Profitable Sustainability: Fashion Alternatives for Eco-Conscious Businesses
Profitable Sustainability: Fashion Alternatives for Eco-Conscious Businesses
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, generating 20%1 of wastewater and emitting 8–10% of global carbon emissions. And if the current trends continue, its emissions will rise by 60% by 20302. But there is hope: sustainable fashion is growing fast and is expected to reach $10 billion by 20253.
Sustainable fashion is an alternative to fast fashion. Fair wages for workers, organic, recycled materials, and a reduction in toxic chemicals are some sustainable fashion practices. These are good for both — the environment and your business.
Customers increasingly seek eco-friendly clothing alternatives that match their values and style. Sales of products marketed as sustainable will grow 5.6 times faster4 than those that are not. Does your business want to join this green movement? In this article, we’ve shared the top sustainable fashion alternatives you can adopt for your fashion business.
The Future of Fashion: Top 10 Sustainable Natural and Semi-Synthetic Fabrics
The eco-friendly clothing segment will grow by $1,574 million in global annual sales by 20255. Solving the issues associated with fast fashion could provide a $192 billion boost to the global economy by 20306.
Consider adopting the following sustainable fashion alternatives if you’re planning to join this bandwagon:
- Organic cotton: It’s cotton grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. Organic cotton uses less water, emits less greenhouse gases than conventional cotton, and makes for comfier clothes.
- Recycled cotton: Cotton from pre- or post-consumer cotton waste, such as fabric scraps, discarded garments, or textile byproducts. Recycled cotton reduces the need for virgin cotton, saves water and energy, and prevents textile waste from ending in landfills.
- Hemp: A fast-growing plant that requires little water and no pesticides. Plus, it enriches the soil. Hemp fiber is durable, breathable, and antimicrobial, and its clothing can last long. The best part is that the clothes can be recycled and even composted.
- Linen: It is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant that requires minimal water and pesticides. The best part is that it is strong and biodegradable.
- Bamboo linen: It is a natural fiber made from the pulp of bamboo grass. This makes it eco-friendly and luxurious.
- Recycled synthetics: These are synthetic fibers from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or fishing nets. These fabrics reduce the demand for virgin petroleum-based materials, save energy and water, and divert waste from landfills and oceans. Some examples of recycled synthetics are rPET (recycled polyester), ECONYL (recycled nylon), and REPREVE (recycled polyamide).
- Tencel: A branded name for lyocell, a semi-synthetic fiber from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. Tencel is produced using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents. Tencel clothing is gentle on the skin and the environment.
- Piñatex: A vegan leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers, a byproduct of the pineapple harvest. Piñatex is created using a low-impact process that does not involve toxic chemicals or animal cruelty. So, its clothing and accessories are ethical and innovative.
- Organic wool: Wool that comes from sheep raised organically, meaning they are fed organic feed, treated humanely, and not exposed to harmful chemicals or practices such as mulesing (a painful procedure that removes skin from the sheep’s rear to prevent flystrike). Organic wool is renewable, biodegradable, and naturally insulating.
- Apple leather: Leather created from the waste of the apple juice industry. These fabrics are biodegradable, durable, and even waterproof and used in high-end fashion products.
So, adopting sustainable fashion can help clothing businesses lower their carbon footprint. Not only would this create a positive change in the world, but also boost their bottom lines.
How Travel Fuels Trends in the Fashion Industry
How Travel Fuels Trends in the Fashion Industry
As the world recovers from the pandemic, international tourism is booming again. People travelled overseas twice as much in the first quarter of 2023 as in 2021. This means people are again exposed to diverse and dynamic fashion influences from different cultures and regions.
The fashion industry can exploit these trends by expanding to new markets and innovating with fresh ideas. Travelling can shape the future of fashion by stimulating creativity, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and enhancing sustainability.
Travellers are often trendsetters. They bring back fashion trends from their destinations and spread them in their home countries. Fashion brands can benefit from this by offering products that match these global trends. This blog will discuss how travelling shapes fashion and impacts businesses’ bottom lines.
