Small-Batch lingerie production studio

Independent labels, growing online brands and designers who want production made in Canada with smaller minimums than overseas factories.

A price per garment on production orders, plus fees for sampling, grading and pattern work. Steady repeat clients keep the machines busy between launches.

• Production sewing and quality control
• Pattern and sizing basics
• Managing and training sewers
• Quoting, scheduling and keeping to deadlines

• Check zoning and licensing for light manufacturing with your municipality
• Check commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB registration once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Check employment standards, including wages and overtime, in your province
• Check Canadian textile labelling rules and agree with each brand who handles labels
• Orders can be uneven and a lease is a fixed cost, so avoid depending on a single client

Estimated startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit you rent, the machines you buy and how many sewers you hire. A lease is a fixed cost, so plan carefully before committing.

Check zoning and licensing for light manufacturing with your municipality, plus commercial general liability and property insurance. Once you hire, check WCB/WSIB registration and employment standards in your province, and Canadian textile labelling rules, agreeing with each brand who handles labels.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on order volume and your clients. Orders can be uneven, so avoid depending on a single client. Expect to put in at least about 30 hours a week.