CLOTHES MANUFACTURING FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pick a category or browse using our search box
Who we are
Are you an agent or a manufacturer?
We are a clothing manufacturer with the manufacturing site located in West London.
What services do you offer?
We offer the following services:
How many years of experience do you have in manufacturing?
We make clothes in the UK since 2000. The overall experience in manufacturing is 24+ years.
What type of clothing do you manufacture?
We manufacture the following:
Do you work with startup fashion brands?
Yes! We work with emerging designers on a regular basis and have the necessary expertise to guide you in the right direction to ensure your first collection is made to the highest standards.
Can I visit the factory before placing an order?
Yes! We encourage visits to the factory as we would love you to see who makes your clothes and what equipment we have in place. To book a factory visit, please book your appointment here
What type of fabrics do you work with?
We work with a very, very wide range of fabrics. Those are inclusive of and not limited to:
Where does production take place?
Clothing production takes place in our West London studio.
Who are your clients?
Our clientelle is an ever-growing list of high-street labels, emerging brands, couture fashion designers and bespoke clients. Some of the clothing we make is worn by the members of the Royal family and often seen on British celebrities. We offer an individual approach to every client regardless of their clothing line's selling price. To see the full list of our clients please click here.
What type of products do you NOT manufacture?
We do not make the following types of products:
-
Childrenswear -
Hats and caps -
Face masks -
Gloves -
Bikers gear/Motorcycle clothing -
Luggage bags -
Upholstery -
Curtains and blinds
What is your Minimum Order Quanity?
Our Minimum Order Quanity (MOQ) is one garment. Ideal for bespoke orders, made-to-order business models os startin designers.
What is the total production capacity of the factory?
We produce over 80 garment a week.
What are your lead times?
For individual samples development including toile fitting etc. 3-10 days
Do you make corsets?
Yes. Our corsetier's experience extends to years of practice and delicate handwork. We put hours of craftsmanship into turning your sketches into a sophisticated piece of art. To see our work please visit the Bridal Gallery page
Can I see samples of your work?
Yes! Whenever you visit our studio you are always welcome to see what's in the making and the quality of our finishing. One of the bridal examples is below. To see more dresses we made please visit our Bridal Gallery page
Money Talks
How much does it cost to alter a pattern?
Pattern alterations are subject to £25+VAT per hour. We will provide you a total guide price before we start altering the pattern so you can make the right decision about placing and order. To get a quotation or place an order, please contact us
Do you offer fast-fashion production prices?
No. We are an ethical high-end manufacturer which means we will never underpay a worker or allow bad working conditions to offer low-cost manufacturing. Neither do we compromise on quality to offer you a cheap product.
How do you price your services?
We price each product and every alteration individually. However, there are two pricing methods we use:
What's included in the first sample development price?
Assuming that we are creating a sample from design sketch/tech pack/ inspirational photo:
-
Pattern creation -
Toile fitting -
Toile fabric cost -
Fit changes -
Sample sewing and approval
How much does is cost to sew one garment?
The cost of one garment manufacturing depends on a number of factors:
What's included in the pattern & toile price?
Pattern creation
What types of payment do you accept?
We offer the following payment types:
I have delivered all items but haven't paid. Will you start making my garments?
To start making your garments we require 50% of the total order sum upfront.
Can I collect the garments and pay later?
Unfortunately, we do not offer credit account openings. All orders have to be paid for before garments are collected/sent out. No garments will be released if the balance has not been cleared.
What are your payment terms?
The following payment procedure applies to all orders small and large:
Late payments and overdue invoices.
-
Delivery
How can I receive my items once they are ready?
We offer two types of services:
Can I collect my items in store?
Yes! Simply agree on the time and date of collection with us and we will get the items packed ready to go.
Do you offer delivery in London?
Yes! We have same-day delivery courier service. Priced individually and you can always track the courier on the map.
Do you offer delivery outside London?
Yes! We use Royal Mail Tracked services. Fees apply. Price depends on the size and weight of the parcel.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes! We use one of the following services:
What types of delivery services do you offer?
We offer the following delivery services:
Can I arrange my own courier instead?
Yes! If you arrange your own courier you must inform us about it. We will not release an item if we have not been informed of a courier booked for the product safety purposes. Also, we have dozens of couriers collecting throughout the day and want to make sure your product is sent with the correct courier to the correct address. All we need to know is:
Do I pay for postage and shipping?
