Need to Register?

junkel · June 23rd, 2009

well here is the question, where can i buy designer blanks high quality ones and with an euro fit? i looked on the forums but most of the answers are from 2006 (07), or they describe American Apparel as high end cut.

i currently like the best alternative apparel, i know is very expensive blank , but i like the cut, and quality ,, im looking for something more of designer with something more than just the plain V neck , and destroyed finish ,, i want something like a diesel blank shirt would have ,, and small details (i know im asking for too much but, im sure there is some designer shop in LA that can do the job, or has a nice blank ).
an example would be the blank used for the V-neck "division E" brand, the cut is perfect and the details are very nice . can check it out here

http://www.metroparkusa.com/fashion/men/item/6358/Hollywood-V-neck-Tee/tees

thanks to the gurus in advance because this question is not for the nubies ...

Solmu · June 23rd, 2009

You're pretty much asking for too much in a blank. Obviously there would be a boutiquey little place somewhere that will do exactly what you want - but they'll do it custom (and at a premium).

For off the shelf... Alternative Apparel, Bare Apparel, etc. is about where it's at. Each of them has something they do better than the other companies, but I think for a company that gets every one of those little details lined up exactly as you want them, you're either going to need to be reasonably lucky (so you have the same tastes as one of those company's CEO for example) or go through a brokerage firm.

Just like any industry, the standard commonly available templates (in this case, blank t-shirts) need to appeal to a large enough audience to minimise the risk of upfront manufacture. That means there's always going to be something of the generic about them, even at the upper end of what is available.

The fact that people think of American Apparel as the top end product should prove to you that there isn't a sophisticated market of designers for a truly high end blank company to sell to.

junkel · June 23rd, 2009

yes you make sense, and i wasn't thinking to pay anything less than 10$ a blank ,, but you are right there will be only a hand full of people that want to do the same as i do (big company quality at smaller production). there is not too much money to be made there i guess .. it seems that i'll have to make them somehow..

thanks for you responce .

intercontex · June 23rd, 2009

I agree with Solmu/Lewis. It is logistically (and financially) impossible for a "blank company" to stock every color and every combination of treatments, washes, fits, etc. If you are starting out, you should consider working with what is available, but don't limit yourself to just that either...

I suggest you look into small dye houses and other facilities that could help you add additional customization to your shirts in small quantities (everything is negotiable these days). In the end, the cost of developing a custom collection is not that much more expensive. Don't blow your entire budget on it, but don't scale back so much either.

If you want to set a standard for your brand and differentiate yourself from others in the market you will need to produce amazing product.

junkel · June 23rd, 2009

Peru interesting is the same place where alternative apparel comes from (they have really good quality!). how small the orders will have to be , do you have an idea ? just to help me to know how far away i'm from production. thanks

numbercruncher · June 23rd, 2009

All that said... have you looked at Article1 apparel(article1.net)they're somewhere out on the coast.

intercontex · June 23rd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkel


	Peru interesting is the same place where alternative apparel comes from (they have really good quality!). how small the orders will have to be , do you have an idea ? just to help me to know how far away i'm from production. thanks

Peru is an amazing place to manufacture (especially if your focus is QUALITY). There are several advantages:

•  A reputation of exceptional service and craftsmanship
•  The ﬁnest quality in raw materials (Pima + Tanguis Cotton)
•  Shorter turnaround times than Asia (30 - 60 days)
•  Shared time zones with the United States (CST & EST)
•  8 hour direct ﬂight from Los Angeles and 4 hour direct ﬂight from Miami
•  The ability to accommodate smaller production runs for growing brands
•  A bilateral free trade agreement with the United States

You can run programs as small as 400 - 500 units per style. The full package production we do down there is phenomenal and suits brands seeking to sell at a premium level. The factories are impressive and have the capacity to produce incredible product. It is not a destination for price - you are technically paying for quality and service.

Los Angeles is another place where you can make good product at a comfortable price (not Peru quality but also good). We run plenty of full package programs for developing brands in LA as well.

Need to Register?

Resources

T-Shirt Sites

designer blanks