25 steps of garment manufacturing process

This article will show you how the garments are made and its processes from fabric to the finished product. Remember, there are different ways of making garments. The most conventional process of making the readymade garments in mass production is explained here.

Garment production consists of multiple steps. Leading fast-fashion brands have the resources to produce hundreds and thousands of items of clothing within a few weeks once designs have been approved. For smaller brands, producing garments takes a little bit longer.

Whether you are a clothing manufacturer who is just getting started or a brand who is looking for a production help our simple guide will help you determine the right strategy for a successful start.

This garment manufacturing process also included the garment designing and costing steps before start clothing production.

PRE-PRODUCTION of clothing manufacturing process

Design the garment sketch, print artworks, accessories artworks, tech pack etc. If you already have your own tech packs and original garment samples just want to find a factory do custom clothing manufacture for your orders, please jump to next steps the garment bulk production.

Garment Design

Once you have your inspiration garments, if they are not too expensive, I would recommend buying some similar design of them. It will make the rest of this design process a lot easier. If they are too expensive for your budget. Try to find something similar but cheaper you can use instead off of Amazon, eBay, postmark, the Real, or another second hand used clothing website. Once you have these samples in hand, that will help you for your own garment designs.

I would recommend hiring a graphic artist to help draw out the ideas and Franken garments you are creating in your head. JFDRESS has the design support team can provide help also.

This steps main help you work out the main design sketch of the clothing you want to manufacture for your brand.

Clothing print pattern and color design

You have to plan the prints and color design. Is your line going to be all about sold colors, or are you going to use different prints? Will you mix and match and do a little of both?

One of the best and cheapest ways to predict color and print trends is to just google it. Tons of websites give recaps of fashion shows and predictions for the upcoming season’s trends.

The colors and prints for different fabric quality with different minimum order quantity, if your order quantity is not big it’s better not design too many solid colors and print patterns.

Garment tech pack making

What is a garment tech pack? A tech pack is also known as a specification sheet. It contains all the components and instructions required for a manufacturer to turn your design into a finished product. Tech packs contain detailed information about your garment design like the size measurements, care label instructions, art-work placement, fabric specifications, packing instructions etc. That includes materials, gradings, seams, colorways, measurements, trim, labels etc. Factories use your tech pack to quote price and make samples. I like to think of a tech pack as a contract between fashion designer and garment manufacturer.

Preliminary garment costing

Once you have your designs and tech pack ready, send to your clothing manufacturers. Based on all of this info, your supplier should be able to give you a preliminary costing. This is an estimate of about, how much your production will cost. But, once a sample is done, only then will they be able to give you a final costing. Generally, the difference between the tech pack costing and costing after a proto sample is complete is about 10%.

If your costing is coming out too high from the tech pack, be honest with your supplier and ask them to help you cut costs. Sometimes the initial costing comes out too high so we work together to redesign the garment into the price as expected.

Sourcing materials for your clothing manufacturing

The fabrics and trims for your clothing determine how the garment will look and feel. These elements will make up the final product and give your garments a unique touch.

Selecting fabric to suit your brand’s vision

Whether you are just starting out or are an established business, the fabric you choose should match the type of brand you want to be for customers. The example below highlights a set of sectors and the types of materials used to complement the brand image.

• Luxury fashion – Leather, cashmere, silk, organic cotton
• Affordable fashion – Cotton, polyester, nylon
• Sports clothing – Technical fabrics such as polypropylene and lycra
• Sustainable fashion – Bamboo, linen, jute, hemp

Alongside the hundreds of fabrics choices available, there are several trims to think about. Below are some examples of common embellishments for garments:
Buttons

• Zips
• Linings
• Elastics
• Lace

When you have established these details, fabrics and trims will need to be included in your tech pack. Giving your clothing manufacturer as much detail as possible will reduce miscommunication or errors when producing the garments.

Why are clothes manufactured in China?
In addition to its low labor costs, China has become known as "the world's factory" because of its strong business ecosystem, High work efficiency and fast delivery, the supply chain is mature,and competitive currency practices.