如何開始服裝生產線：設計、取樣、生產和包裝的完整指南

對於有遠見的創意企業家來說，創辦服裝系列可能是一次非常有益的經歷。 無論您是想創建一個簡單的印花服裝系列，還是想要創建一個包含各種單品和季節性元素的完整剪裁和縫製系列，這篇文章都將向您展示如何開始一個服裝系列。

根據您想要創建什麼樣的服裝系列，該過程可能涉及許多不同的步驟。 您希望參與生產線的採購和生產越多，您需要投入的時間、精力和金錢就越多。 如果您只是對快速輕鬆地開始一些事情感興趣，那麼也有一些選擇。 在這篇文章中，我們將逐步向您展示如何開始自己的服裝系列，無論您的預算是 100 美元，還是投資超過 10,000 美元。

如果您曾經考慮創辦一個服裝品牌，那就別無所求。 這篇文章已經寫了將近一年，在此過程中，我們收集了數十位服裝行業企業家和公司的知識和經驗。 該行業知識範圍包括：

• 一個成功發起眾籌活動的小品牌，籌集了 300,000 美元，用於製造高端美利奴羊毛服裝系列
• 面向 B2B 市場的空白服裝自有品牌批發商
• 一名製版師和技術包設計師，與有抱負的服裝系列創作者合作，幫助他們將願景變為現實
• 最後，我們直奔源頭，從一家染色紗線和編織紡織品的工廠獲得洞察力

建立自己的服裝系列涉及很多方面，所以讓我們開始吧。

決定你想銷售的服裝產品

在創建服裝和時尚產品時，您有很多選擇。

如果您一直想開辦服裝系列，您可能已經對要創建和銷售的特定產品有了很好的了解。 對於其他人來說，創建服裝品牌可能是設計代表您個人風格的產品的獨特而有趣的機會，但您可能不確定要銷售哪些產品。

無論您屬於哪一類，重要的是在決定繼續選擇其中一個之前仔細考慮所有服裝和服裝選擇。

您可能需要為您的品牌考慮的一些服裝和服裝產品是：

• 短袖襯衫
• 長袖襯衫
• 連帽衫
• 褲子/打底褲
• 連衣裙
• 內衣/內衣/襪子

在圍繞它們建立服裝品牌時，這些服裝產品中的每一種都有自己的機遇和挑戰，因此仔細考慮它們很重要。 在繼續閱讀本文時請記住這一點。

下面，我們將研究一些最常見的服裝系列商業模式，以更好地了解每種模式所需的工作、時間和金錢投資。

選擇服裝生產線商業模式

如果您已準備好開始您的服裝品牌，那麼此時您將需要做出一些重要的選擇。

您可以採取多種方向來創建自己的品牌，這些方向彼此都非常不同。 最重要的是，每個選項之間的難度、成本和時間投入差異很大。

讓我們來看看最常見的選項：

• 按需印刷
• 自有品牌服裝生產線
• 定制剪裁和縫製服裝生產線

讓我們深入了解下面每一個的優點和缺點。

選項#1：按需印刷服裝生產線

開始您自己的服裝系列的第一個也是最簡單的選擇是在標準空白服裝上打印您的設計或徽標。

對於預算較低（低於 1,000 美元）和希望從能夠建立幾乎完全自動化的業務中受益的人來說，這是一個有吸引力的選擇。 這種商業模式的最大缺點是利潤率較低，而且由於您使用的是標準批發服裝，因此無法在材料、縫合和合身等方面區分您的產品。

按需印刷或直接到服裝印刷工藝使用特殊的數字噴墨打印機將墨水直接印刷到服裝和服裝上。 這些數字打印機能夠以極高的精度在服裝上生成全彩色圖像。

按需印刷可快速高效地生產高質量的印花服裝。 因此，與絲網印刷不同，沒有設置成本。 這意味著打印小訂單（包括僅 1 個單位）既簡單又經濟。

優點

• 沒有設置成本
• 高品質印刷品
• 無限的顏色選擇
• 非常適合低訂單量或一次性使用
• 許多服裝選擇（襯衫、緊身褲、襪子、連衣裙等）

缺點

• 對於大型生產運行來說不具有成本效益
• 一般沒有批量折扣
• 有限的印刷品選擇
• 有限的整理選項（標籤、標籤等）

選項#2：批發/自有品牌服裝生產線

通過批發或自有品牌供應商採購服裝產品時，您實際上是從其他品牌購買服裝產品，然後從您自己的商店將其出售給客戶。 當您以這種方式採購服裝產品時，您將以折扣價從供應商處批量購買商品，然後以加價將這些商品出售給您的客戶。

