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Best of Blogs 2023: Top Picks for Fashion Entrepreneurs, Designers, and Swim & Lingerie Enthusiasts

Hey there, fellow busy bees! We know how hectic life can get these days. Finding time to relax and read seems like a far-fetched dream. And with the endless information overload, it takes time to decipher what's actually worth your precious attention. But fret not, because we've got you covered and uncovered. I mean, we do work in lingerie and swimwear, after all! ;) 


Woman sitting at her desk with her laptop open reading blogs

Introducing our hand-picked collection of the hottest and best blogs from 2023. Whether you're a hustling entrepreneur, a talented fashion freelancer, a budding design student, or simply obsessed with lingerie and swimwear, we've got something special just for you. Get ready to dive into our amazing list and discover the content you've missed out on. Let's do this!



A process map showing the life cycle of steps it takes to design and produce a swimsuit

Ever wondered about the time, cost, and effort it takes to build a brand? Look no further! Our fan-favorite four-part series tackles these hard-hitting questions. 


The real standout of the series? How long it takes to build a fashion brand. This post gives you an overview and provides clear visuals, including a color-coded process map and product development calendar. It's all about understanding the product lifecycle. We even break down each step and provide timelines based on industry standards. Say goodbye to wondering when you'll get those first samples!


There's a reason why this post was our most viewed of the year. It's a game-changer. If you have the time, we strongly recommend reading all four parts—consider these essential reads for anyone starting a new fashion biz.





A red haired woman standing in the middle of two models wearing orange and purple swim shorts and bikini tops

Get ready to be inspired by our Lemons into Lemonade interview with the fabulous Clare Barrins! We love chatting with entrepreneurs about how they turned their business dreams into reality. Clare's story is one for the books. As one of our swimwear clients, she collaborated with us to design and launch her Aussie luxury active swimwear brand, Sheila. 


Sheila is all about versatile staples that will easily take you from the beach to brunch. With a focus on comfort and style, Clare has created swim shorts and one-pieces that are absolutely to die for! We're obsessed with the boldness and confidence she's infused into her brand. Clare has already seen amazing success, but we know she's destined for even greater heights.


So, don't waste another second! Dive into our blog, get inspired by Sheila, and let this brand take your beach game to new heights.





An illustration of steel boning, bone channeling, and plastic boning for an underwire bra.

Dive into the world of lingerie! Our blog post on the ins and outs of lingerie creation is a total fan favorite. We even had a similar post on bras that was a major hit!


Teddies, garters, bras, panties, and babydolls may seem simple at first glance. But did you know that there are actually over 15 different materials that go into creating them? It's mind-blowing! 


In our article, we not only break down each material, but we also provide easy-to-understand illustrations for all you visual learners out there. This article is a must-read, especially since it's not a topic that's commonly written about. We believe it's important and that's why it's been so successful. 


Whether you're a designer, a master of the sewing machine, or just someone who appreciates the art of lingerie, we highly recommend giving this post a read. And stay tuned, because this spring we'll be revealing the secrets behind swimwear too!





A lineup of professional dress forms inside a studio at Alvanon

Discovering the perfect size range for your fashion brand can be a puzzling challenge. But fear not, because we've created a comprehensive blog that will guide you through the process. 


In this blog, we will delve into various research methods to understand your customers' body types and sizing preferences. We'll also explore industry standard sizing methods, strategies for tapping into the underserved plus-size market, finding a manufacturer that can handle your range, and educating your customers about sizing. 


This blog has got it all! Size truly does matter when it comes to your brand. So before you make any decisions, make sure to check out this enlightening blog post. 


And that's not all! We also have an amazing guest blog by Natalie Smith that reveals how to create a size chart once you've finalized your size offering. Make sure to give it a read too.





Bra and panty sets on mannequins being displayed at a lingerie trade show

Calling all fashionistas, entrepreneurs, and design enthusiasts! It's trade show season, and we've got you covered. Whether you're on the hunt for the most exquisite lace for your lingerie line, eager to connect with like-minded manufacturers and brands, or simply craving some knowledge from expert seminars, we've compiled the ultimate lineup of must-attend trade shows for the year. 


So grab your calendar and get ready to jet-set, because it's time to plan your trade show escapades for the year ahead. Don't miss out on the hottest events in the industry!






A sketch of a custom leopard print designed for a swimsuit

Calling all print enthusiasts! Get ready for my all-time favorite blog series from this past year. I've got a keen eye for prints and patterns, and let me tell you, they can make or break a collection, especially in swimwear. That's why our team offers a special service for all you print lovers out there. 


But here's the thing, the topic of textile print development doesn't get enough attention. So, I've decided to spill all my secrets on how to bring your fashion brand to life with a custom textile print. Buckle up, because this five-part series covers everything from finding inspiration to getting your final print prepped for production. Ready to dive in? Find all the parts below:





And there you have it – the crème de la crème of 2023's blogs. We hope this roundup has sparked your curiosity and left you hungry for more. Stay tuned for what 2024 has in store – trust us, it's going to be epic!



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