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Behind the Seams: The Best Intimates and Swimwear Design Blog Posts

Hey there, lovely readers! 🌟We're hitting the pause button on our weekly blog posts, but only for a brief intermission—stay tuned because we’ll be back in a hot minute. 


AIM away message that says BRB

But fear not, dear friends! This isn't a goodbye; it's more of a "BRB" as we shift our creative energies towards some thrilling projects that we can't wait to share with you.



We won’t be hanging you out to dry. We have plenty in the vault to keep those peepers busy since we’ve consistently churned out blogs for the past two years. Our treasure trove of blogs is brimming with gems, ready to keep your curiosity piqued and your knowledge expanding. Here are some fan favorites that you simply can't miss to keep you busy while we’re on a break:




Diagram drawing of the front and back of a swimsuit with callouts of how it's constructed.

Ready to splash into the world of swimwear design? Dive in with us as we unravel the secrets of swimsuit structure! From the durable allure of nylon to the shaping magic of power mesh, we're breaking down the essentials. Learn about components like tricot, neoprene, and rubber, and get familiar with terms like "cookie pocket" and "clean-finished." Whether you're dreaming of designing your own bikini or just want to deepen your fashion savvy, we've got you covered!




Hands with rings that are touching and feeling fabric swatches.

"Where should I source materials?" It's the burning question on every designer and fashion entrepreneur’s mind, and we're here to provide the answers! After fielding countless queries from our clients, we've distilled our expertise into a comprehensive guide covering everything from counter-sourcing to mastering Google searches, navigating textile shows, and leveraging platforms like CommonObjective and FourSource. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, these insider secrets will revolutionize your sourcing strategy and pave the way for unparalleled success. Buckle up, buttercup, because your next sourcing adventure starts now!


If you need help deciding what fabrics to source, start from the very beginning and check out part 1 of this series, which discusses how to prep to ensure you’re sourcing the right materials for your fashion brand and products. 



Illustration of tech pack pages for a one-piece swimsuit

What the heck is a “tech pack?" you ask. Yes, it might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's actually the blueprint for your garments. And guess what? Many of our clients admit they're scratching their heads over where to start with tech packs. That's exactly why we wrote this blog – to save you from the headache and get you ahead of the game. 🚀


This blog post is your golden ticket to understanding those pesky terms that keep popping up. You'll find out why a Bill of Materials is more than just a shopping list for your garment and learn that points of measure (POM) aren't points on a map. We'll decode the mysteries of grade rules and grading and explain why fit comments could become your love language with your factory.


If you’re looking for more in-depth knowledge on tech packs or want to learn how to create your very own factory-ready tech packs, sign up for our Tech Pack Toolkit Course or grab your copy of the Tech Pack Toolkit E-Book



A young 30 year old latina woman holding a credit card wearing a light pink suit

Navigating the high seas of fashion manufacturing and vendor payments can feel like being asked to dance the tango when you've only just mastered the two-step. Fear not, fashion pioneers! This blog post is here to turn those awkward shuffles into confident strides across the dance floor of business negotiations.


Have you ever found yourself in a vendor meeting, nodding along as if you understand the jargon, hoping your puzzled look is passing off as contemplative? You're not alone! But it's time to ditch the newbie label and arm yourself with the know-how that'll have you talking shop like a seasoned pro.


From the moment you utter Incoterm with the ease of a global trader to the point where FOB and DDP roll off your tongue (hint: it's not the latest diet trend), you'll feel the power shift. Understanding these terms is not just about avoiding those "deer in the headlights" moments; it's about gaining leverage, planning future orders like a chess master, and comparing vendors with the sharp eye of a hawk.


Dive into our blog for a rundown of the essential payment terminology every budding fashion mogul needs to know. Learn why Landed Duty Paid might just be your new best friend and how a Proforma Invoice is more than just a fancy to-do list. It's about making informed decisions, accurately forecasting, and saving those blushes in meetings.


And remember, if the thought of getting a cost quote or placing that first PO is making you sweat, we've got your back with our Costing Quote Template and Factory Purchase Order Template. Let's make those fashion dreams a reality, one informed decision at a time. 💫



Young women sewing swimsuits inside a bright and airy factory

Choosing the right factory is like navigating a minefield—it's scary, it's crucial, and one wrong step could spell disaster for your budding fashion brand. But fret not! Our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to select the right factory. 


