Third Party Clothing Production for Small Quantities

In the fashion industry, contract manufacturing of clothing for small quantities is positioned as a fundamental and distinctive reality, especially within the Italian context.

The 'Made in Italy' label is not just a label, but an emblem of uncompromising quality and craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation. 

This segment of the fashion industry allows small designers and the fashion startup e emerging brands to realise their collections without having to invest in expensive production lines of their own, while maintaining high standards of quality and customisation. Third-party production thus becomes a mainstay for innovation and creativity in the apparel sector, offering a flexible and affordable solution that aligns perfectly with the customisation and uniqueness requirements of today's market.

We at Be A Designer have been helping anyone who wants to create products in Italy to make it possible for more than ten years! In this article we will take a closer look at how the world of contract manufacturing in Italy works.

Made in Italy: What does it mean and what is its importance?

The value of 'Made in Italy' in clothing

Before delving into the dynamics of contract manufacturing in our country, let us take a look at some market data that highlight the relevance of 'Made in Italy' in the clothing sector. This brand is not just a symbol of origin; it is a guarantee of quality, creativity and craftsmanship that resonates in the hearts of consumers globally.

Made in Italy' represents a label of excellence, recognised worldwide not only in the field of fashion but in numerous sectors. In the clothing industry, it translates into meticulous attention to detail, the use of high-quality materials and innovative, timeless design.

These factors contribute to the prestige and market positioning of Italian products, making them extremely desirable.

The brand conveys a sense of accessible luxury, where each garment reflects the passion and history of generations of craftsmen. This not only enhances the final product but also reinforces the image of Italy as an undisputed leader in high-end fashion. The added value provided by the Made in Italy label thus becomes a key factor in the purchasing decision of consumers seeking authenticity, history and unsurpassed quality.

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Benefits of producing clothes in Italy

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, garment creation in Italy also benefits from a robust and articulated textile system spread throughout the country. This unique system alternates large multinationals with small production companies, a multiplicity that not only allows access to fabrics of the highest quality, but also makes it possible to offer made-to-measure garments, even in limited quantities.

This versatility of the Italian supply chain is essential to meet the needs of a market increasingly oriented towards exclusivity and customisation.

The Italian textile system, with its capillary distribution of skills, resources and specialisations, therefore represents a further advantage for those who choose to produce clothing in our country.

The existence of this network, consisting of a wide range of suppliers, from small artisan workshops to large international suppliers, allows unparalleled production and creative flexibility. This translates into the ability to meet the most diverse demands, from large orders for fashion giants to the most exclusive and customised projects, while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

How to identify a 'Made in Italy' product

The 'Made in Italy' designation is a distinctive sign that does not merely indicate the geographical origin of a product, but also embodies a promise of quality, craftsmanship and creativity, values deeply rooted in the Italian manufacturing tradition.

Verifying the authenticity of a product labelled 'Made in Italy' requires attention: it is essential to look beyond the label and consider the history and transparency of the production process.

An authentic 'Made in Italy' product is distinguished by the significant presence of production phases carried out in Italywhich contribute to the final character and quality of the product. This includes:

• l Design, 
• The processing of materials 
•  Manufacturing / Packaging
• the final check.

For consumers, identifying a genuine 'Made in Italy' product therefore means seeking transparency and confirmation of the production chain and company practices. Serious companies tend to provide this information, allowing the various stages of production to be traced and thus ensuring that the product meets the standards associated with the prestigious 'Made in Italy' label.

Third Party Clothing Production: Procedures and Advantages

The contract manufacturing process

Contract manufacturing in the fashion industry is a complex and articulated process involving several stages, from prototype creation to final garment processing. 

However, it is rare to find industrial realities capable of managing the entire production process under one roof. Specialisation and 'specificity' of work are typical features of the Italian fashion industry, with companies often focusing only on specific stages of production. Some examples?

• A model maker deals with the creation of a paper pattern of a garment.
• A packer must receive not only the pattern but also all the materials to make it including the labels!
• Many times the garment maker simply 'assembles' garments that have been mostly cut by a company that only deals with this specific step.
• A printing works print the fabric, but we have to find the right fabric from a fabric manufacturer
• A prototypist only makes prototypes before production.

This fragmentation of the production chain means that, in order to ensure a final product that meets the desired quality and creative standards, it is essential to initially develop a close collaboration between the brand and the various production companies.

That is why we at Be A Designer we stand as a single point of contact with all these realities. Starting from product conception through to production.

Advantages of opting for toll manufacturing

Opting for toll manufacturing allows companies to focus on their core business, reducing costs associated with managing in-house production and benefiting from specialised expertise in the field.

 This choice also allows companies to adapt to market fluctuations in a more flexible manner, without having to face the costs and risks associated with maintaining in-house production facilities.

Moreover, collaborating with specialised partners can lead to higher quality and innovative results by sharing know-how and resources.

Finally, if you are already a company in the fashion industry, contract manufacturing can help diversify your company's offering, allowing you to access new markets and customers that would otherwise be difficult to reach with limited in-house production.

