Starting a fashion brand is exciting – but it’s also filled with challenges that can cost time, money, and momentum if not handled correctly. Many first-time founders enter the industry with passion and creativity, but without the right tools, processes, and partners, their journey becomes overwhelming.
At The ODD Factory, we’ve worked with countless new designers and startups worldwide, helping them turn ideas into collections while avoiding costly pitfalls. Below are the top 5 mistakes fashion startups make – and how we help you avoid them.
1. Skipping the Tech Pack
One of the most common mistakes is skipping the tech pack in the garment industry. A tech pack PDF acts as your blueprint, detailing everything from measurements and trims to fabric choices. Without it, manufacturers are left guessing, which leads to delays, sampling errors, and wasted investment.
Solution: We provide a professional apparel tech pack template as part of our One-on-One Guidance Program so you can start right, even if you’re new to technical documentation.
2. Ignoring Costing & Pricing
Passion often overshadows the business side of fashion. Without a fashion cost sheet template, many startups underprice or miscalculate their margins. This mistake can leave you with no profits – or overpriced products that won’t sell.
Solution: We guide you in creating accurate costing sheets and understanding global supply chains, ensuring your pricing is competitive yet profitable.
3. Choosing the Wrong Manufacturer
Finding the right manufacturer is critical. Startups often rush to work with the cheapest or fastest option, leading to quality issues and poor communication. Whether you’re seeking clothing manufacturers in Germany, small order clothing manufacturers in Dubai, or a wholesale clothing supplier in Kuwait, knowing who to trust is half the battle.
Solution: With our network of luxury custom clothing manufacturers in India and global production partners, we help you identify reliable options that fit your scale and quality requirements.
4. Overlooking Fabric & Supply Sourcing
A collection is only as good as its raw materials. Many startups struggle to find ethical and sustainable suppliers, wasting months searching for sustainable fabric suppliers in Dubai or Germany clothing importers. Without guidance, sourcing becomes overwhelming.
Solution: We connect you with trusted mills, wholesale clothing suppliers in Dubai, and other vetted partners to source fabrics and trims that align with your vision and values.
5. Not Having Expert Guidance
Perhaps the biggest mistake? Trying to do everything alone. Fashion startups that lack mentorship often face repeated setbacks, from design execution to navigating global trade.
Solution: Our One-on-One Guidance Program gives you access to industry experts who help with every stage – whether you need a fashion design starter kit, custom sourcing support, or production advice.
Final Thoughts
Launching a fashion startup is no easy feat – but with the right tools, templates, and guidance, you can save yourself from the most common (and costly) mistakes.
If you’re serious about turning your fashion dream into a successful brand, explore our One-on-One Guidance Program – tailored mentorship to help you design, source, and produce with confidence.
