How to Start a Clothing Line Producing Overseas

Books I Recommend For Fashion Start Ups

I wrote this book based on my experience in Vietnam working with clients as they met factories and started developing samples and quoting price. I cover 16 topics you need to know before engaging factories in Vietnam. Essentially there are 16 questions factories will ask and I prepare you to answer. You will know how to start a clothing line producing overseas. Click here to see the table of contents.
Garment Production in Vietnam Book
Shoe Dog is one book I could not put down. I can't recommend it enough for fashion start ups producing overseas. My favorite part of Shoe Dog is where Phil Knight (founder of Nike) talks about dealing with a Japanese businessman who was less than honest and Phil's Eagle Scout up-bringing was challenged as he had to fight fire with fire to deal with the Japanese manufacturer. I also love the story about how he made the quick decision to choose the name Nike and the swoosh logo. It's not what I imagined. I recommend this book if you want to know more about how to start a clothing line producing overseas. Buy read or listen to Shoe Dog on Amazon Kindle here.
I recommend Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
UnLable is another book I could not put down. If you are a creative artist then you will resonate with this UnLabel. Marc Ecko started by copying comic books, then painting in his garage and then spray painting on jean jackets to promote his brand. My favorite story is how his team tagged the Air Force One with graffiti and did not get caught. I love his story about figuring out that his Hong Kong agent was way-overcharging him. I also love the story about the Jersey cops getting special gifts in the rough neighborhood where his first offices were. I will never forget the feeling he conveys getting his first big order at an apparel trade show. Read this before you spend your hard earned money to learn how to start a clothing line producing overseas. Preview on Amazon here.
Fashion Start Up Standard Reading
 

Fashion Tech Packs Are Key for Fashion Start Ups

All the big names like Mango, Zara and Nike use tech packs when producing garments in foreign countries - it is an industry standard practice. A tech pack is a technical document that describes all the details of your garment. You will spend at least $500 per tech pack, but in the end, you will save $1,000s. Don’t waste your time or the factory’s time contacting them without tech packs. To create a tech pack correctly requires training and experience in garment technology. In another chapter I describe in detail what goes into tech packs. On this webpage I introduce you to fashion incubators and freelancers who can help you create tech packs. Trust me on this point, hire a freelancer, then your chance of getting it done right the first time is high. The quickest way to get accurate quotes and samples made is by having perfect tech packs prepared in advance.
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A Quantity Breakdown List (QBL) is Critical for Fashion Start Ups

One of the most challenging aspects of overseas garment production is meeting minimum order quantities (MOQ). Fabric MOQ our the first order of business. This quantity breakdown list will help factories and me assess quickly the best way forward. I highly recommend you fill it in before approaching factories and or speaking with me for consulting. Let's schedule a time to talk on Calendly. I will help you fill it in.
Quantity Breakdown List