使用此選項，您將不會從頭開始製造自己的服裝，但您將挑選出適合客戶口味的單品。 您將無法像製造服裝一樣定制每件服裝，但您也不必經歷製造自己的服裝的漫長而昂貴的過程。 但是，此選項的主要缺點是您必須批量和預先購買許多服裝商品的庫存單位 (SKU)，這意味著您需要現金流。

優點

• 不需要製造自己的物品
• 可以更輕鬆地跟上不斷變化的趨勢
• 開始策劃您自己的產品系列
• 批量折扣
• 良好的利潤率潛力
• 您可以使用自己的吊牌、包裝等為物品打上烙印。
• 與自有品牌供應商合作時，您將能夠使用自己的品牌名稱定制服裝標籤

缺點

• 與批發商合作時，您將無法使用您的品牌名稱自定義服裝標籤
• 通常，最低訂購量從（至少）每種顏色/尺寸 10 件開始，如果不是 100 或 1,000 件
• 您必須自己管理庫存和運輸
• 您需要現金流來預先購買許多產品

選項 #3：定制裁剪和縫製服裝生產線

定制剪裁和縫製衣服意味著您可以做任何事情。 我們正在談論設計草圖，將它們變成圖案，採購面料和製造商，並支付完整的生產運行（可能是數千個單位）。

自己做衣服不適合膽小的人。 這可能是一個密集的過程，可能需要數月（至少）才能啟動和運行。 您需要找到製造商，您需要與製版師合作，您必須創建 tach 包，您必須採購和測試織物，您還可能必須創建和測試甚至在您接近成品之前就有許多樣品。

根據您要生產的確切服裝項目，僅僅獲得幾個樣品，因為成品可能要花費數千美元。

完成產品後，您還需要與製造商一起生產完整的產品，您需要庫存庫存，甚至制定運輸策略以將您的衣服送到客戶手中。

優點

• 您將獲得 100% 定制產品
• 提高客戶感知價值的潛力
• 提高利潤率的潛力
• 您將 100% 控製品牌

缺點

• 啟動成本非常高
• 這是一個涉及多個活動部件的複雜過程
• 啟動可能需要數月或更長時間

成功服裝品牌的要素

偉大的服裝品牌之所以偉大是有原因的。 通常，他們把一件事做得很好，有時他們把多件事做得很好。 在開始自己的服裝系列之前，您需要考慮成功品牌的四個重要因素：

• 利基
• 設計
• 質量
• 品牌

讓我們在下面深入研究這些元素中的每一個：

選擇服裝品牌利基

選擇特定的細分市場對於服裝和服裝行業的成功很重要，而且很多時候也是至關重要的。 盲目地嘗試針對大量人群會讓您擁有一個無人能及的品牌。

專注於特定人群有幾個主要好處：

• 營銷更容易（因為您可以更具體地關注目標市場）
• 它可以更實惠（因為您沒有針對錯誤的受眾）
• 競爭可能會減少（您的細分市場越多，您的競爭池就越小）
• 您可以吸引更高的客戶忠誠度（因為您的受眾知道您關注他們）

例如：“帶有有趣標語的服裝”或“男士連帽衫”都過於寬泛，無法攻擊，因為市場非常發達。 細分將幫助您更好地瞄準您的市場，讓您更輕鬆地接觸他們，並能夠為他們創造更多價值。 因此，除了“帶有有趣口號的服裝”之外，您還可以迎合一個特定且充滿激情的市場，例如“帶有護士或消防員口號的服裝”。 或者，您可以專注於為寒冷氣候下的人們製造超厚/保暖的連帽衫，而不是“男士連帽衫”。

