When starting clothing production – whether through a “shopping cart” of a print-on-demand supplier or through a larger production run in the Netherlands – you go through several steps to turn your idea into a professional end product. In this article, we explain step by step how the process works and what is actually in your production “shopping cart.”

The steps in clothing production

Professional clothing production consists of several fixed phases. The better you understand these, the fewer mistakes, delays, and unnecessary costs you will incur.

1. Design & Tech Pack (Technical Drawing)

Everything starts with a design. But a sketch alone is not enough. For serious production, a tech pack is essential. It contains:

Exact sizes and size charts
Fabric composition (e.g., 100% organic cotton)
Colors (Pantone codes)
Stitch details and finishing
Label placement and branding

Without a tech pack, a factory cannot replicate your product correctly.

2. Fabric & Notions Sourcing

The choice of fabrics, zippers, buttons, and threads determines the final quality and price of your garment. Here you make strategic choices:

Basic cotton vs premium organic cotton
Recycled materials
Deadstock fabrics
Local vs international sourcing

This phase has a direct impact on the sustainability and positioning of your brand.

3. Pattern Development & Grading

Patterns are developed based on your design. They are then graded: translated into multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL). An error at this stage means a poor fit in all sizes.

4. Sampling (Prototype)

Before mass production starts, a sample is made. This is crucial to:

To test the fit
To assess the material
To check the finishing
To make any adjustments

Sampling prevents costly mistakes in production.

5. Production: CMT or Full Service?

Here you choose the production model:

CMT (Cut, Make, Trim)

The manufacturer cuts, sews, and finishes. You supply fabrics and materials yourself. This gives more control but requires more organization.

Full Service Production

The producer arranges everything: sourcing, production, and finishing. Ideal for starters who want to be relieved of stress.

6. Quality control & Shipping

Before delivery, each garment is checked for errors, ironed, and packaged. Then it is shipped to your warehouse or fulfillment partner.

What’s in your production "shopping cart"?

Unlike print-on-demand, your production order consists of strategic choices. These are the main components:

1. Number of pieces (MOQ)

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. With private label production, you can sometimes start from 25–50 pieces per model.

2. Fabric choice & Color

You choose the exact material composition and Pantone colors. This determines appearance and cost price.

3. Size range

For example: 10% S, 30% M, 40% L, 20% XL. The right distribution prevents overstock.

4. Labels & Branding

Neck labels
Side labels
Hangtags

5. Packaging

Choose between polybags or sustainable packaging. This is also part of your brand story.

Print-on-Demand vs Private Label Production

Print-on-demand is accessible and works via a webshop "shopping cart." But you have little control over fabric, fit, and quality.

Private label production requires more preparation but offers full control over:

Material choice
Fit
Branding
Sustainability

Do you want to have clothing produced in the Netherlands?

Are you considering a small batch or a serious production run? Local production offers flexibility, short lines, and higher quality control.

Discover clothing production in the Netherlands

Starting clothing production: from idea to physical garment