Custom Ethnic & Folk Apparel — Gabardine with Tonal Embroidery
We build ethnic & folk apparel programmes from a tech pack or a physical reference sample. This Gabardine version is developed for brands that need a repeatable specification: the same cloth, the same hand feel and the same fit on every reorder. Fabric, trims, tonal embroidery and packaging are all specifiable, so the garment stays consistent across seasons and across production runs.
Most buyers come to us after one of these problems: minimum order quantities far above what a growing brand can absorb, or minimum order quantities far above what a growing brand can absorb. Our response is to fix the specification first — fabric weight, shrinkage allowance, stitch density and tolerance — before a single bulk metre is cut.

Specification
| Product | Ethnic & Folk Apparel |
|---|---|
| Base fabric | Gabardine |
| Decoration / finish | Tonal Embroidery |
| Fabric weight | 220-260 gsm |
| Size range | XS-3XL |
| Colour options | 8 Pantone-matched shades |
| MOQ | 500 pieces per style per colour |
| Sampling | 12 working days, 3 days per revision |
| Bulk lead time | 18-45 days after approval |
| Compliance | WRAP |
What you can customise
- Tonal Embroidery — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- Snow Wash — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- Smocking — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- Custom Drawcord — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- Shirring — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- Applique Embroidery — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.
- DTG Digital Printing — available on Gabardine, quoted per position and per colour.

How we produce it
- Tech pack review and fabric confirmation
- Lab dips or print strike-off for approval
- Pattern making, grading and a Gabardine-spec prototype
- Fit sample and wearer test, then a pre-production sample
- Bulk cutting with tonal embroidery applied under controlled settings
- In-line inspection, final AQL 2.5 inspection and packing
Typical applications
- Aviation and Airlines — ethnic & folk apparel uniforms, staff wear or resale programmes
- Chemical and Oil & Gas — ethnic & folk apparel uniforms, staff wear or resale programmes
- Promotional Marketing — ethnic & folk apparel uniforms, staff wear or resale programmes
- Healthcare and Hospitals — ethnic & folk apparel uniforms, staff wear or resale programmes
- Dance and Ballet Schools — ethnic & folk apparel uniforms, staff wear or resale programmes

Quality control
Every bulk order is checked against the approved sample for shade, hand feel, measurements and workmanship. We record shrinkage, colour fastness and seam strength on the first bulk lot and hold the data as the reference for reorders, so ethnic & folk apparel batches stay comparable over time. Inspection photos and the measurement report are sent before the balance payment is due.
FAQ
What is the minimum order quantity?
Standard programmes start at 500 pieces per style and colour. We can split sizes across a size set, and for first orders we often accept a mixed-colour run to help you test the market.
How is shipping handled?
We quote EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP. Consolidated sea freight is the default for bulk programmes, with air or express options when a launch date is at risk.
What file formats do you need for artwork?
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) give the best print and embroidery results. For raster artwork please supply at least 300 dpi at the final print size. We digitise embroidery files in-house and return a sew-out photo for approval.
How long does sampling take?
A first prototype is typically ready in 12 working days after the tech pack is confirmed, including fabric sourcing if the base cloth is not in our stock library. Revisions add about 3 days each.
Start your ethnic & folk apparel programme
Tell us the quantity, target price and delivery window, and we will build a customisation programme around those three numbers.







