take your brand into consideration and make use of all your brand visuals. Implement your color palette, use your logo, take effective product and lifestyle photos of your garments, and create a glowing “About Page” so your customers can learn more about who your brand is and what you stand for.

These are the types of things that will make your clothing store stand out to your customers, so they'll be more trusting when it comes time for them to make a purchase. You want your website to install confidence in your customers, so take that into consideration when setting up your online clothing store.

Bonus: Still not sure about which ecommerce platform to choose? Check out our exclusive Ecommerce Platform Recommendation Tool. This tool will ask you a series of questions to help you narrow down and choose the best ecommerce platform for your specific needs.

Your Store's Theme

Another aspect of your online clothing/apparel store to take into serious consideration is your store's theme. Themes are the general outward look and feel of your website, and depending on the products you sell, some themes may display your products better than others.

Since you'll be starting a clothing/apparel store, you'll want a theme that shows off your garments to their full potential so choose a theme that enables you to post lots of images.

Shopify offers plenty of free and premium themes to choose from (see them all in action on the Shopify Theme Store) but if you're looking for more theme options, Out Of The Sandbox creates premium Shopify themes and they are one of the best, if not the best, place to get them.

Step 14: Create a Shipping Strategy for Your Clothing Company

Figuring out how to ship your products to your customers can be a confusing and daunting process if you've never done it before as there's a lot to take into consideration.

What should you charge for shipping? How much does shipping cost? What about returns? What shipping carrier should you use? Should you start off with a shipping and fulfillment warehouse? Will your customers get charged duty and customs fees? What about shipping labels? What about tracking and insuring your packages?

All these questions, and more, are valid questions to be asking yourself—and we'll dive into them now:

How to Charge Your Customer for Shipping

这些是您的选择：

• Charge Your Customers the Exact Shipping Fee: This means that your customers will be made aware of the shipping costs while they're checking out and they'll have to pay the exact amount it costs to get their order shipped to them.
• Charge Your Customers a Flat Shipping Fee: This means that you can instate a flat shipping fee such as $6 for domestic orders and $12 for international orders, no matter how many items each customer orders and no matter where they're located domestically or internationally. Some orders will cost you more to ship and some will cost you less, but if you budget it correctly it should even out.
• Offer Your Customers Free Shipping Over a Certain Threshold: For example, you could offer all customers free shipping if they spend over $100. This encourages customers to purchase enough products to meet that amount so they don't have to pay for shipping. By making sure they spend a certain monetary amount, it makes it more worthwhile for you to ship their package for “free” because the cost of shipping is absorbed into your profit margin on the order. Check out our article on How to Offer Free Shipping & Calculating Your Free Shipping Threshold for more information.
• Offer Your Customers Free Shipping Based on their Location: In this case, you could offer free shipping for all domestic destinations and any international locations will have to pay a calculated rate or a flat fee. This encourages your local customers to purchase from you without having to pay any shipping fees and depending on your domestic shipping rates you should be able to absorb the cost in your profit margin, assuming you price your items accordingly. For international customers, however, you'll be able to fund the shipping cost fully or in part by their calculated or flat rate fee.
• Offer Your Customers Free Shipping on Any Order: Some businesses choose to offer free shipping to all customers because it's easier for them to calculate, more attractive to customers, and results in fewer cart abandonments. The cost of shipping will be absorbed by your profit margin, so take that into consideration when pricing your items.

Shipping is never free. No matter what it says on any website, “free shipping” is not free for the business—the cost is just being absorbed in some other way. It's also no secret that shipping costs are one of the most likely reasons for shopping cart abandonments, so in order to combat that, many ecommerce stores offer free shipping to decrease shipping cart abandonments.

Take both of these things into consideration when pricing your products so you can gauge whether you'll need to charge higher prices for your items so you can afford to offer free shipping, or at least a subsidized shipping rate.

Calculating Shipping Costs

The cost of shipping depends on your carrier, where you're shipping to, and where you're shipping from. There are also other variables involved like the weight and size of the package as well, so your best bet is to use a shipping calculator to determine how much it would cost you to ship your packages. Many carriers have shipping calculators available on their websites so you can price out the cost of your packages on there.

• USPS Postage Price Calculator
• UPS Shipping Calculator
• DHL Shipping Calculator
• FedEx Shipping Calculator
• Canada Post Shipping Calculator
• UK Royal Mail Shipping Calculator
• Australia Post Shipping Calculator

How to Handle Returns

You basically have two options when it comes to handling returns for your customers: You can provide your customers with pre-paid postage in case they need to return an item, or you don't provide your customers with pre-paid postage and they will have to assume the responsibility to pay for postage in the event that they need to return an item to you.

Providing pre-paid postage for customers offers them a seamless shopping experience with your company, however not offering free returns can actually affect customer's decision to purchase from you at all.

Check out this blogpost from Shopify that discusses shipping returns in more detail to learn more about it and how it affects your business.

Which Shipping Carrier to Use

Most popular shipping carriers offer a business account program so businesses can get perks such as better order management, discounts on shipping, and/or free shipping supplies. Basically, it makes it a little bit easier and less expensive for you than just shipping packages without a business account.

