Insights
Guides on apparel sourcing, materials, AI design and the production lifecycle.
SOURCING
How to find verified garment manufacturers in India
A practical checklist for finding and vetting garment factories in India before you place an order.
An RFQ template for apparel buyers
What to include in an apparel request for quotation so factories can quote accurately the first time.
How to compare factory quotes (and what FOB really includes)
How to read apparel quotes side by side, from FOB price to MOQ, lead time and payment terms.
MOQ explained for small fashion brands
What minimum order quantity means, why factories set it, and how small brands can work with it.
Sampling stages explained: proto, fit, pre-production and TOP
The usual sample stages in apparel production and what each one is for.
Garment production tracking: what to ask your factory every week
A weekly checklist for tracking an apparel order from cutting to packing.
Export documents checklist for apparel shipments
The commonly needed documents for exporting garments, and how to keep them organised.
How to protect payment on cross-border garment orders
Common ways to reduce payment risk on international apparel orders, including milestone payments and escrow.
MATERIALS
How to source fabric for a new collection
A step-by-step approach to choosing and sourcing fabric for a new apparel collection.
Embroidered and embellished fabric: a sourcing guide
What to specify and check when sourcing embroidered or embellished fabric for apparel and home textiles.
GSM, weave and blends: fabric spec sheet basics
A plain-language guide to the fabric terms every buyer should put on a spec sheet.
Certified textiles explained: GOTS and OEKO-TEX
What GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications cover and how to ask factories for proof.
DESIGN
What is an AI seamless pattern generator?
How AI seamless pattern generators work and what to look for in one for textile and fashion design.
AI colour separation for textile print
What colour separation is and how AI speeds it up for textile printing.
Who owns an AI-made design?
A plain overview of design ownership when AI helps create the artwork, and what to ask your tool vendor.
From moodboard to tech pack, faster
How to move from a moodboard to a factory-ready tech pack without losing weeks to samples.
Pattern design for home textiles and wallpaper
How pattern designers can use AI for home textile and wallpaper collections.
LIFECYCLE
The complete apparel lifecycle: idea to delivery
Every stage of apparel development and production, from first idea to delivered goods.
Garment ERP vs spreadsheets: when to switch
Signs your apparel business has outgrown spreadsheets and email for managing orders.
Why buyers source apparel from India
What makes India a major apparel sourcing base and what buyers should check.