Dive into the post to uncover the secrets of vetting factories based on capabilities, lead times, ethical practices, and sustainability initiatives. 


Still hungry for knowledge? Feast your eyes on our comprehensive e-book, Finding Your Factory, where we delve even deeper into these topics and offer invaluable insights from industry experts.


So, fashion mavens, are you ready to take the leap and find the right factory to bring your dream fashion brand to life? 



a mood board with pictures of various animal print swimsuits worn by young women

Ever wonder how a fashion collection is born? In this fan-favorite blog post, we describe our team's exact process for designing a swimwear or intimates collection for our clients. 


The process is much more organized and structured than most might expect for creatives, but there is a method to the madness. 


Our team breaks down the 9-12 month process into 4 phases: design, develop, adopt, and check. These four phases include everything from research to sketching, tech packs to sampling, sourcing to lab dips, and quality control to product delivery. 


It’s a well-structured and involved process to ensure our clients' products are top-notch, from the initial idea to the final product. Visit the blog to learn more about the nitty-gritty details. 



Illustration of lace and trim lab dips

Hey there, color enthusiast! Have you found yourself lost in a sea of swatches, wondering what on earth a lab dip really is? Well, buckle up because we're about to spill the dye – I mean, tea!


In this sneak peek, we'll unravel the mysteries of lab dips and color standards, giving you a taste of the rainbow-hued adventure ahead. Discover why maintaining your lab dip library is crucial, and get ready to meet the heavyweights of the color standard game.


But wait, there's more! We'll uncover why lab dips are the secret sauce to building a cohesive collection and delighting your customers with mix-and-match magic. So, if you're ready to dive into a world where every shade tells a story and consistency is king, stay tuned for the full reveal.


Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this colorful journey!


An illustation of an orange and pink underwire bra with callouts of how to construct it

We’ve saved the best for last. This highly acclaimed and most-read blog post will help you discover the intricacies of bra design.


This post is tailored for fashion enthusiasts, budding entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about lingerie; our comprehensive guide breaks down the essential components of a well-designed bra. 


Learn about band sizing, strap platforms, facing elastic, and more, and understand how these components contribute to a bra's overall fit and comfort. With detailed explanations and helpful illustrations, this blog post offers valuable insights into the art of lingerie design.


So, whether you're planning to launch your own intimates brand or simply want to expand your knowledge of bra construction, dive into Bra Structure Explained and unlock the secrets of bra design today. Happy reading! 📚



A clo3d rendering of a pink lace and mesh dot lingerie panty

Curious about these exciting things we mentioned above? We’ve been hosting a FREE monthly workshop, Intimate Conversations in Clo3D. The workshop is intended to teach 3d patterning and design techniques explicitly geared to the swimwear and intimates industry. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a budding enthusiast, our workshops are the perfect space to fuel your passion, refine your skills, connect with like-minded creatives, and embrace 3D technology to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of fashion.


Also, the BIGGEST NEWS…



Image of a laptop with a community for intimate conversations in clo3d on the screen

Learning a new skill is always better when you're surrounded by a supportive community, right?


Our Clo3D workshops were designed not just to teach you 3D design and patternmaking for body-contoured garments, but also to build COMMUNITY! 👭


Exciting news! 🥳 We've launched the Intimate Conversations in Clo3D Community to complement our workshops.


Join us in the community, where we offer both free and paid tiers:



💻 Monthly Workshop Replays

👙 Basic Block Patterns

💬 Interactive Group Chats

🎯 Skills Challenges


For our paid tier, BEYOND Intimate Conversations in Clo3D, you'll get even more exclusive perks:


💻 Monthly Workshop Replays

👙 Basic Block Patterns

💬 Interactive Group Chats

🎯 Skills Challenges

🗓️ Weekly Design Dialogues

✨ Detailing Sessions

🔄 Mix-It-Up Magic

🔒 Exclusive Pattern Reveals

📹 Three Extra Videos a Month


We're thrilled to welcome you to our community! Join us now via the links in the comments below. 👇👇👇 Let's grow, create, and connect together!


And that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoy these blog posts while we take a little break. Join us in the Intimate Conversations in Clo3D Community and we hope to see you at our next monthly workshop.


Want more curated tips, tricks, and advice for starting your fashion brand?! Sign up below for our newsletter. 👇👇👇



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