The Power of Cultural Exchange
Travelling allows people to experience different cultures and traditions, which can inspire new fashion trends and designs. Exposure to different styles and aesthetics can broaden designers’ perspectives and lead to more diverse and inclusive fashion.
For example, NACKIYÉ is Istanbul. It draws inspiration from the city’s vibrant culture. Its designs often feature bold prints and unique silhouettes, reflecting the city’s energy.
Tapping New Business Horizons
With the increasing accessibility of travel, people from different parts of the world are exposed to various fashion trends and styles. When visiting different regions, travellers often seek clothing and accessories that align with local fashion preferences.
For example, luxury travel trends are increasingly centred in Asia and the Middle East. Brands can capitalise on these trends by catering to these markets and eventually expanding into them. This can boost sales and revenue, contributing to a healthier bottom line.
Style Meets Substance
Travel-inspired fashion trends often prioritise comfort and practicality, such as loose-fitting clothing, oversized shirts, and cargo pants. Brands have responded to this by offering more utility-based designs.
This can also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Designing durable and long-lasting clothes can prevent replacements and minimise waste. Additionally, using functional and eco-friendly materials can further add to sustainability.
The Fashionable Journey Ahead
Evidently, travel enables fashion brands to expand into new markets, adopt global trends, and opportunities for market expansion. This expansion positively impacts the bottom line by increasing sales, revenue, and brand visibility.
The Impact of Social Media on Fashion: Leveraging Trends and Influencers
The Impact of Social Media on Fashion: Leveraging Trends and Influencers
Today, the digital landscape transforms global fashion perceptions. As the number of social media users reaches 4.89 billion in 2023, the bond between fashion and social media deepens significantly.
Why are brands gravitating towards influencers?
The modern era has witnessed an astronomical rise in digital advertising. Business Insider’s data suggests that by 2023, brands might invest as much as $15 billion on influencer marketing. The question beckons, why is there such a shift in advertising strategies?
- Navigating ad saturation: The average individual in the UK is bombarded with a staggering 5,000 advertisements on a daily basis. Such saturation has ushered in a sense of fatigue and scepticism. As a response, consumers are seeking authenticity and reliability.
- Influencers as a beacon of trust: Unlike scripted advertisements, influencers offer raw, unfiltered insights into products. UK influencers such as Jane Cunningham are renowned for their honest reviews, ensuring that the audience receives a balanced view of products.
How social media steers fashion trends ?
- Instantaneous spread of trends: With technology’s fingertips, a single post can virally traverse continents in a matter of hours. High-engagement posts gain algorithmic preference, creating a digital showcase of trending styles.
- The transition from glossy pages to digital feeds: Once, fashion enthusiasts pored over monthly magazines for style inspiration. Now, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest serve as ever-up-to-date repositories. Even past fashion epochs, such as the retro vibes of the early 2000s, are seeing a revival, thanks to social media’s archival prowess.
- Trends’ continual metamorphosis: Unlike yesteryears, where trends had defined seasons, today’s fashion flavors are in perpetual flux. A style spotted on a Monday might evolve by Friday, all thanks to the dynamic discourse on social media platforms.
The transformative role of fashion influencers
Beyond dictating whether stripes or solids are in vogue, influencers play a pivotal role in moulding the industry’s ethos.
- Spotlight on discrimination: More than ever, influencers are leveraging platforms like Instagram and Twitter to shed light on the fashion world’s discrepancies and biases, urging for more inclusivity and fairness.
- Echoing the voices of the marginalised: Historically, several communities found little to no representation in mainstream fashion. Influencers are altering this narrative. From amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices to showcasing differently-abled beauty, influencers are championing a broader, more inclusive fashion dialogue.
- Advocating for conscious consumerism: By endorsing and collaborating with brands that echo their values, influencers guide their followers towards more ethical and inclusive fashion choices. Their nod of approval can catapult emerging brands into limelight, ensuring that businesses with a conscience get their well-deserved spotlight.
