Quality. Everyone wants it. But ask 10 brands what “quality” means - and you’ll get 10 different answers. Is it heavy fabric? Is it clean stitching? Is it custom neck tags and packaging?

Here’s the truth: Not all details are created equal. And for startup streetwear brands, knowing where to spend - and where not to - can make or break your first year. Let’s break it down.

1. Spend on: the fabric (feel is the first impression)

The feel of your garment is the first thing people notice. Softness. Weight. Drape. Breathability. This is where quality begins - and where most purchasing decisions are made. 

One LA-based brand told us: “Once we switched to a heavier, tighter-knit blank, returns dropped and repeat customers went up.”

What to look for:

  • Fabric weight (e.g. 260–300gsm for tees = substantial feel)

  • Compact-knit or combed cotton for smoother handfeel

  • Consistent dyeing across batches

  • Responsibly sourced material (organic, OEKO-TEX, etc.)

At HEM Apparel, we offer premium blanks with side seams, compact-knit, pigment dye options, and tear-away labels - so brands get the best of both feel & functionality, without starting from scratch.

2. Spend on: The fit (because fit = identity)

In streetwear, fit is everything.

  • Slightly boxy?

  • Dropped shoulder?

  • Cropped body?

  • Oversized sleeve?

Your fit becomes part of your brand signature - even more than your logo. Think about Essentials, Supreme, or Aime Leon Dore. You recognize their clothes before you see the label.

How to get it right:

  • Sample 3-5 base blanks before choosing

  • Size test with multiple body types

  • Don’t guess - measure!

Pro tip: Choose a supplier that offers consistency in fit across reorders.

3. Don’t overspend on: custom neck tags (until you scale)

Everyone wants their logo on a woven label. But unless your production is over 500+ pieces, custom neck tags are usually not worth the extra time and cost.

Focus on a high-quality tear-away label or printed heat transfer at early stages. Most customers care more about how the garment feels than the inside tag.

4. Spend on: stitch quality & finishing

Ever bought a “premium” hoodie that unraveled after 3 washes? Clean, durable stitching separates fast fashion from real product.

What matters:

  • Neck taping (prevents stretch-out)

  • Twin-needle hems

  • Flatlock or overlock seams where needed

  • Clean inside construction (no loose threads)

You won’t see this in campaign photos. But your reviews will see it clearly.

HEM Apparel’s blanks are factory-finished with international QC protocols, minimizing customer return rates and ensuring consistency across batches.

5. Don’t overspend on: fancy packaging (yet)

Yes, great packaging feels good. But unless your product experience is solid, a pretty box won’t save a weak tee. Instead of magnetic boxes or die-cut sleeves:

  • Use recyclable polybags with branded stickers

  • Include a thank-you note

  • Focus on delivery speed and garment quality

Many successful brands grow with minimal packaging - and let the product do the talking.

6. Spend on: visual presentation

Photos sell. If your product feels great but your photos are dark, cluttered, or unclear - you’re losing trust before they even touch it.

Where to invest:

  • Clean flat lays or ghost mannequin shots

  • On-body fit shots with minimal styling

  • Real-world UGC or community content

You don’t need a $10,000 shoot - just clarity, consistency, and authenticity.

Final thought: quality isn’t what you add. It’s what you don’t compromise.

Your budget is limited. Your energy is precious. Your customer’s attention is short. So spend where it counts: feel, fit, finish. And cut where it distracts: vanity details, over-designed tags, overpriced packaging.

Great brands don’t do everything. They just do the right things, better than anyone else.



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