Guide to Full Package Production in UK Clothing Manufacturing

If you are a new clothing designer or retailer, you may be looking at options for getting your garments made and ready to sell. Full Production Package (FPP) is a potential solution that helps you get up and running with a comprehensive service.

This guide explains all you need to know about FPP clothing manufacturing. So you can decide whether it’s right for your clothing brand.

The clothing production process features many stages. However, if you are using different suppliers at each step, you’ll find yourself running around in circles and potentially losing the desired profit margins.

To bring all your production under one roof, FPP clothing manufacturing is a comprehensive one-stop-shop type solution. It is sometimes referred to as Fully Factored Manufacturing.

One supplier is responsible for all the significant stages of garment production – from purchasing the fabric to producing samples and patterns and the final product. This means you are getting one expert who shares your vision and understands precisely what you are looking to achieve. They also help with the design stage if you need it, or you can hand over the entire design and let them work their magic.

It may already sound like the most appealing way to proceed, especially if this is a new venture and you’re still finding your feet. You get the benefit of a manufacturer who is experienced in producing clothing. But more than this, specification sheets and tech packs are explained in more detail.

UK clothing manufacturers are used to working to deadlines. They also have solid contacts for sourcing the fabric so that you can take advantage of the best materials at the best prices.

Making one garment is not cost-effective if the bigger plan is to sell whole racks of your clothing. Your FPP team is ideally placed to mass-produce. They have all the industrial machines and skilled staff needed, so the cost per unit is lowered, meaning that you will spend less on production. Big fashion brands already utilise this, which is why many of them use FPP services to get their garments on shelves in large numbers.

From tech specs to trimming and everything in between, FPP manufacturers deal with each stage of production. So whether it’s finding the best fabric or creating size gradings, you can relax knowing it has been taken care of by experienced suppliers.

In clothing production, different types of manufacturing always present pros and cons to weigh up. Depending on your requirements, there are a couple of potential downsides to full package production.

Firstly, there are minimum order quantities to consider. Some UK clothing manufacturers have high MOQs. However, at DSA Manufacturing, our typical minimum order quality is 100 pieces per style/colour, which helps smaller brands, and start-up fashion labels get off the ground.

Secondly, what about changes during production? As the process is streamlined and functions within tight guidelines, it can be more challenging to make changes once everything is approved. However, working with an established FPP clothing manufacturer will ensure everything is taken care of before production starts.

To take a garment from the drawing stage to a tangible sample requires technical input. Your drawing will be transformed into a digital design that includes measurements, size grading, trims and finishing.

In FPP clothing manufacturing, in-house teams help manage this process for you. For example, our Clothing Design Services include a digital mock-up of your finished product, factory standard tech pack and graphic design for an additional fee.

Clothing manufacturers network with suppliers of textiles and have insider knowledge of what will work and what might not for your products.

It’s natural to have an idea and concept for your clothing brand. However, your FPP team can guide you to avoid costly mistakes. This expert knowledge and experience will give you a higher quality finished product. But it’s essential to be open-minded and business savvy to make the best decisions based on your designs.

The technical stages of development are typically the most challenging for new clothing brands. The detail and information required are vital for getting correct samples and, ultimately, the finished product produced.

The Spec Sheet must include all of the items below, which is why it is worth letting the professionals complete this before production starts.

• Supplier information
• Product codes
• Fabric sizes and materials needed
• Cutting sizes and trims
• Zippers, buttons and other accessories
• Placement information
• Costings

Purchasing power is another advantage UK FPP clothing manufacturers can offer. Factories have access to various fabric sources and networks to bring you the best selection for your brand. This also creates an opportunity to get better pricing. Other advantages include gaining access to new patterns and colours as they become available.

FPP factories also offer a wide range of add-on solutions for fashion brands alongside traditional clothing manufacturing services. At DSA Manufacturing, we help your business from start to finish.

Our clothing design services bring your concept to life if you have an initial idea but don’t know where to begin. From digital mock-ups of your garment to technical specifications and size grading, our team help at every stage.

Once your product is ready to sell, our Start Up Package is another top option for new fashion businesses. This package includes website creation, hosting, domain name and custom email addresses. Plus, you get 10% off your first clothing order with us.

If you’re looking to create your first clothing line and need assistance getting production started, we can help. Working with us gives you access to experienced designers and clothing manufacturers. Plus, you can monitor everything through your personalised dashboard.

Contact us to find out more about our full range of production solutions.