Garment sample makers translate design concepts and tech packs into physical prototypes. Their skill can make or break your designs, so finding the right one is key.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find the perfect sample maker step by step. We’ll cover everything you need to know – from what to look for, where to find them, and tips from industry insiders. I’ve essentially taken everything I’ve learned in my 15+ years in fashion about working with sample makers and distilled it all down for you! Whether you’re a freelance fashion designer, an upcoming fashion brand owner, or an existing brand (helplessly) looking for a new sample maker, this guide is perfect for you!
What Does a Garment Sample Maker Do?
A clothing sample maker creates garment samples. They may be responsible for several tasks, including developing patterns based on designer sketches or specifications in a tech pack, advising appropriate fabric and materials, and constructing garment samples. To do these tasks accurately, they work closely with designers and make any necessary adjustments during the sample-making process.
Some sample makers work independently – doing everything from pattern drafting to construction, but most of the time, sample makers are a team of people with distinct responsibilities where one person may be the pattern maker, another doing the fabric sourcing, construction, and so on.
Most garment manufacturers have their own sample rooms with a team of sample makers. But in some cases, fashion brands or designers opt to work with independent sample makers, outsourcing their sample-making to specialized teams.
Do I Need a Tech Pack to Work with a Garment Sample Maker?
You DON’T always need a tech pack to work with garment sample makers. Some designers manage to create their initial samples just by providing physical reference garments or similar design photos. Collaging photos together of design details and silhouettes and just noting down a couple of design notes is more common than you’d think in the fashion world.
However, if you’re creating something truly unique, like a blazer with intricate details or pants with complex stitching, a tech pack becomes necessary. Descriptions alone might not be enough, and you might not find suitable reference photos.
Pro Tip: While a formal tech pack isn’t always a must, constant communication and documentation is key when working without one. Make sure to keep track of all the notes and revisions, so everyone involved in the sample making process can be held accountable for their actions and things don’t just get lost or forgotten (It happens more than you think!).
How to Find a Garment Sample Maker: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the best sample maker doesn’t come easy, and some fashion brands go through a bunch before finding the perfect match.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you smartly navigate the process:
- Clarify Your Requirements
- Consider Your Budget
- Canvas for Options
- Ask about:
- Pricing
- Turnaround Time
- Ask about:
- Request for Samples and References
- Optional: Start with a Trial Project
- Clarify Terms and Contract
1. Clarify Your Requirements
Clearly outline your project’s requirements, including the type of garments, quantity of samples needed, materials, and any specific design details. This will make it easier for you to send out your instructions especially when you’re initially reaching out to several sample makers.
You don’t have to have a tech pack yet at this point, but being as detailed as you can will help you find a more accurate match for your needs.
2. Consider Your Budget
Determine the budget you have set for sample making. This will help you narrow down your options and find sample makers within your price range.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for a basic sample depending on the complexity of design, materials, and the location of your sample maker.
Remember, the price of creating a single sample will always be way higher than the price of a single piece from bulk production.
3. Canvas for Options
Reach out to a couple of sample makers with a clear and concise inquiry. (I’ll share some options on where you can find them in a bit!)
Make sure to snoop around (A LOT) before committing to one so you can get a general sense of the pricing, turnaround times, and capabilities of each sample maker.
Make sure to ask about their:
- Pricing: Ask for a sample closest to your design and how much they charged for it. Clarify if their rates are per sample or hourly and ask whether they charge upfront, post-completion, etc. Make sure to also ask for pricing for revisions. These will be helpful for your budget planning later on.
- Turnaround Time: This question lets you know how fast they can produce samples and help you plan your timeline accordingly.
4. Request for Samples and References
Check samples of their previous work, especially those related to your project. If you’re making dresses ask for dress samples, if you’re making denim jackets ask for denim jacket samples.
Like manufacturers, sample makers have their own niches (but most will tell you they can do everything!). Save yourself headaches by finding someone who aligns perfectly with what you need.
If they have a website, you can check other brands they’ve worked with. You can also directly ask them for references you can contact for feedback. Speaking with former clients gives an honest review of what working with them would be like.
If they don’t want to provide any, better look the other way.
5. Optional: Start with a Trial Project
Optional BUT highly recommended (if you have the budget for it), consider starting with a smaller, less complex project as a trial before committing to larger-scale work.
This gives you a clear reference of their workmanship, and more importantly their attitude towards work. Pay attention to how they communicate, take comments, and how efficient they are with work.
I’ve done this for a couple of clients I’ve worked with. If their budget allows, we usually test 2-3 sample makers to see which one makes our garments the best and weigh out other considerations. This is also a good way to make sure you’re not getting robbed with ridiculously high prices as you can lay out your options and compare them with each other.
6. Clarify Terms and Contracts
Once you’ve chosen the final sample maker, make sure all terms, including pricing, timelines, and ownership of designs, are clearly defined in a contract before officially proceeding.
Where to Find Garment Sample Makers
Now that you have a clear idea of what to do, let’s explore some options on where you can find garment sample makers:
1. Online Platforms
You can simply start by using search engines like Google to find options. Don’t discount sites like LinkedIn or Facebook groups where you can connect with people who may be able to provide referrals.
Additionally, consider dedicated platforms like Maker’s Row, for domestic options in the USA. If you’re looking for sample makers around Asia, you can check platforms like Alibaba.
Keep in mind that these online resources offer a wide selection but may not necessarily be all good, so exercise caution and do thorough research before proceeding.
2. Trade Shows and Events
If face-to-face interaction is more your speed, fashion trade shows provide an opportunity to meet various industry professionals. A great advantage of attending trade shows is the opportunity to physically inspect their work, making it easier for you to check their workmanship and skills.
You can refer to my Guide on Fashion Trade Shows if you want to find some options. You can also listen to my podcast episode with the President of Magic, Kelly Helfman, about attending trade shows as a fashion startup.
3. Referrals and Recommendations
Reach out to colleagues, industry contacts, and fellow fashion designers who may have experience working with reliable garment sample makers.
You can also join relevant online forums and communities where members share their experiences and insights on sample makers they’ve worked with.
4. Local Garment Districts
If you are in or near a city with a garment district, visit the area and inquire at local businesses, fabric stores, or sewing shops. Garment districts often have a concentration of skilled sample makers and related services.
Additional Tips When Finding Garment Sample Makers
If you want more industry insider insights, you can check out my podcast with pattern maker and designer Xochil Herrera Scheer of The Chicago Patternmaker. With over a decade of experience in the field, Xochil knows firsthand what it takes to help her clients get their designs from concept to production. And if you’re on the lookout for factories in the USA, you can listen to my podcast interview with Kathleen Fasanella, a trained pattern maker with almost 4 decades of experience. In this podcast ep, we cover some strategies and tips on how you can snag manufacturers to make your clothing line. Kathleen is also the author of one of the best resource books in the fashion industry, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing.
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