How to Start Working With a Clothing Manufacturer

In The Making: SZN’26 | Phase 1 Episode 3 – Behind the Scene of a Clothing Manufacturer

Behind the Scenes of Our Fashion Production Process: How We Kick Off New Projects

In Episode 3 of In the Making, we’re showing the Riche Stitch point of view. This is your exclusive look at how a clothing manufacturer begins a new project with a designer. From the first inquiry to the pre-production sample, you’ll learn how we guide designers through the entire process.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your fashion brand, this episode reveals how production works when your clothing manufacturer truly supports you.

Step One: How a Clothing Manufacturer Begins the Process

It all starts with a connection. When a designer reaches out to Riche Stitch, we begin by getting to know you. You don’t need a full collection ready to go. We just need to understand your vision and what kind of support you need.

Before any details are shared, we send a confidentiality agreement. This protects your designs and business information. As your clothing manufacturer, we are committed to keeping your work safe and private. You can trust that your ideas won’t be used for content or shared without consent.

Discovery and Planning with Your Clothing Manufacturer

Once trust is established, we move into the discovery phase. This is where we start putting your ideas into action. We:

  • Review your overall concept
  • Discuss silhouettes and design direction
  • Understand your target aesthetic and production goals

This phase helps us understand how to serve you best. Whether you have sketches or just an idea, your clothing manufacturer will help you shape it into a product plan.

Kickoff Calls and Collaboration

After discovery, we schedule a kickoff call. This is where collaboration begins. During this call, we:

  • Finalize your design concept
  • Go over fabric options and specifications
  • Answer your questions
  • Discuss your ideal production timeline

A true clothing manufacturer is not just a producer. We are your partner in bringing your vision to life.

Flexible Pricing for Every Designer

Once we understand your needs, we move into the quoting phase. At Riche Stitch, we’ve created flexible pricing plans to accommodate all types of designers. Whether you’re producing one item or preparing for a large release, we’ll offer options that work with your budget.

More details on our pricing plans will be revealed in future episodes of In the Making, so stay tuned.

Tech Pack Creation and Approval

After choosing a plan, we begin creating your tech pack. This is the blueprint for your garment. It includes measurements, materials, trims, and construction notes.

  • Already have a tech pack? Send it in.
  • Don’t have one yet? We’ll create it for you and walk you through the details.

Your clothing manufacturer should never leave you feeling confused. We make sure every designer understands what they’re approving before we move forward.

Material Sourcing with a Clothing Manufacturer

With your approved tech pack in hand, we begin sourcing materials. You can:

  • Choose from our stock fabrics for quick turnaround
  • Request exclusive materials sourced specifically for your brand

If you want exclusive fabrics, we’ll discuss that during planning. Keep in mind that minimums from fabric mills may apply. If you can’t meet those minimums, we’ll offer other fabric options to keep your vision moving forward.

Sampling: Turning Ideas into Reality

Once we receive the materials, we create your first sample. Before shipping it, we test the fit and construction in-house. Then we send it to you for review.

This sample is often your pre-production or fit sample. Based on your feedback, we’ll either adjust or move forward to production.

As your clothing manufacturer, we’re here to guide you through every step, even if this is your very first sample.

Bulk Production with Low Minimums

Once your sample is approved, we begin production. At Riche Stitch, we have no minimums, which means you can produce just one piece or hundreds. You decide what works for your brand.

Production timelines range from one to four weeks, depending on complexity and order size. We’ll confirm the schedule in advance so you know what to expect.

Beyond Manufacturing: Fulfillment and Growth Support

After production is complete, we ship your finished pieces directly to you. But our services don’t stop there.

As a full-service clothing manufacturer, Riche Stitch also offers:

  • Fulfillment services to ship orders to your customers
  • Marketing guidance to help you sell your collection
  • Factory tours, classes, and seminars to help you grow and learn

We are committed to supporting your business beyond production.

Final Thoughts on Working with a Clothing Manufacturer

Choosing the right clothing manufacturer can make or break your fashion journey. At Riche Stitch, we guide you through each phase with care, professionalism, and flexibility. Whether you need help starting from scratch or just need someone to bring your sketches to life, we’ve got you covered.

This is only the beginning. In the next episode of In the Making, we’ll walk you through fabric selection and how we achieve the perfect material match.

Sign up now to work with Riche Stitch at RicheStitch.com.

FAQs

1. What does a clothing manufacturer do?

A clothing manufacturer turns your fashion designs into real, wearable products. At Riche Stitch, we handle everything from concept development and fabric sourcing to sampling, bulk production, fulfillment, and even post-production marketing support.

2. Do I need a tech pack before contacting a clothing manufacturer?

No, you don’t need a tech pack to get started. If you already have one, we can use it. If not, Riche Stitch will create one for you based on your ideas or sketches. We’ll also guide you through the details so you fully understand what’s included.

3. Can I work with a clothing manufacturer if I only need a small quantity?

Yes. Riche Stitch offers no minimums, which means you can produce as few as one piece. We support emerging designers, small brands, and businesses that are just starting out.

4. How much does it cost to work with a clothing manufacturer?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of your design, your material choices, and the services you need. We offer flexible pricing structures to suit different budgets and business stages. More details are revealed in future In the Making episodes.

5. Can I use my own fabric or request exclusive sourcing?

Absolutely. You can supply your own fabric, choose from our in-stock materials, or request that we source something exclusive just for you. If exclusive sourcing is needed, we’ll discuss options and any minimums required by fabric mills.

6. What if I’ve never worked with a manufacturer before?

That’s perfectly fine. Riche Stitch was built to help designers at every level. We offer step-by-step guidance, education, and transparency throughout the entire process. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

7. Do you offer shipping and fulfillment services?

Yes. Once production is complete, we can ship orders to you or handle fulfillment on your behalf. We offer warehousing and direct-to-customer shipping through our fulfillment service, making the process simple and seamless.

Watch the Full Episode

Watch In the Making: Episode 3 now on the Riche Stitch YouTube channel. You’ll see exactly how we begin each project, from the designer’s first contact to the first sample. Want to view the designer’s perspective? Visit Iconic Fashion Figure for the full two-sided journey.

Be sure to like and subscribe!

Key Timestamps in this video:

00:00 – Intro: What to expect from Riche Stitch’s process

00:17 – The discovery phase: Reviewing vision, silhouette, and goals

01:06 – How designers first contact Riche Stitch

01:27 – What’s included in the confidentiality agreement

02:17 – Why we prioritize client protection and consent

03:20 – Phase 1 begins: Material match, silhouette refinement & timeline

03:46 – Brainstorming your design direction

04:05 – Sharing or creating sketches and visual references

04:33 – The kickoff call: Setting intentions and asking key questions

04:54 – Pricing structures to fit your stage and your budget

05:36 – Why bulk pricing doesn’t always mean accessible

06:19 – What happens after pricing is finalized

06:40 – Creating and approving tech packs

06:58 – We’ll guide you through reading tech packs

07:15 – Choosing stock vs. custom sourced fabrics

07:57 – Protecting fabric exclusivity for your designs

08:36 – Sampling: Bringing your vision to life

08:58 – First fitting and giving your feedback

09:21 – Sample revisions or production next steps

09:59 – No MOQs: Whether it’s 1 or 600 pieces

10:19 – Timeline expectations based on complexity

10:37 – Fulfillment options through Riche Stitch

10:56 – Going beyond shipping: Helping you sell

11:15 – Education, tours, and long-term support

11:51 – Final thoughts: This is only the beginning

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