“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
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
Performance Fabrics: Designing Apparel for How People Live
Performance fabrics have become an important part of modern apparel, bringing functionality and comfort into everything from activewear and outdoor apparel to workwear and everyday clothing. Rather than simply focusing on how a fabric looks and feels, performance materials are designed to help a garment perform specific functions. What Are Performance Fabrics? Performance fabrics are engineered textiles designed to provide … Read More
Uniform Manufacturing: Designing School Uniforms That Last
School uniforms are more than a daily dress code, they represent a school’s identity, foster a sense of community, and need to withstand the demands of everyday wear. From classrooms and playgrounds to sports events and school activities, uniforms are worn repeatedly, making quality and durability essential to a successful program. At Stars Design Group, we’ve partnered with brands and … Read More