If you’ve ordered clothing from us, you may have noticed a note on the product page: “Clothing is usually made to order, with only a small amount of stock held. This may affect delivery or collection times.” Some people are surprised by this. Why not just keep everything in stock? This article explains why we’ve chosen a made-to-order approach, and what it means for you.
What “made to order” means
For many of our clothing items, the garment is produced after you place your order rather than sitting on a shelf waiting for you. We keep a small amount of stock of some popular items, but most pieces are printed or made specifically for each order.
Items where this applies include the Snake and Crane children’s tee, the Summer Training T-shirt and the Performance Base Layer, among others. Check the note on each product page.
Why we do it
Less waste
Clothing waste is a big problem. Traditional retail often means producing large quantities in every size and colour, then discounting or throwing away what doesn’t sell. Making to order means we produce what people actually want, which reduces waste considerably.
A small school, a sensible stock
We’re a family-run martial arts school, not a clothing warehouse. Holding large amounts of stock would take up space and tie up money that’s better spent on our training centre and our students. A made-to-order approach keeps things manageable.
A wider range
Because we don’t need to stock every item in every size, we can offer a broader range of designs and sizes than we could otherwise: club uniform, TrackAndTrainStudio designs, winter layers, and ladies’ and children’s clothing.
Quality and consistency
Some of our garments are produced in FAMA-certified factories. FAMA stands for Facility and Merchandise Authorisation, and it confirms that products are manufactured to high production and compliance standards.
What it means for you
Allow a little extra time
Made-to-order items take longer to arrive than off-the-shelf stock. If you need something for a particular date, such as a grading, a gift or an event, order well in advance.
Check sizing carefully
Because items are made specifically for you, it’s worth getting the size right first time. Check the product page for sizing notes. Some items, such as the Ink Wash hoodie and the Ladies Official Hoodie, run small, and we recommend going up a size.
Ask if you’re unsure
If you train with us, ask at the centre. We’re happy to help with sizing and to let you know about expected timings.
Planning ahead
- New members: order your club shirt soon after joining, so it arrives within your first few weeks.
- Parents: if your child is growing fast, order the next size before they need it.
- Winter: order base layers and long-sleeve tees in early autumn, before the cold nights arrive.
- Gifts: order well before birthdays and Christmas.
- Gradings: make sure your child has a clean, well-fitting uniform shirt in good time.
The Snake and Crane tee: a good example
The Wing Chun Halesowen Snake and Crane Tee is one of our made-to-order items. It’s a children’s design inspired by softness and structure, precision and power, produced in a FAMA-certified factory. Because it’s made to order, we can offer it in a range of sizes without holding large quantities of each.
A slower, more thoughtful approach
There’s something fitting about a martial arts school taking a patient approach to clothing. In training, we value doing things properly rather than quickly. Our Dit Da Jow is aged for over twelve months. Our syllabus builds step by step. Our clothing is made when it’s needed. It’s all part of the same philosophy.
Caring for your clothing
Made-to-order clothing is made to last, and looking after it helps. Wash inside out, follow the care label, line dry where possible and avoid ironing over prints. Well cared-for kit stays looking good for years, which is the best way of all to reduce waste.
Browse the range
You’ll find all our clothing in our online shop, with notes on each product page about stock and timings. If you have a question about an order, get in touch on 07821 126 685.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen