Fashion Brand Guide to International Fabric Sourcing: Costs, MOQs, Compliance & Lead Times

Thinking about taking your fabric sourcing global? For many emerging and scaling fashion brands, the idea of tapping into Japanese denim, Turkish cotton, or Indian silks is exciting. And it should be.

International textile sourcing opens up a world of opportunity that go beyond accessing unique materials. But let’s not sugarcoat it: going global comes with its own maze of challenges and decisions. Before you jump on that plane (or Zoom call) to a mill overseas, it’s crucial to understand the terrain.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what a savvy brand owner needs to know before sourcing textiles from Europe or Asia. We’ll be optimistically realistic: acknowledging the hurdles but highlighting solutions and opportunities at every turn.

By the end, you’ll have actionable tips on balancing cost vs. quality, navigating lead times and logistics, sorting out certifications and traceability, bridging cultural gaps, and building strong supplier relationships. Let’s dive in.

The Global Textile Landscape: Why Look Abroad?

Sourcing textiles internationally usually start with a goal of chasing lower costs. But while that can be one of the biggest motivators for brands or designers. sourcing overseas can also be about unlocking specialized expertise and materials that might not exist in your backyard.

European mills, for instance, are famed for their craftsmanship. Think Italian woolens or French laces, while various Asian countries offer everything from high-tech performance fabrics to artisanal handwoven textiles.

Moreover, diversifying your sourcing can make your supply chain more resilient. In fact, many brands today follow a [“China+1” strategy](https://www.beroeinc.com/whitepaper/china-plus-one-strategy-an-imperative-to-achieve-supply-chain-resilience#:~:text=Apple's China plus one solution,to 22 in recent times.), meaning they seek alternatives to relying solely on one country (especially after recent trade wars and political instabilities happening globally).

The benefits of spreading your sourcing across regions can include lower costs, specialized know-how, faster lead times to certain markets, and even improved sustainability credentials.

It’s about a wider opportunity: different regions shine in different areas:

• Vietnam has become a rising star for activewear and technical apparel, with modern factories and competitive costs.

• India offers diverse strengths, as it’s the world’s largest cotton producer and renowned for skilled hand embroidery and artisanal fabrics.

• Turkey, sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, provides high-quality textiles and much faster shipping times to European markets than Far East suppliers.

By tapping into each region’s strengths, even smaller brands can craft a unique, high-quality product mix.

That said, a smart global sourcing strategy is never just about finding the cheapest supplier. It’s a balancing act. Let’s explore the key considerations (both the challenges and the opportunities) you need to weigh before you start signing purchase orders overseas.

1. Cost vs. Quality and the MOQ Dilemma

One of the first questions is inevitably: “Can I save money by sourcing from X or Y country?”

The answer is maybe, but cost comes hand-in-hand with quality, minimum order sizes, and ethical considerations. Broadly speaking, many Asian suppliers (in countries like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India) can offer lower unit prices than European ones. Labor is cheaper, and factories are often larger and highly optimized for efficiency.

For example, Bangladesh is known as the cost leader, it has some of the lowest labor costs globally (30–40% lower than even Vietnam), and massive production capacity for basic textiles.

This makes it possible to get very competitive pricing on items like cotton T-shirts or denim if you’re ordering at scale.

However, there’s a catch: big cost savings often require big orders. Suppliers with lower prices typically expect high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) to make it worth their while. It’s not uncommon for an Asian mill or factory to ask for orders in the thousands of yards or units. Unless you can place an order in the thousands, many factories won’t consider you a priority.

A small brand that only needs a few hundred pieces per style might struggle to get attention from these large suppliers, or even to meet their order minimums at all.

This creates a classic dilemma: you can’t grow without affordable production, but as a small brand you can’t get that production without growing. Many new designers end up either ordering more than they can sell (just to meet a MOQ) or settling for a less reputable factory willing to do small runsworld-collective.com.

On the flip side, European manufacturers (Italy, Portugal, France, etc.) often cater to smaller batch production, but at a higher price point per unit.

The craftsmanship and quality control in Europe are generally top-notch; “the type of product and craftsmanship offered in Asian countries doesn’t compare to EU standards,” as one author for Create Fashion Brand put it. This is partly because EU factories must comply with strict labor and safety regulations by law.

