Alright, every time we are talking about the development you all know that I like to repeat myself, but one thing is clear and very (very) important: your development will dictate the results of your production. Paying attention to each step of the process and making sure you are not only investing money but investing it right are the main reasons why your production will be successful (or not…). One thing that is part of developing a clothing line and happens through the entire process, from the very beginning until the very end of your production, is fittings. You might think that fitting is easy, but let me tell you, they are an important part of the development, and not using the right fitting model can affect your entire production.
Let’s dig in a little deeper into the fitting and why you should work with fitting models. Yes, it is expensive and it will definitely add to your budget, but it is crucial. Now, let me give you a couple of reasons why you should hire a fit model.
1. Your size chart
After you are done with your customer research, you should have a size chart that is specific to your type of garments and fits your target market.
Once you have a size chart, you can start on your pattern making. That is when you will decide what will be the first pattern size and the exact measurements that your fitting model should be.
2. Work with professional model agencies
Looking for a model is not always that easy. If you do have model friends that fit in your size chart perfectly, then yes, use them! Otherwise, you will have to look for models, and, keeping in mind that you are building a new business, working with professional agencies that can provide you with the right model is crucial.
Yes, finding models through agencies is expensive. After all, the agencies will not only charge you for a model but also an agency fee and they usually charge per hour. But again, working with professional agencies that can provide you with the right model is crucial.
So making sure that you are working with a professional agency that can provide you with the right model under the right measurements will help you achieve the results you seek.
3. Consistency
Working with an agency is not the only important thing when it comes to hiring fit models.
During development, it is normal that you will need more than one fit. It is actually 100% guaranteed that you will need more than one fitting. First, you create prototypes, then you create actual samples, then you go through a size check run, then you will create photoshoot samples, and finally the actual photoshoot.
So, during these steps, using the same fitting model is important to make sure that the garment is fitting perfectly and all the alterations that needed to be done have been done correctly.
When you start your prototypes, it is most likely that you will need alterations on the measurements and fitting, and that is why using the same fitting model will help you to make sure you are achieving the fit you want and your size chart is being followed.
4. You have to think about your customers
Always, but ALWAYS, keep in mind that your customers are your best friends. They are the reason why you will generate sales and your brand will thrive. That is why looking for a model that fits your size chart and fits your target customers is the most important step when hiring a fit model.
All of these might seem like simple notes to look at when doing your fittings, but they are more important than they seem to be, and not paying attention to this can cause you a lot of trouble not only in production but in your sales as well. You have to keep in mind that the results of your production are what will generate your sales, so making sure you are doing this right and investing in the right models will also help you to guarantee profits to reinvest in your brand.
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