Startup Clothing Brand Sourcing Checklist

Launching a clothing brand involves multiple sourcing decisions that directly affect product quality, margins, timelines, and scalability. This practical checklist helps startup founders and wholesale buyers manage the sourcing process efficiently and avoid common mistakes. Guidance is informed by industry experience from manufacturers such as Luopeita Clothes Factory.

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1. Brand Strategy & Product Planning

✅ Define your brand positioning (premium, streetwear, basics, athleisure, etc.)
✅ Identify your target customer demographic
✅ Determine your core product categories (T-shirts, hoodies, activewear, etc.)
✅ Set your target retail price range
✅ Establish expected quality level vs. cost balance
✅ Research competitor products and materials

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2. Fabric & Material Selection

✅ Choose fabric composition (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.)
✅ Confirm GSM (fabric weight) requirements
✅ Evaluate fabric hand feel and durability
✅ Check shrinkage rate and colorfastness
✅ Verify seasonal suitability (summer vs winter fabrics)
✅ Request fabric swatches before sampling
✅ Confirm fabric certifications if needed (organic, recycled, OEKO-TEX, etc.)

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3. Manufacturer Evaluation

✅ Verify factory experience with similar products
✅ Request company profile and certifications
✅ Review production capacity and lead times
✅ Check minimum order quantity (MOQ)
✅ Confirm OEM / ODM capabilities
✅ Evaluate communication responsiveness
✅ Ask for references or past client examples

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4. Sampling & Product Development

✅ Provide detailed tech pack (measurements, artwork, labels)
✅ Confirm fabric and trim details
✅ Review sample quality carefully
✅ Test fit and sizing accuracy
✅ Wash test samples for durability
✅ Confirm revisions before bulk production
✅ Approve pre-production sample (PPS)

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5. Cost & Pricing Control

✅ Request full cost breakdown (fabric, trims, labor, packaging)
✅ Confirm sampling cost and refund policy
✅ Negotiate bulk pricing tiers
✅ Understand payment terms (deposit + balance)
✅ Calculate landed cost including shipping and duties
✅ Plan profit margins before production

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6. Branding & Customization

✅ Design logo placement and printing method
✅ Confirm labels (woven label, care label, size label)
✅ Choose packaging (bags, boxes, hangtags)
✅ Verify branding color consistency
✅ Confirm trademark usage rights

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7. Production Management

✅ Confirm production timeline and milestones
✅ Approve pre-production sample before mass production
✅ Request production updates (photos/videos)
✅ Schedule quality inspections during production
✅ Monitor potential delays early

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8. Quality Control

✅ Define quality standards and tolerances
✅ Conduct inline inspection (during production)
✅ Perform final inspection before shipment
✅ Check measurements against size chart
✅ Inspect printing, embroidery, stitching quality
✅ Verify packaging accuracy

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9. Logistics & Shipping

✅ Choose shipping method (air, sea, express)
✅ Confirm Incoterms (EXW, FOB, DDP, etc.)
✅ Verify carton dimensions and weight
✅ Prepare customs documentation
✅ Plan delivery timeline to warehouse or fulfillment center
✅ Purchase shipping insurance if necessary

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10. Risk Management

✅ Start with smaller trial orders if possible
✅ Avoid paying 100% upfront
✅ Use contracts or purchase agreements
✅ Confirm intellectual property protection
✅ Maintain backup suppliers when scaling

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11. Scaling Preparation

✅ Evaluate supplier reliability after first order
✅ Improve forecasting accuracy
✅ Plan inventory management strategy
✅ Negotiate better pricing for larger volumes
✅ Develop long-term supplier relationships

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Pro Tip for Startup Brands

Most successful brands focus on one or two hero products first, perfect the quality, then expand categories. Over-expansion early is a common reason for startup failure.