Custom cloth making is a big business. According to projections by Business Research Insights, the global custom-made clothes market size might hit USD 161848.9 million in 2032. That would represent a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2021 when the industry was valued at USD 51890 million.
So, if you’ve always desired to set up a custom made clothing brand, now is the time to take the plunge.
Selecting the right fabric is one way to drive the demand for custom made clothing. The good news is that there are numerous materials to pick from. However, it’s best to understand the perks and drawbacks of each option before adding it to your production line.
How to get custom made clothing
This article will share some insights on choosing the perfect fabric for your custom made clothing brand.
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Understanding the Different Fabric Types and Their Distinct Features
As mentioned, there’s a plethora of fabrics for custom made clothing at your disposal. The idea is to acquaint yourself with each option before adding it to your business.
Below are the most popular fabric materials used by custom clothing businesses;
1. Cotton
Cotton is the most popular fabric choice for many custom made clothing companies. The material is super soft and breathable, making it suitable for diverse climates. It can help your customers to brave extreme weather, from summer’s searing heat to winter’s icy chill.
Cotton fabrics are available in different weaves, each having its defining features. They include twill, poplin, and Oxford.
Twill is diagonally layered and slightly heavy, making it especially ideal for winter weather. Poplin is lighter and smoother while Oxford provides a more casual and relaxed feel.
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2. Wool
Wool is best known for its insulating properties. It’s an excellent fabric for cold and wet weather outfits.
Wool is also reasonably durable. The material doesn’t soil easily even if exposed to oils and grease, making it a suitable choice for outdoor garments.
Moreover, wool is naturally flame retardant. No wonder it’s the material of choice for firefighting gear.
3. Silk
If you’re into luxury custom made clothing, silk should be your number one fabric. The material is outstanding for its lustrous appearance and comfortable feel.
Silk is lightweight too. The fabric’s remarkable draping qualities designates it as the official material for formal outfits.
However, silk is notorious for its wrinkly appearance.
4. Linen
Linen is reasonably lightweight and incredibly moisture-wicking. Like wool, this fabric perfectly suits clothing intended for hot and humid weather. Linen also sports a relaxed look and is recommended for casual and summer attire.
Must Read: What is linen fabric Material?
5. Polyester
Setting up a custom made clothing business requires a significant capital investment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fabric, polyester might be your best bet.
Polyester is one of the most affordable yet durable fabrics. It’s wrinkle-free, hence easy to wash and care for.
However, polyester is less breathable and may cause skin irritation during hot weather.
6. Composites
Composite fibers are a blend of two or more fabrics. The individual materials in a composite depends on the desired properties. For instance, a cotton-polyester blend brings together cotton’s softness and polyester’s wrinkle-free appearance.
Insist on composites if you’re yet to define your clients’ needs.
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Narrowing Down Your Choice
1. Outfit Purpose
If you’re designing all-rounder custom clothing, you may choose between cotton and composites.
Cotton delivers on diverse weather while composites let you blend the properties of their distinct fabrics.
For sportswear, polyester would serve you best. The fabric is durable and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for wearing during intense workouts.
2. Print Technology
There are several fabric printing technologies to explore. The most popular one remains direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which involves using special inkjet printers to render prints on fabrics.
DTG works exceptionally well with cotton. However, it’s a universal printing technology that may suit many different fabrics.
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Other common printing methods include dye sublimation and digital printing.
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3. Care and Maintenance
Fabric’s ease of maintenance depends on its washability.
Wrinkle-prone fabrics like linen shouldn’t be washed frequently. Therefore, such materials are suitable for luxury as opposed to casual, everyday clothing.
Whichever fabric you prefer, clearly outline its maintenance instructions in your clothing’s packaging. Highlight any special care required, such as gentle washing, machine washability, or dry cleaning.
It’s an ingenious way to prolong the durability of your clients’ outfits while also endearing the customers closer to your brand.
4. Hypoallergenic Properties
Most natural fabrics feel soft and comfortable on the skin. It’s the synthetics you should be wary of.
If your custom made clothing business primarily relies on synthetic fabrics, ensure the materials are free from chemicals that may irritate the skin.
5. Eco-Friendliness
The past few years have witnessed a significant increase in eco-awareness among consumers. It’s the reason behind the surge in organic and biodegradable products.
Considering that textiles constitute 7.7% of municipal solid waste in landfills, it’s best to prioritize materials that pose minimal threat to the environment. Many fabric makers experiment with eco-sustainable options like bamboo.
Bamboo fabrics contain the most features as cotton.
However, bamboo is the fastest-growing plant. Your clothing business may never run out of naturally sourced, biodegradable raw materials.
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Wrap Up
Choosing the right fabric for your custom made clothing business should be less about personal style and more about your client’s preferences. Strive to understand your target clientele to figure out the clothing fabrics that appeal most to them.
It’s also best to be mindful of the planet while picking the ideal fabric material for your custom cloth company.