How can we find a manufacturer in the U.S. for our swimwear line, and should we work with an experienced designer?
We are starting a swimwear line. We have our business idea and mission and are on our way to finalizing our collection. We need experienced advice on finding a USA manufacturer, and we want to know if we should work with a experienced designer.
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Sep 7, 2017
Hi we are a small manufacturer. We are looking for new clients and would like to work with people starting their new swimwear line. please don't hesitate in sending us a email. newswimwaves@gmail.com. We are located in the U.S in El Monte.
Jan 4, 2016
I am the founder of Launch Your Collection, a one-stop apparel launch company for emerging fashion brands. I have a connection to a USA based swimwear factory. Please get in touch with me for further details at www.launchyourcollection.com. Thank you!
Dec 15, 2015
Hi Shana, I'd be happy to take a look at your designs. We offer private label manufacturing, short runs, low moq, all right here in California. Feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Larry Garman
Dangerous Curves Swimwear
Sep 16, 2015
Contact Oxygen Inc.-we're located right here on Long Island in NY.
Contact Ann-dee at:
http://www.deepblueswim.com
May 17, 2015
I have a fashion development company that specifically helps creative people wanting to launch collections. We offer all services to the industry, from sourcing to production. We are happy to help start up and also here to offer our services to companies in need of reasonable help for their fashion companies.
Dec 20, 2016
Hey! I'm trying to start my own lingerie brand. I would like to speak with someone from your company about helping me with the process. Please contact me at moniquehall1183@gmail. com... Thanks!
Sep 10, 2014
Hi Shana,
There are a lot of great companies that have bid sites where you post a spec and manufacturers can bid. Ariba.com is one that could be very beneficial to you because you can review manufacturers profiles, history, overall sales, and sometimes even referrals/recommendations.
Furthermore, I would reach out to likeminded professionals on LinkedIn to see how they were able to overcome this obstacle of finding and trusting a manufacturer. When you are just beginning especially, it is difficult to put your trust in someone knew, so speaking to experienced professionals who have been in your exact situation can be very beneficial.
There should also be groups on LinkedIn for these manufacturers. I personally and in print advertising, and there are specific groups such as "Find Me a Printing Source" where multiple people post specs for quotes or information about their companies. Something like this type of forum could help to jumpstart the process.
Hope that helps! Best of luck and feel free to reach out should you need any other advice
Sincerely,
Kayla
Sep 10, 2014
Hi Shana,
Studio Design Source offers in apparel collection development and manufacturing with lingerie and swim as specialties. Would love to work with you on this as well as consult with you through the manufacturing and shipping process.
Thanks,
Yvonne Milliner
studiodesignsource.com
Sep 10, 2014
Locating a USA manufacturer will not be as difficult as you may think. It's something that my company and so many others would be glad to help you secure. The issue would be finding an experience designer with the time and willingness to help. Many I have encountered always speak about not enough time in the day but with time, I am sure you will find one, preferably one with experience in swimwear
Sep 9, 2014
please use google, and social networks,e.g.facebook, linkedin,...other bussiness groupes on google
Sep 9, 2014
Ideally you should hire an experienced designer who would make original swimwear for you. I would go to the extent of saying that you must have a fresher also who would give innovative designs.Finding a manufacturer is relatively simple but i would suggest you set up a greenfield venture if funds are available. Have you own USP, design and be your own boss- sharing your design with the prospective manufacturer may result in his violating proprietary rights
Sep 9, 2014
I'd be very careful dealing with an American company as you might be handing over your patterns Designs to a Chinese manufacturing company and a many friends I have who are Chinese they all say the same thing " When a Chinese manufacture gets a design pattern, it comes out with a 'Knock-Off' within days"
You may not be a big designer right now but should you make a name it's gone because of knock-Offs, along with lost revenue.
Make sure you protect yourself at all costs and within all reason.
