Here is everything you need to know about working with us.

What are your minimum order quantities?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Our MOQ is 300 units per style or color.

What is your monthly order capacity?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Our manufacturing capacity is 300,000 units per month, but we have local partners that allow us to increase capacity to 1,000,000 units in a very short period of time.

Do you only work with women's fashion?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

No, we also have experience developing garments for men and children, and we have customers in the industrial apparel industry. However, our expertise is in female upper body fashion.

Can I provide my own tech packs, patterns, and samples?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, at the beginning of our partnership, you can provide us with all the technical information for your designs or just ideas to allow us to create tech packs, patterns, and samples. It's important to note that if you provide us with patterns, tech packs, or samples, we will still charge the same prices because we need to recreate the patterns and samples to ensure the best possible manufacturing instructions.

Can you create tech packs for me?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, if you choose the "We design" option or if you just provide us with ideas, we will create all the tech packs and technical information for you.

How do measurements work?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Ideally, you provide us with size charts with the measurements you would like for your clothes. If you don't have these or need assistance, we are always happy to help at no cost to you.

What products do you not make?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We do not produce swimwear, underwear, bottoms, jeans, jackets, sportswear, or lingerie.

What categories do you specialize in?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Our specialty is in female upper body fashion, including blouses, shirts, dresses, bodysuits, crop tops, and fashion t-shirts with embellishments such as stamps.

What is full package manufacturing?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Full package clothing manufacturing refers to a production process in which a single company handles all aspects of clothing production, from design and development to sourcing raw materials, production, and distribution. In a full package manufacturing process, the company is responsible for overseeing every step of the production process and delivering the finished product to the customer. Full package manufacturing can be a convenient and cost-effective option for fashion brands, as it allows them to streamline the production process and reduce the need for multiple vendors and suppliers. It also allows brands to have more control over the quality of the finished product and the production timeline. At GAT Fashion Lab, we are full package manufacturers. To know more about our full package manufacturing service read this.

Can I order physical samples before ordering in bulk?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Of course. Before beginning production, we develop and share two types of samples with you: digital samples (3D models to validate designs, fit, fabrics, and colors) and physical samples (to validate fabric consumption, manufacturing times and guidelines, fabric behavior and texture). These two samples are included in the payment for your production, but do not include shipping

Do you have existing patterns or designs that I can use?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we have a database of designs created by us that are available for purchase and ordering in the quantities you want. This is not a public database, and we are selective about whom we share it with as we are only interested in sharing it with potential customers who align with what we have to offer.

Do you offer ready-made clothing?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

No, we do not have finished clothes in stock. We have available designs and patterns that can help speed up the manufacturing process, but we do not have finished clothes.

Do You Offer Dropshipping?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

No, we don't offer dropshipping.

Do you create designs for me?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we can create designs for you from scratch with just knowledge about your target audience and brand DNA. We can research for trends and opportunities, create moodboards and serve as your third party fashion design team.

What if I don’t like the samples you send me?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

To avoid problems with physical samples, we allow changes in the 3D digital samples. But, if you don't like the physical samples we are open to make it again with the changes you want.We could charge an additional fee for remaking samples for orders under 500 units per style or color. The fee will depend on the complexity and materials.

How much do you charge for samples?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We don't charge for samples. All our clothing manufacturing services include at least two 3D and physical samples. The 3D samples allow us to define the design, validate fabrics, colors and fit. With the physical samples we test textures and final appearance. We talk about two samples: one for representing ideas and one for changes, depending on the order volume we are open to make more samples for free, but if the number of units are under 500, probably we will charge per additional sample, the price will be around $20-50 USD dollar and may depend of complexity and raw materials.

Are my designs protected?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Off course, if you bring us the design or purchase a design made by us all the right will be your and we don't share it with anybody elseWould you keep the designs so that I can order more in the future?We save all the techpacks, 3d models and technical stuff to easily replicate designs made by us. The problem could be in the fabrics and raw materials availability, but all the digital information is with us.

What happens if I receive defective items?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Usually this not should happen, because we have very strict Quality Assurance processes, but if happens we will refund for each piece affected.

What are the benefits of working with you versus doing this on my own?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

There are several benefits to working with us versus doing everything on your own: speed, convenience, and profitability. We handle all aspects of fashion development and manufacturing for you, freeing up your time to focus on sales and growing your business. We have over 15 years of experience working with fashion brands, and can help you avoid mistakes that can be costly in the clothing manufacturing process. Our 3D services allow for faster and cheaper testing, and can also generate innovative content for social media to showcase your brand in a more tech-savvy and futuristic way. 3D clothing is also a very eco-friendly technology. Our 3D process allows for quicker turnaround times for samples, with a typical turnaround of less than 5 days (if you work with our fabrics). Other companies can take 4-6 weeks to create samples. We are also able to run bulk production very quickly, and are located in Colombia, with easy access to both oceans and close proximity to the US, allowing for fast worldwide delivery.

