What kind of operation you are running.
WHAT FORMS EXIST
Bespoke tailoring: made to individual measurement
Ready-to-wear production: made to standard sizes
Alterations and repairs Uniform and corporate supply Fabric retail Fashion retail, selling what others make Design without production, using contract manufacturers
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
They have entirely different economics.
WHAT BESPOKE DEPENDS ON
Skilled labour, and each piece is made once.
WHAT READY-TO-WEAR DEPENDS ON
Volume, repeatable production and predicting demand.
WHY THE SECOND IS RISKIER
You make before anyone has bought.
WHAT UNIFORM SUPPLY PROVIDES
Volume with the order in hand.
WHY IT SUITS SMALL PRODUCERS
The demand is known before production begins.
WHAT ALL SHARE
Fabric as the dominant material cost Skilled labour that is hard to replace Fit as the main cause of dissatisfaction Deadlines that matter enormously
WHY DEADLINES MATTER SO MUCH HERE
Clothing is made for events, and late delivery makes it worthless.
WHAT MOST OPERATIONS DO NOT KNOW
The true cost of producing a garment.
WHY
Labour and fabric waste are not measured.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
Cost per garment, including labour time.