Yes. Fees depend on the size and weight of the parcel and the type of a service selected.
Do you offer same day delivery in London?
Yes, we offer same day delivery in Central London. The latest we can arrange a courier is 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Couriers requested after 3 pm will be allocated to the following working day deliveries list.
How much does the same day courier cost?
Same day courier deliveries are priced individually. The longer the distance between us and the final destination is, the more it costs to deliver.
What are your postage and shipping rates?
Each parcel is priced individually depending on the size and weight of the package.
Order placement
Do you offer pattern alterations?
Yes! Simply provide all details of alterations you require for an accurate quotation
I have the pattern ready. Will you sew the garment for me?
Yes! Provide us with the pattern and clear instructions (tech pack, CAD, sketch or a list of notes). For more information visit our made-to-order page.
Do you require tech packs to quote a first sample/pattern price?
Tech packs are the best way to deliver a clear message about the garment specifications, measurements, etc. However, we can quote a price based on:
What do you need from me to give me a quotation?
All we need is answers to the below questions:
What type of fabric do you use for toiling/muslin?
Calico is the most popular choice for muslin/toile creation. However, we always select the fabric nearest to your garment's quality. For example, if you order a silk chiffon wedding dress, we will use an inexpensive alternative nearest to the quality of your dress's fabric. You can always deluver your own toiling fabric instead.
How do I place an order with you?
In five easy steps:
Who makes my clothes?
We are a team of ten pattern cutters and sample machinists who make your clothes in our West London studio. There is no forced, bonded or involuntary prison or child labour. Check our Ethical Policy and Equality and Divercity Policy pages.
Can I order pattern/sample only or do I have to buy the full service?
You can order ANY service you need. Be it a minor pattern/garment alteration or a CMT production.
Do you offer block patterns?
We do not offer block pattern services. Each and every pattern we create is made from scratch for every client. We never sell or reuse one pattern for more than one client
What is your Minimum Order Quanity?
Our Minimum Order Quanity (MOQ) is one garment. Ideal for bespoke orders, made-to-order business models os startin designers.
Can I organise delivery of fabrics and trims to your studio?
Yes! Instead of ordering raw materials to your home/studio and then delivering it to us, simply enter our address when placing an order with the supplier and save on logistics costs. Don't forget to add your (brand) name on the package so we know it's coming from you. We receive dozens of packages every day and want to ensure to allocate it to the right order and client file.
Do you take on small production quanitites?
Yes! We can make as little as one, twenty, fifty or even more production runs. To request a quotation please get in touch.
Can I buy a sample before placing an order?
We do not sell our samples or patterns as we do not carry stocks. All sample and pattern orders have to be placed based on your designs.
Do you offer designs I can choose from?
We do not offer existing garment design templates. All garments are produced from scratch, therefore, all designs will have to be provided by our clients.
Do you supply tech packs?
We do not supply tech packs. Tech packs should be provided by our clients along with their design templates. We can, however, provide additional sewing/cutting/other instructions you can add to your tech pack for our clients. This service is subject to £25+VAT ph.
Equipment/Techniques
What type of equipment do you have?
-
Industrial fusing press
-
Industrial lockstitch machines
-
Industrial cover stitch machines
-
Zig Zag machines
-
Industrial buttonhole machines
-
Industrial 'Babylock' overlock machines
-
Industrial Three- and Four-thread overlocks
-
Industrial steam press ironing boards
-
Professional rotary cutters
Emerging Brands
How much does is cost to sew one garment?
The cost of one garment manufacturing depends on a number of factors:
What types of fabric do you work with?
We work with a very, very wide range of fabrics. Those are inclusive of and not limited to:
Do you require tech packs to quote a first sample/pattern price?
Not necessarily. We can quote a price based on:
What's included in the First Sample Development price?
>Creation of the pattern from scratch
Do you work with startup fashion brands?
Yes! We work with emerging designers on a regular basis and have the necessary expertise to guide you in the right direction to ensure your first collection is made to the highest standards.
What's involved in turning my collection into reality?
- Design
-
Pick fabrics -
Decide on trims -
Create pattern -
Fit a toile -
Finalise pattern -
Sew sample -
Approve sample -
Grade patterns -
Deside on production size and amount breakdown -
Produce -
Collect -
Sell and make a profit!
Do you work with students?
Yes! We love helping students with their final year collection or any other types of garment manufacuring services they need. See what services we offer here ot contact us. Note: we do not offer student discounts.
