Be A Designer, Gallarate. Underwear and lingerie for brands.
Underwear and lingerie, made with care.
Bras, briefs, bodysuits and lace garments for your brand. We support you every step of the way – from the design stage through to sourcing lace and fabrics, right through to the specialist workshop, prototyping and production.
12 years in the Made in Italy supply chainOver 200 people supported in launching their brandTrustpilot 4.2/5, every review is 5 stars
In brief.
Be A Designer is a design studio based in Gallarate (Varese) which has been supporting emerging designers and brands in the creation and production of their collections for the past 12 years. For underwear and lingerie, it works with the brand to develop designs, fits and materials, sources lace, tulle and elastic, selects a specialist workshop and oversees sample making and production. Underwear requires specialised pattern-making, materials and machinery: for this reason, costs and minimum order quantities are set out in the quotation once the style and materials have been chosen.
Service details Underwear and lingerie
- Who
- Be A Designer, Gallarate (VA)
- What
- Bras, briefs, bodysuits, loungewear and lace garments
- Where
- Specialist laboratories, selected on a project-by-project basis
- Minimums
- Subject to a quote, depending on the model and workshop
- Customisation
- Lace, colours, labels and packaging
- Who it's for
- Lingerie brands, women’s fashion brands launching new ranges, shops
Where every millimetre counts.
In lingerie, the fit is measured in millimetres: cups, underwires, elastic and seams make the difference between a garment you buy once and one you buy again. That is why we start with pattern-making and materials.
Bras and bralettes
Cups, underwires, shoulder straps and fastenings: the most technical part, which needs to be developed and tested with care.
Briefs, bodysuits and culottes
Cuts, elasticated details and fabrics that feel comfortable all day long.
Lace and fabrics
Lace, tulle, microfibres and elastic, selected in advance of the sample, in line with the brand’s positioning.
A complete range or a capsule collection.
Some brands want a full lingerie range, whilst others just want a few pieces to round off their collection. In this first call, we’ll work out where to start.
Lingerie range
More styles, a range of sizes and cup sizes, and a clear positioning: a project to be developed through strategy and sample collections.
Capsules for the collection
A few items, such as bralettes, bodysuits or loungewear, in the same style as your clothing or swimwear brand.
In both cases, we start with the design and materials: if you don’t have them, the design department will develop them with you.
The right workshop for every garment.
Our underwear is manufactured in specialist workshops, selected on a project-by-project basis depending on the type of garment and the quantities involved. We always tell you where it is made and we do not market products as ‘Made in Italy’ if they are not.
Be A Designer doesn’t just handle production. We only undertake pure contract manufacturing for VAT-registered individuals and established companies. Those starting from scratch go through the full programme: it’s the safest way to avoid spending money on production before knowing what to sell, to whom and at what price.
We keep a close eye on samples and production: we visit the laboratory; we don’t just send emails.
From idea to product, in six stages.
The Be A Designer programme, tailored to your needs. If you already have a design, we’ll start with the stage you need.
Strategy
Who are you selling to, at what price, and which items?
Drawing
The brand’s styles, fits and colours.
Materials
Lace, tulle, microfibres and elastic.
Sample
The first piece to try on and adjust.
Production
Sizes, labels and packaging, subject to checks.
Launch
Content, e-commerce and distribution.
Why Be A Designer and not just any manufacturer.
| Generic manufacturer | Be A Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A catalogue of familiar designs. | Your brand and a bespoke fit. |
| Materials | The lace we have in stock. | Lace, tulle and elastic selected before the sample was made. |
| Manufacturer | You’re trying to sort it out on your own, without knowing who does what. | The specialist workshop tailored to the garment. |
| Check | See the garments as they arrive. | Sample tested and corrected prior to production. |
| After | You get the garments; the rest is your problem. | Content, e-commerce and launch – all handled by the same team. |
How much does a range of underwear cost?
Ultimately, the cost depends on the model, materials, sizes and quantities, and varies considerably from one workshop to another. This is why it is specified in the quotation, once the design has been finalised.
| Item | Approximate cost | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Development and prototyping | subject to a quotation | Style, cup sizes and size range |
| Sample | subject to a quotation | Design and materials |
| Production | subject to a quotation | Model, materials and quantities |
| Brand labels | €0.15–0.20 each | Manufactured on an industrial scale, in a batch of around 1,000 items |
| Packaging | subject to a quotation | Boxes, envelopes and labels |
During the first call, we’ll give you a rough estimate for your project and explain what factors affect the minimum requirements and timelines.
Frequently asked questions.
Be A Designer supports brands in the development of underwear and lingerie: design, fit, sourcing of lace and materials, selection of specialist manufacturers, prototyping and production.
No. The lingerie is manufactured in specialist workshops, selected on a project-by-project basis depending on the type of garment and the quantities involved. Be A Designer oversees the development process and manages the relationship with the workshop.
It depends on the model, materials, size range and quantity: a bralette and an underwired bra have very different costs. This is why the price is specified in the quotation; the brand’s labels cost €0.15–0.20 each for an order of around 1,000 items.
Minimum quantities depend on the model and the manufacturer and are specified in the quotation. During our initial call, we’ll give you a rough estimate for your project.
It depends on the workshop you choose. Be A Designer always states where its products are made and does not label items as ‘Made in Italy’ if they are not.
Yes. Underwear and swimwear both focus on fit and stretchy fabrics, and many brands develop them together. There is a dedicated page for swimwear.
What else do we do for brands?
Let’s talk about your lingerie range.
A free call to discuss the project, the garments and the budget. No obligation.
Or write to [email protected]
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