What You Need to Know to Start Sourcing Fabric

An integral part of any design or collection and yet a step you may not have even considered, sourcing fabric can be challenging, overwhelming and a task you just don’t know how to tackle. Being a start-up also means you’re more than likely seeking no minimum order quantities, cheap swatches, plenty of options to choose from and the re-assurance of continuity.

So where do you begin?

Order Samples

Request swatches before ordering anything, especially if sourcing online.

Before the design phase even begins there is no harm in sourcing fabric. Fabric and design go hand in hand with one often inspiring the other. Although not essential, when you explore fabrics before the design phase, you gain the freedom and flexibility to adapt your collection in relation to the textile options available.

Alternatively, if you have worked with a designer or received a tech pack prior to fabric sourcing, then these documents should detail the research carried out for a suitable fabric type, weight and composition enabling you to have a rounded idea of what it is you’re seeking and which textile is best suited to your design.

Conduct Research

Preparation, in many walks of life, is key. Where are your potential fabric mills based? Do they have a website? It is always worth finding out as much thorough information about a prospective mill prior to contacting them. A lot hinges on the success of your fabric sourcing, failing to approach this with the attention it deserves can have a catastrophic affect on project lead times or collection outcomes. Do you know the difference between a knit, woven and non-woven? Are you acquainted with dyeing and finishing techniques and the affect this has on the structure of the textile? Educating yourself on textiles will ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible between yourself and your chosen supplier.

Know What Questions to Ask

Building strong relationships with fabric suppliers is an integral part of running a fashion business and should be approached as such. Be prepared to be flexible with your desired textile, especially in start-up phase. It’s more than acceptable to ask for similar fabric to the one you’re seeking and request a swatch for review. Once you have received samples and are serious about a textile you can enquire about cost and minimums, though try not to lead with these questions on first correspondence. Remember, these potential relationships could be long lasting assets to the success of your brand.