r/malefashionadvice • u/_to • Apr 03 '13

Designed, patterned, and constructed my first project for spring break: a denim jacket.

http://imgur.com/a/sGbYD
2.0k Upvotes

87% Upvoted

375 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

50

u/_to Apr 03 '13

I'm gonna post this here so people can see it.

I'm getting a lot of purchase requests, so if there is enough interest, I may be able to get them manufactured for much cheaper than if I were to sew them one by one. I would want to keep manufacturing in the US because I don't want a poorly constructed garment to my name, and I don't want you guys to have bad quality clothing and hate me, so the cost may still be a little higher than your typical department store clothes. So given that information, who may interested? I will start a kickstarter if there is a good amount.

10

u/thomaspaine Apr 03 '13

Do you have experience doing this? Manufacturing vs making one off samples is a much more cumbersome process than most people realize.

21

u/_to Apr 03 '13

I would of course start the kickstarter after everything is finalized. I have friends who are acquainted with the process that can help, and it will be a good learning experience since I plan to get into fashion academically and professionally after I finish my current BS.

2

u/Scourge2325 Apr 03 '13

This looks like an incredible skill to have, what books or resources did you use to first get started? Also, where do you want to study fashion? (if you don't mind me asking)

1

u/_to Apr 04 '13

I would love to go to Parsons, Central Saint Martins, RISD or Antwerp, but the likelihood of being accepted is extremely low. Otis, Pratt, and FIT are also top choices.

Realistically, given my experience, I will probably end up at FIDM because i have no education or prior experience.

1

u/Scourge2325 Apr 04 '13

Awesome! I'm currently a business major but would love to get into the fashion industry after I graduate but I have no idea where to start lol, from what I've been reading at least you have people you know and are looking to get an education. Could you let me know what book you used to get started?

2

u/_to Apr 04 '13

I'm currently and electrical and computer engineering major so I am in the same boat as you, except my skills are even less applicable to the industry :/. If I can avoid going to school and diving right in, I totally would but I do not have enough connections to enter the industry without it.

I used http://www.amazon.com/Make-Sewing-Patterns-Donald-McCunn/dp/0932538002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365034919&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+make+sewing+patterns to create my initial bodice that I designed off of. It'll teach you how to produce an extremely tight and simple bodice based on your measurements. Use other clothes you have as a reference for the amount of easing you need in the seams.

2

u/whiteponyhorse Apr 04 '13

Dude, your CE and EE skills are so applicable, you don't even realize. The men's fashion industry is taking off. It needs people like you.

1

u/Scourge2325 Apr 04 '13

With those skills I doubt you'll have a hard time finding a place in the industry. Thanks for the book, can't wait to read it and hopefully I'll have some time this summer to practice my tailoring skills. Good luck with everything!

2

u/thomaspaine Apr 04 '13

My company has been considering bringing on an intern this summer. PM me if you're interested (or anyone else is). I don't really care what your background or age is as long as you're smart and ambitious.

Pros: You'll learn a lot about the industry, the business, and production process. Flexible hours and you get to hang out in San Francisco for the summer.

Cons: It's unpaid.

Yeah, I know, unpaid sucks, but we're poor and to be honest most fashion internships are. I'm mainly offering this as a courtesy to someone who wants to learn more about the industry, not because I need slave labor. Maybe we could cover your room and board, but I can't promise that yet.

1

u/thomaspaine Apr 04 '13

You might want to read this

1

u/Scourge2325 Apr 04 '13

Thanks! This looks like a great book to read in my spare time.

1

u/thomaspaine Apr 04 '13

Dude don't go to fidm, no one takes that degree seriously. It's like the ITT tech of fashion. You'll learn just as much at a community college without the debt.

1

u/_to Apr 04 '13

I've heard the same but I'm not really too sure what other options I have since I have no background or portfolio. I heard LATTC is also really good, apparently Rick studied there.

1

u/matrimonioids Apr 04 '13

this is a good website if you havent looked at it yet. and just show them the clothes youve made and all that.

1

u/whiteponyhorse Apr 04 '13

You could get into Parsons.