How to Write a Design Brief for Your Custom Jacket Order (With Examples)
One of the most common reasons custom jacket orders go wrong — or take longer than expected — is a vague design brief. When the supplier doesn't have a clear picture of what you want, they make assumptions. And those assumptions are often wrong.
A good design brief doesn't need to be complicated. It just needs to cover the right information clearly. Here's exactly what to include, with examples.
What Is a Design Brief?
A design brief is a document (even a structured email or message works) that tells your custom jacket supplier exactly what you want. It's your chance to communicate colours, placement, text, logos, and any specific requirements before production begins.
What to Include in Your Design Brief
1. Jacket style and quantity Start with the basics. What style of jacket are you ordering? How many units? What's the size breakdown? Example: 25 x varsity jackets. Size breakdown: 3 S, 7 M, 8 L, 5 XL, 2 XXL.
2. Colour selection Specify the body colour, sleeve colour, and lining colour. If you have Pantone references or hex codes, include them. Example: Body — Navy (Pantone 289C). Sleeves — White faux leather. Lining — White.
3. Logo and artwork Share your logo in the highest quality format you have — ideally vector (.ai or .eps). Specify where you want the logo placed. Example: Main logo embroidered on left chest. Secondary text 'Class of 2026' on the back below the main design.
4. Personalisation requirements Do individual jackets need names, numbers, or positions? If so, provide a list with each person's name and the text to be applied.
5. Font preferences If you have a preference for a specific font or style (block letters, script, varsity chenille), say so.
6. Deadline Always include when you need the jackets by. Be realistic — custom jackets typically take 3-6 weeks depending on complexity and order size.
7. Budget expectation You don't have to share an exact figure, but a rough per-unit budget helps your supplier recommend the right product tier.
What Not to Do
Don't send a brief that just says 'like this photo' with a reference image. Reference images are helpful context, but they're not a replacement for written specs. Also, don't skip the size breakdown — this is the detail that holds up more orders than any other.
