How We Built the Bloc Magasin Classic Tee From the Ground Up

When Bloc Magasin — the Zurich-based pre-owned and vintage fashion store — decided to launch their first own-brand tee, the goal was clear: create a garment that felt like a genuine fashion product, not a generic printed blank.

This case study shows how we developed their Classic Tee from concept to finished product — combining custom fit development, multiple decoration techniques and small-batch manufacturing within an 8-week production timeline.

The Brief

Bloc Magasin had built a strong identity around curated vintage fashion and an engaged local community, supported by their presence on Instagram (@blocmagasin).

Launching their first own-brand tee was more than just producing merchandise — it was about creating a garment that customers would want to wear repeatedly, not just once.

The design direction was already established. Our role was to transform those visuals into a fully realised garment — engineered to hold up in quality, comfort and long-term wear.

The core requirements were clear:

• Black, 100% cotton unisex tee with a custom boxy fit
• White chest screen print of the BLOC wordmark
• Embroidered lemon logo placed on the bottom hem
• Custom woven neck label with branding and sizing
• Small production run to test real-world demand

Key Challenge

The main challenge was delivering a premium-quality garment while working within a relatively small production volume.

Many manufacturers prioritise large orders, which can make small runs feel limited in terms of material options, finishing details and fit customisation. Our task was to avoid those compromises — ensuring that even at lower quantities, the garment would feel intentional and fully developed.

Achieving that balance required careful planning across material selection, decoration techniques and sampling — ensuring that every component contributed to perceived quality.

The Production Process

1. Custom Fit Development

Instead of selecting an existing blank, we developed a custom pattern designed around a slightly oversized, boxy silhouette — inspired by classic vintage fits and contemporary streetwear proportions.

This stage included a full sampling round, allowing adjustments to shoulder width, sleeve length and body balance before approving the final pattern for production.

2. Fabric Selection

The garment was produced using 100% ring-spun cotton with a medium-weight construction. The goal was to create a structured feel while maintaining softness — similar to the texture associated with well-preserved vintage garments.

3. Screen Print — Chest Logo

The BLOC wordmark across the chest was executed using single-colour screen printing in white. This method was selected for its durability, clarity and sharp edge definition — particularly important for bold typographic branding.

Water-based inks were used to ensure a softer hand feel and better long-term wearability.

4. Embroidery — Lemon Logo

A distinctive detail of the garment is the embroidered lemon logo positioned on the bottom right hem. Though small in scale, this feature adds texture and depth — reinforcing the perception of the garment as a finished product rather than a simple printed item.

Precision digitising ensured consistent stitch density and colour clarity across the entire production run.

5. Custom Woven Neck Label

The final structural detail was the woven neck label. Compared to printed tags, woven labels provide greater durability and elevate the tactile experience of the garment.

Including branding and sizing information directly within the woven label ensured that the garment felt complete — not temporary or experimental.

The Result

The Bloc Classic Tee launched as part of Bloc Magasin’s first own-brand drop — available both online and in-store.

The initial production run sold out completely, confirming strong demand and validating the decision to invest in custom product development rather than using generic blanks.

Delivered within an 8-week production window, the project demonstrated that premium-quality garments can be achieved without relying on large-scale manufacturing volumes.

What This Project Demonstrates

• Small production runs can deliver premium results when materials and finishing methods are selected carefully.
• Combining decoration techniques adds depth — screen print, embroidery and woven labels each contribute differently to perceived quality.
• Fit plays a critical role in brand identity — silhouette influences how customers experience a garment as much as graphics.
• Attention to detail increases perceived value — even small finishing choices can significantly elevate product perception.

Looking to Produce Your Own Collection?

Whether you're developing your first branded tee or expanding an existing line, structured product development makes a measurable difference in how garments perform — both in perception and sales.