the process
A lot of people have asked us how we work, so listed below are the 10 steps involved. However, if you prefer give us a call and we are happy to go through the process with you.
1. discuss
Initially we will discuss your brand over email, phone, Facetime, Whatsapp, Zoom or Skype and see what you want to create. We specialise in the following areas:
Jersey – Tees, Hoodies, Sweatshirts
Knitwear
Fitness Wear
Swimwear
Denim
Outerwear
Footwear
2. minimums
We work with 2 different types of factories - FF and CMT. Initially we work out which factory is suitable for you.
For our full service factory (FF), where we provide the full service from grading patterns, sourcing fabric and trims, providing lab dips, producing samples and packing the garments ready for shipping, our minimums start at 100 per units per style, split over 4 sizes of whatever size ratio you want. These 10 steps are applicable to a Fully Factored factory (FF).
We do also offer a UK manufacturing service (CMT) starting at units of 25 where you supply the fabric and we provide the threads, which are organic or recycled. Each case is determined on its own merit and has a different process to FF, which is shown here. If this service is of interest to you then get in touch at info@fashionthreads.co.uk
3. design and tech packs
If you have a tech pack we can go straight to costing.
A tech pack is a document containing all the details of that garment so a factory can accurately cost and make your design.
If you do not have one, we need to discuss your designs in greater depth and create one per style. We help you along this journey and having a commercial background in retail and our own successful clothing brand, we will advise you on designs, branding and fabrics.
We provide you with one unit cost, that includes the following, apart from VAT, your production samples (that are charged at unit cost) and freight/import duties:
Fabric sourcing
Development of all custom labels and trims - so your swing ticket, size, wash and back neck label.
Lab dips if needed
Grading of measurements for your sizes
Sampling - Initial, Pre-Production samples and shipment of those samples
Fitting sessions and writing up Approval forms
The finished garment that comes ironed, folded and pressed in a poly bag with a size/style sticker
Our help and expertise along this journey
4. fabric sourcing
The FF factories we use source your fabric for your collection. Depending on your quantities determines your fabric options. For 100 per style, the minimums, we have a range of stock fabrics in a variety of colours that you can choose from. For larger quantities of 200 or more we can source more fabrics and we can dye your garments to any Pantone colour, providing you with lab dips to select from.
We are work with organic fabrics with minimums of 200 per colour that can be split into 2 styles, so 100 per style.
5. pattern cutting
We work with ethical factories with years of experience who cut and grade your bespoke patterns for each size.
6. label and trim development
There are a number of labels involved per garment that all need designing and we can help you design these.
7. sampling
We offer 3 levels of sampling:
Initial or Fitting Sample (approx. 10-14 days to produce). This sample is not made in production fabric, but in a similar fabric, as you may want to change the fabric, before production.
Pre-Production sample (approx. 4-6 weeks depending on size of your order). This sample is made in production fabric.
Production Sample, which is sent for approval, before the bulk production is sent to you.
8. approvals
At each stage of sampling we go through a vigorous approval system to ensure your comments are taken into account and you get the garment you want.
9. bulk production
Once you have approved your samples we can then go into production which depending on the size of your order can take between 2-8 weeks.
10. freight
We have strong relationships with freight forwarders and can assist you in getting your goods delivered to your desired location, or alternatively, you can use your own transportation. This can be decided at a later stage.
