Beanies are one of the easiest products to launch under your own label: they are one size or a few sizes, they sell across seasons and markets, and a small first order is enough to test a design. What makes a line work is choosing the right styles, writing a clear brief and approving the sample carefully.
This guide walks through each step, from the first range to the reorder. It applies to every category on our custom beanies page.
Which beanie categories should you start with?
Start with two or three categories your buyers already ask for, then add more once the first designs sell. Most lines begin with a cuffed logo beanie and one seasonal style.
| Category | Typical buyers | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Cuffed and logo beanies | Brands, merchandise, workwear | The classic shape, with a clear place for your logo |
| Streetwear beanies | Streetwear and fashion brands | Slouchy, oversized and high top shapes for drops |
| Pom-pom and winter beanies | Winter retail, ski shops, clubs | Pom-poms, earflaps, cables and linings for the cold season |
| Sports and performance beanies | Teams, clubs, sports brands | Fine, close-fitting knits that fit under a helmet |
| Jacquard and graphic beanies | Brands, clubs, events | Logos and patterns knitted into the fabric |
What goes into a beanie brief?
A good brief lets us quote accurately and make the sample right the first time. If you have a tech pack, send it; if not, a reference beanie or photos and the list below are enough to start.
Your brief
- Style and size: the shape, cuffed or uncuffed, and adult, kids or baby sizes.
- Knit: the gauge and stitch, or a reference beanie we can match; see our knit beanies and gauges page.
- Yarn and colours, with Pantone references if you have them.
- Trims: pom-poms in yarn or faux fur, fixed or detachable, and fleece, cotton or satin linings.
- Branding: label, embroidery, patch or knitted logo, and where it goes.
- Packing: hang tags, barcodes, polybags or boxes.
- Quantity per design and the date you need the goods.
If some details are still open, say so in the brief; they are settled with the quote and checked on the sample.
Which sample should you choose?
There are two sample types: a pre-paid physical sample, made in about 5–7 days and paid 100% in advance, or a free pre-production sample, made after the order and the 30 % advance payment and approved by photos, videos or a video call.
| Pre-paid physical sample | Free pre-production sample | |
|---|---|---|
| When it is made | Before you order | After the order and the 30 % advance payment |
| Time | About 5–7 days | Before bulk production starts |
| Cost | Paid 100% in advance; deducted from the order only when it is 1,000 pieces or more | Free |
| Shipping | Charged separately and not refundable | Approved remotely by photos, videos or a video call |
| Best for | New designs and yarns you want to hold in hand | Styles and yarns you already know |
How many pieces do you need per design?
The minimum order is 50 pieces per design. A first collection of four designs therefore needs at least 200 pieces, and each design can be reordered on its own.
Two styles have their own rules. Bluetooth beanies start at 1,000 pieces when we source and fit the audio module, or 50 pieces per design when you supply the module; see our Bluetooth beanies page. Real hand-crocheted beanies take longer than 14 days, and their lead time is confirmed when the order is confirmed; see our crochet beanies page.
How do labels and packaging work?
Your brand goes on woven, satin or printed labels, on hang tags and on the packaging: polybags or boxes, with barcodes for retail. Mr Balaclava’s name never appears on your products.
Logos can also be embroidered, added as a leather, rubber or PVC patch, or knitted in as jacquard; see our cuffed and logo beanies page for the options.
How long does it take from brief to delivery?
Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval, followed by shipping. Seven days is possible on request, and complex products or very large orders (100,000–200,000 pieces) can take up to one month; the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order.
| Step | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brief and quote | You send the brief or tech pack; we confirm yarn, gauge, price and schedule | Agreed for each brief |
| Sample | Pre-paid physical sample, or free pre-production sample after the order | About 5–7 days for a physical sample |
| Order | You confirm the order with the 30 % advance payment | When the advance is paid |
| Production | Knitting, linking, trims, branding and finishing; 30 % paid after the work-in-progress update | Approximately 14 days after sample approval |
| Quality control | Inspection and packing; 40 % paid when the goods are ready to ship | Before dispatch |
| Shipping | Express by DHL, FedEx or UPS, or air and sea freight for large orders | 3–6 working days by express |
How does payment work for a private label order?
Bulk orders are paid in three steps: 30 % in advance to confirm the order, 30 % during production after you review the work-in-progress update, and 40 % after quality control when the goods are ready to ship.
A pre-paid physical sample is paid 100% in advance. Shipping method, cost and delivery terms are agreed for each order; FOB quotations are common.
How do reorders work?
A reorder repeats an approved design and specification: tell us the design and the quantity, from 50 pieces per design, and we confirm the price and schedule with the quote.
Keep your tech pack and the approved sample as the reference, so that every reorder matches the first run. Reorders are also the moment to add a new colour or a seasonal style to the line.
Frequently asked questions
Can one order include different beanie categories?
Yes. Each design needs at least 50 pieces, and different categories can be ordered together.
Do you supply quality certificates?
Eco Jersey Limited, which powers Mr Balaclava, is ISO 9001 certified and a Sedex member. Yarns from OEKO-TEX® certified mills are available on request; the certificate is the mill’s.
Will my beanies carry your name?
No. Mr Balaclava’s name never appears on your products.
Browse the beanies catalog, start from the custom beanies overview, or send us your brief for a quote.
