Of course. In the textile and apparel industry, CMT is a fundamental manufacturing model.
CMT stands for Cut, Make, and Trim.
It is a specific type of outsourcing agreement where the client provides the manufacturer with all the necessary materials and components, and the factory’s responsibility is solely to perform the following three services:
Breaking Down C-M-T
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Cut (C):
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The factory cuts the fabric according to the patterns provided by the client.
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Client Provides: The fabric (usually in large rolls) and the physical patterns or digital files for each garment piece.
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Factory Does: Lays out the fabric, places the patterns efficiently to minimize waste (a process called “marking and grading”), and cuts the pieces.
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Make (M):
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This is the actual sewing and assembly of the garment.
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The factory assembles the cut pieces into the finished product.
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Client Provides: Detailed instructions, tech packs, and samples specifying stitching, seam types, and assembly order.
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Factory Does: Sews the pieces together, following the client’s exact specifications.
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Trim (T):
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This involves attaching all the necessary trims and accessories to the finished garment.
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Client Provides: All trims, including buttons, zippers, labels (main, care, size), threads, drawstrings, ribbons, and packaging materials.
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Factory Does: Attaches these items, performs quality checks, and prepares the finished garments for shipment.
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Key Concept: Who Provides What?
This is the most crucial distinction between CMT and other models like FPP (Full Production Package).
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In CMT, the CLIENT is responsible for sourcing and supplying:
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Fabric
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All trims (zippers, buttons, threads, labels)
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Detailed patterns and tech packs
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A sealed sample (a perfect example of what the final product should be)
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In CMT, the FACTORY is responsible for:
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Providing the labor, sewing machines, and factory space.
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Cutting the provided fabric.
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Assembling the garment exactly as specified.
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Trimming with the provided accessories.
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Quality control during the making process.
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Packing the finished goods as instructed.
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CMT vs. FPP (Full Production Package)
| Feature | CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) | FPP (Full Production Package) |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibility | Client provides all materials & design. | Factory sources all materials based on client’s specs. |
| Fabric & Trims | Sourced and supplied by the client. | Sourced and supplied by the factory. |
| Design & Tech Pack | Created and provided by the client. | Usually created by the client, but factory can help. |
| Control | High control for the client over material quality. | Less control for the client; relies on factory’s sourcing. |
| Upfront Cost | Higher for client (must pay for materials upfront). | Lower for client (cost is bundled into the per-unit price). |
| Expertise Needed | High expertise needed by the client to source materials. | Less expertise needed; factory handles complexities. |
| Best For | Established brands, designers with specific fabric needs, small batches with unique materials. | Startups, brands that want a hands-off approach, larger orders. |
Advantages of CMT
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Quality Control: You have direct control over the quality of the fabric and trims.
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Cost Transparency: You know the exact cost of materials, so the factory’s charge (for labor only) is clear.
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Unique Materials: Ideal if you are using a special, proprietary, or sustainable fabric that the factory cannot source themselves.
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Smaller Batches: Can be more suitable for smaller production runs.
Disadvantages of CMT
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Logistical Burden: You are responsible for managing the supply chain, sourcing all materials, and ensuring they arrive at the factory on time and in the correct quantities.
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Higher Risk: If you miscalculate and order too much or too little fabric, that cost and waste are yours.
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Expertise Required: Requires significant knowledge about textile sourcing and logistics.
In summary, CMT is a manufacturing service where you pay a factory for their labor and equipment to assemble a product that you have fully designed and sourced yourself. It’s like bringing your own recipe and ingredients to a professional kitchen and just paying the chef to cook it.
