Friday's Industry Tips

Hi everyone,

This week’s post is packed with useful insights and product suggestions aimed at helping you optimize your packaging process, no matter which sector you’re in. We’ve already covered the antiques and furniture industries—two areas we have a lot of experience in. If you're working in these sectors, we hope you found our previous posts helpful. Over the next few weeks, we'll be expanding to cover all major market segments.

Today, we're focusing on the fashion industry—a sector that can be tricky to generalize due to its wide range of price points and distribution methods. We've worked with many fashion businesses, especially those in e-commerce, but we've also received inquiries from wholesalers and high-street retailers, each with their own unique needs.

With the rise of online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, we've seen an increase in requests from start-up clothing retailers looking for cost-effective ways to build brand identity. In this post, we've compiled the best general recommendations that can work for any fashion business, whether big or small. Keep reading, and join us next week as we dive into presentation packaging for fashion consumers.

Are you in the fashion industry? Or do you have another sector in mind that you'd like to see covered in future posts? Feel free to reach out to us on Twitter - @kitepackaging.

Fashion Industry Needs

Whether you're a fashion wholesaler, part of a small design house, involved in luxury brands, or selling through e-commerce or high-street stores, you’ll know that packaging needs vary widely. However, there are some key principles that apply across the board.

The fashion industry is more than just retail—it's a lifestyle. While it's not a necessity like food or healthcare, it's often seen as a personal investment. In the UK alone, the fashion sector is worth around £21 billion. With such high stakes, the demand for quality packaging that meets specific criteria is higher than ever.

• Perceived Value
  Clothing is often a statement of identity, and the way it's packaged can influence how customers perceive its value. Whether a piece costs £10 or £500, the packaging should reflect care and thought, enhancing the customer experience and building brand loyalty.
• High Volume
  Most fashion businesses operate at scale, especially in fast-moving markets. Packaging must be efficient, cost-effective, and easy to use, especially when dealing with frequent orders and quick turnaround times.
• Brand Image
  Even if you're just starting out, your packaging plays a crucial role in shaping your brand identity. It helps you stand out in a competitive market and creates a lasting impression on your customers.
• Protection Against the Elements
  While most packaging focuses on physical protection, in fashion, the main concern is protecting items from moisture, dirt, and other environmental factors that can damage fabrics and textiles.

Packaging Solutions for the Fashion Industry

In this first part of our "Packaging For Fashion" series, we're looking at the standard packaging solutions used for general distribution—products that help streamline operations and support high-volume shipping. Next week, we'll focus on presentation packaging that enhances the customer experience.

Mailing Bags

Mailing bags are one of the most popular packaging options in the fashion industry, especially for e-commerce and catalog-based retailers. Many of the clothing brands we work with choose Kite Essentials mailing bags because they offer a great balance between affordability and quality.

These bags are waterproof, which helps protect clothes from dirt and dampness. They're also made from 95% recycled material, making them a great choice for eco-conscious businesses. The grey color is popular among retailers because it looks professional and keeps the contents discreet.

Beyond being cost-effective, mailing bags are ideal for high-volume packing operations. Their peel-and-seal strip makes them easy to close without needing tape or staples, saving time and effort.

For heavier shipments or businesses that need extra durability, co-extruded mailing bags are a good option. These three-layer polythene bags are extremely strong and tear-resistant, making them perfect for sending delicate or heavy items. They’re also completely opaque, which is great for lingerie companies or other businesses that want to keep their packaging discreet.

BDCM Boxes

Originally designed for printed materials, BDCM boxes have become a favorite among fashion retailers. Their pre-printed labels make it easy to identify the contents without having to open the box or scan a barcode. The label typically includes size, color, and product code, which is incredibly useful for wholesalers and e-commerce businesses that handle multiple categories of products.

BDCM boxes are also handy for in-store organization. They help separate sale items or reorganize stockrooms efficiently. Made from strong single-wall cardboard, they come in four sizes and are designed for easy palletization, ensuring stability during transport and storage.

Wardrobe Cartons

Wardrobe cartons are a go-to solution for the fashion industry, especially when it comes to transporting clothing. Originally used by moving companies, these boxes are now widely used in the fashion world for storing, distributing, and transporting garments, including for fashion shows and photo shoots.

They're quick and easy to assemble, allowing clothes to be placed directly on the internal rail without removing them from hangers. This prevents creases and lost hangers, keeping garments in excellent condition. Their double-wall construction makes them sturdy and space-efficient, ideal for back-of-store storage.

Wardrobe cartons are also popular in fashion events where time is limited. Stylists and designers use them to transport outfits and collections to clients, photoshoots, and international events, proving their versatility and practicality.

Next Week

Join us next Friday for part two, where we’ll explore the best packaging options for creating a premium, well-presented product for your customers. Until then, have a great weekend!