服裝設計

您的設計——無論是印刷、刺繡還是實際服裝本身的設計——都至關重要。 不僅你的衣片需要很好看，但他們也需要在你的目標市場的大眼睛特意找。

最終，如果您的服裝設計在美學上不美觀且對您的買家沒有吸引力，那麼您將成為輸家。 您的設計不一定需要很複雜——事實上，許多最暢銷的服裝設計都非常簡單——但是，它們確實需要與您的特定受眾/細分市場建立聯繫。

服裝質量

你可以欺騙一個人一次，但你不能欺騙他們兩次。 隨著時間的推移會褪色和破裂的圖案或洗過一次後在接縫處分崩離析的單品不會產生狂熱的粉絲，他們會回來並重新購買。

並非所有的衣服都是一樣的，衣服的質量可能存在巨大差異。 您選擇的材料的質量和成分將影響衣服的穿著方式、洗滌方式、褪色、收縮方式以及最終的使用壽命。 正如我們上面提到的，質量對您的品牌及其成功至關重要，因此重要的是要進行自我教育並仔細選擇材料。

為了更高的利潤率而犧牲質量總是很誘人的，但從長遠來看，您需要考慮質量將如何影響客戶與他人分享您的品牌和重新購買的決定。

服裝品牌

許多服裝公司都建立在強大的品牌之上。 除了衣服本身，強大的品牌還會鼓勵和加強您的目標市場購買、代理、分享和回購您的衣服。 您的品牌遠遠超出了產品本身，涵蓋了品牌所代表的內容以及與之相關的生活方式。

區分您的服裝系列

服裝設計和服裝行業是一些最飽和的行業。為了有效競爭，您需要有一個差異化點，使您在市場上與眾不同。

在工廠工作也讓我提前了解有多少人進入這個行業，但完全不知道要建立一個甚至遠程成功的品牌需要什麼。 指責無知並不完全公平……我們也完全不知道這會有多難。 然而，我們開始 Stock 時有一個明確的理由，即我們與眾不同的原因，為什麼人們會對購買我們的東西感興趣，以及我們將如何進行銷售。 這是我看到很多有抱負的製造商跳過的一步。 –吉姆斯內迪克| 股票製造公司

好消息是，有多種方法可以讓自己與眾不同……

設計

如果您打算在衣服上添加圖形或圖像，設計（設計風格和設計質量）可以幫助您與其他人區分開來。

示例： Blackmilk Clothing 通過創造設計獨特的緊身褲而聞名並成為 Shopify 最大的商家之一，同時還與主要品牌合作，在下面的案例中，Dr. Who：

合身/風格

如果您打算從頭開始製作自己的服裝，則衣服的實際合身度和款式可能是區分的一個重要點。

示例： Sharp Casualwear 為 5 英尺 8 英寸及以下的男士提供高檔服裝，他們正在尋找合身的時尚主食。 也許最初出名並因更合身而聞名的在線品牌是 Bonobos。 Bonobos 決定打造一款更合身的男士褲子。 他們更好的身材幫助他們在早期建立起來，並將他們的品牌變成了一家價值 1 億美元的公司。

品牌

在所有其他方面都相同的情況下，人們更有可能從與他們的故事最相關的品牌購買。 此外，單獨與消費者建立聯繫的強大品牌可以讓您要求更高的價位，即使質量與其他常見或較便宜的品牌相對相同。

示例：在 2000 年代初期，億萬富翁男孩俱樂部以近 100 美元的價格出售 T 卹，上面寫著“億萬富翁男孩俱樂部”。 儘管可以說，他們的 T 卹與市場上數百款 T 恤的質量相同，但消費者還是對這個年輕的都市品牌及其故事產生了興趣。