In essence, the role of influencers in today’s fashion world isn’t confined to showcasing a new pair of shoes or a trending accessory. They’re laying the cornerstone for a more inclusive, aware, and responsive fashion industry.
Unveiling the Sneakerhead Culture: A Deep Dive into the Passion and Lifestyle
Unveiling the Sneakerhead Culture: A Deep Dive into the Passion and Lifestyle
The sneaker market is a booming industry, estimated to be nearly $80 billion in 2021. When Nike released Air Jordans in 1984, nobody thought sneakers would one day rule over the hearts and souls of fans across the world. But they have, and sneaker trends are taking the world by storm.
So, what is this sneakerhead culture, and how did this happen? Prepare as we explore how footwear transcended its utilitarian purpose to become a symbol of self-expression. We’ll discuss the origins of the sneaker lifestyle and unique aspects that define the sneaker community and how social media impact shaped it.
The Evolution of Sneakerhead Culture
Sneaker enthusiasts, or sneakerheads, are a part of the streetwear culture that originated in the United States in 1980, inspired by basketball and hip-hop. The emergence of Michael Jordan and his eponymous Grails Air Jordan line of shoes created a new paradigm for athlete endorsements, sneaker designs, and sneaker influencers. He collaborated with the brand to create sneaker innovations that reflected his performance and personality.
Air Jordans became an instant hit, exacerbated by the rebellion and individuality behind Nike’s “Have you ever seen a banned shoe” campaign after Jordan was asked to pay a fine to the NBA for wearing bold colors instead of the usual white pair. Nike leveraged this interest from the sneaker fans and released new models of Air Jordans, creating a never-before-seen sneaker market.
Hip-hop was another key factor. Hip-hop artists used lyrics to express their views, showcasing their identity and influence with their style and fashion. They were too much into sneaker fashion as well as they could be easily customized and coordinated with outfits and accessories. They also endorsed and collaborated with sneaker brands, creating limited-edition sneakers that appealed to fans and continued the sneaker passion.
The Unique Dimensions of Sneaker Passion
Sneaker streetwear culture is driven by a deep appreciation for sneaker design, craftsmanship, and storytelling. It goes beyond the act of collecting sneakers.
Sneaker identity encompasses elements of self-expression, creativity, and individuality. Even sneaker customization is a thing, with sneakerheads adding embellishments and painting their sneakers to showcase their artistic flair.
Sneaker collaborations, where sneaker brands partner with celebrities, artists, designers, or organizations, have become an exciting avenue for creative expression and cultural fusion. These collaborations birth exceptional and limited-edition sneakers that seamlessly blend the identities and influences of the sneaker community.
Sneaker passion is a driving force that motivates sneakerheads to seek out rare finds and grail sneakers which hold significant sentimental or cultural value. The sneaker community serves as a vibrant hub for like-minded individuals to connect online and offline. Sneaker conventions provide a platform for sneakerheads to showcase sneaker customizations, engage in trading, and discuss the latest sneaker trends.
In recent years, sneaker collecting, in fact, the entire sneaker market, has gone mainstream. The market has expanded exponentially with collaborations between sneaker influencers, brands, celebrities, movies, and social media impact. Sneakers have become sought-after commodities, with limited-edition sensors selling out immediately and commanding high resale prices in the secondary market.
Leather vs. Vegan Leather: Making Ethical Fashion Choices
Leather vs. Vegan Leather: Making Ethical Fashion Choices
Genuine leather has been the fashion mainstay in bags for centuries now. After all, nothing exudes luxury, quality, and durability like real leather. But with consumer preferences veering towards sustainability, the meaning of fashion-forward has evolved into something that is durable and eco-friendly—with vegan leather being one such popular choice.
So, where do we stand today on the leather vs. vegan leather debate, and which of the two fabrics is a better choice for making bag purchases? We elaborate on it below.
The Leather Conundrum
Despite being symbolic of elegance and luxury, leather has been garnering controversy as it is made from animal (mostly cattle) skin. While plenty of people conjecture that it is a by-product of the meat industry and that a fall in its market demand is unlikely to make a dent in carbon emissions, it isn’t entirely true.
