Apparel production combines fabric sourcing, pattern making, cutting, sewing, finishing and packing. Each step affects fit and quality.
Key steps
- Fabric and trims — composition, weight (GSM), color and shrinkage.
- Proto sample — checks the design and pattern.
- Fit sample — checks measurements on a body or form.
- Pre-production sample — made from bulk fabric and trims.
What to specify
A tech pack with sketches, a size chart with tolerances, stitching details, labels, washing instructions and packing method.
Inspection focus
Measurements against the size chart, color shading between batches, seam strength, loose threads and label accuracy.
Fabric choices and their impact
Fabric decides comfort, durability and cost. Specify composition (for example 95% cotton / 5% elastane), weight in GSM, knit or weave, finish and shrinkage limits. Ask for fabric test reports — colorfastness, pilling and shrinkage — before cutting.
Grading and size sets
Once the base size fits, the pattern is graded to the other sizes. Approve a size set (one sample in each size) before production; grading errors show up as poor fit in the smallest and largest sizes.
Typical apparel MOQs and lead times
- 300–1,000 pieces per style, sometimes per color.
- Sampling: 1–3 weeks per round.
- Bulk production: 30–60 days including fabric.
Compliance points
Care and content labels must meet destination rules (for example FTC rules in the US). Children’s clothing has extra requirements for drawstrings, small parts and flammability.
