Finding the Right Factory: Checkpoints for Choosing the Right Clothing Manufacturer

One of the most discussed topics among the Apparel manufacturers is manufacturing. And we understand that it is difficult to find factories that you can trust, and when you finally find one, there are so many parameters to configure. MOQ, schedules, adequate quality, excellent communication, etc.

We have compiled a list of things to consider when looking for a great manufacturing partner. All of these questions and things on the list will help you find a good match for your brand and products. As you know, manufacturers specialize and not all factories can produce your type of product with the quality and price you want.

And now the things to look for:

Sustainability certifications

What is the manufacturer doing and doing in terms of sustainability? And what is your test - certifications?

Full factory capacity for new customers

What are their capabilities and can they accept new clients? You can always negotiate, if you are a startup you will most likely not order a large quantity on your first production, so keep the discussion open.

What production processes do you offer?

Manufacturers can offer brands different production methods. What they can offer depends on what they do. Do you offer CMT - Cut Make and Trim, FPP - Full-Package-Production or others? Make sure you fully understand the offers and the differences in your offer so that you can make an informed decision.

Minimum order according to order, fabric, color and style

This is a deciding factor. What's your MOQ for the whole order, fabrics used, color and style? Some factories have huge MOQ and some have less. It is up to you to decide if you want to place a large order or if you have the financial resources.

Location: country and distance to port

Where do you have your production facilities? Some clothing manufacturers have multiple production facilities in different countries. Some countries may be more suitable for you as there are no taxes etc.

How long has the manufacturing company been around?

This can be important if you want a high-quality track record and because it can show that they are running smoothly and efficiently.

Past and current customers with similar products

Obtaining references from other brands is very important. You can see what kind of quality they produce and what brands they work with. In general, the bigger brands have stricter quality controls on their products and this means that the factory can make great garments with higher quality standards. You can also request a sample product from the manufacturer so that you can check it out for yourself.

What is produced in your own facilities and where is the outsourcing done?

Printing, embroidery, washing, dyeing, etc., are often done at a different facility or with a different company. You need to make sure who they are and that they are working with qualified subcontractors.

Where do you get your materials from?

When the factory is helping you source, it's important to keep track of all the suppliers and to know where your materials are coming from. Ask them if they can provide this information if needed.