What types of clothing can be produced?

Through contract manufacturing, a wide range of garments can be created, from classic cut jackets to ready-to-wear garments with a certain level of flexibility and customisation.

Garment Production: Differences between Tailoring and Mass Production

The characteristics of tailoring production

The sartorial production is characterised by handcrafted and made-to-measure garments, offering a high level of customisation and attention to detail.

Advantages of mass production

Mass production allows economies of scale, reducing production costs and ensuring faster garment production, ideal for meeting large quantities of demand.

Which companies should opt for tailor-made production?

Companies that should consider sartorial production are those that aim to stand out in the haute couture and luxury market, where exclusivity, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are not only appreciated but demanded by customers.

In Italy, which is known for its excellence in the field of fashion, there are several realities, mainly small workshops and artisans, dedicated to tailoring of the highest quality. These workshops specialise in limited productions, often made-to-measure or customised, reflecting the authentic Italian craftsmanship tradition.

Opting for tailor-made production in Italy means accepting from the outset that the cost of production will be higher than mass production.

This is because craftsmanship requires time, expertise and superior quality materials. Therefore, brands that choose this route must position themselves at a high end of the market, as the high cost of production will inevitably be reflected in the final price to the consumer.

Sartorial production is best suited to brands that aspire to enter the luxury segment and wish to be associated with exclusive boutiques or ateliers, where customers are willing to pay a premium for uniqueness, customisation and craftsmanship excellence.

For these brands, the final customer price of a garment can start from 600? upwards, depending on the complexity of the design, the materials used and the amount of manual labour involved.

In summary, sartorial production is ideal for companies that aim to offer niche, highly crafted, luxury products and that want to exploit the prestige and quality guaranteed by the 'Made in Italy' label. This approach not only enhances the product but also helps to preserve and promote Italian craftsmanship and design, recognised and celebrated worldwide.

The advantages of producing clothing in small quantities

Producing clothing in smaller quantities allows us to test new designs, reduce waste and offer greater exclusivity to customers, helping us to create an emotional bond with the brand.

Cost considerations related to the production of small quantities

When we talk about 'small quantities' what do we mean? The production of small quantities, generally defined as the making of 50 to 100 pieces per modeltends to be more expensive on a per-unit basis than mass production. 

However, this approach provides significant advantages in terms of flexibility, product uniqueness and speed in responding to market trends. To explain it simply:

• A 'model' refers to a particular design or style of a garment.
• A 'variant' of a model may refer to differences in colour, fabric or other specific features, while maintaining the same basic design.

Practical example: If we decide to produce 50 pieces of a model in five standard sizes, this means that 10 pieces will be produced for each size. If the model has two variants (e.g. two different colours), the production for each variant and size will be 5 pieces. Similarly, if production were 100 pieces per model, and there were two variants, there would be 10 pieces per size per variant.

This small-scale production system allows greater customisation and adaptation to specific market or customer tastes, while keeping stock levels under control and reducing the risk of unsold stock.

How to ensure quality in limited production

In order to guarantee quality in limited productions, it is essential to establish strict quality control standards, select reliable suppliers and follow all stages of the production process with attention to detail, especially since producing small quantities is something we cannot afford!

The quality of garments is a key element in production processes, influencing brand image and customer satisfaction. Ensuring high standards means carefully selecting materials, carefully controlling workmanship, and providing durable, quality garments.

Creating a unique and distinctive design is essential for market differentiation and attracting consumers. Enhancing the aesthetics, originality and comfort of garments is a key element in winning the trust of customers and retaining their loyalty over time.

Implementing strategies aimed at ensuring high standards in production, such as strict quality controls and collaborations with industry experts, allows companies to maintain a constant level of excellence and be recognised for the quality of their products.

Q: What kind of services does your clothing manufacturing company offer?

A: Our company offers contract clothing production services for small quantities, creating high quality garments made in Italy.

Q: How can I contact your company for information on clothing production?

A: You can contact us via the contact form on our website or by calling our offices directly to receive all the necessary information about our contract clothing production.

Q: What kind of garments do you produce with the sub-contracting service?

A: We produce a line of high fashion clothing, including jackets, down jackets and garments, guaranteeing very high quality and made in Italy production.

Q: What is special about your contract clothing production for small quantities?

A: Our contract production for small quantities is characterised by the attention to detail, the fit of the garments and the sartorial quality we offer to companies in the sector.

Q: Do you also collaborate with clothing shops for the production of made-to-measure garments?

A: Yes, we offer customised clothing production services for clothing shops, providing a wide range of options and personalised service.

Q: Do you supply samples for contract clothing production for many companies?

A: Yes, we have samples for the production of contract clothing for many companies, offering a choice of different options and styles.

Q: What are the main characteristics of your Italian-made garments?

A: Our made-in-Italy garments are characterised by the quality of the materials used, tailor-made design and attention to detail, offering a high-quality and prestigious product.