Factory Assessment for Intimate Apparel: A Must-Read for Start-ups

Whether you’re a start-up or an established entrepreneur, it’s essential to find a factory that can align with your brand values, meets your quality standards, and can produce the volume of products you need. Here’s a guide to factory assessment for intimate apparel, and what you should look for when choosing a factory for your brand.

Factory Type:

Choosing the right type of factory is a key factor for factory assessments. Basically, there are two types of factories to choose from i.e., CMT and FPP. CMT refers to Cut, Make, and Trim and these types of factories run production based on the raw materials and designs given by the client. While FPP refers to Full Product Package and this type of factories offer all-in-one solutions. Click here to know which factory is right for your intimate apparel brand.

Location and Transportation:

Location is an important factor when choosing a factory. You should consider the distance from the factory to your market, as well as the transportation options available. If you’re importing products from overseas, you’ll want to look for a factory with easy access to ports or airports. Make sure to consider transportation costs and timelines when evaluating factories. You may not want to miss our blog post on ‘Lingerie Manufacturers in Different Regions of the World: Asia vs. Europe vs. USA’.

Production Capacity:

Production capacity is another critical factor to consider. You’ll want to make sure the factory you choose can handle the volume of products you need to produce. Ask about their production schedule and lead times, and make sure they can meet your delivery timelines.

Quality Control:

Quality control is essential in the intimate apparel industry. You’ll want to choose a factory that has strict quality control measures in place to ensure your products meet your standards. Ask about their quality control processes, and make sure they have a system in place to catch any defects before products are shipped. Want to know how to make sure the quality by yourself; don’t hesitate to read our blog post on ‘What Exactly is a Quality Control Inspection? (And Can I Do That?)’.

Manufacturing Process and Equipment

You’ll also want to evaluate the factory’s manufacturing process and equipment. Ask about the type of equipment they use and make sure it’s suitable for producing intimate apparel. You’ll also want to know about their process for sourcing materials and whether they have relationships with reliable suppliers.

Social Compliance and Environmental Sustainability

You should also consider the factory’s social compliance and environmental sustainability practices. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, so it’s essential to choose a factory that aligns with your values. Look for factories that have certifications for social compliance and environmental sustainability, such as BSCI or OEKO-TEX. Read our blog post on ‘Design-to-Sustainability” Approach’ to know more.

When assessing factories, it’s essential to have a checklist of questions to ask and criteria to evaluate. Here are some questions you should ask during a factory assessment:

1. What is your production capacity?
2. What is your lead time for production?
3. What steps do you take to maintain quality control?
4. What is your process for sourcing materials?
5. What types of equipment do you use?
6. Do you have any certifications for social compliance or environmental sustainability?

By evaluating above factors and getting clarified, you can make an informed decision and find the right factory that meets your needs. Undoubtedly with the right factory partner, you’ll be well on your way to be a successful intimate apparel brand.