From Scratch

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Bchillin

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Hey guys, I'm in the process of building a streetwear company that is partly inspired by park rat ski/snowboarding style. Starting small due to being on a college student's budget, but the goal is to release a few sweatshirts in the fall and build from there. Think jiberish mixed with a bit of prep/lacrosse style, and a dash of hood.
I am drawing all of the patterns for the clothing myself, which gives me the freedom to modify patterns and add design elements. The design so far is for a taller, slimmer fitting zippered sweatshirt with a slightly larger hood, zippered side pockets instead of a kangaroo pocket, and once I can find the right fabrics, a soft, textured liner.
As part of my target demographic, what do you look for in a sweatshirt? What sets a good sweatshirt apart? (Other than totally sick designs, but I already have that covered). Fabrics? Fit? Design elements? (ribbing, pockets, hood, etc.)
This project is my baby and there's no way I'm going to half-ass any aspect of the process.
 
quality, durable materials (fabric, zippers, etc) good warmth and ribbed cuffs/waist. for tallnes i like it below the waist but not to the knees
 
Size wise I'm shooting for something that's reasonable for day to day wear. Medium through extra large, possibly 2xl but nothing more than that. Length is currently about down to the bottom of the front pockets on a pair of jeans. Too long would alienate a large portion of potential buyers, and too short just sucks.
My goal is to make the differences between sizes one of proportional size changes, so that larger will not mean just fatter, but longer and fatter in a ratio that keeps the fit of the garment the same (except bigger...).
 
ya definitly use different fabrics, but for the taller ones dont make them wide like jiberish, i cant stand it, just make them taller and not wider.
 
Tight ribbing for sure. You should most definitely make an Xl then an XLT that's just several inches longer and the same width, I like hoodies/crews to come down a bit above mid thigh and being 6'1 they're difficult to come by.
 
jca, you're a champ for mentioning bamboo. I looked into it just briefly, but from that little it looks to have the potential to be a killer lining fabric. Softer than cotton, doesn't hold odors? Hell yeah.
 
yeah man, bamboo is a kick ass fabric. plus it gives yo something to differentiate yourself from other companies in a pretty saturated market.
 
i know you are starting off small but try to hit multiple pricing points. i know material is going to be compromised on the lower end stuff but it is easier to build a customer base selling $40 sweatshirts that are still put together well, then hoping they like your product and start buying the higher end items.

 
I would say take a look at some Uni Threads apparel because I have heard really great things about their fit and material. Maybe get some ideas from them (don't plagarize) but maybe do Jiberish-esque designs with a Uni fit/price-range..
 
I should probably mention that's how the XL fits me, and I'm 6'5". I am currently having patterns sized, so I can't check the exact zipper length right now.
 
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