What size should be my fist sample?
The size of the first sample depends on a number of factors:
I have little to no experince in the fashion industry but I want to set up myown clothin line. Will that be a problem?
We believe you will have done good research on manufacturing and the fashion industry in general before you embard on setting up a clothing line. However, even having done the research yourself, it is not always you have what it takes to board on a new business idea straight away. We work with clients of different level of expertise and for clients who have little to no background in manufacturing. For such clients, we offer a one-to-one two-hours consultation tailored to your needs. To find out more about it please visit our Emerging Brands page. Alternatively, contact us now.
Do you work on a made-to-order basis?
Yes! This service is popular with startup brands who place an order after they sold an item on their website. Learn more about the made-to-order process here.
Manufacturing Process
Where does production take place?
Clothing production takes place in our West London studio.
Can I apply changes during the toile fitting?
Yes! Fit changes are free of charge. Design cnahges are subject to additional fee.
Can I apply changes AFTER the first sample has been developed?
Yes! If you changed your mind about the initial design you developed, we can either alter the initial sample or create a new sample. Fees apply.
Who makes my garments?
We are a team of 10 experienced industry specialists whose clothing were worn by the members of the Royal family and many celebrities around the Globe. We always manufacture on site meaning you can meet the person who cut the pattern, made the garment or pressed and packed it. To book a visit to the factory please contact us
What's involved in turning my collection into reality?
Design
Can I visit the factory during the manufacturing process?
Yes! We will always keep in touch with you on a regular basis and keep you informed about the process. And you always welcome to come and see what's happening
Can I apply DESIGN changes during the toile fitting?
Yes! Unlike fit changes, design changes are subject to an additonal cost. Each design change is priced individually.
What types of specialist seams do you offer?
We offer the following types of finishing stitches:
-
Zig Zag -
Flatlock -
Overlock -
Baby lock -
Coverstitch -
Pin-hemming -
Hand-rolled hemming -
French seam -
Flat seam -
Binding -
Lapped seam -
Decorative corded/piped seam -
Linen seam and more!
Are you able to produce from my own patterns?
Yes, we are able to. We would require the following from you if doing so:
1) Patterns marked with the indication of sizes and style numbers
2) A size chart as a reference
3) Tech packs or any detailed drawings for specifications of your designs
The above are compulsory deliverables from the client to allow us to visualise your design ideas clearly and accurately
Ownership rights
Why don't you offer block patterns?
We believe it is unethical to reuse a single block pattern for different clients. Each and every pattern we create is made from scratch for every brand. We never sell or reuse one pattern for more than one client. Your designs are safe with us.
Who owns the patterns?
We know that some manufacturers who create patterns retain ownerhsip rights for these patterns. These patterns are often retained by the manufacturer/pattern creator whilst you collect the sample. Patterns can be offered for sale to the client at an additional cost. This helps manufacturers retain their skills and potentially retain a client who was unaware of such terms thinking they would be able to collect the patterns at a later stage if they decided to move manufacturing from one service provider to another.
What is NDA?
NDA stands for Non-Disclosure agreement and is either a verbal or a signed agreement between us, the manufacturer, and you, the client. Whether or not we have a n agreement in place, we will never share your designs or any other type of sensitive information with third parties. Neither will we sell or lend your patterns, etc. to other clients or reuse them for your competitor eve if they are similar in design. Rest assured that each and every client is important to us as much as confidentiality is important to you.
After-Sales Service
My garments are ready and paid for. Will you store them for me?
In most cases, garments are collected straight after they have been made. However, sometimes designers give up on their business idea and do not return to collect their fabrics/garments. We retain the right to store items here for no longer than sixty days after which these items will be disposed off.
I no longer want to collect my garments. What's next?
If you gave up your fashion business idea, you should still collect your items as we do not offer free storage solutuons. If the items are not collected withing sixty days, we retain the right to dispose of them.
Questions or comments?
Our perception of success means we can adjust ourselves to the personality of the client. Thus we encourage any feedback and comments you would like to make. Visit our Customer Service Page.
Bridal&Occasion Wear
Do you work with large bridal brands?
Yes we do. We can produce either patterns, toiles, samples or manufacture bulk orders or work on a made-to-order basis
Do you work with independent bridal designers?
Yes!
Who are your clients from the bridal industry?
You can find them on our full client list here. Click the logo on the clients list page to view what types of garments we make
Do you work with silk?
