Case Study: Custom Old Fashioned Swimming Cap for an Independent Boutique Brand in the United States
Old Fashioned Swimming Cap for an Independent Boutique Brand in the United States
An Independent Boutique Brand approached us with a old fashioned swimming cap requirement for the United States. 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
- Inconsistent sizing between production runs
- Color drift between lab dips and bulk fabric
- Minimum order quantities far above what a growing brand can absorb

What we specified
| Product | Old Fashioned Swimming Cap |
|---|---|
| Client type | An Independent Boutique Brand |
| Market | the United States |
| Order volume | 800 pieces across 3 colourways |
| Base fabric | Neoprene |
| Decoration | Yarn Dyeing |
| Size range | 2-12Y |
| Sampling rounds | 4 |
| Delivery window | 5 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
How it was resolved
- We rebuilt the tech pack around Neoprene and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
- Decoration was moved to Yarn Dyeing 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
- 800 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
Approve a pre-production sample from the actual bulk fabric. Proto cloth behaves differently in cutting and washing.

Planning something similar?
Send us your tech pack or even a rough sketch — we will come back with fabric options, a costed sample plan and a realistic production calendar.



