Case Study: Custom Kids Aviator Hat for an Independent Fashion Designer in Portugal

Kids Aviator Hat for an Independent Fashion Designer in Portugal

An Independent Fashion Designer approached us with a kids aviator hat requirement for Portugal. 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
• Suppliers who disappear once the deposit is paid

What we specified

How it was resolved

1. We rebuilt the tech pack around Brushed Fleece and locked shrinkage allowance before grading.
2. Decoration was moved to Pantone Color Matching after strike-off tests showed better wash durability.
3. A pre-production sample was approved and retained as the golden reference.
4. Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
5. Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and size ratio specification.

Result

• 500 pieces delivered inside the 6-week window.
• Unit cost held within 2.0% of the original quotation.
• Return rate linked to fit or workmanship stayed under 2.0%.
• 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?

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.