Yes
What types of bridal/occasionwear fabrics do you work with?
We work with a range of delicate fabrics ranging from silks and taffeta to heavily-beabed lace and marabous. Those include and are not limited to:
Do you offer hand-placed motifs service?
Yes.
Do you make Asian occasionwear?
Yes.
Do you work with pre-beaded fabric?
Yes.
Do you make matching bags?
Unfortunately, we do not produce evening bags here. However, we often use a partner company to help us make you a clutch to match your outfit.
Do you provide covered buttons?
Yes. We also provide covered poppers services on request. Cost per button/popper will be added to the bill/quotation.
Sourcing
Do you stock fabrics?
No. But we can outsource fabrics for:
-
Toiles (this is always included in the cost of our Pattern & Toile service) -
Samples (Note: service fee applies on the total balance of the cost of fabrics/trimmings). Ninety percent of our clients tend to buy their own fabric as they know exactly what they want. If you are not sure what fabric to choose for your garment, we can guide you through during the manufacturing order placement process. -
Bulk production orders (individual sircumstances may affect this service)
Do you supply trims?
We supply the following trims:
Can you recommend me where to buy fabric?
We can always advise you on what fabric to buy for the samples and where to buy it from. Note: we do not work with fabric manufacturers directly and cannot offer or recommend you a place to source fabrics at a wholesale price.
Where do you source the trims from?
All trims and packaging is sourced from the UK-based suppliers and manufacturers. We keep it as British as possible.
What is the cost of fabric/trims sourcing?
The cost of sourcing service is £45+VAT ph plus cost of fabrics and/or trims. You can book the service here.
Why do I have to pay for sourcing service?
Sourcing trims and fabrics is time-consuming. We contact a number of suppliers, local and international, get you the best prices, create artworks if required, order swatches or samples, pay for those samples/swatches. To cover these costs, we apply a Sourcing Service fee payable by the client (you). But you can always avoid these costs by sourcing fabrics and trims yourself.
Can I visit the factory to choose fabrics?
Yes, definitely, if you are in London. However, it's not necessary for clients to visit our studio to choose fabrics as we can arrange fabric swatch delivery to your address by post. For international clients, we will have to arrange for the fabric cards to be shipped to you at a fee.
—
If you are planning to make a visit, do let us know when is a convenient time for you to come by so that we can arrange a meeting in advance. It'll be good if you can provide some information regarding your order to us before you come by, so that we can prepare some of the fabrics you may like beforehand to ensure a productive meeting.
Labels and Packaging
Do you manufacture labels?
No. We have a list of suppliers on our Recommended Suppliers database where you may possibly find what what you are looking for. This Database is accessible only for our clients. You will need to have a password to be able to view this database.
Do you sew the labels on as a part of the manufacturing process?
Yes
How do you pack ready garments?
Ready-to-ship production garments are on a hanger, with a see-through plastic cover and a size tag on the cover.
Do I pay for basic garment packaging?
No. A polythene garment cover, a plastic hanger and a size sticker are included in the cost of production.
Quality Control
How do you ensure every garment you produce matches the requested standard?
We strive to deliver the highest quality garments to our clients. Our Sample Machinists have years of hands-on experience in making clothing from start to finish rather than doing piece work. Every Sample Machinist signs their name on the garment docket so we know who made what. We can always return to the person who made this garment and ask her to apply changes if need be.
Can I send my own Quality Control Manager instead?
Yes. This is normal practice. After we finished production and each item passed our QC checks feel free to arrange your own QC manager. We kindly ask you to inform us a couple of days before this visit so we can book the QC manager in and spend enough time with him/her.
Finished sample's dimensions are different to those on the flat pattern. What's next?
Many fabrics change in shape and size during the manufacturing process. These changes are detected whilst making the first sample and the client is informed about these changes in shape/size. The client is then to decide about whether or not he/she wants to keep the fabric or change it or account for these changes in the pattern. At times, this means making a new pattern and even a new sample. We provide this service upon request, at an additional fee. To avoid these costs, it is important that you choose the right cloth for your garment.
Careers
Do you offer work placements?
Unfortunately, we do not offer work placements.
Do you offer internships?
Currently, we do not have internship opportunities available.
Do you hire?
We are always looking for skilled Pattern Cutters and Sample Machinists. To apply for one of these positions, please submit your CV and Cover Letter here.