Guides for Apparel Buyers
Plain-language playbooks on fabric…
Twenty-five practical guides in three tracks…
MOQ Guide
When 1-pc MOQ applies (blank-base / POD), real minimums for custom-decorated apparel, small-batch production for startup brands, and how to plan your first order.
Read guide HoodieCustom Hoodies
Blank-base, private label and decorated hoodies — real MOQ, price tiers and how our 4,000-pc/day line keeps delivery fast.
Read guide TimelineSample Development Timeline
From artwork to bulk: tech pack, proto sample, pre-production sample and mass production — days per stage and what you approve at each step.
Read guide ProcessSampling Process
The stage-by-stage path from tech pack to bulk-ready — proto, fit, pre-production and size-set, and what you approve at each gate.
Read guide QualityQuality Control Guide
What to expect from a real QC process — inspection points, sampling standards, common defects and how SILAMON keeps pass rate above 99%.
Read guide AQLAQL Inspection
AQL 1.0 / 2.5 / 4.0 explained, sample-size plans and how a knitwear factory holds pass rate above 99%.
Read guide ModelsOEM / ODM / White Label
The difference between OEM, ODM and white label, which fits your brand stage, and how each changes MOQ and lead time.
Read guide VetVerify a Manufacturer
Five due-diligence steps, a red-flag checklist and which certificates to verify before you pay a deposit.
Read guide CompareHoodie vs Crewneck Sweatshirt
Construction and cost differences between a hoodie and a crewneck sweatshirt…
Read guide Lead TimeCustom Apparel Production Lead Time: What to Expect
Sample vs bulk timelines, days per order type, and the real factors that change your apparel manufacturing lead time.
Read guide Tech PackHow to Prepare a Garment Tech Pack That Factories Actually Use
What a usable tech pack contains, a practical checklist, and the mistakes that cause delay and rework.
Read guide Small BatchSmall Batch Clothing Manufacturing for Startup Brands
Real minimums, the honest pricing gap versus bulk, and low-risk steps to launch your first line.
Read guideFabric Selection Guide
Cotton, polyester, blends, french terry, fleece, jersey and rib — their traits and which silhouettes each suits best.
Read guide GSMFabric Weight (GSM) Explained
What GSM means, recommended weight ranges per product, and how weight changes hand-feel, drape, warmth and cost.
Read guide TrimsTrims & Accessories Guide
Zippers, rib, drawcords, tapes, buttons, lining, wash labels and hangtags — how to choose them and how they affect quality and cost.
Read guide ActivePrivate Label Activewear
How to source an activewear line from a knitwear factory — fabrics, moisture management and MOQ for a first run.
Read guide ExportKnitwear Export Guide
Incoterms, HS codes, customs documents and how to keep a shipment compliant for EU/US buyers.
Read guide EcoSustainable & OEKO-TEX
OEKO-TEX, GRS recycled claims, low-impact fabrics and how a compliant factory meets EU/US eco rules.
Read guide GRSRecycled & GRS Certified Fabrics: A Buyer's Guide
What recycled claims mean, how GRS certification is verified, and the cost and MOQ reality of eco fabrics.
Read guide YarnYarn Count & Knit Gauge Explained for Apparel Buyers
Yarn count vs knit gauge, how they drive GSM and hand-feel, and how to specify them without confusion.
Read guidePrinting Methods Compared
Screen print vs DTG vs heat transfer vs sublimation — look, cost per piece, MOQ and durability, and when to use which.
Read guide EmbroideryEmbroidery Guide
Flat, 3D puff and appliqué embroidery — cost, MOQ, stitch limits, fabric suitability and artwork prep.
Read guide ArtworkArtwork Preparation Guide
File requirements for print and embroidery — vector vs raster, resolution, color mode, minimum size and bleed.
Read guide PODPOD T-shirt Printing
Print-on-demand vs screen print, DTG vs DTF, and how 1-piece custom tees actually get made.
Read guide LabelsCustom Woven Labels & Hang Tags: The Branding Details
Label types, materials and finishes, how to brief them, and the MOQ and lead time reality.
Read guide