Finding Your First Manufacturer in Italy or Lithuania

Last week, I was sitting in my studio in Munich, going through emails from small fashion workshops in Italy and Lithuania. One email in particular caught my eye, it was from a Lithuanian workshop that had actually responded to one of my cold outreach emails. It got me thinking about how many founders struggle with finding their first manufacturer for a premium fashion brand. The truth is, the process can be frustratingly slow and often feels like sending messages into a void. But there are strategies that work.

Let's start by understanding the two main options: Italy and Lithuania. Italy is renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship in small batch production, especially for luxury items like swimwear. A family-run workshop outside Rome has been making swimwear for well-known brands for generations. The quality is exceptional, with stitching that lasts and fabrics cut precisely to the grain. However, the cost can be prohibitive. A swimsuit might cost over a hundred euros just in labour alone.

On the other hand, Lithuania offers high-quality production at more accessible costs, particularly when it comes to linen clothing like shirts and dresses. Workshops around Kaunas and Vilnius are steeped in centuries of linen production, making them an excellent choice for natural fibres. The cost per piece is lower than Italy's, around forty to fifty euros, and the minimum order quantity is slightly higher.

But here's the tricky part: how do you actually find these manufacturers? It involves sending out a lot of emails and being prepared for very few responses. When I first started, it took me around sixty cold emails before one workshop responded positively. The key was not to give up but to refine my approach with each email.

The successful emails had three elements in common: 1. They were tailored specifically to the manufacturer and their products. 2. They were concise and straightforward, avoiding generic platitudes or unnecessary information. 3. They demonstrated that I understood the manufacturer's capabilities and why they would be a good fit for my brand.

For example, when reaching out to an Italian swimwear workshop, I focused on one of their signature styles and explained how it aligned with my brand's aesthetic and quality expectations. The email was clear about what I needed and why I thought they could deliver it based on their reputation. This direct approach worked better than the generic emails that often get ignored.

Similarly, when contacting a Lithuanian workshop for linen shirts, I highlighted specific features of their production process and how those matched my brand's values. The email was straightforward, explaining what I wanted to produce and why their expertise would be perfect for it. This clarity helped in getting a response.

In the end, finding your first manufacturer isn't just about sending emails but about understanding the market and demonstrating genuine interest in working with specific workshops. Tailoring each outreach, being clear about your needs, and showing that you've done your homework can make all the difference.

If you're looking to dive deeper into this process, understanding the nuances of production costs, lead times, and how to craft emails that actually get results, the Fashion workshop offers detailed guidance on these aspects. It's designed for founders who want to build a premium fashion brand from scratch and includes practical steps and insider tips to help you navigate the complex world of manufacturing. The Premium Brand Starter Kit turns those ideas into pages you can write in.