Ways To Speed Up Garment Manufacturing
For fashion brands to stay relevant, it’s crucial for them to churn out new collections quickly before styles become outdated. Without swift and efficient manufacturing, it’s impossible for fashion brands to be a success.
Today’s fashion brands have to save time, cut costs and think about how they can be more sustainable at the same time.
In a highly competitive environment, fashion brands are under constant pressure to deliver garments faster than ever before.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways fashion brands can speed up garment manufacturing:
1. Stocking Up Fabrics Prior to Sourcing
While it makes sense to design items prior to sourcing their materials, it often leads to an overstock of unsold styles in inventory that will most likely be put up on sale. Some leading brands have found that purchasing large quantities of fabric and then finding ways to work with them helps them speed up their processes and reduce waste at the same time.
Other brands have figured out ways to use overstocked materials to create trims, piping and other trims that are useful in the manufacturing process.
2. Micro-Manufacturing
Micro-manufacturing refers to producing small quantities and/or one-off items. It speeds up the supply chain and reduces waste material and costs for fashion startups.
Fashion brands that are just starting out can opt for micro-manufacturing until they secure a loyal customer base and have the capital to produce large quantities.
3. Advanced Automation
So many of the processes that used to be carried out by hand in the fashion industry have now been automated. The use of CAD and laser-cutting technology allows for more precision, shorter lead times and reduced waste.
Advanced automation provides greater quality and consistency than processes carried out manually. Unlike humans, machines don’t get exhausted after long hours of work; the quality and quantity of their output never fluctuates.
4. Manufacture Locally
It’s true that the cost of manufacturing products overseas may be lower than manufacturing locally, however it also leads to increased risks, high import taxes, higher minimums and much longer lead times.
When you consider all the variables, producing locally is a lot more practical—especially for upcoming fashion brands that are working with small batches.
Producing locally also provides greater transparency; you can rest assured that the team receives fair wages and and enjoys a clean, safe working environment.
If you’re looking for a local garment manufacturers Los Angeles, get in touch with Lefty Production Co. We’re a garment manufacturing company Los Angeles that offers complete garment manufacturing services including designing, sourcing, laser-cutting and even marketing.