In other words, you’re paying not just for a luxury heritage, but for a baseline of fair labor practices and quality assurance built into the system.

The result: European textiles are typically high quality and ethically produced, but you will pay accordingly. For brands positioning themselves on quality or sustainability, this premium might be worthwhile (and something your customers will appreciate).

But if your market is ultra price-sensitive, you might lean toward Asia and find ways to manage quality through oversight.

2. Lead Times & Logistics When Time Is Money Factor

Sourcing textiles across continents isn’t just about a financial decision. It is also a time commitment.

Lead time (the time from placing an order to receiving goods) can balloon when you’re dealing with international suppliers, especially those on the other side of the world. Longer lead times affect your agility as a brand: a delay of even a couple of weeks can mean missing a season or a key market window.

Yes, logistics is about transit time. But it’s also about navigating the mechanics of international shipping. You’ll need to choose between air freight (fast but very expensive, used for small urgent shipments or high-value goods) and sea freight (slow but cheap, ideal for bulk).

There are also middle-ground options like rail (for Asia-to-Europe via the Silk Road rail routes) or trucking for within-Europe transport.

Each comes with paperwork, customs filings, and potentially duties/taxes. If you’ve never imported before, you might be surprised by the complexity. Facing this, working with a good freight forwarder or logistics partner can be a lifesaver to handle freight bookings and customs clearance.

Finally, consider unpredictabilities:

• port strikes,

• customs holdups,

• holidays (more on cultural timing in a bit),

• weather events.

We all saw how a pandemic or a single ship stuck in the Suez Canal can throw global shipping into chaos. This is where optimistic realism comes in: hope for the best, plan for the worst.

If a supplier says 8 weeks, budget for 10 or 12 just in case. It’s far better to be pleasantly surprised by early deliveries than to explain to customers why your collection is delayed a month.

Actionable Insights for Timing & Logistics:

• Build a time buffer: Whatever lead time your supplier quotes, add some padding to your calendar. If you need goods by September, don’t plan for them to ship in late August. Aim to have them in your hands earlier. This buffer covers unforeseen delays (and they do happen).

  
  

• Match supply chain to product type: For trend-driven or seasonal products where timing is critical, consider nearer suppliers (e.g., within Europe or Turkey for European brands, or Latin America for U.S. brands) to shorten lead times. Use Asia for items with more stable demand or longer product cycles where a few extra weeks won’t break the business.

  
  

• Freight strategy: Weigh cost vs. speed for shipping. For large shipments, sea freight is most economical; just plan the time. For small batches or samples in a hurry, budget for some air freight. Also, explore consolidation options – sometimes your supplier can consolidate your goods with other shipments to reduce cost.

  
  

• Leverage technology: Today you can track containers in real-time, and digital logistics platforms can give transparency on where your goods are. Use these tools to stay informed and keep your customers or team updated.

  
  

• Know your incoterms: Ensure you and your supplier are clear on who handles what in shipping. If you’re new, you might opt for a term where the supplier helps more (even if it costs more) while you learn the ropes.

3. Quality Control, Certifications & Traceability

When you source from afar, ‘trust but verify’ becomes a mantra.

Quality issues that might be caught early when a mill is down the street could go unnoticed until a 10,000-yard shipment lands on your doorstep. That’s why implementing your own quality control (QC) checkpoints and insisting on standards is critical.

→ Firstly, let’s talk quality control: regardless of region, any supplier can have mishaps. The key is to have processes to catch them.

This could mean requesting fabric swatches and sample yardage before a full production run, doing lab tests on materials (for things like colorfastness, shrinkage, or fiber content) if those are vital, and possibly hiring third-party inspection companies who can go to the factory and do on-site quality checks on your behalf before shipment.

Many brands hiring overseas manufacturers will get a QC inspection done on the finished goods while they’re still at the factory, so issues are fixed at the source, not after you’ve imported a container of problems.

→ Next, certifications and standards: these are your compass for sourcing responsibly. You’ve probably heard the alphabet soup of textile certifications (OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, Fair Trade, BCI, Bluesign®, SA8000, and so on)

What do they all mean? In short, certifications are supposed to be third-party validations that a product or facility meets certain environmental or social standards. So, if you are a sustainability-driven brand, you’ll likely want to source materials that come with one or more of these labels to back up your claims.

