Production-Ready Artwork | Vector Files, DST Conversion, and Why Thread Colours Cannot Be Mixed
Summary
Production-ready artwork means the right file for the decoration method: vector (AI, EPS, or vector PDF) for screen printing, ...
Custom Affix Apparel
What to Send a Manufacturer | Tech Packs, Reference Garments, and Quoting Without a Full Spec
A manufacturer can't quote a mood board, but it also doesn't need a full tech pack to give you a rough price. Quoting needs a flat sket...
Tariffs, Landed Cost, and Why LA Sourcing Is Being Reconsidered in 2026
Summary
The average US apparel tariff increased from 14.7% in January 2025 to 35.1% in December 2025. This change frequently results i...
Clothing Manufacturer Payment Terms | How to Structure Deposits So You Don’t Lose Leverage
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Most apparel factories expect a deposit of 30-50% to book your production slot, with the balance due against evidence the ord...
In-Hands Dates | How to Work Backwards From Your Launch and Not Miss It
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Clothing production lead time starts at payment clearance and final artwork approval, not the day you first reach out, a disti...
MOQ From 50 Pieces | What a Low Minimum Really Costs
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Minimum order quantity clothing at 50 pieces exists because fabric roll minimums, dye lot minimums, and machine set-up costs ...
How to Verify a Factory Certificate Is Real, Current, and Actually Covers Your Order
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How to verify factory certification: locate the certificate number, search the certifying body's public database (GOTS, OEKO-T...
Sustainability Claims That Hold Up | FTC Green Guides for Apparel Brands
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The FTC Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260) govern environmental marketing claims in the US, and every objective claim, recycle...
Pima vs. Supima Cotton: What the License Actually Means
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The Pima vs. Supima cotton difference: Pima refers to the cotton species Gossypium barbadense, an extra-long staple cotton gro...
Sedex and SMETA Audits | What Social Compliance Means at 200 Units
Summary
A Sedex SMETA audit explained simply: Sedex is a data-sharing platform, not a certification, while SMETA (Sedex Members Ethica...
