Guide for fashion brands
Clothing production launch checklist
What to prepare before sending an inquiry to a garment factory. Based on over 40 years of our experience – it helps you avoid corrections, delays and unnecessary costs.
1. Concept and business model
Settle the basics before the first sketch.
- Target group and product purpose (everyday, sport, premium, organic).
- Target retail price – it defines your production budget per piece.
- Chosen cooperation model: CMT (you supply materials) or Full Package Production (the factory sources materials).
- Planned size of the first run, broken down by style, colour and size.
- The date goods must be ready (launch, season, campaign).
2. Tech pack
The most important document. The more precise, the more accurate the quote and the fewer mistakes.
- Flat technical drawing of front and back.
- Construction details: seam types, edge finishes, stitches, topstitching.
- Trims list: zips, buttons, elastics, ribbing, tapes – with sizes and colours.
- Placement of labels (size, composition) and decorations (print, embroidery) with dimensions.
- Packing method: folding, polybags, hangtags.
3. Size chart and grading
Without it there is no pattern and no quality control.
- Finished garment measurements for the base size (e.g. M), with measuring points described.
- Grading – increments between sizes.
- Accepted tolerances (e.g. ±1 cm).
- A reference garment, if you have one – it speeds things up a lot.
4. Materials and trims
Material drives cost, quality and lead time.
- Fabric or knit type and composition (e.g. cotton jersey), weight, colour.
- Certification requirements – e.g. organic cotton or GOTS-standard production.
- For CMT: who delivers material to the factory, when, and how much allowance for waste.
- Fabric swatch or colour card for approval before cutting.
- Shrinkage information and care instructions.
5. Prototype and samples
A step worth never skipping.
- Sew a prototype and fit it on a person in the base size.
- Record corrections and, if needed, make a second sample.
- Pre-production sample (PPS) approved in writing as the reference for the run.
- Wash and wear test, especially for sportswear.
6. Quote and order
With steps 1–5 done, the quote will be concrete.
- Inquiry with tech pack, size chart, quantities and deadline.
- Agree what the price covers: cutting, sewing, finishing, packing, materials.
- Schedule: prototype, approval, production, collection.
- Payment terms, transport and collection.
7. Quality control and acceptance
Agree the rules before production starts, not after.
- Acceptance criteria: measurements within tolerance, seam quality, cleanliness, labels.
- Inspection method: trial batch or random inspection on collection.
- Procedure for defects.
- Lessons learned and tech pack updates before the next run.
FAQ
Do I need a finished tech pack to ask about production?
No, but the more information you prepare, the faster and more accurate the quote. Missing parts can be worked out together at the prototype stage.
What is the difference between CMT and Full Package Production?
In CMT the client supplies materials and the factory cuts, sews and finishes. In Full Package Production the factory also sources materials and trims.
Is a prototype worth it before a production run?
Yes. A prototype and an approved pre-production sample are the cheapest way to catch mistakes before they repeat across the whole run.
Got your list ready?
Send us an inquiry with what you have prepared – we will work out the rest together.