To make bags out of leather, the animal skin undergoes extensive chemical tanning, which is resource and energy-intensive and results in massive sludge waste. Moreover, these chemicals are highly carcinogenic, especially chromium1, which gets dumped untreated in waterways, causing environmental pollution.
But is vegan leather the way out?
Substituting Out Leather for Vegan Leather
With Stella McCartney designing bags out of vegan leather and celeb endorsements from Serena Williams, synthetic leather has been making inroads as the preferred ethical fashion choice. Besides, with 15% of global consumers already concerned with sustainability and their number set to rise to 50%2, this allegedly eco-friendly faux leather is set to experience even higher growth.
But what exactly is vegan leather, and is it indeed sustainable?
The Sustainability Barometer of Vegan Leather
At its heart, vegan leather is leather that is made without the use of animal skin, certifying its cruelty-free nature. However, there are different ways of going about making this synthetic leather.
Customarily, vegan leather is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU), aka plastic, which does not exactly spell out eco-friendly. In fact, PVC is touted as the single-most environmentally damaging plastic because it isn’t easily biodegradable3 and aggravates the creation of microplastics, which are extremely harmful to our health.
However, the rise of plant-based leather has been an absolute game changer. Essentially, this sustainable leather alternative is made from plant sources like cacti, pineapple leaves, apple scraps, palm leaves, and mycelium.
For instance, Desserto, a cactus-based vegan leather, results in a whopping 164,650% water savings compared to real leather and a 190% savings versus PVC leather4.
Leather vs. Vegan Leather: The Final Stand
While animal leather hasn’t fallen completely out of fashion, vegan leather has definitely become the trendiest fabric choice, owing to its cruelty-free and relatively eco-friendly nature. However, if you are solely guided by sustainability, then bio-materials (plant-based) vegan leather should be your go-to.
Are you contemplating which leather bag to buy next? Head over to Moglix Fashion for vegan leather bags that are both eco-friendly and durable. Know more
Bag it up: 10 Must-Have Bags You Should Own
Bag it up: 10 Must-Have Bags You Should Own
The key to owning bags that work for all occasions, from business travel and weekend getaways to everyday essentials, lies in not giving in to impulse buys. Instead, it’s about investing in staple designs and styles that serve multiple purposes while keeping things stylish and trendy.
But faced with multiple options, including duffel bags, totes, clutch bags, backpacks, and crossbody bags treading the bag marketplace can be a little tricky. So, here’s your quick checklist of the top 10 must-have bags that you must own to be prepared for every situation.
Duffle Bag: Your Impeccable Gym Buddy
Duffle bags were originally introduced for carrying sports equipment and, ever since then, have evolved into a must-have essential for those who love to go to the gym. Their thick polyester material makes them highly durable, while their easy compressibility when empty gives them a storage advantage.
Backpack: The Everyday Companion
Backpacks are an excellent choice when you are carrying multiple items all day. As they come fitted with multiple compartments and pockets, you can easily carry your laptops, books, and even clothes in an organized way, making it easier to locate things as required. In fact, plenty of backpacks even come with in-built USB wires and chargers so that you can stay connected round-the-clock. Best of all, they can double up as travel bags when you trek the lovely Himalayan trails; just ensure the straps are padded and comfortable.
Laptop Bag: The Business Essential
For all the workaholics who can’t let go of work even on weekends, a well-padded laptop bag is an absolute must-have. They go a long way in protecting your device from bumps and scratches and are versatile enough to afford additional storage space for chargers and files. Besides, they are a convenient way to up your style game, especially on sleep-deprived, haggard-looking days.
Luggage: Your Evergreen Travel Accessory
Owning a luggage bag is probably a no-brainer, but let this serve as a reminder that your years-old suitcase could use a change. Fortunately, luggage bags come in several shapes, sizes, materials, and sizes, so you have ample choice when it comes to investing in one that will make your family’s travel a stress-free and comfortable experience. Remember, easy maneuverability, spaciousness, and durability are the keys to buying a bag that you would love to show off in your travel looks.
