“Cut out the factory middleman and go direct.” It is a common conversation in the apparel industry, especially for brands looking to reduce production costs. At first glance, working directly with a factory can seem like the obvious choice. If there is no partner between the brand and the factory, the assumption is that the brand will save money. But … Read More
30 Years in Apparel: Three Things That Never Change
The apparel industry has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. The fundamentals of building good product and good business have not. Over three decades in the apparel industry, we have watched technology transform how products are designed, communicated and manufactured. Fax machines gave way to email and text. Hand-drawn sketches evolved into 3D modeling. Manufacturing footprints shifted as entire … Read More
Your Minimum Order Isn’t the Problem. Your Assortment Might Be.
Unpopular opinion: Most brands don’t have a minimum problem. They have a style and assortment problem. Minimum order quantities are one of the first concerns we hear from brands entering the manufacturing process. The assumption is often that a smaller minimum will make it easier to launch a collection, manage cash flow and reduce inventory risk. While minimums are certainly … Read More
Scaling Your Apparel Business: When, Why, and How
Growing an apparel brand is exciting, but scaling successfully requires more than increasing production. True scaling means building the systems, supply chain, financial foundation, and operational infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth without sacrificing quality, customer experience, or profitability. Many brands assume it’s time to scale when orders increase or inventory starts selling out. While those can be positive signs, … Read More
The Hidden Challenges of Apparel Fit Development: What Brands Need to Know Before Production
A great design on paper does not guarantee a great garment in production. One of the most common misconceptions in apparel development is that once the first sample is created, a product is nearly ready for manufacturing. In reality, fit development is often one of the most technical, iterative, and influential stages of the product lifecycle. A garment’s fit impacts … Read More