How to Choose the Right Manufacturer for Your Fashion Brand
If you're launching or scaling a fashion brand, choosing the right manufacturer is one of the most critical and overwhelming decisions you'll make. Your manufacturing partner influences not only the quality of your products but also your timelines, budget, and overall customer experience.
What Does “The Right” Manufacturer Actually Mean?
There's no universal solution when it comes to manufacturers. The best partner depends on your business model, product complexity, volume, and budget. At AJG, we approach this by pairing you with the partner that aligns with your goals.
It's critical to find a factory with the appropriate machinery, experience, and scalability for your current needs and future growth. A great fit doesn't just hinge on cost, it's about shared expectations regarding timelines, communication, and quality standards.
Clarify Your Product Requirements First
Before you begin your search, answer these key questions:
What type of garments are you producing?
How many units per style do you need?
What development support do you require (samples, patterns, grading)?
Will you need sustainable or specialty fabrics?
For a clearer picture of product development timelines, check our blog How Long Does Product Development Really Take for Apparel Brands.
Domestic vs. International Manufacturing: Choosing the Right Fit
Deciding between domestic and overseas production involves understanding the pros and cons of each:
Domestic Manufacturing (USA)
Easier oversight and communication
Faster shipping and fewer supply chain disruptions
Ideal for small runs or rapid development cycles
However, it comes with higher labor and production costs.
International Manufacturing (China, India, South America)
Lower cost-per-unit
Greater capacity for large orders
Access to specialized capabilities (embroidery, technical fabrics)
Yet, it involves longer lead times, complex logistics, and potential communication barriers.
Newer brands typically find domestic manufacturing easier initially. As your business grows, exploring a hybrid or nearshoring strategy becomes beneficial. Dive deeper into costs in our blog, How Much Does It Cost to Start a Fashion Brand.
Watch Out for Manufacturer Red Flags
Avoid potential problems by recognizing these warning signs:
Vague answers regarding timelines or Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
Slow or inconsistent communication
Overpromising capabilities for complex products
Absence of a transparent quality control process
Costs that seem too good to be true, or unclear pricing terms
Always request detailed information about sample lead times, payment terms, and a full breakdown of their development process before committing.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Manufacturers
Evaluate factories thoroughly by asking:
What's your MOQ per style?
Which services are included (sampling, grading, cutting)?
What's your typical lead time for production?
Can you provide references or examples of similar work?
What are your payment terms and quality assurance processes?
Pro tip: Always ask for a sample production calendar to verify timelines.
How to Find Trustworthy Manufacturers
Great manufacturers rarely promote themselves broadly online. Instead, they rely on referrals from industry experts and reputable consulting agencies.
At AJG Fashion Consulting, we connect brands with vetted domestic and international manufacturing partners. Leveraging industry experience and trusted relationships, we ensure our partners match your business stage, goals, and product requirements.
Check out our detailed guide, Scaling a Fashion Brand: What to Expect (and What No One Tells You) to learn more about scaling strategies.
Leveraging a Diversified Supply Chain
In today's unpredictable world, brands must adopt a diversified, multi-channel supply chain strategy. According to our toolkit, successful brands often implement a three-pronged approach:
Primary International Partner: Handles the bulk of your volume.
Secondary International Partner: Provides backup and additional capabilities.
US-Based Partner: Quick turnaround for smaller, agile production runs.
A diversified strategy protects your investments from disruptions like geopolitical issues, natural disasters, or pandemics.
Ethical Manufacturing Matters
When assessing potential partners, prioritize ethical production practices and relevant certifications such as SMETA, HIGG, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, WRAP, ISO and SA8000. Review our blog on Ethical Manufacturing to understand key considerations and compliance factors.
Final Takeaways
Selecting the right manufacturer goes beyond just cost and timelines, it's about building a reliable partnership to grow your brand.
Clearly outline your needs before sourcing
Be vigilant for red flags
Thoroughly evaluate timelines, capacity, and quality standards
Use trusted networks and referrals
Need Help Choosing Your Manufacturer?
AJG Fashion Consulting specializes in sourcing and development strategies for fashion brands at every stage. Our expert team can guide you through the complex process of finding and vetting manufacturing partners to protect your investment and ensure successful production.
Book a consultation to discuss how AJG can support your sourcing and production goals.