The Essential Checklist for Designers: What to Prepare Before Approaching a Manufacturer

The Essential Checklist for Designers: What to Prepare Before Approaching a Manufacturer

Introduction

So, you’ve got the passion, the designs, and the dream of launching your own ethical fashion brand. But before you approach a manufacturer to bring your creations to life, there’s some groundwork to do.

The manufacturing process is collaborative—it works best when designers come prepared with clear information, direction, and expectations. At Ethical Edge Collective, we love working with emerging brands and startups. We also know that the more prepared you are upfront, the smoother (and more cost-effective) your production journey will be.

In this blog, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist to help designers get ready before contacting a manufacturer. Whether you’re brand new or growing your existing label, these steps will save you time, money, and headaches while ensuring your ethical manufacturing experience is seamless.

Why Preparation Matters

Approaching a manufacturer without the necessary details can cause:

  • Production delays.
  • Increased sampling costs.
  • Miscommunication on expectations.
  • Errors in fit, materials, or design.

Think of your preparation as creating a roadmap—the clearer the map, the easier and faster it is to reach your destination.

Your Essential Pre-Production Checklist

1. Your Brand Vision & Values

Before anything else, know your brand's purpose:

  • Who is your target customer?
  • What makes your brand different?
  • What ethical or sustainable principles do you want to prioritize?

Being able to articulate your mission helps manufacturers understand what’s important to you. For example, at Ethical Edge Collective, we focus on ethical production, inclusivity, and sustainability, so working with brands who share these values ensures alignment.

2. Clear Design Concepts

You don’t need to be a professional fashion illustrator, but your manufacturer will need:

  • Sketches or mockups of your designs.
  • Notes on key features (e.g., high waist, wide leg bands, pockets).
  • Ideas for trims, embellishments, prints, or labels.

Visual references like mood boards, existing garments, or digital design files are all helpful. If you need assistance translating your ideas into technical specs, many manufacturers—including us—offer pattern development and design support services.

3. Tech Packs (or Basic Specifications)

A tech pack is a detailed blueprint for your garment. It includes:

  • Flat sketches (front & back views).
  • Measurement charts for all sizes.
  • Fabric type and weight.
  • Stitching & construction details.
  • Trim & accessory specifications (e.g., zippers, tags).
  • Colorways and Pantone references.
  • Label placement.

Don’t panic if you don’t have a polished tech pack! For startups, we often work from simplified design specs and help fill in the gaps.

4. Size Range & Grading Requirements

One of the questions we ask early is:

  • What size range will you offer?

It’s essential to have this information ready, especially if you plan to offer inclusive sizing.

Decide:

  • Standard sizes (e.g., 6-24).
  • Custom size charts based on your customer demographic.
  • Whether you need grading services (scaling one size pattern into a full size run).

We can guide you through fit testing and ensure each size is proportioned correctly.

5. Preferred Fabrics & Materials

Your fabric choice affects:

  • Cost.
  • Sustainability.
  • Durability.
  • Fit and feel.

Questions to answer:

  • Do you already have fabric suppliers?
  • Are you looking for sustainable options (e.g., recycled polyester, organic cotton, bamboo)?
  • Do you want to use deadstock or specialty fabrics?

At Ethical Edge Collective, we have trusted relationships with fabric suppliers and can assist with sourcing eco-friendly materials that match your brand values.

6. Estimated Quantities

One of the most common concerns we hear is: "How many units do I need to order?"

Good news: At Ethical Edge Collective, we offer no minimum order quantities (MOQs). You can start small, test the market, and scale sustainably.

Still, having a rough idea of your production needs helps us plan capacity and timelines. Think about:

  • How many units per style?
  • How many colorways?
  • Initial production run size?

7. Target Price Point & Budget

Manufacturers need to know:

  • Your overall budget.
  • Your target wholesale or retail price point.

This information helps us recommend appropriate fabrics, production methods, and quantities. Keep in mind:

  • Ethical production and sustainable materials come at a higher cost than fast fashion.
  • Higher quality equals longer-lasting garments and stronger customer loyalty.

We’re happy to work with realistic budgets and advise where you can invest or save.

8. Timeline & Launch Dates

When do you plan to launch?
Do you have a photoshoot, pop-up, or collection release date?

Manufacturing lead times vary depending on:

  • Sampling & approvals.
  • Fabric availability.
  • Production capacity.

Clear timelines allow us to build a production schedule that meets your deadlines without unnecessary rush fees.

9. Labels, Tags & Packaging

Think about:

  • Woven labels, care labels, size tags.
  • Hangtags or swing tags.
  • Sustainable packaging options.

We can produce your labels in-house or recommend ethical label suppliers. For packaging, consider eco-friendly options such as compostable mailers or recycled boxes.

10. Legal & Compliance Requirements

For Australian brands:

  • Ensure your care labels meet Australian Consumer Law requirements.
  • Be mindful of fibre content, washing instructions, and country of origin.

We can assist with compliance to make sure you avoid any legal pitfalls.

Bonus: Questions to Be Ready to Answer

Expect manufacturers to ask:

  • Do you have a business registered (ABN)?
  • Are you GST registered?
  • Will you need ongoing production support beyond one collection?
  • Do you need assistance with fit models or photoshoots?

Being upfront about where you're at helps us tailor support to suit your stage of business growth.

Why Working With Ethical Edge Collective Simplifies the Process

We’re not just here to produce garments—we’re here to partner with you. Here’s why working with us makes the preparation process easier:

✅ No MOQs: You can produce small runs while fine-tuning your brand.
✅ Sampling & development support: We’ll guide you through tech packs, fabric choices, and fit testing.
✅ Sustainable sourcing assistance: We’ll help you find eco-friendly materials.
✅ Ethical Clothing Australia accredited: We’re committed to fair, transparent, local production.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Leads to Success

Approaching a manufacturer with clarity, preparation, and realistic expectations makes the entire production process more efficient, cost-effective, and rewarding. Whether you’re launching your first collection or refining an existing range, the checklist above ensures you’re set up for success.

Ready to turn your designs into ethically-made garments?
Contact Ethical Edge Collective today—we’re here to bring your vision to life, stitch by stitch.

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