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What is different about making bags: materials, hardware, structure and sampling.
Bags are made differently from clothing. There is no size grading, but there is a lot more attention on materials, hardware, structure and finishing, and often on custom parts with their own tooling and minimums. This guide covers what to plan when you manufacture handbags and other bags. For the general process, see how to start a clothing line.
Decide the type of bag, its size and capacity, how it is carried and the price level. Draw the design with dimensions, because a small change in proportion changes how a bag looks and holds its shape.
Bags use leather, synthetic leather, coated or woven textiles and many other materials, each with its own feel, durability, care and cost. Choose linings and interlining or stiffener to give the bag the structure you want. Request swatches, and ask about colorfastness and wear. Rules about certain materials and chemicals vary by market, so confirm what applies to you with qualified professionals.
Zippers, clasps, buckles, rings, rivets and feet affect both look and function. Custom hardware often requires tooling or a mold, with its own cost, minimum and lead time, so decide early whether to use stock hardware or custom pieces. Specify the finish, size and strength of each part.
Include the dimensions (height, width, depth, strap length and drop), pattern pieces, materials, lining, hardware, stitch type and density, edge finishing, reinforcement, pockets and packaging. Pictures and diagrams matter even more for bags than for clothing. Use the Tech Pack Builder and the tech pack guide.
Expect several samples to get proportions, structure and hardware right, and more time if you have custom parts. Compare each sample with your spec, check strength at the straps and corners, and test zippers and clasps many times. Track rounds with the Sample Tracking Log.
Choose a factory that makes bags in your materials and price level. Ask about their material and hardware sources, minimums, sampling cost and time, and quality checks.
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Inspect stitching, edges, alignment, hardware function and finishing. Costs include materials, hardware, labor, packaging such as dust bags and boxes, and any tooling.
Use the Garment Cost Sheet, quality inspection guide and the Inspection Report.
Usually not in the clothing sense. A style often comes in one size, or a few separate sizes designed individually, so the work goes into proportions, materials and hardware.
Custom hardware is made to your design, such as a logo clasp or buckle. It usually needs tooling and has its own minimum order and lead time.
It depends on the complexity and how complete your tech pack is. Plan for several rounds, and more if you have custom parts or new materials.
Dimensions, strap details, materials and lining, hardware, stitching and edge finishing, reinforcement, pockets and packaging, with diagrams and photos.
Browse the Apparel Search directory of bag and handbag factories, and ask for samples, references and details of their materials and hardware sources.