THE SOURCING PHASE
This can be a mine field if you don’t know where to start, so it is always good to get recommendations if you can or speak to someone who is knowledgeable in this area
A good place to start is to visit trade shows which are dedicated to finding fabric suppliers/mills and to meet manufacturers. This is a good way to meet manufacturers and touch and feel fabrics which will help in your selection process
Some of the main UK trade shows are:
The London Textile Fair – www.thelondontextilefair.co.uk
The London Textile Fair is the Uk’s premier platform for fashion fabrics, accessories, print studios and vintage clothing. This happens in London twice a year
TexFusion – www.texfusion.co.uk
Texfusion showcases fabrics from European manufacturers and also has halls dedicated to technical fabrics, denim and garment manufacturers. This happens in London twice a year.
Fashion SVP – www.fashionsvp.com
Fashion SVP showcases manufacturers from overseas in Europe as well as the Far East. A good place to start if you are looking for an overseas manufacturer. Although be aware the minimum order quantities will be 300 pcs plus
Make it British Live – www.makeitbritishlive.com
If you are looking to source in the Uk then this is a great trade show. If you are a start up you can source everything from designers, label suppliers, manufacturers and complete your whole supply chain. Also visit makeitbritish.co.uk a great resource for helping you to find British manufacturers and designers to help you bring your dream to life
Premier Vision – www.premiervision.com
Premier Vision is one of the biggest international trade shows and is held in Paris twice a year. It runs for 3 days and covers yarns, fabrics, leathers, prints, accessories and manufacturing
When you are sourcing fabrics, there are certain things you’ll want to know, some of these will include:
- If they can send sample hangers so you can get a feel for what you’re working with
- If you can get sample metres so you can test the fabric for sampling
- What are the fabric lead times so you can add into your planning
- What the surcharges are for smaller quantities
- If you want a fabric dyed to your specific colour there may be a minimum order quantity. Be aware you may need to work with the stock colours they have available for smaller orders