How does the payment work?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We do not normally charge for manufacturing. We can create, show, and ship digital and physical samples without charging a fee, as long as we have agreed to go into production together. During this initial stage, we will also define the unit prices for manufacturing. To begin production, we may ask for a 50% payment upfront and agree on a timeline for the remaining 50%. For established relationships, we may be able to make arrangements for payment prior to delivery of orders. The specific payment terms will depend on the size of the order and your needs. It is best to speak with us to get a clear understanding of the payment options available.

Correct: Can you create eco-friendly garments?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we can create eco-friendly garments. We can source eco-friendly fabrics and raw materials, and our digital sampling process is also eco-friendly as it reduces the number of physical samples required to approve designs. In addition, all of our factories and partners are ethically responsible and are constantly audited for good labor practices.

Where are you located?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Our company is based in Cali, Colombia, and all of our manufacturing is also done in Colombia.

How is the process to work with you?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

The process to work with us typically involves the following steps:
1. Schedule a video call to meet each other and discuss your needs.
2. Sign necessary documents to formalize our working relationship.
3. Begin the design and development stages, including the creation of 3D and physical samples for you to review and approve.
4. Agree on a payment plan for the manufacturing process, which may involve a 50% payment in advance.
5. Proceed with manufacturing, quality assurance, and packaging.
6. Ship your order.
7. Pay the remaining balance for the order.

To know more about our process read this.

Do you sell the 3D services separately?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we do offer 3D services separately. We don't have fixed prices for these services, so it's best to schedule a call to discuss your specific needs and receive a quote.

Do you sell only the patterns and samples?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

No, we are a Full Package Manufacturer and are fully committed to this model. Our development services are included in our offering, and we do not sell patterns and samples separately. If you are looking for fashion design and development services only, we recommend visiting aparel.co.

How does 3D work in the design process?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

In the design process, we use 3D models to define and refine the design of a garment before creating physical samples. If you provide us with ideas, we will create a first 3D model to define the design. Once the design is approved, we will fit the model to the sizes you need and validate the patterns and fit. During this stage, we will share images and videos of the 3D model with you and allow for changes and testing of different colors and fabrics. The goal of using 3D is to minimize the use of physical samples by fully defining the design in a virtual environment. Once the 3D model is approved, we will proceed to create a physical sample.

Do you share the 3D models with me?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We can provide you with images and videos of the 3D models, but if you would like the actual 3D file, we can sell it to you for a fee. Prices for the 3D file may range from USD $100-200, depending on the complexity of the design.

Do you send fabric or material samples?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We can send fabric or material samples upon request, but we typically only do so for orders of more than 1,000 units. For smaller batches, we provide high-quality photos and videos of the materials as well as ultra realistic 3D renders to give you an idea of how they will look and feel.

What is the lead time for the entire process and for each process?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

The lead time for the entire process will depend on your needs and budgets, but here is an estimate:

For the design stage, we can complete it within 5 to 20 days.

For sample development:
1. Raw Materials Sourcing (just for samples): 3 - 14 days.
2. Patterns Design: 1-2 days.
3. Digital Sampling and Validation: 1-3 days.
4. Physical Samples Development: 1-3 days.
5. Final Costing Estimates and Manufacturing Guidelines: 1-2 days.

Total development time: 3 to 30 days

For manufacturing:
1. Production Sourcing: 7-30 days.
2. Cutting: 1-5 days.
3. Sewing: 5-30 days.
4. Quality Assurance: 2-3 days.
5. Packaging and shipping: 2-3 days

Total manufacturing time: 14 to 45 days.

Please note that the most delayed stage is often raw materials sourcing. If you work with our fabrics, this time could be reduced to a couple of days.

Shipping is not included in these estimates because it will depend on the country and city. Typically, we dispatch orders by plane, which can take 3 to 10 days to reach the customer. For larger orders, we may use sea shipping, which can take a couple of weeks.

When does the lead time for sample and production start?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

For samples, the lead time starts when all the details of your needs are clear, which includes approved tech packs, drawings, and other technical specifications.For production, the lead time begins after the pre-production samples are approved and any required down payments are made.

What is the lead time for raw material sourcing?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

The lead time for sourcing raw materials depends on the type of fabric. We have local partners that can provide us with materials within 5 to 10 days, but the availability of the fabric can affect the lead time. Eco-friendly fabrics may have a sourcing time of 15 to 45 days, depending on availability. You also have the option to purchase fabrics and send them to us.

Can we do rush orders?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we can accommodate rush orders, but this may only be possible with certain fabrics. The sourcing process is usually the most time-consuming part of the production process, so if the materials are already sourced, we can work faster to manufacture the product while maintaining high quality standards.

