Designing a new collection is equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking. You’ve got the vision, the sketches, and the drive to create something amazing. But when it comes to sourcing fabric and ensuring you can meet production demands, things can get tricky – especially if you’re gearing up for trade shows and retail orders.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance fabric sourcing with the uncertainty of future orders, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process like a pro, so you can focus on designing while keeping your buyers happy.
1. Start with Fabric Samples, Not Fabric Swatches
Before committing to bulk orders, always request sample yardage (not just swatches) from your fabric supplier. This signals to them that you’re serious and are considering using this fabric for future production and reputable suppliers will keep you informed if there are already limited stock or plans to phase out this style.
Pro Tip: If a supplier is willing to sell you sample yardage, it’s a good sign they intend to have the fabric available for future production. However, keep in mind that even the biggest suppliers can drop a fabric style if they don’t receive enough orders.
2. Understand the Risks of Jobbers & Retail Fabrics
Jobbers can be a great resource for unique or discounted fabrics, but they come with risks. Unless you’re sourcing a stock item where exact color matching isn’t critical, relying on a jobber for large production runs can be risky. They often can’t guarantee fabric availability, which could leave you scrambling to fill orders.
Similarly, buying fabrics from retail sources can be equally unpredictable, as retail fabrics are typically sold in smaller quantities and may not be restockable, making them unsuitable for consistent production needs. Otherwise, it’s better to stick with established fabric wholesale suppliers who can provide more certainty, reliable stock levels, and the ability to reorder as needed.
3. Plan for Trade Shows and Orders
Trade shows are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your designs and secure orders. But here’s the catch: you’ll need to estimate how much fabric you’ll need for production based on potential orders. For example, if you anticipate selling 300 units of a shirt, you’ll need at least 1,000 yards of fabric – plus extra for your retail shop or unexpected demand.
The challenge? You don’t want to commit to buying fabric before you have orders in hand. This is where clear communication with your fabric supplier is key. Let them know your timeline and ask about their ability to fulfill larger orders in the future.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best planning, sometimes things don’t go as expected. If your supplier can’t fulfill your fabric order, you may need to drop the style from your line. While buyers won’t love this, it’s an accepted practice in the industry – especially if you frame it as a business decision rather than a supply chain failure.
Pro Tip: Diversify your fabric options. If one fabric becomes unavailable, having a backup option can save your collection and keep your buyers happy.
5. Build Strong Relationships with Fabric Suppliers
Your relationship with your fabric supplier is crucial. The more transparent you are about your needs and timelines, the better they can support you. For example, we can often find alternatives to fabrics in advance if we know that a style is running out of stock.
Strong supplier relationships can also give you access to insider information, like which fabrics are likely to stay in stock or which ones might be discontinued.
6. Stay Flexible and Creative
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry, and flexibility is your greatest asset. If a fabric becomes unavailable, use it as an opportunity to innovate. Can you tweak the design to work with a different fabric? Or perhaps introduce a new style that complements your collection?
Remember, your buyers care about the final product – not the hurdles you faced along the way.
Final Thoughts
Sourcing fabric for your fashion line doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By starting with samples, understanding the risks, and building strong supplier relationships, you can minimize uncertainty and focus on what you do best: creating stunning designs.
At Yardblox, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for the perfect fabric for your next collection or need advice on navigating production, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to get started? Explore our curated selection of fabrics and let’s bring your vision to life! Speak to one of our specialist teams now.
