A traditional factory can manufacture your garments efficiently. However, its role usually begins with a production brief and ends when the finished order is delivered. For an established fashion business with internal teams managing design, branding, marketing, e-commerce and logistics, that focused production model may be sufficient. A fashion startup, emerging label or boutique brand often needs…

Working with an overseas design and manufacturing partner can give a US fashion startup access to broader production capabilities, specialist craftsmanship and more flexible cost structures. It can also create serious delays, quality problems and unexpected expenses when the relationship is entered into without proper planning. The founders who manage overseas production successfully are not necessarily those with the…