What are Incoterms?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of standardized terms and definitions used in international trade to clearly define the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller in the sale of goods. These terms are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are widely accepted by governments, legal authorities, and practitioners worldwide. There are a total of 11 Incoterms, which are divided into two categories:

Incoterms for any mode of transport (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, DDP)
Incoterms for sea and inland waterway transport (FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF)

Each Incoterm specifies the responsibilities and obligations of the buyer and seller with respect to the delivery of the goods, including who is responsible for paying for transportation and insurance, who is responsible for loading and unloading the goods, and when ownership of the goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Incoterms are commonly used in international trade contracts to ensure that both parties understand their obligations and to minimize misunderstandings and disputes. It is important to carefully review and understand the terms of an Incoterm before agreeing to it in a contract.

What Incoterms do you offer?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We offer all Incoterms as needed. We have a dedicated team of global operations professionals to manage all aspects of international logistics.

Shipping Costs
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

The cost of shipping will depend on your location. We work with FedEx and other global logistics operators. To provide you with a more accurate answer, please contact us to discuss your shipping needs

Export & Import Clearance
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We are flexible and able to work according to your needs. We have a dedicated team of international operations professionals who can help you with all of your logistics needs and save you time and money. It is important for us to make shipping as transparent as possible, so we work with global partners like FedEx. However, if you prefer to handle shipping yourself, we are also open to helping you as needed. Please contact us to solve your questions.

Can You Ship To My Country?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We can ship to almost any location in the world. We work with FedEx and other global logistics operators. Please contact us for shipping rates to your specific location.

Shipping Insurance
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

By default, we do not purchase insurance for shipments. The responsibility for shipping lies with the logistics operator. To avoid problems, we work with global companies like FedEx. If you wish to purchase insurance for your shipment, we can assist you with this process. If you have any further questions about shipping, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Returns & Refunds
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

We take quality assurance very seriously. If you have any issues with the products you received, you have 7 days after receiving the order to notify us. After reviewing the problems, we can offer a refund for the affected products or explore other options such as credit notes or discounts.

Shipping Lead Time
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

The lead time for shipping will depend on your location and the size of the order. Most orders are shipped by plane and should be delivered within 5 to 15 days. For larger orders, sea shipment may be an option, which could take 4 to 12 weeks. For a more accurate estimate, please contact us to discuss your specific shipping needs.

What is the quality control process?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

For samples, all of them are made in-house and are checked by our Quality Assurance (QA) team before being shipped.

In manufacturing, depending on the complexity of the design, we may assign a QA person to review each unit after the sewing process is complete.

During the packaging stage, all units are reviewed again and before leaving our logistics center, we ensure that all garments are in perfect condition.

Is your factory ethical?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, our factory is 100% ethical. In Colombia, labor laws are very strict. All of our factories employ their workers in compliance with the law and provide all necessary social security and other legal benefits. It is also illegal to employ workers under the age of 18 in Colombia. Our QA team regularly audits our factories and partners to ensure that they are operating in compliance with the law.

Do you work with third party suppliers?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we do work with third-party suppliers. Our design, pattern making, and sample development team is in-house. However, our production and sourcing team works with sourcing partners (fabric factories and retailers) and sewing factories.

Do you allow factory visits?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we welcome factory visits from our customers. Some customers visit us frequently to verify labor conditions and learn more about our processes.

Do you provide custom fabrics?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we can provide custom fabrics, but there may be a minimum requirement. If you would like more information, please contact us.

Do you provide custom digital printing or sublimation fabrics?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we offer custom digital printing and sublimation fabrics, but there may be minimum requirements, particularly for digital printing. If you would like more information, please contact us.

What is pattern development?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

In clothing manufacturing, pattern development refers to the process of creating a pattern for a garment. A pattern is a detailed technical drawing that specifies the shape, size, and component placement (such as sleeves, collars, and pockets) of a garment. Pattern development is a crucial step in the clothing manufacturing process as it determines the fit, style, and overall appearance of the garment.

What is grading?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Grading refers to the process of adjusting a garment pattern to create a range of sizes. This involves making slight modifications to the pattern to accommodate differences in body shape and size.

Do you provide size grading for all sizes?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we offer size grading for all sizes.

What is a garment measurement chart and is it different from a size chart?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

A garment measurement chart consists of dimensions taken from various parts of a sewn garment. A size chart typically includes average body measurements for each size and may vary based on individual body shape. It is common for garment measurements to be larger than the wearer's body measurements to allow for ease of movement and the ability to put on the garment.

Is it possible for my designs to be made in specific colors?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we can produce the same design in different colors. Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) per color is 300 units. We can also test different colors with digital 3D samples.

Do you work with ecological fabrics and materials?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

Yes, we do offer ecological fabrics and materials. We have sourcing partners who produce and sell low impact fabrics, recycled materials, and natural materials. If you have specific requirements, please contact us and we can explore options to help you.

Is your factory ecological?
Arrow in US clothing manufacturing website

No, our factories are not designed to be eco-friendly. However, our sampling process minimizes waste through the use of 3D design.

Every two weeks, we share some of the best examples of technology being applied in the fashion industry, along with some helpful tips to make fashion collection development a breeze.

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