Fabric sourcing can be overwhelming for a fashion brand or new freelancer. There is much to learn, like industry terminology, how to reach out, and red flags to look for. Getting samples is the best way to know whether or not you’ll like a fabric. You can also attend trade events, where many global fabric suppliers show their newest offerings.
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Job Description
Fabric sourcing is finding suppliers to acquire fabrics for the garment industry. It is a complex task and requires a great deal of knowledge to execute. There are many online resources to help you with the process. These resources can help you find the best fabric for your garments. They can also provide you with helpful tips for reaching out to fabric suppliers. They will give you sample swatches and information on making the right choice for your clothing line or freelance clients. Fabric Sourcing is an important job that a lot of companies have. In some cases, a whole department does this job, while in other places, it is done by one person. This position is essential to a garment business regardless of the company’s size. The fabric sourcing job description includes developing the raw materials and production schedules to meet production goals. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams across departments. This position works closely with design, merchandising, and purchasing to create an effective and efficient fabric supply chain. It is also responsible for executing sourcing strategies that align with category product development and merchandising goals.
Responsibilities
Fabric sourcing is an essential component of the design process for any clothing business. Depending on the industry, some designers will source fabrics independently, while others work with a fabric agent or rep to help them find suitable materials for their line. Whether you are working with a fabric agent or going on your own, there are some key details that every designer should be familiar with when purchasing fabrics. These include the end use of the material, the type of fiber and its composition, and how much yardage you need. Proactively initiates new fabrications based on trims and fabric technology to support UA strategy (working from design/merchandising samples or requests). Proactively drives sourcing capacity and pricing discussions with mills based on seasonal calendar needs. Develops and negotiates greige and dyed fabric purchase orders with mills. Coordinates with international logistic personnel to initiate fabric shipments. Supports pricing guidelines at the fabric level to meet brand cost parameters for all categories. If you are designing a line of women’s apparel, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry. This career can be very lucrative, especially with the right qualifications. A successful fashion design career begins with a strong understanding of the different types of textiles used in clothing. This knowledge can help you identify the best fabrics to create your desired look and feel. You can also learn more about the fashion industry by attending a trade show or joining a design school.
Education Requirements
The education requirements for a fabric sourcing job vary depending on the specific area of specialization. Garment technicians or clothing technologists will have a degree or HND in clothing or textile technology. In contrast, fabrics specialists will have a degree or HND in a subject like textile science. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment is essential, and international travel is often required. A fabric sourcing job requires good research and communication skills. A good understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and fabrication techniques is also necessary. It is helpful to be familiar with product sustainability standards and certifications, such as GOTS and Oeko-Tex. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are also essential for the job. A fabric sourcing job involves sending the details of a design to a supplier and asking for sample swatches. This way, you can determine whether the fabric suits your project. You should also know the fabric’s content and end use before purchasing. This will help you avoid problems during production and save time and money. You can also attend trade shows to learn about different fabric types if you’re a freelancer. These events can be expensive, but they will give you a better idea of the best fabric for your designs.
Salary
The salary associated with a fabric sourcing job depends on the position and level of experience. In this role, you will ensure that all aspects of the sourcing process are managed and carried out in line with company guidelines, industry requirements, and fabric and product development objectives. This will include coordinating all print, pattern, and woven production with overseas suppliers and ensuring that all artwork submitted is received on time. It will also involve assisting the fabric team in maintaining data integrity for fabric detail sheets, swatches, and lab tests. You will also negotiate with vendors to achieve favorable pricing and delivery conditions. You will need to have a strong understanding of fabric construction and component/fabric innovation and be able to communicate this clearly to the design and sourcing teams, as well as to suppliers and factories. You will be required to conduct regular fabric evaluations and quality inspections. This will involve testing fabrics for color, strength, and finish, assessing yarn/fiber grading, and preparing reports for the fabric and product teams.