Terri Ramsey Beavers Alright, it’s time for everyone to just face it—fashion is having a bit of a quality crisis. Well, more than just a bit, it’s getting really bad, and no, it’s not just you that things that either. In fact, a lot of people think this, too! It’s really awful to say, but clothes seem to be getting worse by the day, with flimsy fabrics and sloppy stitching becoming the norm. No wonder people are skeptical about spending money on new clothing brands and boutiques (let alone anywhere).
Needless to say, it’s totally understandable if you want to make your mark in the fashion world—who wouldn’t? But if you’re launching a new clothing business, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your clothes scream quality.
Honestly, nowadays, it’s the quality that’s starting to count far more than the style, anyway. But how can you even ensure good quality? Well, sure, it’s the hard part, but it’s possible. So, with that all said, here’s how you can make sure you’re offering the best of the best to your customers.
Pick the Right Materials
It all starts with the fabric. Sure, cutting costs with cheaper materials might seem tempting, but this is one area where you don’t want to skimp. So, there are some fabrics that are adored due to their “status”, so you can count on these high-quality fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo. Don’t just look and feel better—they also last longer. Plus, using sustainable materials is a great way to appeal to eco-conscious customers. You really can’t go wrong with only getting the good stuff!
You’ll Have to Partner with Reputable Manufacturers
Finding the right manufacturer is everything. Seriosuly, this is something that just can’t be stressed enough, in all honesty! So, here’s the thing: there are more than enough manufacturers out that that cut corners— it’s far too common. So, what does that even mean?
Well, it means your clothes have poorly stitched seams, misaligned patterns, and clothes that fall apart after one wash. It’s obvious, but that is definitely not a good look for a new brand. So, take the time to find manufacturers known for their quality craftsmanship and transparency.
For example, if you want to start a clothing line with jeans or other denim, then you’ll want to check out a reliable jeans manufacturer who uses durable denim (not that cheap stretchy kind) but also one that pays close attention to their jeans. For most manufacturers (not just denim), you can request samples before committing to bulk. Sometimes, you’re even allowed to tour the facility.
Don’t Skip Quality Checks
So, this goes back to above. As you might already know, quality control is a must. So before your clothes go on sale, they need to go through some serious quality checks. This means inspecting everything: the stitching, fabric strength, zippers, buttons, you name it. You’ll need to create a system, but sometimes it can be outsourced too.
Be Open with Your Customers
These days, customers want to know exactly what they’re buying. They care about where their clothes come from, how they’re made, and whether the production process is ethical. So, with all of that said, you’ll need to be transparent.
Yes! You should share your sourcing and manufacturing process with your customers—there’s nothing wrong with this. Technically, you’ll be standing out if you do this because most brands don’t even bother with being transparent!
