So, you've got a vision for your own fashion brand – one that's all about quality, sustainability, and style. But where do you start? Well, you're in luck because we're here to guide you through the process, starting with the foundation: premium blanks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through sourcing strategies, branding considerations, and tips for creating a premium customer experience that'll set your brand apart from the rest.

Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity

Before diving into sourcing blanks, take some time to define your brand identity. What sets you apart? What values do you want your brand to embody? Consider factors like your target audience, aesthetic preferences, and overarching mission. This clarity will inform your decisions moving forward and help you stand out in a crowded market.

Step 2: Research and Source Premium Blanks

Now, let's talk blanks. When sourcing garments for your brand, prioritise quality and sustainability. Look for suppliers that offer premium blanks made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp or recycled polyester. Consider factors such as fabric weight, fit, and finishing details to ensure your blanks align with your brand's aesthetic and values. These days to stand out you need to focus on high quality eco friendly fabrics that wash and wear well.

Step 3: Customise with Care

Once you've selected your blanks, it's time to add your personal touch. Whether it's screen printing, embroidery, or other customisation techniques, make sure your branding is consistent and reflects the essence of your brand. Pay attention to details like logo placement, colour choices, and printing methods to create a cohesive and professional look. For this step we highly recommend using a graphic designer or someone that works with adobe designer or illustrator as having high quality designs in the correct file format will help save time and money in the long run. 

Ask your decorator what files they will need and do you need to provide a mockup of your design or can they help with that. Its a great idea to buy a single blank to test the fit and trial your designs on it by simply printing your design and pining in position.

 

Step 4: Focus on Branding and Packaging

Branding extends beyond just your products – it's about creating a memorable and cohesive experience for your customers. Develop a strong brand identity through consistent messaging, visuals, and storytelling across all touchpoints, from your website and social media to packaging and promotional materials. Invest in high-quality packaging that reflects the premium nature of your brand and enhances the unboxing experience for your customers.

Step 5: Create a Seamless Customer Experience

Last but not least, prioritise customer experience at every stage of the purchasing journey. Provide clear and concise product information, seamless ordering and payment processes, and responsive customer support. Consider offering value-added services such as personalised recommendations, size guides, and easy returns to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

To ensure your designs are on point, here are some essential programs and terms to familiarise yourself with:

• Design Software: Invest in industry-standard design software like Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop for creating and editing graphics and artwork. If you don't want to invest or dont have the time to learn these  programs, a great option for learners in Canva.
• Pantone Matching System (PMS): Pantone colours are a standardised colour matching system used across various industries, including fashion, to ensure consistent colour reproduction. Familiarise yourself with Pantone colour codes to accurately communicate colour specifications.
• GSM (Grams per Square Meter): GSM refers to the weight of the fabric and is commonly used to indicate fabric thickness and quality. Higher GSM values typically indicate heavier and denser fabrics, while lower GSM values indicate lighter and more breathable fabrics.
• Vector vs. Raster Graphics: Understand the difference between vector and raster graphics. Vector graphics, created in programs like Adobe Illustrator, are based on mathematical equations and can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Raster graphics, created in programs like Adobe Photoshop, are made up of pixels and can lose quality when scaled up.
• Mockup Tools: Utilise mockup tools like Adobe Dimension or Placeit to create realistic product mockups showcasing your designs on blank garments. This allows you to visualise how your designs will look in real-life scenarios before production. You can also create your own mock ups on Canva.

Hope this blog helps to create your own brand.

Janelle

FOUNDER + CEO