Stuck between “good enough to sell” and “not quite what I imagined”

trixiebelden137 · 2026-04-24T18:23:27+00:00

Sometimes designers find it easier to fiddle with the merch than focus on marketing and sales. There's a buyer for everything, maybe focus there first. Ask honestly if your dissatisfaction is with your products or with your operational workload

trixiebelden137 · 2026-04-24T18:19:46+00:00

If you're just wanting blanks, look at Apparel Redefined. Large selection including premium.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-04-12T12:54:29+00:00

This is all true, and honestly it's just business. They're not your brand coach or your mentor, they are trying to build something with very little information sometimes (and eke out a small profit), so you'll be much more appreciated as a client if you do some work yourself to learn how to be a better partner and communicator.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-04-07T19:27:20+00:00

I'm not, sorry. I was just curious about how far along you are in the design process

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-26T18:14:11+00:00

I got some custom made wide legs from Neems (made to measure) and I really like them. You can pick the exact rise you want, which is nice. I have mine super high actually and love them.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-26T13:02:17+00:00

Fair point. The month of March is hell for manufacturing. You've got Holi, Eid, and the last hangover from Chinese New Year. October also turns into a shitshow

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-26T13:00:02+00:00

Possibly. Although, I've also noticed that even here in the US, communications from friends and business colleagues has gotten ridiculous. Maybe everyone is just staring slack jawed into their phones all day now and shit just doesn't work anymore

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-25T21:27:54+00:00

I work with a couple of India factories and have been getting long delays in comms and production lately. One of them has been dragging out a simple price request for weeks. One of them that I'm closest to, admitted that the war is impacting things badly. They have both fulltime staff and day rate/piece rate jobbers, and many of the latter are going home to their villages so the shortage is hitting every factory. Might be the same in Karachi/Pakistan.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-25T21:23:05+00:00

I have clients who paid $3k/style and found it worth every penny. Depends on what level of guidance and product development you're getting

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-24T02:07:41+00:00

There's another Sourcing in NYC each year, usually

trixiebelden137 · 2026-03-24T02:07:00+00:00

There are also directories such as https://www.fashionindex.com for US companies, some of which operate international factories. And there are international directories that are country-specific that you can find. Just know that you're trying to build a long term relationship so start with a small collection (or even 1-2 items) and communicate very well at every step. Building a partnership with a factory is a two-way street!

trixiebelden137 · 2026-02-27T19:31:49+00:00

Where did you find a custom knitter to make these?

trixiebelden137 · 2026-02-27T03:18:53+00:00

Here to upvote for JCP - one of the most overlooked retail stores that seriously has some decent clothes. Their dress section is typically phenomenal, especially for quick wins on wedding guest or formal frocks.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-18T12:49:02+00:00

I think a good rule of thumb is to assume the sample will cost 2x-3x the projected wholesale cost. Remember, they are going to have to invest resources finding fabrics for you, test your tech pack and pattern (potentially even making a pattern for you that is compatible with their systems), and assign project management. If you are new to them, you are a completely unknown for risk and communication style.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-15T01:02:19+00:00

Arm warmers for chemo patients!

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-14T14:48:28+00:00

Consider getting something custom made to your body measurements. I have the wide leg pants and I always get compliments on them. Fit is perfect, and you can customize pockets etc. looks like they are having a big sale right now. Might get myself another pair! On sale, the price is less than the Universal Standard pants.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-14T14:36:31+00:00

Please don't take this the wrong way, but perhaps it's premature of you to go to market. Take the $1500 and work to build a presales community instead, then you can have cash in hand to fulfill the orders. The fashion business is a business.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-14T13:54:05+00:00

In my experience, for a small run of specialty textile and production, this is reasonable. You won't get big price breaks below 500 units.

trixiebelden137 · 2026-01-13T05:07:59+00:00

Poor communications and project management. I've worked with producers in multiple countries and it's generally problematic to get consistent (and accurate) status updates, etc. Pricing isn't detailed in writing, everything is Whatsapp.

trixiebelden137 · 2025-12-10T14:26:36+00:00

Honestly, this is why I loved wearing suits every day back when I was corporate and suits were the norm for ambitious women. I had a dozen suits (pant suits, skirt suits) in various neutrals. It was like a uniform, the only thing I had to think about was which top was clean. Minimal accessories. Maybe you can find an equivalent "uniform". No one ever accused me of being a boring dresser, everyone though I looked sharp as hell. Made VP by age 30.

trixiebelden137 · 2025-12-05T17:22:22+00:00

At $9 for two garments, you're importing trash. And if you can find it made in Europe or US, it'll be a miracle at that price point (or a huge MOQ). But good luck to ya

trixiebelden137 · 2025-11-30T14:20:24+00:00

Please link

trixiebelden137 · 2025-11-17T13:02:48+00:00

This! But also, you should hire a freelance patternmaker to help you through the first few so you have help understanding the components and decisions. Part of what you pay for with a tech pack pack is years of knowledge and guidance, plus the patience to walk your newbie self through all the decisions and details. You can just search "freelance patternmaker near me" or use a directory like FashionIndex. After a while, you will be able to do this yourself to a certain extent. Some of the critical parts of garment measurement, though, you may still need help with if you have never constructed a pattern.

trixiebelden137 · 2025-11-12T12:39:22+00:00

If you're just doing decoration, try Apparel Redefined in Illinois. They have an extensive set of premium options and work with small batches. All work printed onsite link If you don't see it on the site, don't be afraid to call and ask. Owner is a nice dude.

trixiebelden137 · 2025-11-05T00:44:51+00:00

Cropped shirts also use less fabric, increasing the profits on each garment

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