If you’re launching your apparel line, the first project you’ll come across is finding and sourcing fabric. Initially, this can be daunting and it may appear that nothing comes straightforward. There will be cases where you might find a fabric of your choice but will be stuck with high minimums. Then oftentimes, communicating with fabric manufacturers will seem like an impossible task. What can be done in the course of seven days might take weeks because the manufacturer may not comprehend what you are demanding.
At times, you may never find a fabric that you are searching for, and have to go along with a fabric that isn’t aligned with the vision of your clothing line. A partial reason for why you can’t find what you are looking for is because you’re not conveying your needs clearly, communicating in the appropriate manner, and aware of the available sources.
This article will cover the 5 basic steps to go about for sourcing the right fabric at the right cost.
- Be sure about the fabric you require.
The type of fabric you require is based entirely on your target market, your end use, and craved elegance. If you already have an inspiration fabric in your mind, it is going to make the sourcing procedure much easier. You can use a research & development template form to attach your inspiration fabric when approaching fabric suppliers for sourcing materials.
- Decide who you should work with
Sourcing for your clothing line should include both the fabric and the garment. Begin with the sourcing of fabric you need since the fabric creates the garment. And for one’s information, the fabric constitutes around 50% cost of the garment.
Finding reliable fabric sources needs your diligent work. One of the fabric suppliers is Daisy Buds offering a wide range of loose fabrics, from cottons to linens, for fulfilling your sewing and clothing needs.
- Decide how much you can spend
Estimating costs for your garment will allow for you to figure out how much you can spend on sourcing fabric. Usually, garment cost is divided into: material, freight & duty, labor, laundry, and profit/overhead.
- Know how your fabric should perform
Before buying in bulk, you should always do the fabric testing. There are various key ranges that you would need to test your fabric in. Basically, these tests are performance-based. It is important that your fabric passes the performance test at a benchmark level so you can be ascertained that your garments will satisfy the customers’ needs.
- Make your communication efficient with fabric suppliers
The number one method for official communication with fabric suppliers is email. Supplier sales representatives are sent hundreds of inquiries each day, and email communication is the main way they can deal with that mass. Representatives have very little time to make sense of the purpose your email and respond; therefore, you have to come to the point precisely and quickly.
With these 5 basic tips, it is hoped that finding and sourcing clothing fabrics for your line will now be easier.