1. Concept & target audience

• You can say in one sentence for whom you are making clothing.
• You have a clear brand feeling or mood board.
• You know what problem your clothing solves or what feeling it should evoke.
• You have looked at competitors and positioning.

If not: start with defining concept & target audience.

2. Design & collection development

• You have sketches or reference images.
• You have chosen a compact collection (3–7 items).
• You know which colors, details, and finishes you want.
• Your collection forms a logical, recognizable whole.

You can read more about this in branding & moodboards.

3. Fabrics & materials

• You have chosen which fabrics you want to use (or have options advised).
• You know whether you choose organic, recycled, deadstock, or regular textiles.
• You have an idea of the meter prices.
• You know which notions are needed: thread, zippers, buttons, elastic.

Need help? See our guide: choosing materials.

4. Patterns & samples

• You have a technical pattern (provided or developed).
• You have had at least one sample made per model.
• You have done a fitting and implemented feedback.
• The sample is fully approved (fit, length, details, fabric choice).

No samples yet? Start here: getting samples made.

5. Budget & selling prices

• You have all costs listed: development, production, labels, packaging.
• You know your unit price (incl. overhead and VAT).
• Your selling price is market-compliant and profitable.
• You have calculated how many pieces you need to sell to break even.

See our comprehensive breakdown: what it costs to start a clothing line.

6. Legal requirements & labels

• You know what must be on the care label.
• Your material claims (e.g., organic, recycled) are correct.
• You have thought about UPV Textiles (relevant from 2025).
• You have a plan for duty of care and collection.

Don't miss this – read: care labels & legal requirements and UPV legislation for textiles.

7. Production partner & planning

• You have chosen a workshop or producer that suits you.
• You understand the MOQs and delivery times.
• You know what is and isn’t possible within your budget.
• You have discussed all components: labels, packaging, sizes, quantities.

See our approach for starters: clothing production in the Netherlands.

8. Marketing & launch

• You have a plan for photography (product + lifestyle).
• You know where your target audience is active.
• You have a pre-launch or drop strategy.
• You have a budget for at least the first promotion.

Are you ready for production?

If you can answer “yes” to at least 80% of the points above, you are ready to start production. If not: go back to the relevant step in the guide and avoid costly missteps.