Kerri BridgmanThere’s no shortage of “experts” online, especially in fashion - remember last months “European Luxury Brands are Made in China” trend?
When you’re in the early stages of building a fashion brand, it can feel like everyone has the solution…if you’re just willing to pay for it.
I’ve been on both sides. I’ve sat in corporate meetings with sourcing directors who manage million-dollar pipelines. I’ve also worked with a designer trying to find a manufacturer who won’t ghost her after she sent feedback comments on her second round samples.
Here’s the truth no one tells you upfront:
📌Most of what’s online is surface-level.
📌Some of it is helpful.
📌Some of it is hollow.
📌All of it requires discernment.
So how do you know who to trust?
1. Start with the Story, Not Just the Service
Look beyond the pretty website. Or in my experience the lack of website.
Who’s behind the agency or platform? Do they have lived experience in fashion production, or just a well-branded offer?
Real producers will often talk about setbacks, pivots, communication issues they’ve resolved.
If someone never shares the messy middle, be cautious.
My personal preference is to skip the agency and find the supplier myself, it could be that I’ve been burned one too many times but I’d rather speak directly to the supplier.
2. Ask Who They’ve Worked With (and How It Went)
You’re not just hiring a service—you’re entering a relationship.
Some clients will have manufacturer’s sign NDA’s or agreements that will not allow them to share specific insights and projects. If they are unable to please respect that — for your future projects it means they will also respect your wishes if you do not want your product shared.
In the case they cannot give you specific clients ask to see their samples and some finished work.
3. Notice How They Communicate (Before You Pay)
Do they explain their process clearly? Do they ask questions about your product, or only pitch their package?
Manufacturing is collaborative.
The good ones are curious, cautious, and clear. The not-so-good ones… pushy, vague, or defensive.
4. Understand What They Actually Do
A red flag: when someone claims to “do it all.” Even some of the oldest and largest fashion houses in the world do not “do it all” in-house.
Sample making, sourcing, custom dye-matching, pattern drafting, brand identity, Shopify build-out, fulfillment, marketing campaign shoots—sure, it’s possible, but rare. If they outsource, ask who’s doing what.
The more clarity you get upfront, the fewer breakdowns you’ll have later.
5. Stay Grounded in Your Vision
It’s easy to outsource decision-making when you’re overwhelmed. But it’s your line, your values, and your production standards matter most.
If something feels off, rushed, or out of alignment—it probably is.
Here’s what I always remind new founders:
Finding trusted partners in fashion isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about asking the right questions and listening closely to what people say in between the sales pitch. If you’re in this stage and feeling the weight of decision fatigue, you’re not alone.
It’s okay to move slowly.
It’s okay to ask again.
And it’s always okay to say no.
