Human B is a New York–based fashion development and apparel production company supporting brands from concept to bulk manufacturing. Below are answers to the most common questions about our NYC product development and production processes, and how we work with both start-ups and established brands.
Q. Do you sell resources such as fabrics, vendors, or factories?
A. No. Human B is not a directory or sourcing-only service. We manage the entire product lifecycle - design, development, sourcing, and production.
We act as your production department and single point of contact, leveraging our trusted network of fabrics, vendors, and factories, or sourcing new ones when needed. You work with us—not multiple suppliers.
Q. What types of products can you develop and produce?
A. We can develop and produce a wide range of apparel products for women’s, men’s, and children’s, as well as accessories such as bags, belts, and more.
We cover categories including evening wear, bridal, casualwear, active/performance wear, swimwear, and underwear, across contemporary, plus-size, and petite markets.
Q. I’m looking to start a fashion brand. How can you help me?
A. We love working with start-ups and understand the unique challenges of launching a fashion brand. To recommend the best path forward, we first need to understand your product, concept, and business goals. Complete our start-up questionnaire so we can review your information and follow up with tailored recommendations.
Q. I am not located in the New York area, can I still work with you?
A. Absolutely. We work with clients throughout the United States and internationally. With today’s technology, we’re able to maintain clear communication and deliver the same high level of service regardless of location.
Q. My products are developed, and I already have patterns developed. Can I still work with you?
A. It depends on the patterns. While we can work with existing patterns, we strongly prefer managing the full development and production cycle to ensure efficiency, quality, and production readiness.
If you already have patterns, we will first need to review them and create a new sample at full sample cost to confirm they are suitable for production.
Patterns created for sampling are often not optimized for bulk production. Our process develops samples directly with the factories that will produce the final order, minimizing production issues and ensuring consistency.
Q. Where do you develop products?
A. All product development is done in New York, regardless of where production ultimately takes place.
Q. Do you produce domestically or offshore?
A. We produce both domestically and offshore. The best option depends on your product type, target price point, and overall business strategy.
While we prioritize domestic production whenever possible, some products require offshore manufacturing due to specialized skills, machinery, materials, or cost constraints that are not available in the U.S. market.
Q. Do you require a minimum for production?
A. Yes. Production minimums apply for both domestic and offshore manufacturing:
Domestic: typically starts at 50 units per style
Offshore: typically ranges from 300-800 units per style
Final minimums depend on the specific product. These are considered low minimums within the industry.
Q. Why do you have minimums for production?
A. Producing 20 units or 500 units requires nearly the same setup time, labor, and processes. Below a certain quantity, production becomes inefficient and not cost-effective for both the factory and the brand.
Q. Do you require a minimum for development?
A. No.
Q. Do you own your own factories?
A. No. However, we work with a carefully curated network of factories that we’ve built long-term relationships with over many years. These factories are deeply familiar with our standards and are committed to delivering quality for our clients.
Q. Do you work with start-up fashion brands or only established brands?
A. We work with both start-up and established fashion brands. Our services and processes are tailored to meet each stage of business.
If you’re a start-up, please complete our start-up questionnaire. If you’re already in business, complete our established brand questionnaire so we can recommend the most relevant services.
Q. Do you require to sign a contract?
A. A service and terms agreement is required for all development work.