利基

您選擇經營的利基市場和您的目標市場（如果定義得足夠好並且服務不足）本身就是一個差異化點。

示例： See Ya Never 以遠程工作和周遊世界的數字游牧民為目標。 即使市場上有成千上萬的服裝品牌，針對這一特定人群的服裝品牌也很少（如果有的話）。

80s Tees 銷售來自 80 年代電影和電視節目的獨家設計。 這些設計不僅具有吸引力和懷舊感，而且許多設計都獲得了許可，因此它們是獨一無二的，幾乎不可能在其他地方找到。

最後，Canada Threads 專注於與加拿大人產生獨特共鳴的服裝和配飾，包括與心愛的加拿大之家河馬相關的設計。

性能/材料/質量

材料類型在區分您的服裝單品與其他服裝單品方面起著重要作用。 它們對穿著者的表現（它們是否舒適、發癢、受限、溫暖、輕盈、透氣、是否容易起皺等）和它們的整體質量（包括任何接縫、鈕扣、織物的重量等）將所有這些都在您的客戶滿意度中發揮作用。

示例： Unbound Merino 進行了一次成功的眾籌活動，籌集了 300,000 美元，並根據其服裝的性能建立了自己的品牌：休閒裝由 100% 超柔軟美利奴羊毛製成，具有卓越的透氣性和阻隔異味能力，允許這條路線旅行衣服穿很多次不洗。

為您的服裝系列制定商業計劃

有了一些基礎知識，下一步是為您制定一個基本（但至關重要）的商業計劃，為您的服裝公司製定決策和發展方向。

在製定電子商務業務計劃時，您需要考慮的一些主要因素是：

• 您的商業模式
• 客戶角色
• 競爭對手的優勢和劣勢
• 成本和利潤

獎勵：我們推薦我們獨家的一頁電子商務商業計劃，以幫助您為服裝系列制定商業計劃和戰略。 包括整頁工作表和 40 頁隨附電子書，單頁電子商務商業計劃旨在指導您完成業務基礎的 12 個主要領域，因此您不會錯過任何重要步驟或忽略任何重要數字。

為您的服裝系列打造品牌

下一步是為您的新服裝公司開髮品牌。

為您的新服裝公司打造品牌至關重要。 有這麼多的服裝公司和品牌，你需要讓自己與眾不同。 您的品牌將是其中的重要組成部分。

最終，每個企業都有一個品牌，每個新企業都會有一個品牌。 提前打造您的品牌讓您有機會更好地定義和傳達您的信息和故事。

如果您計劃創建定制剪裁和縫製服裝系列，您可能需要考慮聘請專門的品牌代理機構來幫助您打造品牌。 如果您計劃投資和預算要小得多的按需印刷或自有品牌品牌，那麼開發自己的品牌可能是一個值得且成本低廉的選擇。

在這個階段，您需要確定：

• 你的市場是誰
• 什麼品牌最適合這個市場

下面，我們將快速向您介紹發展您的服裝公司品牌的幾個關鍵要素，但是，要了解所有品牌要素的完整細分以及定義所有品牌要素的指南和工作表，請查看我們的品牌指南 A更好的品牌。

定義您的市場

定義您的市場對任何品牌都很重要，尤其是服裝和服裝市場中的品牌，因為它非常飽和。 通過廣泛針對大量人群，您從一開始就為失敗做好了準備。 您要做的是細分市場並創建細分市場。

在這個階段要問自己的一些關鍵問題是：

• 我想製作什麼類型的服裝和服裝產品？
• 誰會購買我的產品？
• 我的產品或品牌會給這些人帶來什麼具體價值？
• 我的產品有什麼獨特之處？
• 誰是我的競爭對手？

創建您的品牌支柱

品牌支柱是幾個關鍵詞或屬性（通常是 3-4 個），它們體現了您的品牌是什麼，它們是發展您的品牌形象的起點。 後來，這些詞被用作對品牌大多數活動的檢查點。 例如，在創建您的網站、廣告甚至與客戶的對話時，您應該對照您的品牌支柱進行檢查。 問問自己：我的設計/網站/廣告/對話是否代表了我的品牌支柱詞背後的本質？

