Why Small-Batch Production Still Matters

[christianGV]

I’ve been working in fashion for a few years now, and one thing I keep noticing is how rare small-batch production has become — and how much it still matters.


When you work closely with small ateliers or family workshops, you start to see what disappears when production scales up: the quiet precision, the human rhythm, the sense of accountability that only comes when someone’s hands are truly involved.


I’ve also realized that “Made in Italy” — as beautiful as it sounds — doesn’t always mean what people think. Many “Italian-made” pieces today are still fully machine-made, often in industrial settings with minimal handwork. It’s not a guarantee of soul anymore.


Small-batch production, on the other hand, still allows for that dialogue between maker and material — each piece slightly different, touched, adjusted, judged by eye and hand. There’s honesty in that process, even imperfection, but it feels alive.


I sometimes wonder how people here see it:
Does small-batch production still matter in a time when precision and scalability dominate?
Or has it become something nostalgic — something we admire, but no longer expect?


Would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[tricotineacetat]

I feel we should look at this aspect of the business with a healthy dose of pragmatism since there are these romantic myths surrounding the idea of what 'made by hand' is supposed to mean and what sort of quality gain it should yield, in comparison to an efficiency-optimized production chain on a larger scale.

Truth is, only couture tailoring really employs a larger degree of sewing/pressing steps performed without the use of a sewing machine. That sort of work is exponentially more costly but also not needed for the make of less complex products.

The other issue you mentioned regarding the decrease of atelier-type manufacturers is a whole other topic, one that largely defines whether or not an independent designer scene (aside from the established luxury goods conglomerates) can exist or not.

 

[Phuel]

It does still matter, of course. Unfortunately, just not enough for these extremely corporate bluechip brands, that demand annual profit margins in the tens of billions (and rising) to faithfully adhere to the artisanal standards of craftsmanship— and true luxury. at their retail floors. Anything that 20 years ago was bespoke and dressmaker level in production for RTW retail is now demi couture at at least $20,000USD+, even if it’s made with sewing machines. And the fashion publications do occasionally contribute to these corporations’ of “hand made” products with advertorial propaganda. But all these bluechip brands have become the equivalent of MCU superhero blockbusters: Celeb-infested, bloated, loud, excessive, obnoxious, tacky and pushing cheap-looking logo’d basic merch at inflated pricepoints to the masses.

Fortunately, it’s only the small, indie labels that— ironically, that can afford to offer true “handcrafted”/“handmade" and specialized garments— like a committed, passionate filmmaker with an actual story to tell: One label that offers knitwear; while another specializes in leathers; and another in suitings, for the discerning clientele at reasonable but deserved price points— because you guys don’t have the obnoxious branding of celeb ambassadors/10+ million dollar presentations/retail presence at the most expensive neighbourhoods— all expenses passed onto the witless consumer who covets tacky monograms/logos/signature prints over a well-made garment that will last for years and years. Even the carefully curated but reductive boutique offering of a brand like The Row doesn’t come close to the small batches produced by specialized independent labels: The Row is just cleverly rebranded Barneys New York fronted by the Olsen Twins. And once upon a time, even fashion editors/directors with industry pull would support/hype/feature the small, indie labels in their publications. Not so much now since the bluechip giants have such an unofficial marshall law power on what total looks are pulled and presented for stories in the pages of a fashion magazine— and imperial rule for the cover. Those mainstream publication wouldn’t dare showcase a label like Sharon Wauchob next to Prada in 2025. (…Would Sharon even pine for the support or care to be featured in these publications…???)

 

[Nimsay]

I mean… 20 years ago people were saying this same thing. I dont like the word small batch bc its just a new word for old things…I kinda think this is just a new way to persecute high fashion now that you cant say high fashion exploits people when everyones fav Zara employs obvious slavery

I mean … designer clothes are “small batch”. Like Celine is only making a 100-200 of any size poplin dress shirt. The whole run is prob 1,000 shirts for one model.

Louis Vuitton excels at communicating how rare stuff is. Like the denim monogram shorts from pre spring. The SA said the order book was only accepting 700 orders. It sold out in 3 days. Only 700 people in a world of how many billions will have those shorts.

So IDK TBH what ur saying. Designer clothes are better quality than theyve ever been. Designer brands are adapting in ways never seen before. Again LV Homme is the first brand Ive ever seen provide long detailed care instructions - clearly a reaction to their client wondering how to clean this stuff.

Small batch rules and LV - for example - adapts highly to their customer bc its small batch.

Its also very rude to say “oh these ppl arent as educated as me”. Have u ever considered - Maybe they do know and dont mind paying more? Maybe they understand you pay for what you get and there is no price too high for access.

Have you considered people understand people pay more bc they dont want to be in a busy store being hassled.

I know people who gladly pay more to guarantee limited access.

Like this is like wondering why people pay for first class. Uh its bc you get off the plane first which is extremely important if youre a business person. Like the first class ppl in JFK literally race each other to the cabline. You cant be in row 30 waiting 45 min for tourists to get off…

Ultimately this sounds like more focused to Zara or H&M.

 

[Phuel]

^^^ The “small batch” concept offering Christian is referring to is not the “small batch” offering from corporate bluechip brands-- at least that's not the impression I get at all. Again, those brands’ pricepoints are ridiculously inflated it’s offensive. The pricepoints of these small brands aren’t. And I understand there are people that don’t care for such a trivial consideration as retail pricepoints because they’re that rich— and good for them. But these are likely the same customers that would wear a $30,000USD RTW garment from Dior because it’s Dior, and flex it for only a few times and forget about it because they’re moving on to the next flex. These bluechip brands aren’t relying on these exclusive offerings for the chosen few to sustain their multi-billion dollar brand. But the small labels with their very precise small batches of a few hundred per garment are. And designing for that customer who’s looking for something that will endure, that becomes an essential investment to someone's wardrobe. They’re for a customer that wants something that they can wear for a long long long time. And made to last a very long long long time. Not for flex.

 

[tricotineacetat]

Honestly the only angle from which this topic concerns me is that when the anpunt of atelier suppliers, weavers etc. decrease by the year who can produce a run of just 50 pcs per style in total or weave 100m of fabric, that means less and less independent designers will find an infrastructure to start a business of their own.

The industry was in a better place 15 years ago because culturally, independent designers in cities like London and New York for example managed to sustain businesses build on edgier, more niche design proposals. There is a lot less variety to choose from today and since the scene has become so corporate, we are accustomed with product that looks like it, too.