1. The 4 Key Stages of Garment Production
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling | 2–4 weeks | Develop sample, revise fit, finalize fabric |
| Material Sourcing | 1–3 weeks | Order fabric, trims, labels |
| Bulk Production | 4–8 weeks | Cutting, sewing, printing, finishing |
| Shipping | 1–3 weeks | Packing, customs, freight to destination |
At HEM APPAREL, most orders take 8–12 weeks total from confirmed sample to delivery.
2. Timeline by Product Type
| Product | Typical Timeline (after sample approved) |
|---|---|
| T-shirts (stock fabric) | 3–4 weeks |
| Custom-dyed hoodies | 6–8 weeks |
| Complex cut & sew jackets | 8–10+ weeks |
Add extra time if using custom dyed fabric or specialty trims.
3. How to Speed Things Up
✅ Use stock fabric → Skip dyeing time
✅ Confirm tech pack early → Avoid sample revisions
✅ Provide clear size breakdown → Speeds cutting & planning
✅ Limit number of styles → More focused production flow
4. When to Start Planning?
Work backward from your launch date. For example:
-
Want to launch in September?
→ Begin sampling by May or June
| Launch Month | Start Sampling |
|---|---|
| March | November (last year) |
| June | February–March |
| September | May–June |
| Holiday drop | July–August |
Many brands lose momentum by underestimating sampling + production time.
5. Delays to Watch Out For
-
Long holidays (e.g., Tết in Vietnam, Chinese New Year)
-
Fabric MOQ or out-of-stock issues
-
Slow approvals from buyer
-
Shipping congestion or customs hold-ups
🔚 Conclusion
A strong production timeline is your brand’s backbone. Plan early, build in buffer time, and work closely with your manufacturer to stay on track — and on time.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
