Finding a clothing manufacturer is a big step. It can shape your product, your brand’s future, and your bottom line. But rushing into it without asking the right questions? That can lead to missed deadlines, bad quality, and money down the drain.
Many new brands get excited when they find a promising manufacturing partner. But production isn’t just about cutting, sewing, and shipping. It’s about trust, timing, and clear expectations.
In this guide, you will get 13 key questions to ask a clothing manufacturer before you commit. These questions will help you avoid mistakes, protect your designs, and make smarter business decisions. Whether you are just starting or ready to scale up your business, asking the right questions now can save you a lot of trouble later. So, let’s get into it!
Before you commit to anything, ask these questions to make sure you are choosing the right clothing manufacturer partner for your brand:
This is one of the first things or basic questions to ask a clothing designer. MOQ stands for “minimum order quantity,” and it tells you the smallest number of items they are willing to make per order. Some manufacturers might agree to 50 pieces. Others may not work with anyone who orders less than 500.
Why is this so important? Because it directly affects your budget and how much inventory you are expected to handle. If you are a new brand and you don’t know how much you can sell, a high MOQ can leave you stuck with tons of unsold products and no money to launch your next item.
You also need to ask how the MOQ is counted. Is it 100 total pieces, or 100 per color, size, or style? A small detail like that can change your numbers fast. This question helps you figure out whether the manufacturer is a good fit for where you are right now. It saves you time and helps you avoid biting off more than you can chew.
Production lead time is the time it takes to finish your order, from the moment you approve everything to when it’s ready to ship. This is a question you can’t afford to skip.
Some clothing manufacturers take four weeks. Others might need eight or more, depending on the size of the order, how busy they are, and what kind of product you are making.
If fabric needs to be sourced or dyed, that adds more time. If sampling is involved, that’s a separate step too. Why does this matter? Because timing affects everything – your launch dates, how you restock, how you market, and how you manage customer expectations.
If your manufacturer takes longer than expected, you could miss an entire sales season. Be direct. Ask them what their average lead time is for your type of product. Also, ask what happens during busy times, like holidays or peak seasons. Knowing the timeline helps you plan better and avoid stress later.
Sampling is your safety net. It is how you test the quality before putting real money into a full order. That’s why you need to ask early that do they offer samples, and how much does it cost?
Some apparel manufacturers charge a flat rate per sample. Others might ask for more, especially if the design is complex. A few might offer free samples if you agree to move forward.
Also, ask how long the sample will take and how many rounds of changes are allowed. If a sample needs fixing, will they charge you again? Sampling may seem like a small step, but it protects you from costly mistakes. It’s the first sign of whether the manufacturer listens, pays attention to detail, and can bring your vision to life.
This is simple, but one of the most important questions to ask a manufacturer. You need to see proof of what they have made before. Ask for samples, photos, or even client references if they are open to it. Looking at past work shows you the quality of their stitching, finishing, and overall production.
You’ll see whether they are used to working with styles like yours or something else. Pay attention to the little things. Are the seams clean? Are the sizes consistent? Does the final product look like something you’d be proud to sell?
Also, make sure the samples are theirs, not something pulled from the internet or made by another manufacturer. A real manufacturer won’t hesitate to show you what they have produced. If they avoid the question or get unclear, take that as a red flag.
Not all manufacturers make all types of clothing. Some focus on basics like t-shirts and hoodies. Others may be great with denim, jackets, or activewear. And some only work with woven fabrics or knits. That’s why this question matters.
If you are designing something detailed or technical, like leggings with mesh panels or a structured coat, you want someone who’s done it before. A manufacturer that knows your product type will understand the small details, like stretch, fit, or finishing. You should also ask what materials they work with often.
If you want organic cotton or bamboo blends, make sure they can get it and know how to handle it. Some fabrics behave differently during cutting and sewing, and experience goes a long way. Choosing the right fit here saves time, money, and a lot of frustration later.
Money talks, and you need to know the rules upfront. Ask how and when they expect to be paid. Most manufacturers will ask for a deposit before production. This is usually around 30% to 50%. The rest is due when the order is finished, often before shipping. Some might offer more flexible terms once you have worked together for a while.
Among other serious questions to ask a manufacturing company is what payment methods they accept. Wire transfer, PayPal, or credit card. Each one has pros and cons. For example, wire transfers are common for international clients, but they are harder to reverse if something goes wrong.
Don’t forget to ask what happens if there is a delay or a problem with the order. Can you get a refund or credit? Will they fix the issue before asking for the final payments? Get everything in writing. It protects both sides and helps you avoid surprises.
CMT stands for Cut, Make, Trim. That means you bring the fabric, patterns, and all materials. They just stitch it together. Full-package manufacturing is different. It includes everything, from sourcing fabric and trims to pattern-making, sampling, labeling, and packing.
If you are new or don’t want to deal with sourcing and logistics, a full package might be a better option. This question helps you understand how much of the process they will handle and how much you will need to take care of on your own.
Also, ask if they help with tech packs, grading (sizing), and hang tags. Every extra task you don’t have to handle can save you time and reduce stress. Their answer will tell you how hands-on (or hands-off) your role will be during production.
Quality control isn’t just about spotting mistakes, it is about preventing them. You need to know how the clothing manufacturer checks the work before your order ships. Ask if they have a system in place. Do they inspect each piece or just a few from each batch? Do they check stitching, sizing, fabric flaws, and finishing?
Also, ask who handles the inspection; someone on their team or an outside quality expert? The answer tells you how seriously they take their work. A strong quality process helps you avoid damaged goods, bad fits, and unhappy customers. You should also ask if you will receive photos or reports before they ship the order.
