How to Source Fabrics for Apparel Production
Sourcing fabric materials is one of the most challenging parts of producing apparel products, especially if you work with a third-party manufacturer.
As simple as it may look, sourcing quality materials from reputable suppliers in a speedy and reliable manner requires some level of experience. So you might struggle if you are new to the game.
Nonetheless, with the right guidance, navigating the whole process of sourcing production materials wouldn’t be so overwhelming. And that’s what this post is all about, so be sure to read through to the end.
Why Should You Invest Time and Energy Into Sourcing Quality Fabric Materials?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty details of sourcing fabrics, let’s take a little detour and explore why you should put in the time and effort in the first place.
- Enhances Brand Reputation: Consistently delivering quality products helps establish trust and loyalty with your customers, positioning your brand as reliable and premium.
- Better Customer Satisfaction: Delighting customers with top-notch product quality will leave them highly satisfied and come back for more.
- Cost Efficiency: Investing in quality materials reduces the likelihood of production errors, returns, and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
- Improves Revenue: Selling high-quality products gives you a chance to charge customers premium prices, and this means more income for your business.
How to Source Fabrics Efficiently and Cost-Effectively
Here are some ingenious ways to source high-grade fabrics and trims without breaking the bank even if you don’t have so much experience.
1. Attend TradeShows
Talking about low-hanging fruits, attending tradeshows is a good starting point. Attending one gives you a chance to interact with suppliers on a personal level, get a feel of the materials, and even negotiate good deals.
So how do you find these tradeshows and what are some of the best ones to try? First off, here are some of our top picks based on location.
Top US-Based Trade Shows
- Magic Fashion Events
- Premiere Vision
- Texworld USA
- Active Collect West
Top Europe-Based Trade Shows
- Pure London
- SpringFair
Top Asia-Based Trade Shows
Couldn’t find a tradeshow in your area listed here? Try doing a quick Google search.
2. Take Advantage of Estate Sales
Taking advantage of estate sales is another way to source production materials, especially if you are on a budget and don’t want to deal with MOQ issues.
Estate sales basically involve buying items from people looking to liquidate their personal properties, largely due to changing life circumstances. Think of it as an auction sale, only this time you don’t have to be the highest bidder to buy.
A good place to start your hunt for estate sales opportunities is Craiglist. All you need do is pick the city/location you are interested in and key in the search term “estate sales”.
Besides Craiglist, you can also try using websites like Estatesales.net.
3. Check Out Thrift Stores Near You
This is another budget-friendly strategy for finding good fabrics at dirt-cheap prices. Needless to say, this will require finding a list of stores in your locality and visiting them physically.
4. Consider Sourcing From Jobbers
Jobbers are individuals or small businesses that buy materials (usually leftovers) from large suppliers and resell them to others with little to no minimum order quantity. They can be a good source of fabric if you put them to good use.
The downside with this arrangement is that you may not always get the materials when you need them, making sourcing from jobbers unsustainable.
Some of the top jobbers we’d recommend are:
- Fisherman’s Fabrics
- Robert’s Textile Company
- B.Black & Sons
5. Follow Independent Pattern Companies on Instagram
Following independent pattern companies on Instagram – or any other social channel – can also lead you to what you are looking for. The reason is that these companies often point out fabric sellers they work with when showcasing their apparel products.
Some of the companies we suggest you follow include By Hand London and Deer and Doe Patterns.
6. Purchase Online
There are lots of online stores where you can purchase fabrics of top-notch quality, both in bulk and retail quantities. They include Alibaba, Nick of Time Textiles, Fabric Mart, etc.
Conclusion
Sourcing fabrics effectively is an art that combines research, relationship-building, and a clear understanding of your product’s needs. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and efficient supplier management, you’ll set a strong foundation for producing apparel that resonates with your customers.
FAQ
Always keep shipping fees in mind when sourcing materials for your garment production. Failure to do so can erode your profits and lead to unnecessary delays.
Certain suppliers will only sell to you when you order a certain quantity of fabrics from them, and this can be a problem if you are starting small and are on a tight budget. If that’s the case, your best bet is to buy from jobbers or take advantage of estate sales.
We’d say, it depends on your initial arrangement with the manufacturer. If it’s a full-package production arrangement, you won’t have to bother about sourcing materials – it’s a cut-and-sew arrangement.
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