Certifications in these contexts are a way to signal, “We’ve been audited and we meet international standards despite what local law might allow.” In other words, certifications can be especially crucial when sourcing from countries where you can’t take labor, safety, or environmental practices for granted.

They serve as an extra layer of due diligence (though you should still do your own homework on what’s behind the certificate as not all are created equal).

Beyond factory conditions and material safety, it’s always important to have in mind that traceability is the new frontier. Both consumers and regulators are pushing for greater transparency about where materials come from. If you claim your collection is eco-friendly or ethically made, you need the receipts to prove it.

The EU is rolling out things like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textiles, which will require detailed info on a product’s supply chain and lifecycle impacts.

Additionally, laws like Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the proposed EU-wide due diligence directive mean that brands (even mid-sized ones) will be obligated to identify and address human rights and environmental issues in their supply chains.

All this to say: knowing exactly who made your materials, under what conditions, and with what inputs is quickly shifting from a nice-to-have to a must-have for doing business, especially if Europe is a market for you.

So, how do you ensure traceability and compliance? It circles back to building strong relationships and demanding documentation. Ask suppliers for certificates and test reports.

Map your supply chain: for example, if you buy cotton fabric from a mill in Portugal, find out where the cotton was grown and spun; if you source bamboo viscose from China, ask about the processing and any chemical recycling in place.

It can feel overwhelming for a small brand, but taking it step by step, and prioritizing key materials or high-risk areas firs, is a solid approach.

Actionable Insights for Quality & Compliance:

• Use certifications as a filter: When searching for suppliers, certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX can quickly indicate which mills are tuned into international standards. Just remember they aren’t foolproof, use them as one tool in your vetting, not the only tool.

  
  

• Vet and verify: Always do a bit of extra digging. If a factory says they have a social compliance certificate (e.g., BSCI, Sedex SMETA, SA8000), ask to see the latest audit summary. Check expiration dates on certificates like GOTS (they renew annually). Reliable suppliers will be transparent.

  
  

• Request samples or trials: Never place a giant order sight-unseen. Get sample yardage or a test roll. Do your own checks, wash the fabric, stress-test it, maybe even send a piece to a lab if you need confirmation on content (e.g., that “100% silk” is truly silk and not polyester). It’s worth the small cost upfront to avoid a costly mistake later.

  
  

• Plan for QC inspections: If you can’t physically visit the supplier, consider hiring a third-party inspection service for critical orders. They can do a pre-shipment inspection checking quantities, quality, packaging, etc., and give you a report. Many international brands use this for peace of mind, especially on first orders.

  
  

• Embrace transparency with tech: As your operation grows, look into tools that help track provenance. Some platforms use blockchain or robust databases to keep chain-of-custody info. Even a well-organized spreadsheet that logs supplier details, batch numbers, and certificate IDs is a start. The more organized your data, the easier it will be to comply with traceability requirements (and to tell a compelling story to consumers about your product’s journey).

4. Cultural Differences & Communication: Bridging the Gap

Doing business sometimes an make us forget the humans behind it all. So sourcing internationally it’s not solely a business transaction, it’s also a human relationship between you and your suppliers, and often across different cultures, languages, and time zones.

Being able to navigate these differences respectfully and effectively can make or break your sourcing experience.

→ Communication styles vary widely. In some European countries, you might find communication to be fairly direct and punctual. In parts of Asia, communication can be more nuanced. It might take a bit more reading between the lines.

For example, a supplier from one culture might say “yes” to indicate they heard you, not necessarily that they agree or can meet that request. Hierarchical culture may mean your day-to-day contact can’t make major decisions without boss approval, slowing the feedback loop.

Language barriers are also there: even if a supplier lists English-speaking sales reps, nuances and technical details can get lost if neither side is speaking in their mother tongue. A U.S. or European buyer might fire off emails at all hours expecting quick replies, not realizing the factory is literally asleep on the other side of the world.

→ Cultural norms also come into play in building trust. In many Asian business cultures, relationships are everything, you’ll get better results once you’ve established rapport.

This could mean investing time in regular calls, sharing about your business’s vision, maybe even visiting in person when possible. Don’t underestimate the goodwill earned by breaking bread together or showing genuine interest in your supplier’s culture and challenges.

