Finding the Right Cut & Sew Manufacturer

The wrong manufacturer will cost you months and thousands in wasted samples, missed deadlines, and quality issues. Here's how to vet potential partners before you commit—and the red flags that should make you walk away.

Where to Find Manufacturers

Before vetting, you need a list. Here's where to look:

• Referrals: Ask other brand founders. This is the best source.
• Trade shows: MAGIC, Sourcing at MAGIC, Texworld
• Directories: Maker's Row, Sqetch, Kompass
• Alibaba: Use with extreme caution (more on this below)
• LinkedIn: Search for "cut and sew" + your target region

Red Flags: Walk Away If You See These

• Won't share references: Legit factories have happy clients who'll vouch for them.
• Vague pricing: "We'll figure it out after sampling" is a trap.
• No physical address: Verify they have a real facility.
• Pressure to move fast: Good factories are busy; they don't need to push you.
• Won't send sample first: Any factory should be willing to prove their work.
• Communication gaps: If they're slow now, imagine during production.

Questions to Ask Every Factory

Don't be shy. You're about to invest thousands with them. Ask:

• What's your MOQ for cut-and-sew orders?
• What's your typical lead time from sample approval to delivery?
• Who are some brands you've worked with? Can I see samples or contact references?
• What's your defect tolerance? How do you handle QC issues?
• Do you source fabric or do I need to provide it?
• What file formats do you need for tech packs?
• What are your payment terms?

The Test Order Strategy

Never go all-in on your first production run. Here's the smart approach:

1. Pay for samples (1-3 units) to test quality and communication
2. Do a small test run (50-100 units) if samples pass
3. Scale up gradually once test run proves they can deliver

Domestic vs. Overseas: The Real Trade-offs

Domestic (US/EU):

• Faster turnaround (2-4 weeks vs. 2-3 months)
• Easier communication (same timezone, same language)
• Lower MOQs (often 50-100 units)
• Higher per-unit cost (2-3x overseas)

Overseas (China, Bangladesh, Vietnam):

• Lower per-unit cost
• Higher MOQs (often 300-500+ units)
• Longer lead times (factor in shipping)
• More QC risk (harder to visit and verify)

The Bottom Line

Finding the right manufacturer takes time. Don't rush it. One good factory relationship can power your brand for years. One bad one can sink you before you ever get to market.