Every extra sampling round costs you two to three weeks. Most of them happen for the same reason: the factory had to guess. Here is what to send so nobody has to.
1. A reference, not just a sketch
A sketch shows the idea. A reference garment shows the fit, the weight and the finish. If you have a piece in your wardrobe that is close, send it, and mark what should change: “longer by 3 cm”, “drop the shoulder”, “softer collar”.
2. Measurements you care about
You do not need a full graded spec to start. You do need the few measurements that make the garment yours: chest, length, sleeve, rise and leg opening on trousers. Give them for your sample size, and tell us which size that is.
3. Fabric, or the feel you want
The best answer is a swatch or a mill reference. The next best is a garment in a similar fabric. Failing that, describe it: weight, drape, stretch, surface. “Heavy, dry-handed cotton twill, no stretch” gets you closer than “nice cotton”.
4. Trims and finishing
Buttons, zips, labels, stitching colour, edge finishes. If they are not specified, the factory uses its standard, which is rarely what a designer had in mind. A photo of the details you like is enough.
5. Price and quantity
Not to negotiate yet, but because it changes the advice you get. The right fabric and construction for a piece retailing at 120 is different from one retailing at 450. Rough quantities per style tell us which production route makes sense.
6. The date it has to land
Work backwards from launch: shipping, bulk, fabric lead time, fit approval, sampling. If the date is tight, it is better to know on day one, when there are still options.
The short version
| Send | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Reference garment or photos | Fit and finish without guessing |
| Key measurements | Your fit, not ours |
| Fabric swatch or description | The single biggest driver of price and look |
| Trim details | Avoids “factory standard” surprises |
| Target price and quantity | The right route and fabric from the start |
| Launch date | A realistic plan, or an early warning |
When you are ready, send the brief. If you only have half of this, send that. We will ask for the rest.