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UK-Based Fashion Manufacturing Support for Start-Ups, Fashion Brands and Capsule Fashion Collections

J Mitchell Design provides structured fashion manufacturing support for start ups and small brands that need clarity, experience and a reliable path from design to production. With over 20 years in fashion design and product development, we specialise in helping brands create garments that are commercially viable, technically sound and ready for manufacture.

This service is best suited to activewear, sportswear, streetwear, outerwear and technical apparel where fit, fabric choice and construction quality are critical. Rather than pushing brands straight into factories, we focus on resolving design and technical decisions first, reducing risk, cost and wasted sampling.

Fashion design studio desk with activewear fabrics, tech packs, CAD sketches and laptop for gymwear, golf and womens sportswear brand development

A Design Led Manufacturing Process

Design and Product Development

Every manufacturing project starts with strong design foundations. We define garment purpose, end use, customer profile and performance requirements before any technical work begins.

Deliverables include:
• Factory ready CAD designs
• Fabric and trim direction
• Construction and fit notes
• Branding placement guidance
• Clear range structure

Technical Packs and Production Readiness

Once designs are approved, we create detailed tech packs that factories can work from with confidence.

Deliverables include:
• Full tech packs
• Construction details and stitch specs
• Fabric and trim specifications
• Artwork setup for branding
• Measurement guidance

The skills you need to turn ideas into reality

”Jonathan helped me a lot with advice on technical aspects of my brand and put me in touch with some great sustainable apparel sourcing partners.

Nermina Pieters-Mekic, Equidae London

Trusted Manufacturing Network

We work with reliable clothing manufacturers across the UK, Portugal, Turkey and Asia, each experienced in working with small brands and low MOQ production. Factories are selected based on product category, budget and scale plans, not convenience.

Key categories include:
• Activewear and sportswear
• Streetwear and outerwear
• Jersey and woven garments
• Sustainable and ethical production

Sampling and Manufacturing Support

We support brands through sampling and early production, working closely with trusted sourcing partners.

Support includes:
• Sampling management from proto to pre production
• Fit reviews and correction notes
• Quality and construction feedback
• Factory communication support

Sampling costs are billed separately and depend on product type and location.

Why Work With J Mitchell Design

• Proven experience with global brands and start ups
• Clear phased approach to manufacturing
• Strong technical and design expertise
• Honest guidance on cost, MOQ and feasibility
• Access to trusted factories without guesswork

Going directly to a factory without experience often leads to delays and costly mistakes. We bridge that gap, acting as your design and manufacturing partner.

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Step-by-Step Manufacturing Support

Tech Packs

We create professional tech packs so your designs are clear, accurate, and factory-ready—reducing costly sampling mistakes.

  • Flat CAD sketches

  • Material and trim specs

  • Colourways and print layouts

  • Measurement charts and size grading

Sample Development

We manage the full sampling process so your designs come to life accurately and on time—ready for production.

  • Pattern and prototype creation

  • Fit reviews and corrections

  • Pre-production (PP) sample sign-off

  • Size sets and production samples

Apparel Sourcing

We can help you and advise on realistic budgets, MOQs and timelines depending on your category and market.

  • Manufacture in the UK

  • Work with ethical factories in Portugal

  • Meet Turkish sportswear producers

  • Access Asia-based suppliers

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Sustainability Support

Looking to build a conscious fashion brand? We’ve worked on sustainable collections since the early 2000s. We can connect you with:

Recycled and organic material suppliers

GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified factories

Transparent supply chains in Europe and Asia

We’re also happy to help you balance sustainability with commercial goals.

Building a sustainable brand starts with a responsible supply chain.

We work with sourcing partners who prioritise ethical manufacturing and certified sustainable materials. If you’re developing a conscious collection, we can connect you with trusted fabric, trim, and garment suppliers.

We’re continually expanding our sustainable sourcing network, especially in Portugal, known for its advanced, transparent production. We also work with industry experts in Asia, where sustainable outerwear and activewear manufacturing is fast evolving.

The Garment Sampling Process

Before full production, your design goes through several key sampling stages. Each one helps confirm fit, quality, and accuracy—minimising mistakes and delays later.

1

Proto Sample

First sample to test design and construction
2

Fit Sample

Checks garment measurements and overall fit
3

Size Set

Confirms consistency across all production sizes
4

Photo & Sales Sample

Created for shoots, campaigns or client previews—showcasing quality, design and finish.
5

Pre-Production Sample

Final version for factory approval
6

Counter Sample

Used by the manufacturer for quality reference

We support you through each step—refining samples, reviewing fit, and ensuring everything’s right before your product goes into production.

Why UK-Based Fashion Manufacturing Support Makes a Difference

Choosing UK-based sourcing help with your fashion manufacturing means more than just convenience, it means having someone who can sit down with you, guide you through each stage, and make the process far less overwhelming.

We can meet in person to go through fabric swatches, printing techniques, trims, labels and finishings, so you can touch, feel and compare options before making decisions. We also provide hands-on support with fittings and sampling to make sure your garments look and feel right.

Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that goes into getting your designs ready for production, tech packs, sourcing, costings, approvals, timelines, and communications. We handle all of that for you. And because we work with trusted UK-based and international manufacturers, you’re not starting from scratch or relying on guesswork.

