Why March Is the Best Time to Order Custom Beanies for Fall & Winter

It might feel early to think about winter merch in March - but for brands, ski resorts, universities, and retailers, this is actually the smartest time to start planning.

If you’re wondering:

• When should I order custom beanies for fall?

• How far in advance should winter merch be produced?

• Is spring too early to plan holiday merchandise?

The short answer: No. March is ideal.

Here’s why ordering custom beanies in the spring gives you a major advantage heading into fall and winter.

1. Production Timelines Add Up Quickly

Custom knit beanies aren’t blank hats pulled off a shelf. They require:

• Design consultation

• Yarn color selection

• Logo formatting

• Knit programming

• Sampling (if needed)

• Production scheduling

• Finishing and quality control

Even with efficient domestic production, the full process can take several weeks from concept to completion - especially during peak season.

By starting in March or early spring, you avoid:

• Fall production backlogs

• Holiday rush delays

• Limited scheduling windows

• Shipping stress

Planning early gives you flexibility and control.

2. You Beat the Fall Production Rush

The busiest time for knit manufacturers is late summer through early fall.

Brands that wait until August or September often face:

• Longer lead times

• Tighter production calendars

• Fewer design adjustments

• Increased stress before launch

Ordering in spring means:

• Better scheduling availability

• More time to refine details

• Smoother communication

• Predictable delivery windows

At Fourbital Factory, we see a noticeable surge in late-summer inquiries. Clients who plan ahead are always in a stronger position.

3. Early Planning Helps You Design Better Merch

When you’re not rushed, your product improves.

Spring planning gives you time to:

• Compare cuffed, midi, jacquard, ribbed, and pom styles

• Refine logo placement

• Test seasonal color palettes

• Evaluate pricing strategy

• Coordinate with broader fall launches

Rather than reacting to winter weather, you’re building a cohesive seasonal collection.

For retail brands and ski resorts especially, this makes a measurable difference in sell-through performance.

4. Budgeting Is Easier in Q2

Many companies finalize Q3 and Q4 budgets during spring.

Placing beanie orders in March or April allows you to:

• Allocate seasonal merch budgets early

• Avoid last-minute expense approvals

• Forecast inventory more accurately

• Plan marketing campaigns around product arrival

It also reduces the risk of over-ordering out of urgency.

5. Made-in-USA Production Gives You Flexibility - But Planning Still Wins

Because Fourbital Factory manufactures custom knit beanies in Vermont, we’re able to offer:

• Lower minimum order quantities (25–50 units)

• Faster communication

• Flexible production runs

• Easier reorders

That flexibility is a major advantage over overseas production.

However, even with domestic manufacturing, planning ahead still delivers the best results — especially if you’re producing jacquard designs, multi-color patterns, or larger retail runs.

Early orders mean smoother execution.

6. You Can Test Small Runs Before Scaling

One of the biggest benefits of ordering in March is the ability to test.

For example:

• Produce 25–50 units of a new design

• Gauge early retail interest

• Adjust color or logo scale

• Place a follow-up order before peak season

This approach reduces inventory risk and improves overall profitability.

Brands that wait until fall rarely have time for that iteration.

When Should You Order Custom Beanies for Fall?

For most brands, here’s a simple guideline:

• March–April: Ideal time to begin design and place initial orders

• May–June: Finalize production for early fall retail

• July–August: Peak ordering window (more competitive scheduling)

• September–October: High demand period

If you want the most flexibility and the least pressure, March is the sweet spot.

Is It Too Early to Order Winter Beanies in March?

Not at all.

In fact, spring is when the most organized brands lock in their fall and winter merchandise.

Retailers, ski resorts, universities, and corporate teams that plan early typically see:

• Better product quality

• Stronger branding decisions

• More predictable delivery

• Higher sell-through rates

Winter merch isn’t just seasonal - it’s strategic.

Final Thoughts

If fall and winter sales matter to your brand, March is not too early - it’s exactly on time.

Planning custom beanies in the spring gives you:

• Production flexibility

• Design clarity

• Budget control

• Lower stress

• Stronger seasonal launches

At Fourbital Factory, we work with brands nationwide to produce custom knit beanies with low minimums and USA-based manufacturing.

If you're thinking about fall merch, now is the right time to start the conversation.