I'm trying to work out a realistic budget for launching a small clothing collection. Between fabric, manufacturing, labels, packaging, and shipping, the costs can add up quickly. The apparel partner appeared in my research while I was comparing production options. How do other startups keep custom apparel costs under control without sacrificing quality? Is it better to reduce the number of designs, increase quantities, simplify branding, or choose different fabrics? I'd appreciate practical advice from anyone who has managed their first production budget.