Email Inquiry
Home
|
What We Do
|
Design & Development

How We Develop Products

Product development is where a buyer’s concept starts becoming real. We follow a clear, step-by-step process that catches problems early, when they are easy to fix, rather than late, when they are expensive.

Understanding What the Buyer Needs

Before any sketching or pattern-making, our garment technicians sit down and properly understand the brief. This is not just a quick read-through of a document. We ask questions about how the garment will actually be used, what conditions it needs to perform in, who will be wearing it, whether it needs to meet any specific standards or certifications, and what it should look like

The better we understand the requirement upfront, the fewer problems show up later. A clear brief at the start saves a lot of back-and-forth during sampling.

Making the Pattern

Once we know what we are making, we build the patterns using Lectra — specialist software that is widely used across the apparel industry for technical garment work. Lectra lets us create precise patterns, grade them accurately across sizes, and make adjustments quickly when a fit issue comes up.

Doing this digitally rather than by hand means changes that used to take days can be done in hours, and the results are consistent every time.

The Sampling Process

Every product goes through a series of samples before bulk production begins. Each stage has a specific purpose:

Prototype

The first physical version of the product. It is not perfect and is not meant to be — it is there to check whether the core idea works and whether the construction approach is viable. We often use substitute materials at this stage to keep things moving quickly.

Salesman Sample (SMS)

Once the prototype is confirmed, we produce a salesman sample — a higher-quality version made from the correct or near-correct materials. This is what the buyer uses for sales presentations, trade shows, or marketing materials. It needs to look and feel like the real product.

Fit Sample and Size Set

The fit sample is about making sure the garment fits correctly on a real person — checking measurements, ease of movement, seam placement, and ergonomics. Once fit is approved, we produce a full size set, which means making the garment in every size and checking that the proportions grade properly from small to large.

Gold Seal Sample

This is the final approved sample, made exactly as the bulk production will be made. Every detail — measurements, materials, trims, stitching, labels, and finish — is checked and signed off. Once this is approved, production can begin.

Sample Tailoring and Material Matching

Our in-house sample tailors are experienced specifically in technical garments, not just standard apparel. They understand the performance demands of what they are building, and they work closely with our technicians to make sure each sample is made right.

At the same time, our sourcing team tracks down and evaluates the specific materials needed, often testing several options before settling on the one that performs best.

Fabric Technologies

Ultrasonic technology uses high-frequency vibrations — far beyond what the human ear can detect — to join or cut synthetic fabrics without using heat from an external source, glue, or thread.

Waterproof Fabrics

SDP

Unique condensation control system, Queen’s Award winner

Innovation

High-end waterproof/breathable performance fabric for mountains

Flylite

Superb wind resistance and excellent breathability

Rainlife

Hydrophilic properties ideal for waterproof clothing

Aquaflex

Lightweight 3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric

Prostretch

4-way stretch, waterproof, breathable, windproof

Softshell

AirXtream

Specially designed 3-layer material concept for ultimate flexibility

Travel Fabrics

Insect Shield

Long-lasting, effective insect protection technology

Stretch-tec

Superior stretch and comfort for travel use

ViralOff

Reduces viruses on fabric by 99% in 2 hours

Polygiene Stay Fresh

Improves garment hygiene and freshness

Heritage Fabrics

Ventile

Densely woven 100% cotton, world’s finest long staple fibre

British Millerain

Original manufacturer of waxed cotton for outerwear

Braxton

Highly durable cotton/nylon mix

Harris Tweed

Trademark quality, made entirely in the Hebrides

Base Layer Fabrics

Polartec

Diverse knitting techniques for unique surface structures

Merino

Well known for warmth and softness

ADS

Rapidly disperses moisture for fast evaporation

CADS

ADS with added anti-microbial technology

ESP

Improved performance, well-being, and recovery time

Thermal Insulation

PrimaLoft

Incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable with excellent water repellency