Crossbody Bag: The Hands-Free Chum
Crossbody bags are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, which makes them a must-have when you are busy shopping but might want to dip in for some essentials from time to time. Not only are crossbody bags convenient for shopping, but they are also great for traveling sightseeing, and outdoor activities. They allow you to keep your hands free while still carrying your essentials, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and sunglasses. Plus, they are a safer option for crowded areas, as they can be worn close to the body and are less likely to be snatched or lost. With a crossbody bag, you can stay organized and stylish no matter where your day takes you.
Men’s Pouch: The Handy Accessory
A men’s pouch is a small, compact bag that is designed to fit in your pocket or be carried on your belt. It provides a secure and organized space for your essentials, making it easier for you to keep track of them and preventing them from getting lost or damaged.
So do your pockets a favor and get a stylish men’s pouch to conveniently store your AirPods, coins, and keys before you lose them. Also, they are a great option for carrying your wallet and ID. No more digging around in your pocket or bag to find loose change or your house keys – with a men’s pouch, everything is organized and within reach.
Lunch Bag: The “On-the-Go” Meal Companion
There is no debate that home-cooked meals beat out fast food by miles and miles. So, go ahead and add a lunch bag to your must-have essentials to enjoy fresh food that is easily transportable and does away with the need for disposable containers. Lunch bags come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, allowing you to choose one that suits your personal style and needs. Some even come with additional compartments and features such as utensil holders, napkin pockets, and drink holders.
Tote Bag: The Chic Essential
Tote bags are a must-have for anyone looking for a stylish look that also screams business, even more so if they are classic black totes. Their versatility makes them a perfect match for anything from lunch dates to work meetings. And if you care about sustainability, you can even opt for neutral-hued canvas-made tote bags that are ideal for grocery shopping.
Weekender Bag: The Getaway Companion
The name says it all. For those who need to go on a short weekend getaway to recharge themselves in time for another work week, a weekender bag is an absolute essential. They are durable and stylish, and they discount the need for investing in a large-size luggage bag.
Satchel Bag: The Professional Workhorse
From holding your Kindle and iPad to carrying your makeup pouch, a satchel bag is a classic essential that will meet all your needs. Go for a leather bag in dark tones like medium brown or black to minimize stain visibility, ensuring a longer shelf-life.
And that’s a wrap! Do you have all 10 must-have bags in your wardrobe? If not, go ahead and get customizable bags from Moglix Fashion now. Know more.
7 Technology Trends Transforming the Fashion Supply Chain Process
7 Technology Trends Transforming the Fashion Supply Chain Process
7 Technology Trends Transforming the Fashion Supply Chain Process
Technology is reimagining the fashion industry’s supply chain from sourcing to production. Brands and retailers can now optimize their operations thanks to cutting-edge technology. With improved efficiency, process automation, and real-time data, companies can now focus on their bottom line.
1. Digital sourcing
In the past, sourcing was a time-consuming process as it required traveling to different parts of the world to find the right materials. However, with the advent of digital platforms, brands and retailers can now seamlessly search and purchase materials from the comfort of their own offices, revolutionizing the sourcing process.
2. Artificial intelligence
Once the materials are sourced, the next step is designing. AI-powered software can create new designs based on existing patterns, colors, and styles. It saves time and money and allows for more creativity and experimentation.
3. 3D Printing in manufacturing
When it comes to manufacturing, 3D printing is the next big thing. Brands and retailers can now produce prototypes and even finished products quickly and at a lower cost. This speeds up the manufacturing process and allows for more customization and flexibility.
4. Internet of Things
IoT-enabled devices can track products through the supply chain, providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, delivery times, and more. This helps the brand manage its supply chain risks and ensures higher efficiency.
5. Blockchain Traceability
Blockchain technology aims to overhaul the supply chain, illuminating every step of a product’s journey from source to consumer. With transparency and traceability at their fingertips, brands can confidently track their goods and know precisely where they are at all times.