Check out these popular shipping carrier's business accounts:

• USPS Customer Gateway
• UPS 商业解决方案
• DHL 企业账户
• 联邦快递商务中心
• Canada Post Business Account
• 英国皇家邮政在线商业账户
• 澳大利亚邮政商业信用账户

Using a Shipping & Fulfillment Warehouse

Shipping and fulfillment warehouses can be a tricky service to use for clothing stores as there are usually many different SKUs (stock-keeping units) such as different sizes and colors for each item of clothing. Although shipping and fulfillment warehouses may be convenient services to use since they handle the entire picking, packing, and shipping service for you, there can be some drawbacks, including:

• Inability to Use Your Own Branded Packaging: Some warehouses require that you use their own shipping packaging, so you won't be able to use any boxes, poly mailers, tissue paper, stickers, etc. that have your own branding on them. It can also be difficult to add other extras such as promotional inserts, custom notes, samples, etc.
• Cost: Shipping and fulfillment warehouses can take the shipping process off your hands but at what cost? It costs you to store your SKUs on your warehouse's shelf space so depending on how quickly your product ships out to customers and how much product you're selling, it may or may not be a worthwhile cost for you.
• Handling Returns: Since your business is just one of many at a shipping and fulfillment warehouse, returned items may be handled in an inefficient manner, depending on the warehouse. Make sure you look into each warehouse's return policy before you work with them.

However, there are also advantages to using shipping and fulfillment warehouses:

• Shipping Costs: Shipping and fulfillment warehouses generally have to pay less to ship packages, so you'll likely pay less too.
• Simplified Process: No need to wait in line at the post office or deal with couriers to get your packages shipped.
• Saves You Time: All the time that it takes you to pick, package, and send packages can be put to other uses such as managing customer inquires, advertising, or just growing your business in general.

Generally speaking, if you're just starting your online clothing store: Handle the shipping and fulfillment process yourself, initially.

This gives you the chance to learn the best practices for shipping your own products, you can put your own personal touch on each package and you can use your own branded packaging materials. If you're just sending out a few parcels a day, it won't take up too much of your time to send them through post offices or couriers.

If you anticipate having a large customer base to start off with and predict that you may not be able to keep up with packing and shipping orders yourself, have a look into shipping and fulfillment warehouses to see what your options are.

Shipping & Fulfillment Warehouses:

These are some shipping and fulfillment options to consider, however, we encourage you to do your own research and due diligence:

• Printful 仓储和配送
• Shopify 配送网络
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
• Fulfillrite
• Fulfillment.com
• 红鹿履行
• ThinkLogistics
• ShipFusion
• WSI Supply Chain Solutions

To learn more about why third-party logistics providers are advantageous for your business, check out our Ultimate Guide to Utilizing a 3PL Provider for Ecommerce Fulfillment article.

Duty & Customs Fees

It's important to be aware that you as a business are not in control of the duties and customs fees your international customers may be charged on their orders. Customs and duties fees are managed and imposed on your customers by their country itself, you don't have the power to prevent them or influence their cost.

You do, however, have the ability to warn your customers about potential customs and duties fees they may face so that they're not unpleasantly surprised when their order arrives.

On your shipping information page, include a section about customs and duties fees and let your customers know that they may be charged these fees by their county and that your business has no control over that.

For more information about customs and duties declaration, required forms, and policies, check out these pages:

• USPS Postal Exporter
• UPS Import/Export Regulations
• DHL Customs and Duties
• FedEx Guide to Customs Forms
• Canada Post Customs Requirements
• UK Royal Mail Customs and Duties
• Australia Post Customs Forms & Regulations

Shipping Tracking & Insurance

Many customers now expect to have their packages tracked and expect to receive email updates on the whereabouts of the packages. If you're interested in giving your customers a streamlined and professional shopping experience, look into what tracking options your shipping carrier has available. It almost always costs extra or will mean that you'll have to upgrade to a more expensive service, but it could be very worthwhile for both you and your customers.

Most shipping carriers offer some kind of insurance, but it may not cover the entire cost of your orders—depending on the price of your items. If you sell high-priced items or just want the peace of mind that you're insured for any lost parcels, it may be worth looking into a third-party shipping insurance provider such as Shipsurance or InsureShip.

It's important to be aware that the shipping process can be complex, and it can take a while to set up and get used to all the different steps, systems, and processes. It'll probably be a learning curve at the start, especially if you've never shipped a large number of orders before or if you're launching to an eager audience, so give yourself time to set up your shipping systems properly so it doesn't affect your business too much. Once you get a system going though you'll likely get the hang of it and be able to make small improvements or scale your processes as needed.

结论

We hope this post has provided you with very clear insight into the steps, systems, and processes it takes to start a clothing line. It may seem overwhelming at first if this is all new to you, however, just focus on one step at a time and grow from there. No matter what kind of clothing line you want to create—whether it's just your own line of t-shirts or an entire collection of cut and sew garments—the information, tools, resources, and experiences provided in this guide should help you get where you want to go.

Before you launch your clothing brand, don't forget to run through our Launch Checklist to make sure you don't miss anything important, and once you've launched, use our 52 Week Marketing Plan to drive traffic to your store.