Last updated on Aug 2, 2024

What do you do if your fashion designs clash with your manufacturer's capabilities?

Navigating the fashion industry can be as complex as the designs you create. Imagine your latest collection is ready to be produced, but you hit a snag: the capabilities of your manufacturer don't align with the intricate details of your designs. It's a common dilemma that can cause significant delays and setbacks. But don't fret; there are strategies to align your vision with production reality, ensuring that your creative integrity is maintained without compromising on the quality of your garments.

1 Assess Reality

When you find that your designs exceed your manufacturer's capabilities, the first step is to assess the situation realistically. Take a closer look at your designs and identify which elements are non-negotiable and which can be modified without altering your creative vision. Communicate openly with your manufacturer about the limitations they're facing. This might be related to machinery, skills, or even the materials required. Understanding the specifics of these constraints will help you make informed decisions on how to proceed.

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Rebecca Stevenson

Freelance Bag and Accessory Designer for Brands and Entrepreneurs! | Balancing Form and Function | Detail Obsessed! Handbags, Backpacks, Slgs, Luggage, Pet Accessories
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Make sure you completely understand their capabilities, and also cross reference to make sure they understood your spec sheet properly. (There is no point in trying to get to a resolution if wires are crossed anyway!) Let them explain the possible options to you, and decide if that will work for you and your client. On occasion, a manufacturer may well attempt to cut corners to make their own lives easier/cheaper- just make sure they are being completely transparent :-)

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Natalya Koval

Handbag + Accessories + Pet + Jewellery + Hats + Vegan + Social enterprise + Design and Development + Immersive storytelling experiences
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It really helps to have good understanding of the product and assess suggestions versus what is really possible with constructions and if necessary challenge that gently, sometimes there is a misunderstanding between a sampling studio and a customer facing person that is responding to emails. Some things are also better assessed on video calls or if possible factory visits.

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Cody P.

Operations Project Manager @ Fathom Digital Manufacturing | New Business Development | Manufacturing Engineering | Continuous Improvement | Cost Reduction
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Well, first and foremost, you shouldn’t be designing something that you’re not able to manufacture capability wise. If you end up in that situation, send it out for quote subcontract it, redesign it, buy equipment, hire skill.

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2 Modify Designs

Once you've identified the limitations, it's time to consider tweaking your designs. This doesn't mean compromising your vision, but rather adapting it to fit the realm of possibility. Work with your manufacturer to find alternative materials or techniques that achieve a similar aesthetic. Sometimes, a slight change in fabric weight or a different type of seam can make all the difference in production without sacrificing the design's integrity.

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Damilola Mercy Adefenwa

Expert Indexer //Software development Enthusiast //Fashion-tech Enthusiast //Technical Fashion Designer // Garment Production Expert
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Tweaking your design a little bit in order to adjust it to the recommended techniques from your manufacturer will save you a lot of cost and time. Most first time designs will undergo this kind of process, however you can prevent this by draping your design in your workshop first before taking it to the factory. This will allow you to identify any aspect of your design that is not doable especially if it's a complex one, and then replace it without altering the overall concept of your design.

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3 Upgrade Resources

If modifying your designs isn't an option, you might need to upgrade your production resources. This could mean investing in new technology or machinery for your manufacturer or even finding a new manufacturing partner with the capabilities you require. While this can be costly and time-consuming, it ensures that your designs are produced to your standards and can often lead to a more efficient production process in the long run.

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4 Collaborate Closely

Collaboration is key in resolving clashes between design and manufacturing. Work closely with your manufacturer to develop solutions. Their expertise in production could offer insights into design adjustments that preserve the essence of your work. This partnership can also lead to innovative methods that enhance both design and manufacturability, resulting in a product that stands out in the market.

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Rebecca Stevenson

Freelance Bag and Accessory Designer for Brands and Entrepreneurs! | Balancing Form and Function | Detail Obsessed! Handbags, Backpacks, Slgs, Luggage, Pet Accessories
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Keep in touch and ask for regular updates throughout the sampling process! Manufacturers will be juggling many customers and have varying priorities, so you need to keep on top of what they are achieving for you and ask lots of questions. Best to get progress updates regularly rather than see results that are wrong for your requirements/vision.

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Natalya Koval

Handbag + Accessories + Pet + Jewellery + Hats + Vegan + Social enterprise + Design and Development + Immersive storytelling experiences
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I think there is a fine line in this question, if capabilities do really clash maybe not worth working with this factory or they are better at very closely copying a sample sent to them rather than working from a tech pack.

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5 Explore Alternatives

Sometimes, despite all efforts, a design simply cannot be produced as envisioned with your current manufacturer. In such cases, exploring alternative production options becomes necessary. Look for specialized manufacturers who have experience with similar designs or consider producing the design in smaller quantities through a boutique atelier. This might increase costs or production time but could be the key to maintaining the design's uniqueness.

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6 Plan Ahead

To prevent future clashes, plan ahead by understanding the capabilities of your manufacturing partners before you design. This proactive approach allows you to tailor your designs to what can be realistically produced from the start, saving time and resources. Building a relationship with manufacturers who share your vision and have the necessary skills and equipment will pave the way for smoother production cycles and more innovative designs.

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Cody P.

Operations Project Manager @ Fathom Digital Manufacturing | New Business Development | Manufacturing Engineering | Continuous Improvement | Cost Reduction
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A lot of these questions are related you can draw anything in solidworks or Creo but when it comes to manufacturing, totally different ball game. Luckily I started out as a Machine operator so I can relate to both worlds

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your fashion designs clash with your manufacturer's capabilities?

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1 Assess Reality

2 Modify Designs

3 Upgrade Resources

4 Collaborate Closely

5 Explore Alternatives

6 Plan Ahead

7 Here’s what else to consider

Fashion Design

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