The journey from idea to market…

There’s more to making apparel than meets the eye. It’s complex and it takes time. We’ve spent years developing our process and we’ve outlined it here for you.

 
Design

Design

No matter how simple, every product needs good design. Research, experience, construction knowledge, aesthetics and innovation come together with a good idea for a great product.

 
Sample making

Prototyping

Products come to life with pattern and sample making. 3D virtual prototyping lets you see your product before ever cutting in to materials. Perfect your fit on the right fit model for your line.

 
Preproduction

Pre-production

Factories need a neat package for cut & sew to go smoothly. Grading patterns into sizes, adding specs and BOM to tech packs, and well thought out tags and packaging complete the picture. Wholesale materials make sure your product stays affordable.

 
Production

Production

All your hard work finally pays off. Materials are delivered to a cut & sew factory to be made into product. Goods are produced according to patterns and specs and you’re ready to fill orders for your waiting customers.

 The Portland Apparel Lab specializes in the first 3 phases: Design, Prototyping and Pre-Production. We can get your brand Production-Ready and then make a referral to a factory. Our services provide you with a neat package that any qualified cut & sew factory will be able to manufacture.

This is not an easy business

You have a great idea, but factories won’t want to talk to you yet. You have a million and one decisions to make before they can make your product. We’ve spent 5 years developing our idea to market process so that you can do it right the first time.

Do you have what it takes?

We start by asking the hard questions because we want you to be successful. What makes your business compelling, innovative or sustainable? Are you serving an underserved market, or solving an unsolved problem? Is your team passionate about what you’re doing?

We’re not for everyone, but we might be for you

Our process is unique. We meet our entrepreneurs where they are and let them be as involved in the process as they want to be. They can pick and choose the parts they’re capable of doing themselves, and we fill in the rest. It’s in our DNA to mentor and teach along the way, and we’ll always give you straight answers and honest opinions.

Our process

Step 1

Square One Class

There is a baseline of information every new apparel business needs to know before they start. We offer an overview of the process every other month in our Square One Class. Prepare to be challenged, learn the lay of the land, and start speaking the language of apparel.

This class is required for any new entrepreneur working with the Lab.
Available to anyone for $79. Limit 20 participants per class.

Step 2

Design Review

The next step is a two-hour Design Review with our team. Present every detail of your business and your line and get personalized advice on how to proceed. Bring business plans, mood boards, line plan, and inspiration garments. Homework from the Square One class is required to book a Design Review.

Offered once per quarter.
Available upon completion of the Square One Class and accompanying homework for $250. Limit 10 businesses per quarter.

Step 3

Development

We can accept 2 to 4 new clients each quarter, once Design Reviews are complete. If your line and your business fits our criteria and we believe you have the potential be successful, we will offer you an estimate of services for Phase 1 of your project, and a proposed development calendar. Deliverables can include tech packs, patterns, samples and more.

Upon acceptance of an estimate, a 50% deposit is required to begin work. Limit 2-4 businesses per quarter.

Are you a design professional with an established apparel or sewn-goods business?
Go here to request a la carte services.