Building a clothing brand? This guide walks you through the entire private label sourcing process — from finding the right manufacturer in Tirupur to creating tech packs, approving samples, negotiating pricing, and managing quality control on your first bulk order.
Private label t-shirt brands are one of the fastest-growing segments in e-commerce. Sourcing from India gives you access to high-quality manufacturing at competitive prices. Here is the complete guide to sourcing private label t-shirts from India.
Private label manufacturing means having a manufacturer produce garments under your brand name. You own the brand, the designs, and the customer relationships. The manufacturer produces to your specifications. This is different from wholesale (buying existing products) or white label (buying unbranded products).
A tech pack is a detailed specification document that tells the manufacturer exactly what you want. It includes: technical drawings (front, back, side views), measurements (for each size), fabric specifications (type, GSM, colour), construction details (seam type, stitch density), trim specifications (labels, buttons, zippers), and print/embroidery artwork. A professional tech pack reduces sampling iterations and ensures accurate pricing.
Look for manufacturers with: relevant certifications (OEKO-TEX for EU/US markets, GOTS for organic), experience with your product type, production capacity that matches your order size, and good communication and responsiveness. Esplandea Incorporation specialises in private label manufacturing for brands in USA, UK, Europe, and Australia.
The sampling process typically involves 2–3 rounds: proto sample (first sample, may use substitute fabric), fit sample (correct fabric, check measurements), and pre-production sample (final approval before bulk). Budget 3–4 weeks and $100–300 for sampling.
FOB pricing from Tirupur for private label t-shirts: 180 GSM round neck: $2.50–3.50 (500 pcs), $2.20–2.80 (1,000 pcs), $1.90–2.50 (5,000+ pcs). Payment terms: 30% advance, 70% against bill of lading for new buyers. Lead time: 30–45 days from sample approval.
For your first order, consider hiring a third-party inspection company (SGS, Bureau Veritas) to conduct a pre-shipment inspection. This costs $250–400 per inspection and gives you independent verification of quality before you pay the balance.
Private label sourcing from India is a proven path to building a successful clothing brand. Esplandea Incorporation has helped hundreds of brands launch their private label collections. Contact us to discuss your brand requirements.