您的品牌支柱是一個簡單的工具，可以在您的所有活動中保持品牌的一致性，並且它們是您品牌的基礎。

開發您的品牌視覺效果

您的品牌視覺效果是許多人在想到特定品牌時立即想到的常見品牌元素。 這包括您公司的徽標、品牌顏色和字體，以及您的整體設計和攝影美學。

• 創建情緒板：情緒板是開始整合您想要的視覺風格的完美方式。 從本質上講，情緒板是圖像、照片、設計、顏色以及您從網絡上找到的任何其他多媒體片段的集合，可作為您品牌的靈感來源。 雖然有許多在線工具可以幫助您收集這些元素，但最簡單的方法往往是使用 Pinterest 或 Instagram。
• 選擇調色板：品牌推廣過程的下一步是縮小要使用的調色板的範圍。 預先選擇調色板將有助於讓您的品牌在所有渠道中保持一致。 您首先要特別注意情緒板中使用的主色，因為這些顏色很可能會立即引起您的注意。 從那裡我們還建議您使用 Adob​​e Color 之類的工具來查看其他受社區啟發和投票的調色板，以獲得一些額外的想法。 最後，Adobe 還提供了一個工具來幫助選擇和優化您的調色板，請在此處查看。
• 製作徽標：在為您的企業製作徽標時，您需要一個不僅能很好地代表您的品牌，而且還能與您的目標人群相關的徽標。 雖然我們始終建議與受人尊敬的徽標設計師合作，為您的品牌製作完美的徽標，但預算較少的人幾乎可以使用 Looka 之類的工具開始使用。

獎勵：查看我們的電子商務品牌指南，以幫助您開髮品牌的所有關鍵組成部分，包括您的品牌形像以及您的所有品牌視覺效果，如情緒板、調色板、徽標和攝影風格。 本指南包括 PDF 電子書和工作表，可幫助您為您的服裝系列打造完美品牌。

您的服裝生產線的產品開發過程

對於任何一個完全不熟悉時尚行業的人來說，重要的是要知道這是開始和運營裁剪和縫製服裝系列過程中非常重要的一步。 在這一點上，我們強烈建議您考慮與知道自己在做什麼以及如何正確做的專業人士合作。

打版師、技術包創建者、設計合作夥伴、材料合作夥伴和生產合作夥伴等專業人士在各自領域擁有豐富的經驗，他們的工作是以最有效的方式使您的服裝系列成為現實。 如果沒有專業人士的幫助，製版和技術包之類的事情不僅對您來說都是一場噩夢，對您計劃與之合作的未來製造商來說也是一場噩夢。

不過，這是提前研究您的製造商會為您帶來回報的地方。 一些製造商提供專業的產品開發服務，一些製造商只有在他們自己完成產品開發後才會為您製造，而另一些製造商不提供這些服務，但他們有更喜歡的合作夥伴。 所有這些信息都將在製造商的網站上列出或直接聯繫他們。

當涉及到您的服裝系列的產品開發時，無論您正在開發什麼類型的服裝產品，通常都會遵循一些通用術語的通用路徑。 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:

• 設計
• 面料
• 測量
• 修剪
• Stitching
• Artwork
• 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:

• 每小時人數 – 技術包
• Upwork – Tech Pack 自由職業者

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.

裝運箱

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:

• 精製包裝
• 可派克
• Packwire
• Lumi
• Wolfpack Packaging Inc.
• 阿爾卡
• 盒子怪胎
• Custom Boxes & Packaging
• Custom Boxes Now
• 電子供應商店
• Fast Pack: Boxes
• Instabox (Canada)
• PakFactory
• 紙市場
• 值郵件者

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:

• 貼紙騾子
• 可派克
• Lumi
• 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:

• 磁帶叢林
• 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:

• 貼紙巨人
• 貼紙騾子
• 貼紙你
• 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
• And much more

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

這些是您的選擇：

• 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 商業解決方案
• DHL 企業賬戶
• 聯邦快遞商務中心
• Canada Post Business Account
• 英國皇家郵政在線商業賬戶
• 澳大利亞郵政商業信用賬戶

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 倉儲和配送
• Shopify 配送網絡
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
• Fulfillrite
• Fulfillment.com
• 紅鹿履行
• 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.

結論

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.