When it comes to custom clothing, one of the first questions people ask is: “Why does it take 8 to 14 weeks?”
It’s a fair question. After all, we’re living in a world where you can click a button and have something arrive at your door in a matter of days. But made to order is different. It’s slower, more intentional, and built on a process that values quality and ethics over speed.
Here’s a breakdown of what actually happens in our production unit during those weeks.
Weeks 1 to 3: Fabric and Dyeing
Unlike mass producers who pull from a warehouse of pre-made fabrics, we start from scratch. Your fabric is knitted and sourced specifically for your order. Then it is dyed to your chosen Pantone shade.
This stage includes lab dips (small dye tests) that we send for approval before moving into bulk dyeing. It’s a crucial step because it ensures your colour is exact and consistent. Getting this right at the start saves disappointment later.
Weeks 4 to 6: Sampling and Approvals
Before we move into full production, we create a sample tee for you. This is where you confirm details like fit, fabric weight, print placement, or embroidery sizing.
Mass production skips this stage because they are making the same thing in huge runs. But for us, every client order is unique. Sampling takes time, but it guarantees the final product meets your expectations.
Weeks 6 to 10: Production
This is when your tees come to life. Our team cuts the fabric, sews each piece, and adds your chosen customisations such as embroidery, neck labels, or swing tags.
Here is where the difference between made to order and mass production is most obvious.
In fast fashion factories: garments are pushed through quickly, thousands at a time.
In our production houses: runs are smaller, our team is paid fairly, and each piece is sewn carefully so the finishing is stronger and the garment lasts longer.
Weeks 10 to 12: Quality Control
Every single garment is checked by hand. We measure, inspect stitching, and ensure colours are consistent. If something isn’t right, it doesn’t leave the production house.
Mass producers often check only a small percentage of garments, which is why faulty pieces are common when buying fast fashion.
Weeks 12 to 14: Packing and Shipping
Finally, your order is packed and shipped. Sea freight is slower but more affordable and environmentally conscious. Air freight is faster but more costly.
Either way, the shipping method is the last piece of the puzzle in your 8 to 14 week timeline.
Why Not 4 to 6 Weeks Like Mass Producers?
You might hear of companies promising custom orders in 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s the difference:
• They are often using stock blanks that already exist in a warehouse.
• They print or embroider onto these blanks rather than knitting and dyeing fabric from scratch.
• Large factories can run 10,000 units at a time, which lowers cost and increases speed but usually sacrifices ethics and quality.
Our approach is slower because it values the process. It allows space for approvals, for thoughtful production, and for quality control. It means your order is truly yours, not a generic blank that has been relabelled.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
Clothing made to order isn’t just about the finished tee, it’s about the journey. From the first lab dip to the last quality check, your order is built carefully, ethically, and to last.
The 8 to 14 weeks isn’t a delay. It’s the time it takes to do things properly. And in a world where clothes are often rushed and disposable, that is what makes the difference.