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DRM · July 8th, 2008

Having a hard time choosing which line to go with for my urban line. I know alstyle is well known and liked, but I have many telling me american apparel. Is the urban trend moving towards fitted rather than loose?

Rodney · July 8th, 2008

It depends on what you mean by "urban".

Urban "hip hop" or urban "upscale fashion"

What are some similar clothing lines that you might consider your competitors?

drummerstar · July 8th, 2008

alstyle has similar style shirts as american apparel. If you want the fitted look check out altstyle's 1701 or 5301 shirts. They have the high fashion look. Along with that they have the high fashion feel because they are ringspun. That means everytime they're washed they feel softer. They are also half the price of american apparel which in my opinion is overrated. Redirect

Another thing to consider is the fact that alstyle's shirts have a tear away label that comes standard in their shirts! that means you don't have to worry about taking out the original tags which is required if you want to put own custom tags. It saves alot of time and money! Hope this help!

DRM · July 8th, 2008

Main target is the hip hop urban market, but I'm finding many of my demographic are starting to change from the loose to fitted...but it seems split right now and can go either way.

Is it possible to go with either alstyle or AA and be accepted by both upscale urban and hip hop alike...or by choosing one brand...you essentially brand your self to one or the other. hmmm

I do agree that alstyle 1701 is the better brand for the money and can fit most body types, but at the same time...I really like the fitted look of AA and it seems like a safe bet for boutiques hiphop or upscale. Another thing is would I be able to set my price point higher because I use a "upscale" tee like AA? Would going with Alstyle make my brand less of a quality product?

Maybe I should do both?...Thanks for all your input!

EnvyApparel · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM


	I do agree that alstyle 1701 is the better brand for the money and can fit most body types at the same time...I really like the fitted look of AA. Another thing is would I be able to set my price point higher because I use a "upscale" tee like AA? Would going with Alstyle make my brand less of a quality product? Maybe I should do both?...Thanks for all your input!

If you are worried about quality order some blanks. I have compared the AA Summer Style Fitted Tee with the AlStyle 1701 and even though the AA shirt is a bit more thin (and see through) they feel the same and breath the same. I chose to go with Alstyle as the price is better for what I see as the same quality.

If you are worried about people looking down on AlStyle shirts, tear out the tags and relabel them.

DRM · July 8th, 2008

Great advice from everyone!..Do any of you going with Alstyle or AA ever have problems with delayed shipments, wrong sizes/qty given or defects when ordering?

EnvyApparel · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM


	Great advice from everyone!..Do any of you going with Alstyle or AA ever have problems with delayed shipments, wrong sizes/qty given or defects when ordering?

I have almost everything arrive next day because I am so close to Alstyle's location. So far no trouble, my rep Bonnie is by far the best customer service rep I have spoken to.

Rodney · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM


	Main target is the hip hop urban market, but I'm finding many of my demographic are starting to change from the loose to fitted...but it seems split right now and can go either way. Is it possible to go with either alstyle or AA and be accepted by both upscale urban and hip hop alike...or by choosing one brand...you essentially brand your self to one or the other. hmmm I do agree that alstyle 1701 is the better brand for the money and can fit most body types, but at the same time...I really like the fitted look of AA and it seems like a safe bet for boutiques hiphop or upscale. Another thing is would I be able to set my price point higher because I use a "upscale" tee like AA? Would going with Alstyle make my brand less of a quality product? Maybe I should do both?...Thanks for all your input!

For that market, I would go with the Alstyle 1701 over the AmericanApparel 2001.

Between the two, the biggest difference is the AA 2001 is lighter weight. I wouldn't say it's necessarily a better fit for boutiques because of that.

The 1701 isn't "super" boxy like a gildan, and I've read that it is used by a lot of surf/skatewear brands (just relabeled)

For that market, I'd also look into citylab, epacificsports, continental clothing, royal apparel. Get a few samples of different styles and brands to see which one you feel best represents your brand.

phillymatt · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney


	The 1701 isn't "super" boxy like a gildan, and I've read that it is used by a lot of surf/skatewear brands (just relabeled)

what do you mean "super" boxy like a gildan?

Rodney · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillymatt


	what do you mean "super" boxy like a gildan?

Well, in my opinion, if you're starting a fashion brand, you don't want to use a t-shirt like the gildan 2000 that is known more for "promotional" t-shirts than a "fashion" style fit.

It has a more boxy fit than an Alstyle 1701 in my opinion. It is also not ringspun cotton, which makes it less soft than the Alstyle 1701 or American Apparel tees.

My main point was that it wasn't in the same class as other t-shirts that may make the brand seem like it is lower quality. It was more in response to this part of DRM's question:

Quote:


	Would going with Alstyle make my brand less of a quality product?

phillymatt · July 8th, 2008

word. I was just curious what you meant by "super" boxy

DRM · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney


	For that market, I'd also look into citylab, epacificsports, continental clothing, royal apparel. Get a few samples of different styles and brands to see which one you feel best represents your brand.

Thanks for the tip Rodney! I didn't even considered those brands. Any of them ringspun off the top of your head? Was there a specific style/brand you personally recommend that could fair better than Alstyle and allow me to increase my price point? Marc Ecko probably comes to mind when I think about where I want to take my line...(who is probably cut and sew status) My designs and vision tell me cut and sew...my wallet tells me blank tee's...ha ha!

Now thinking of it, I don't know if Alstyle can hang with what I want...but everyone needs to start somewhere =)

drummerstar · July 8th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM


	Thanks for the tip Rodney! I didn't even considered those brands. Any of them ringspun off the top of your head? Was there a specific style/brand you personally recommend that could fair better than Alstyle and allow me to increase my price point? Marc Ecko probably comes to mind when I think about where I want to take my line...(who is probably cut and sew status) My designs and vision tell me cut and sew...my wallet tells me blank tee's...ha ha! Now thinking of it, I don't know if Alstyle can hang with what I want...but everyone needs to start somewhere =)

dude are you having a brain freeze or something

we've already told you alstyle is the better shirt to go with. i use alstyle and it's great. what more do you need? the customer doesn't know the difference in the brands so you could price your shirts the same. what's your problem

drummerstar · July 8th, 2008

further more, make sure your designs are on point becasue that's what ultimately sells the shirt. Again alstyle is the way to go. Most of the big brands are using the same shirts we use. they simply
re-tag/label them. it's pointless to waste money buying AA shirts when there are other choices out there with better prices and same/better quality. You should take the money saved and invest it in marketing or some other phase in your line....
THINK

DRM · July 8th, 2008

Thanks for your post earlier drummerstar regarding your views on the matter. In regards to your recent post, I was simply considering the other brands I was not aware of that Rodney was kind enough to let me in on (besides AA and Alstyle). Your comments earlier on Alstyle pretty much sold me on the brand, but I don't think it hurts to inquire about new ones discovered.

Other than that...all of your points on design, relabeling and what makes sense investment wise is greatly appreciated.

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Alstyle vs American apparel for Urban clothing line

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