6. Virtual reality in retail
Finally, technology is also changing the way that fashion products are sold. Virtual reality (VR) is becoming an important tool in retail, allowing customers to try on clothes and accessories in a virtual environment before they make a purchase. This improves the shopping experience and reduces the need for physical inventory and returns.
7. Augmented reality
AR allows brands and retailers to showcase their products engagingly. With AR, customers can see how a product would look on them before they make a purchase, and it also allows for a more interactive and personalized shopping experience. And according to Valuates Reports, AR in Retail market size will touch US$ 6.7 Billion by 2028.
Harness the transformative power of technology
Technology is transforming the fashion and apparel industry every step of the way. For fashion brands seeking to streamline their supply chain, Moglix is the ultimate solution. With its all-in-one approach to fashion procurement, Moglix simplifies operations for apparel and textile companies, offering a seamless and efficient way to stay ahead of the competition.
The ultimate guide to starting your fashion brand
The ultimate guide to starting your fashion brand
Nike first operated out of a car trunk, Coco Chanel worked as a seamstress before launching her eponymous brand, and Spanx was launched from the founder’s apartment. The moral of the story is that most big fashion brands today trace back to humble beginnings — which is why if you dream of launching your clothing line, it’s always a good idea to chase that goal sooner than later.
Here’s a handy guide that can help.
A 5-step guide to launching your fashion brand in 2023
1.Create your business plan
Your business plan is the blueprint that will guide your entire fashion brand, so pay attention to the little and the big details here. The strategy you create should ideally cover all the following aspects:
- The need in the market that your brand will fulfill
- Your target audience
- Your core product line
- Your business models
- The funding and capital requirements for your business
- Your marketing targets
- Your financial projections
2.Develop a procurement strategy
Once you have clarity on the fashion products you aim to manufacture or retail, you need to source the raw materials required for your business. Securing the supply chain and partnering with the right vendors is a huge (and necessary) step in the right direction. Your procurement strategy needs to be cost-effective and profitable while remaining sustainable so your brand is future-proof.
3.Determine the pricing and profit metrics
Aside from the procurement and raw material costs, you will also have to account for various other outlays like marketing, borrowing, and additional indirect costs. Factor these in and determine the price point for your product lines. This will make the expected profit margins clearer for your stakeholders.
4.Design and develop the products
Product design and development is the next step in launching your fashion brand, and this segment is particularly crucial in the fashion industry. If the business idea stemmed from your specific skills in this niche, you might be more involved in the operations area. It is imperative to ensure that the resources procured from suppliers are used optimally to create apparel or accessories without high waste.
5.Focus on the marketing aspects
Creating brand awareness helps get word of your clothing or fashion line out to your target market. Social media is one of the most potent marketing channels you can use today. Other marketing tools like advertisements and other digital channels can complement this. As more people or businesses in your target group learn about your fashion brand, you will find it easier to meet your sales and distribution targets.
Give your fashion brand the upgrade it deserves with a reliable procurement partner
Moglix fashion makes launching and upgrading your fashion brand and product line easy with innovative solutions that tackle everything — from design to delivery. Our services include custom manufacturing solutions, invoice financing, raw material procurement, quality checks, brand collaborations and more. Visit our website to know more.
The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Fashion
The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Fashion
The fashion industry significantly contributes to the carbon footprint, releasing an alarming 2.1 billion tons of emissions yearly. This surpasses the combined emissions of the shipping and aviation industries. However, with the planet desperate for eco-conscious solutions, the fashion sector is now stepping up to the challenge, leading the way with sustainable fashion. From reducing waste to optimizing processes.
From Fast to Forever: A Guide to Ethical Style
Sustainable style prioritizes the environment in fashion by using eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and reducing waste in production. Sustainable fabrics, made through environmentally responsible processes and incorporating recycled materials, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton is key to this approach, allowing consumers to stay fashionable and eco-friendly simultaneously.
