The biggest time sink in production isn't the design or assembly—it's securing the right materials
Surprisingly, it is not the “putting products together" period that takes the longest time during the fashion production process, it is the period of gathering the right materials to make those products. Normally, the first round of sourcing can take up to a month of calendar time (source: “How long will sourcing take?”). During this round, you will identify what type of fabric, what type of materials you need for your products, and start from there. Then comes the heavy part: searching for the manufacturer that has that same fabric offering. This period can be lengthy, as you will have to browse and contact a handful of suppliers to be able to select the right one. Communication is hard, and when the manufacturing house does not have your fabric available, you will have to order those fabrics. Usually, it can take anywhere from 15 to 45 days to produce fabrics, which will sink your production timeline even more (source: How long does it take to produce a fabric? – Profade Apparel).
On that note, even if the supplier does have the type of fabric that you need, will their MOQ align with yours? A variety of challenges can come up during the sourcing process and this makes the period before production kick-start extremely difficult to deal with. Therefore, it is essential that fashion brands are well-prepared for this stage, ensuring they can make the most out of this period to not let it affect the overall lead time.
How Inflow’s fabric supplier network can save your time
Understanding the struggles of fashion brands when dealing with the material sourcing process, Inflow steps in to help with our fabric supplier network. Our connection with over 30 material suppliers can help diversify our fabric offerings, increasing the possibility of matching what you are looking for. Our fabric suppliers have a variety of materials ready, from the most common types, such as cotton, denim to rarer types such as chemical fiber fabric or antibacterial fabric. Moreover, our fabric suppliers also offer difficult-to-manufacture materials like knit fabric and sustainable options like bamboo fabric, organic cotton or recycled polyester.
With our extensive fabric supplier network at Inflow, fashion brands can rest easy knowing that they'll find exactly what they're looking for without any hassle. Our network is so comprehensive that no matter what type of fabric you need, whether it's something specific like a rare pattern or a standard material, it’s almost certainly available through us. This level of availability not only saves you a tremendous amount of time but also simplifies the entire sourcing process.
This streamlined access means you can move from planning to production much quicker than usual. Instead of spending weeks or even months searching for the right materials, you can select and secure your fabrics in a fraction of the time. This efficiency is crucial in the fast-paced world of fashion, where being able to kick-start production swiftly can make a significant difference in capitalizing on trends and meeting market demands.
Other benefits of utilizing Inflow's fabric supplier network
Apart from enjoying faster lead time, using Inflow's fabric supplier network brings a host of other benefits that can really make a difference for your fashion brand. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Higher quality fabric
Quality is key in fashion, and with Inflow, you're guaranteed to get access to some of the best fabrics out there. We're talking top-tier materials that can elevate your products to the next level, making them not only look good but also last longer.
2. Sustainable options are available
Sustainability is at the forefront of modern fashion, and our network reflects that. We offer a variety of eco-friendly materials, including bamboo fabric, 100% recycled polyester, innovative coffee fabric, and organic cotton. These sustainable options not only help reduce environmental impact but also cater to the growing number of consumers looking for green alternatives.
3. A variety of color options
Color can define a brand, and with Inflow, you won’t be limited in your choices. Our network offers a wide range of colors, ensuring you find the perfect hue to match your brand's palette and seasonal trends.
4. Real image for better assessment
Seeing is believing, right? To help you make the best choices, we provide real images of the fabrics. This way, you can assess the look and feel of the material before making a decision, ensuring it meets your specific needs and standards.
5. Fabric sourcing specialists that offer support throughout the process
You’re not alone in this. Our fabric sourcing specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with selection, negotiation, or logistics, our team is on hand to provide expert advice and support.
Collaborate with Inflow for smooth material sourcing process
In conclusion, getting the right materials shouldn't be the hardest part of making great fashion. With Inflow's extensive network of fabric suppliers, you can skip the usual headaches and delays that come with material sourcing. Our network offers you quick access to a wide range of top-quality and sustainable materials, along with the colors and styles you need to keep your brand fresh and exciting.
By partnering with Inflow, you're not just getting fabric—you're getting a head start. Our team is here to support you at every step, helping you make the best choices quickly and smoothly.
Join Inflow, and let's get your production rolling faster and more efficiently.