Why Choosing the Right Production Fabric Will Save Your Fashion Label
Starting your own fashion label is so exciting. You’ve got the designs, the ideas, the mood boards—and you’re finally ready to bring your garments to life. But before you dive headfirst into fabric shopping, there’s one big mistake you’ll want to avoid: bulk-buying your production fabric too early.
Seriously, it’s one of the most common missteps new designers make. And trust me, it can cost you hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars.
Let’s talk about why the fabric you choose matters, how to pick the right production material, and what steps to take to avoid waste, delays, and heartbreak.
Don’t Buy Bulk Production Fabric Before Doing This First
We see it all the time. A designer falls in love with a fabric. It’s soft, it’s flowy, the colour is perfect. So, what do they do? They buy 100 metres of it. Sometimes even more.
But here’s the thing: they don’t yet know how many garments they’re making, how much fabric each piece will need, or if the fabric for production is even the right choice.
Maybe it looks amazing on the roll but frays like crazy. Or maybe it shrinks in the wash. Or maybe it just doesn’t suit the design when it’s sewn up.
Now you’re stuck with rolls and rolls of a fabric that doesn’t work. Ouch.
Start Smart: Sample Before You Commit
Here’s your golden rule: Always sample first.
Before committing to your bulk production fabric, order a small amount—just enough for your first one or two samples.
Then:
- Make your garments
- Fit them properly
- Test for wear and tear
- Wash and press them
If the fabric holds up and your designs look stunning, then you’re ready to place that bulk order. Now you’re not guessing—you’re making an informed, confident decision.
Why Good Production Fabric Sells Out Fast
We get it. You found a gorgeous manufacturing textile and you’re worried it’ll be gone by the time you’re ready to go bulk.
Yes, that can happen.
But that still doesn’t mean you should buy in bulk straight away. Speed is important, but smart sampling is your best insurance. When you know what you’re doing, you can move fast and make the right call.
Tip: Once you’ve tested your garment production fabric and it’s perfect, don’t wait months to order more. Strike while the fabric’s hot!
The Real Cost of Choosing the Wrong Production Fabric
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen it happen. A designer sends in a fabric that looked amazing online or on the roll, but turns out to be low-quality or unsuitable for the design.
It breaks our hearts. We know they’ve spent big money, but we just can’t use it. Using a poor-quality fashion production fabric just because you bought a ton of it? Total waste.
And here’s the worst part: it can mess with your whole production timeline. Suddenly, you’re scrambling to find a new textile for production, and your launch is delayed.
So here’s your takeaway: good production choices come from good planning.
Sample First: Your 4-Step Plan to Choosing the Right Production Fabric
Let’s break it down super simply. Here’s what you should do:
- Order a small sample (1-3 metres of your top pick)
- Make 1-2 samples of your garment
- Fit test, wash test, wear test
- Approve it
Then you can:
- Calculate exactly how many metres you need
- Order your bulk production fabric with confidence
- Stay on track with your budget and your launch timeline
Need Help Choosing Production Fabric? Ask Us!
Fabric shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re stuck on which apparel production textile to choose, reach out. We’ve worked with hundreds of designers and know what works (and what doesn’t).
We’re here to help you:
- Test your samples
- Compare fabric types
- Choose the best fabric for manufacturing your collection
Buying your production fabric is a big deal. It’s one of the biggest investments in your fashion label. But done right, it sets you up for a smooth, successful launch.
Remember:
- Don’t buy in bulk before you sample
- Test before you invest
- Move fast once you’re sure
Want more real-world tips like this? Follow us for fashion production insights, sewing secrets, and design wisdom that actually saves you money.
You’ve got this. And we’re right here cheering you on!