Designing your clothing line is easier than ever. Small brands now have the option of partnering with a garment manufacturer with low MOQs. In addition, you will have access to a wide variety of manufacturing facilities to make a wide range of garments.

Creating tailored clothing can be as simple or complex as you like. So take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when designing a bespoke clothing brand.

Fashion and trends develop season after season. However, the principles of fashion design remain the same. These aspects combine a variety of elements to create a design process and include:

The four main elements of fashion design describe the tangible or raw aspects of a garment and are made up of shape, color and texture.

PRINCIPLES OF FASHION DESIGN

The five main principles of fashion design consider the feel, mood, and aesthetics of design and include Scale, proportion, Balance, Unit, Emphasis and rhythm

Bringing together the above principles and elements ensures that you create clothing that works in line with your brand goals.

CHOOSE YOUR CLOTHING STORE MODEL

There are a variety of business models for fashion brands. However, the three most common are:

Print-on-demand apparel - An affordable model where your designs are printed onto everyday clothing such as T-shirts.

Private Label / Wholesale - Mid-range cost model where you add your brand without having to design clothes from scratch. Many fashion companies use this method in addition to in-house product development.

Tailored Clothing to Cut and Sew - An expensive business model that gives you total control over every part of the design and manufacturing process.

FIND THE PERFECT APPAREL MANUFACTURER

Once you've designed your clothing line, it's time to do a little research on manufacturers. There are many fabric suppliers in the United Kingdom and abroad to choose from. However, to get the best fit for your brand, ask these questions:

What kind of clothes do you produce?

Choose a manufacturer that suits your designs. There are a variety of specialized manufacturers, from men's clothing to luxury clothing manufacturers. Partnering with an expert in your niche will make the process easier.

Minimum order quantities (MOQ)?

Traditionally, garment factories have had high MOQs to keep costs competitive. However, more and more manufacturers can consider lower MOQs and customize production more freely to meet their brand's needs.

What production processes do you use?

Garment manufacturers typically offer two types of production packages: cut, make, trim (CMT), and full package production (FPP). CMT gives you more control over the product and can be more profitable. However, it is generally suitable for established brands that know the inside-out process. On the other hand, FPP is ideal for new brands as this service covers everything from the design idea to the creation of the final product.

Finding a suitable garment factory for your garments doesn't have to be complicated. Start by researching manufacturers and making connections to explore options for your brand.