Fashioning a Better Future: Circular Economy and Sustainable Style
Sustainable fashion thrives on the principles of the circular economy. It embodies a visionary approach where resources are judiciously used, and waste is mitigated. Today, leading fashion brands recognize the importance of designing and producing clothing that maximizes its life cycle and minimizes its environmental footprint. From reinventing clothing to reducing the reliance on single-use plastics in supply chains, firms are now dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for fashion.
The Next Frontier of Sustainable Fashion
The future of sustainable fashion looks bright as more and more consumers become aware of their purchasing choices’ impact on the environment. Brands are also responding to this demand by incorporating sustainable practices into their production processes and investing in environmentally friendly materials and techniques. The sustainable fashion industry is worth over $6.5 billion and is projected to surpass $10 Billion by 2025. Additionally, products labeled as sustainable are expected to grow at a pace 5.6 times greater than those without this designation.
Navigating the World of Green Fashion
Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it is a crucial step toward preserving our planet for future generations. By choosing sustainable fabrics and supporting brands prioritizing sustainability, brands can help create a more environment friendly fashion industry. To take the first step in your sustainable fashion journey, visit Moglix, your one-stop solution for next-gen procurement and supply chain solutions. Join the movement towards a more sustainable future with Moglix.
Fabric Sourcing 101: A Handy Guide for Fashion Brands Today
Fabric Sourcing 101: A Handy Guide for Fashion Brands Today
McKinsey and the World Economic Forum have an interesting estimate to share; the number of garments produced annually has doubled since 2000. If your business operates in this dynamic market segment, fabric sourcing is crucial because clothing manufacturers rely heavily on an uninterrupted fabric procurement ecosystem. If your business hasn’t secured this aspect yet, there’s no better time than now.
Here’s a helpful fabric sourcing guide for fashion and lifestyle brands operating in the new normal.
Fabric sourcing 101
abric sourcing is the process of identifying fabric suppliers to meet the raw material requirements of your business. It also involves implementing solutions to manage the delivery and the supply chain efficiently, getting the required materials on time, and sourcing fabrics within a predetermined budget. To create an effective fabric sourcing strategy, you must understand the different types of suppliers you can choose from.
Types of fabric suppliers to handle your sourcing requirements
Fabric suppliers can belong to any of the following categories.
- Fabric mills and factories
Fabric mills and factories meet customized fabric requirements at cost-effective rates. However, there will typically be strict minimum order requirements in place.
- Converters and jobbers
Next in the supply chain are converters, companies that transform unfinished materials from mills into sellable fabrics. Jobbers sell limited stocks left over from converters.
- Trade shows
Trade shows allow fashion brands to shop around for different fabrics as well as different sources under a single roof.
- Online suppliers
For businesses that are keen on embracing e-procurement, sourcing fabrics online is an excellent alternative. It’s future-proof, economical and easier to track and manage.
4 key things to look for when you are sourcing fabrics for your business
Whichever kind of fabric supplier you decide to partner with, it is crucial to check the following criteria to make informed and prudent fabric procurement decisions.
- Affordability
While quality is certainly vital, it is also necessary to choose a supplier whose cost metrics align with your budget. Overspending could quickly lead to a cash crunch across your supply chain.
- Availability
Sourcing fabrics in bulk at short notice may often be impossible. To ensure consistency in the availability of the desired fabrics, you need to choose suppliers who support bulk purchases.
- Functionality
The fabrics you procure must also be tested for functionality to ensure the clothing or accessory turns out as planned. Purchasing samples before ordering in bulk can help here.
- Sustainability
Sustainability in fabric sourcing is an essential box to check. It helps future-proof your procurement process and helps you meet any ESG criteria that may be in place.
Want to upgrade your sourcing strategy? Here’s an idea!
Managing multiple vendors and suppliers can be quite the challenge for businesses today. Steer clear of this roadblock by choosing Moglix fashion to handle all your business requirements comprehensively, from design to delivery. With end-to-end solutions that include raw material procurement, brand collaborations, quality checks and an extensive network of suppliers, you stand to gain a lot with the Moglix advantage.
Visit our website to know more
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