Case Study: Custom Cycling Short for an Independent Boutique Brand in Italy
Source:Cycling Short /
Time:2026-09-18
Cycling Short for an Independent Boutique Brand in Italy
An Independent Boutique Brand approached us with a cycling short requirement for Italy. The brief was specific: a defined look, a hard launch date and a unit cost that had to survive shipping and duty. This case study records what was specified, what went wrong in sampling and how the bulk order was delivered.
The challenge
- No reliable way to track a order once it enters production
- Inconsistent sizing between production runs
- Color drift between lab dips and bulk fabric
What we specified
| Product | Cycling Short |
|---|---|
| Client type | An Independent Boutique Brand |
| Market | Italy |
| Order volume | 3,000 pieces across 3 colourways |
| Base fabric | Polyester |
| Decoration | Chain Stitch Embroidery |
| Size range | S-4XL |
| Sampling rounds | 2 |
| Delivery window | 5 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around Polyester and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Chain Stitch Embroidery after strike-off tests showed better wash durability.
- A pre-production sample was approved and retained as the golden reference.
- Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
- Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and size ratio specification.
Result
- 3,000 pieces delivered inside the 5-week window.
- Unit cost held within 3.0% of the original quotation.
- Return rate linked to fit or workmanship stayed under 0.5%.
- The specification is now on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Fix the size ratio early. Changing the ratio after cutting starts is the single most expensive change a client can request.
Planning something similar?
Book a 20-minute call with our merchandising team and get a written quotation within 48 hours.