Sep 9, 2014
Shana ... You've gotten a wide variety of advise. Some I agree with and some I totally disagree with.
1.) You don't have to manufacture in the primary market in order to quickly respond to demand changes with proper tools and procedures in place you can meet demand changes from anywhere in the world. The philosophy being used in manufacturing today is think globally produce locally. However, it doesn't mean that you can't use a factory in South America to satisfy demand if a US-based facility is down or at capacity.
2.) I don't know why so many of the commenters are talking negatively about manufacturing in the United States. They must not realize that China is no longer the low cost manufacturer of the world. In fact with the low cost of energy in the US and many other factors, the United States has regained a competitive edge in manufacturing and can undercut other areas by as much as 20% or more.
The other issue with manufacturing in China is stolen trademarks, patents, designs and counterfeit product.
3.) You don't need to have a US manufacturing philosophy just to position your brand. As I stated above US manufacturing has significant advantages. Furthermore, producing locally (US) you are reducing your carbon footprint as well.
While fabric is light in weight it is still quite expensive to ship the product from China or SE Asia to the US which adds to the MSRP of your product and then there is the whole tariff issue.
You need to read this article. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/09/07/14/why-made-china-clothing-sales-may-shrink-us
4.) Yes it would be prudent to have an experienced designer to help you finalize your designs, but it is not essential to have an experienced pattern maker since most clothing manufacturers are no longer utilizing patterns. They are using automated laser cutting machines that use CAD drawings to control the cutting. Therefore, you will need to find someone who has SolidWorks or similar CAD software with pattern plugin. The pattern plugin will take your design add all the necessary seaming needs and layout the swimsuit on the fabric size to maximize material utilization.
Sep 9, 2014
Look up the Economic Development Department from your state or state of choice and inquire about manufacturers in the state with the capability you are seeking.
I would use an experienced designer.
Sep 9, 2014
It depends on the amount of capital you have available for this project. Manufacturing in the States is very expensive as well as hiring a designer. Materials and human resources are going to be much more expensive then doing it in Southeast Asia or China. My advice would be to hire an experienced designer in America that knows swimsuit trends. Once you get a prototype that you're happy with, you can manufacture in China or Thailand.
Sep 9, 2014
Shana. Please first clarify where are you- in the USA or other country. You have to clarify your cash flow, business plan, if it is a new venture or existing, depending upon the contents, you can ask USA manufacturers to produce your line of swimsuit etc. It has to be a manufacturer, who would make for different customers. They have the plants and design etc to make under your own brand. It is like a generic name kind of approach. Many USA companies get them made in China for low cost but still good quality. Cash flow and business plan with selling price would have to be considered. Pradeep Berry
Sep 9, 2014
exciting times for you! There are a number of private label manufacturers in the US. Start by picking a few and have a conversation with them. The good ones will have inhouse design assistance as well.
check out http://www.daisysswimwear.com/private_label for starters. Best to you!
Sep 9, 2014
I would first ask what is your startup capital and are you able to pay for a designer and sewers. If so then you have the bulk of the problem solved right there. There are experienced sewers everywhere. You merely need to get sewing machines and figure out where you want to set up your operation, go to the employment security office and place and add for sewers. Once you have done that you already have your manufacturing set up.
Sep 9, 2014
Hi there...When you are starting something new its important to know what others that have been doing the same thing are doing. An experienced person will help you to see the advantages and disadvantages because they have been doing it for a long time. Ask lot of questions in order to learn and take few notes, if they have a shop that has already swimwear line ask if its possible to visit and see, in order to get the picture of what you are looking for. An inexperienced person will not help because he/she is still finding her foot and you might do the same mistakes...LinkedIn is always the best to look for people that are doing the same work you are doing and the areas where they are you will find it there. Google as well if you want to find more info..Hope this helps
We are a full service swimwear manufacturer-we do everything from start to finish. We have CAD artists and a pattern maker right here.