Going direct to a factory can be risky, especially if you’re a new brand. You’re expected to know what you’re doing, and if you don’t, it can lead to delays, miscommunication and costly mistakes. We help bridge that gap, giving you professional support and a clear roadmap.

Quality over Quantity

We focus on getting each step right—from fit to fabric—so your product performs well and reflects your brand values.

Design-Led Process

Everything starts with design. From sketch to sample, we prioritise creativity and technical accuracy to get your vision made properly.

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Fashion Services

  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Illustration
  • Graphic Design
  • Tech Packs
  • Sample Development
  • Trend Analysis
  • Brand Development
  • Size Charts
  • On-site Meetings
  • Remote Working
  • Design Presentations
  • Video Calls
  • Market Research

Categories

  • Menswear
  • Womenswear
  • Kidswear
  • Sportswear
  • Activewear
  • Outerwear
  • Teamwear
  • Streetwear
  • Fanwear
  • Merchandise
  • Denim
  • Jersey
  • Wovens

Specialist Areas

  • Golf
  • Equestrian
  • Football
  • Workwear
  • Gymwear
  • Running
  • Denim
  • Motorsport
  • Sustainable Fashion
  • Body Armour
  • Ski and Snowboarding
  • Outdoor
  • Yoga

Portfolio Clients

  • Puma
  • Adidas
  • Next
  • Dare2b
  • Umbro
  • Moss Bros
  • Bench
  • Timberland
  • Ellesse
  • Ecko Unltd
  • Uncommon Group
  • Reflo Golf
  • Equidae London

Streetwear Designer

Streetwear combines the areas of fashion design that are my expertise, blending sportswear and fashion. My passion lies in staying tuned to fashion trends and crafting good-looking garments. Having a deep-rooted connection to sportswear and streetwear from my upbringing adds a unique perspective to my work. Noteworthy brands in my portfolio include Ecko Unltd, Ellesse, and Bench.

Activewear Designer

My portfolio boasts a diverse collection of activewear projects. I’ve designed football kits for Premier League clubs Everton and West Ham, collaborated on projects with Formula E teams such as Maserati, Jaguar, Mahindra & Envision. I’ve designed Golfwear for Reflo, equestrianwear for Equidae London, gymwear for Bulk and runningwear for Dare2b.

Fashion Brand Start-Up

The cost of my design services for the average startup brand is around £5000. This is for designing up to 10 styles from concept to sign-off, including a couple of rounds of revisions, consultancy and providing tech packs and size charts. Everything you need to move onto the next stage of finding a manufacturer, gathering pricing information and developing samples.

Sportswear Designer

For five years I was a sportswear designer at Puma. I managed the sports lifestyle team designing seasonal fashion collections that were the foundation of Puma’s apparel business. My team’s designs would sell around 6 million pieces each season. Every collection I design contains elements of sportswear from t-shirts to windbreakers.

Attention to Detail

The little details are key to creating beautiful and unique products. Detailed garments need detailed technical sketches. Creating tech packs is an integral part of the design process, I give the trims and labels the time they deserve, it’s these small elements that contribute to making each product truly special.

Fashion Manufacturing

Working with me gives you access to trustworthy fashion manufacturers. I’ve built connections with clothing manufacturers and sourcing partners in the UK, Europe, Turkey, and Asia. I create tech packs and size charts that my clients can use to make samples. I’m available to assist with fittings and getting samples ready for production.

Freelance Fashion Designer

My success as a Freelance Fashion Designer is credited in part to my diverse design background and ability to effortlessly collaborate on projects. Clients appreciate the ease of working with me, finding the experience both straightforward and creatively fulfilling, contributing to my reputation within the industry.

“

I worked with Jonathan during his time at Puma, as a sportswear designer, he was very professional and helped move the Puma Retail business to where it is today.

Christopher Heeney, LondonHead of Visual Merchandising at Puma
“

Jon is a fashion designer with a keen eye for detail. His creativity and understanding of market environment balances the individual needs of a brand.

Cyra Zieringer, LondonHead of EMEA Merchandising at Perry Ellis International
“

I've worked with Jon during my time at Puma on a number of fashion projects, which I enjoyed very much due to his professionalism and positive attitude.

Jens Steininger, Nuremberg GermanyVP Market Director at TJX Europe
“

I’ve worked with Jon on several seasonal clothing collections. His outerwear and streetwear was strong and contributed hugely to my turnover targets.

Jof Harrison, ManchesterKey Accounts Manager Dare 2b and Regatta
“

Jon is an excellent designer, highly creative and able to work commercially to briefs. He brings versatility, passion and dedication as a freelance fashion designer.

Kerry King, ManchesterDirector, Create and Develop Fashion Recruitment
“

Really pleased with the service we received from Jon and can't recommend him highly enough. Quick to respond, helpful and offered a timely, professional service.

Brett Rowden, Edinburgh ScotlandIt Started In The North
“

Jon is a great guy, professional and easy to work with. His freelance design work on an extremely technical body armour range has been outstanding

Thomas Creedon, Leeds UKSafeguard Armour

Get in touch

You can work with me on a day rate or project basis, depending on the stage your brand is at. I provide structured support across design development, technical packs, sourcing and full sampling coordination.

I work with clients globally, supporting brands in the UK, Europe and internationally. Whether you are based in London, Lisbon or Los Angeles, I can help turn your ideas into well developed, production ready products.

To discuss your project, email [email protected] or use the contact button below to get started.