Ten Fashion Terms Every Brand Founder Should Know

Launching a fashion brand is a big deal. It’s exciting, creative, and full of opportunity--but there’s also a learning curve, especially when it comes to production. Whether you’re speaking with a factory for the first time or getting ready for your first run, knowing the right terms will help you communicate clearly and make smart decisions.

Here are ten terms that come up in almost every fashion production process.

1. Full Package Production (FPP)

Full Package Production is used when the factory manages the entire process of turning your concept into a finished garment. From sourcing materials and making patterns to sewing, embellishing and creating your labels, it's a true all-in-one production service.

If you're a first-time brand or don’t have your own sourcing, patterns, or technical files yet, this is your end-to-end solution. FPP takes your ideas and handles every step from concept through production. You don’t need to worry about finding fabric vendors, pattern makers, or printers separately. It's efficient, time-saving, and ideal when you want your energy focused on building your brand, not managing logistics.

2. Tech Pack

A tech pack is a document that explains exactly how your garment should be made. It includes technical sketches, specs, a bill of materials, and reference images for the factory to bring the garment to life.

Without a tech pack, your factory is guessing and this leads to delays and errors. A good tech pack includes important information such as zipper lengths, fabric types, and spec sheets for the entire size range. It helps you get accurate quotes, reduces back-and-forth, and creates accountability for your production team. If you want your product made correctly, this is where it starts.

3. Sew-by Reference

A sew-by reference is a physical garment used as a reference to guide the factory in construction details. It closely resembles your desired style and serves as a benchmark for how the product should be sewn and finished accurately.

Think of the sew-by as your visual aid. Even with a tech pack, factories benefit from seeing and touching something close to the final design. You can use an existing garment, a modified sample, or an earlier version of your product. It’s especially useful for showing seam finishes, fabric thickness, and fit—things that are hard to communicate with words or sketches alone.

4. Pattern

A pattern is a paper or digital template used to cut fabric for each part of a garment. It defines the shape, fit, and structure of the final piece. Even if you have a tech pack, a pattern is still required to produce the garment.

Patterns are made by experienced pattern makers and are the foundation of garment development. Each panel of the garment has a pattern shape that’s used for cutting fabric. Patterns must be made to match your base size specs and fabric type. Without a pattern, your idea can’t move into sampling.

5. Yield

Yield is the amount of material needed to make one garment. For example, a hoodie might have a yield of 2 yards of French Terry per unit. To calculate total production yardage, multiply the yield by the number of units: 2 yards per unit x 150 units = 300 yards.

Yield calculations are key for managing fabric orders and costs. A high-yield style (like outerwear) needs more fabric per unit, which increases your materials budget. Knowing your yield or an accurate yield estimate allows you to order the right amount of fabric and helps avoid both shortages and overbuying. Factories can help estimate yield once your sample or pattern is finalized.

6. Sublimation

Sublimation is a printing method where artwork is heat-transferred directly into the fabric, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting prints that won't crack or peel. It works best on polyester or polyester-coated fabrics, as the ink bonds with the synthetic fibers.

Sublimation is the go-to option for activewear, performance apparel, and bold graphics. It allows for full-color prints that don’t fade over time. Unlike screen printing, it doesn’t sit on top of the fabric, it becomes part of it. Note that sublimation won’t work on cotton or natural fabrics. If your design depends on long-lasting color and sharp detail, and your garment is made from synthetics, sublimation might be the right choice.

7. Cut, Make, Trim (CMT)

A production model where the factory cuts, sews, and finishes your garments using the materials you provide. You're responsible for sourcing all fabrics, trims, labels, and often the patterns or tech pack. It's a more hands-on approach, ideal for brands that want more control and involvement in the production process.

CMT is best suited for brands that already have relationships with fabric mills, trim vendors, or graphic artists and want to maintain that control. You’ll need to supply everything, including development files and physical materials. While this approach requires more effort, it allows for more customization and transparency, especially if you're working with specialty fabrics or unique prints.

8. Strike-off

A strike-off is a small swatch or print test created to show how a fabric color, print, or artwork will appear before applying it to the full garment. It helps confirm color accuracy and print quality before production begins.

A strike-off is one of the most important checkpoints in the print approval process. Whether you're doing a custom graphic tee or an all-over print, a strike-off allows you to see the final output before committing to printing on or dyeing a sample. You’ll want to examine color, clarity, scale, and placement. Approving a strike-off provides a physical point of reference for all parties, ensuring that you and the factory are on the same page.

9. Pre-production Sample (PPS)

A pre-production sample is made after the development phase is complete and just before bulk production begins. It's used to confirm fit, quality, colors, construction, embellishments, and design details.

The PPS is your last chance to catch anything before full production starts. At this stage, all components should be finalized: fabric, trims, graphics, labels, construction, and fit. Once the PPS is approved, your factory will produce the rest of the order to match it exactly. If something is off here, speak up since this is the sample that sets the standard.

10. Purchase Order (PO)

A purchase order is a formal order document that confirms quantities, pricing, timelines, and terms between the brand and the manufacturer.

The PO is what turns a conversation into a confirmed deal. It protects both sides by documenting what’s being produced, how much it costs, how long it will take, and when payments are due. A clear PO helps avoid confusion, ensures timely production, and serves as a legal reference if anything goes off track.

Frequently Asked Questions from Fashion Brands

How do I start a clothing brand with no experience?

Start by getting clear on your concept, audience, and brand voice. Then work with a manufacturer who offers Full Package Production—they’ll help with sourcing, tech packs, sampling, and production all under one roof.

What documents do I need to start production?

At a minimum, you'll need a tech pack and a pattern. If you don’t have them yet, work with a pattern maker or manufacturer that can help you develop them as part of the development process.

What’s the difference between FPP and CMT?

With Full Package Production, the factory manages everything—from sourcing materials to making the garments. With Cut, Make, Trim, you bring all the materials and the factory only handles the sewing. FPP is simpler and more supportive; CMT is ideal for those who want hands-on control.

How long does it take to produce a clothing line?

Most timelines fall between 10–14 weeks depending on complexity and sample revisions. Development usually takes 4–6 weeks, and bulk production another 6–8 weeks. Make sure to account for time for fitting, strike-offs, and pre-production approvals.

How do I find the right manufacturer for my brand?

Look for a team with experience supporting new brands, strong communication, and a clear process. It also helps if they offer both FPP and CMT models so you can grow into more control over time.

Want to Work With Us?

At House of Ari Jogiel, we bring Strategy, Design, Development, and Manufacturing together under one roof. Since 2017, we’ve partnered with over 350 brands, including The North Face, WNBA, and Hype & Vice.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with global operations, we’re built to support new and emerging brands through every step of the process, from concept to finished garment.

Ready to get started? Submit an inquiry form here.

Want to learn more? Grab a copy of the Start a Fashion Brand Manual, a step-by-step guide to building a successful fashion brand through five clear phases.