One of the most common questions in apparel production is also one of the hardest to answer with a single number: How long does it actually take to get a garment from an idea to a warehouse? There is no universal production timeline. The answer depends on the product, materials, order volume, development process, factory capacity, and transportation method. A … Read More
Fabric Trends to Watch When Sourcing for Your Next Collection
Fabric direction can have a major impact on how a collection looks, feels, and ultimately performs in the market. This season, we’re seeing several fabric requests come up repeatedly from brands looking for materials that feel elevated, distinctive, and built for real-world wear. Here are three fabric directions worth keeping an eye on when sourcing for your next collection. Tactile, … Read More
Fewer, Better Suppliers: Why Vendor Consolidation Can Strengthen Your Supply Chain
For sourcing managers, having a large supplier network can seem like the safest strategy. More suppliers can mean more options, additional backup capacity, and less dependence on any single factory. There is a difference between diversification and fragmentation. When a brand spreads its production across too many suppliers, each partner may only see a small portion of the overall business. … Read More
How to Vet an Apparel Factory: 5 Questions That Reveal More Than a Factory Tour
Choosing the right apparel factory is one of the most important decisions a brand can make. A factory may have impressive facilities, recognizable customers, strong capabilities, and competitive pricing, but those factors only tell part of the story. Understanding how a manufacturer operates, communicates, and responds when production does not go according to plan can reveal much more about the … Read More
Is Going Direct Really the Most Cost-Effective Option?
“Cut out the factory middleman and go direct.” It is a common conversation in the apparel industry, especially for brands looking to reduce production costs. At first glance, working directly with a factory can seem like the obvious choice. If there is no partner between the brand and the factory, the assumption is that the brand will save money. But … Read More