If they don’t have a clear answer or can’t explain how they handle quality, that’s a problem. You don’t want to fix mistakes after the fact. You want to stop them before they leave the factory.
Mistakes happen, even with the best manufacturers. What matters most is how they respond when something goes wrong. You need to ask what the clothing manufacturing process is if your products come back with defects, wrong colors, or incorrect sizes.
Will they fix the issue? Offer replacements? Give you a discount on the next order? Do they offer partial refunds? Get their policy in writing. You don’t want to be stuck eating the cost for a problem you didn’t cause.
It is also helpful to ask who you should contact if there is an issue, and how quickly they typically respond. The best manufacturers will admit that mistakes can happen and will have a clear, fair way to make it right.
Visiting a factory, either in person or virtually, can tell you more than any brochure ever could. It shows how they run their operation, treat their workers, and keep things organized.
If you are working with a local apparel manufacturer, ask if you can tour the facility. For overseas factories, ask if they can send photos or do a video walkthrough. A factory that’s proud of its space and team will usually be happy to show it off.
Before your visit, it helps to prepare a few questions to ask when visiting a manufacturing company. These might include how they manage quality control, what safety measures are in place, and how they organize workflow.
Pay attention to what you see: Is the space clean? Are the workers using proper tools and safety measures? Are the finished products stacked neatly and handled with care? This isn’t about being nosy. It’s about trust. A factory that’s open and transparent from day one is a much safer bet for your brand.
This question helps you understand how the manufacturer operates, not just what they make. Ask if they follow any industry standards or hold certifications. These might include things like WRAP (for ethical labor practices), GOTS (for organic textiles), OEKO-TEX (for chemical safety), or ISO (for overall quality management).
If you care about sustainability, fair wages, or eco-friendly production, this part matters. Even if they don’t have official certifications, ask what steps they take to ensure safe, ethical, and responsible production. Do they monitor working conditions? Do they follow local labor laws?
Customers today care about how things are made. If you want to build a brand people trust, working with responsible manufacturers gives you a stronger story and peace of mind.
Once production starts, you will need regular updates. If something changes, if fabric runs out, or if shipping gets delayed, you want to know fast. Ask how they usually stay in touch. Do they email you weekly? Do they use WhatsApp or another messaging app? Do you speak with one main person or a team?
Clear communication is a big part of a successful partnership. It helps avoid confusion, delays, and costly mistakes. You don’t want to feel like you are chasing updates every few days.
Also, ask what happens if you need to make a last-minute change. Can they adapt? Will they confirm with you before moving forward? This isn’t just about staying in the loop, it’s about making sure you feel supported from start to finish.
If you don’t want to buy fabric yourself, the manufacturer needs to help. So ask: Can they source materials? What types? What’s available locally or overseas? A manufacturer with strong sourcing partners can find quality fabrics faster, and often at better prices.
This saves you the hassle of hunting down fabric suppliers, dealing with shipping delays, or ordering the wrong material. Also, be clear about what you need. Organic cotton? Heavy fleece? Recycled nylon? Ask if they have worked with it before.
Some fabrics require special handling or equipment, and experience matters. Sourcing is more than buying fabric, it’s about knowing what works best for your product, budget, and production timeline.
Finding the right clothing manufacturer isn’t just about price or speed. It’s about trust, clear communication, and making sure they understand your vision. The questions you ask up front can save you from major headaches later on. Whether you are a beginner in the field or ready to scale, these 13 questions to ask a clothing manufacturer will help you figure out who’s the right fit for your brand, and who’s not.
Take your time. Do your homework. And never be afraid to walk away if something feels off. Looking for a reliable manufacturing partner? Reach out to My Global Threads – we will answer every one of these questions with honesty and experience. Let’s bring your designs to life, the right way.
Not always, but it helps a lot. A tech pack is like a blueprint for your product. It includes measurements, materials, and design details. Some manufacturers can help you create one if you are just starting, but showing up with one makes things faster and easier.
That’s okay. Many manufacturers are open to smaller test orders, especially if they see long-term potential. Be honest about your plans. Just make sure their MOQ fits your current stage.
If you are new, it’s better to start with one solid partner. That way, you can focus on building trust and learning the process. Later, as you grow, working with more than one can help manage volume or different product types.
From your first conversation to a finished order, expect anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. That includes sampling, approvals, production, and shipping. It can be faster or slower depending on how ready you are and how busy the manufacturer is.
It’s not recommended. Once production begins, changes can cause delays, extra costs, or even wasted materials. That’s why sampling and clear communication are so important upfront.
Pay attention to how they answer your questions. Do they give clear, direct answers or dodge the details? Do they share timelines and pricing in writing? A good manufacturer won’t rush you, pressure you, or avoid your concerns.
Have questions or need assistance with custom apparel manufacturing? Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly. Whether it’s about custom orders, product details, or general inquiries, we’re here to provide expert guidance and solutions for your B2B apparel needs.
Professional assistance for inquiries, orders, and project customization.
A curated selection of premium materials, including sustainable and performance-grade fabrics.
Expertise in sublimation, embroidery, and DTF printing for superior results.
Create apparel that reflects your unique vision with our custom design services.
AI-crafted designs tailored to your brand.
My Global Threads specializes in custom apparel and printing, offering high-quality fabrics and personalized designs for businesses, with a commitment to sustainability and great customer service.
©myglobalthreads 2025 All rights reserved (Powered by Genxintegratedsystems)