So, you have a brand. You’re ready to create some cool clothes. You’ve got the best ideas, the coolest designs, and in your head, it’s all perfect.
Except… you have no idea how to pick the right manufacturer. And you know it matters. Because if you choose the wrong one, those ideas and dreams? They can fall apart fast.
Yeah, it can be pretty hard.
But you still have to make the right choice. Because your brand deserves the right attention and care. And, slapping your logo on a shirt and calling it a day won’t work.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for so you can pick a partner you actually feel good about working with.
Quality matters
You don’t want shirts that fade after the first wash or prints that crack in a week.
Ask for samples. Feel the fabric. Look at their past work or reviews. Is the fabric soft but durable? Do the colors look sharp? Are the prints clean?
If you’re putting your brand on it, it should reflect the quality you stand for.
Communication counts
Ever email a vendor and wonder if they moved to Mars? Yeah, not ideal.
You need a partner who actually answers you on time without leaving you frustrated. Because in business, delays in communication can be harmful.
Flexibility helps
Your brand isn’t cookie-cutter, so why should your apparel partner be?
Maybe you need 30 tees for a pop-up next weekend. Maybe it’s 300 hoodies for a big campaign. A good partner will work with your needs, not push you into what’s easiest for them.
Deadlines matter
You don’t want to wait forever, but rushed work won’t cut it either.
Ask about their turnaround times. Can they handle tight deadlines if needed? Do they give honest timelines?
A partner you can trust with your deadlines makes planning easier.
They care about your brand
You want a partner who asks about your goals and helps you pick blanks and finishes that match your brand, not just someone who takes an order and moves on.
A good partner will help you figure out what designs will look best on fabric so your brand shows up the way you want it to.
Do they get what’s important to you?
If you care about using better materials, find a partner who offers softer shirts or recycled fabric.
If your brand has a clean look, see if they can add tags or packaging that match your vibe.
Little details like these help your merch feel like you, not just any other tee.
Why it matters
Custom apparel isn’t just another thing to check off your list. It’s something people will wear, share, and connect with. It’s how your brand lives out in the real world.
The right apparel partner makes it easier to bring your campaign to life, so you can focus on your brand while your merch is handled with care.
Looking for a partner who gets it?
At Just Labs, we don’t just slap your logo on a tee and call it a day.
We help you:
- Doesn’t make costly mistakes
- Pick blanks that feel good and last
- Choose print methods that match your design
- Keep timelines clear so you’re never left guessing
Your brand deserves to look good wherever it goes, and we’re here to help. We make uniforms that your team will actually want to wear, stuff that feels good, looks sharp, and makes them feel confident while repping your brand. And when it comes to custom apparel, we make sure your customers actually love every single piece.
Because we believe your brand deserves to shine exactly the way you picture it (bold, memorable, and 100% you).