On the other hand, European suppliers (depending on the country) might be more transactional at first, but will respond well to professionalism and consistency. Every factory, regardless of region, likes a stable partner who pays on time and communicates clearly.

→ And then there are the calendar conundrums: holidays and working hours. A famous example is Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year). If you place an order in mid-January with a Chinese mill and expect it in four weeks, you’re in for a surprise when production only starts after the holiday.

Similarly, Diwali in India, Eid in predominantly Muslim countries, Songkran in Thailand, Golden Week in China/Japan, and Christmas/New Year’s in Western countries are all times when capacity drops.

Europe has its quirks too: many factories in, say, Italy or Spain basically slow down or close for parts of August (the famous Ferragosto vacations). As a global brand, you need to keep an eye on everyone’s holidays and build a production calendar that respects them.

→ Time zones affect communication speed. That urgent question you have at 4 PM in New York won’t get answered by your supplier in Pakistan until their next work day, which might be 12 hours later or more. If you’re in California working with Europe, you have a small window each morning to talk in their afternoon, and so on.

Little wonder some brands end up with weird sleep schedules when coordinating across continents!

All these differences are not barriers so much as factors to gracefully manage. Many brands build wonderful international partnerships that feel like extensions of their own team – but it takes effort and cultural sensitivity.

Actionable Insights for Culture & Communication:

• Do your cultural homework: A little knowledge goes a long way. If you’re about to work with a supplier in a new country, spend an hour reading about their business etiquette and culture. Understanding why a partner behaves a certain way helps you respond appropriately. For example, knowing that open conflict is avoided in certain cultures will remind you to phrase critiques more gently or seek indirect ways to resolve an issue.

  
  

• Set clear communication norms: Don’t assume; instead, discuss how you’ll communicate. For instance, agree on using email for formal order details, but maybe WhatsApp/WeChat for quick questions or updates. Let them know your working hours and ask for theirs, then find overlapping times for live calls. If something is urgent, clarify what channel to use. Clear, simple language is best – avoid slang and double-check understanding by asking them to recap key points.

  
  

• Be mindful of holidays and peak seasons: Get a calendar of your suppliers’ public holidays and factor it into your timelines. Send warm wishes when appropriate – it shows you respect their culture. And never schedule major deadlines that unknowingly collide with their off-days.

  
  

• Consider an agent or translator for big deals: If there is a significant language gap and the order is complex or high-stakes, hiring a local sourcing agent or at least a translator for important meetings can prevent costly misunderstandings. Yes, it’s an extra cost, but think of it as buying “insurance” for clear communication.

  
  

• Patience and relationship-building: Emails might go unanswered for a day or two if your supplier is checking on things – that’s okay. Avoid the temptation to bombard them; instead, politely follow up with context. When possible, schedule video calls – face-to-face (even virtually) builds trust far more than text. Over time, as the relationship solidifies, you’ll likely find communication flows more easily. You might even pick up a few words in each other’s languages and share a laugh over cultural exchange – that’s when you know you’ve turned a corner from just “supplier” to true partner.

5. Building Strong Supplier Relationships (Your Global Partners-in-Crime)

In the frenzy of comparing costs, signing contracts, and arranging shipments, remember that sourcing is fundamentally about people. When you find a great supplier, especially one abroad, treat them as an extension of your team. The goal is to build a partnership where both sides win: you get reliable materials that meet your needs, and they get a steady, respectful customer who helps their business thrive.

In a 2024 article, The Business of Fashion emphasized that one of the most critical ways fashion executives should respond to the shifting landscape of global trade (which gained even more traction in 2025) is to:

Rethink the approach to manufacturers and suppliers, with an emphasis on developing long-term strategic partnerships to increase the efficiency and resilience of supply chains.

Why is this so crucial?

For one, when you’re a small fish in a big supplier’s pond, a solid relationship is what will get you better service. It might get you a favor when you need a rush order, or a bit of extra QC attention on your goods, or first dibs on a new fabric they developed.

On the flip side, if a supplier feels you’re only out to squeeze the lowest price and might disappear after one season, they have little incentive to go the extra mile for you.

Trust and transparency are the foundation. So, be honest about your expectations and limitations. If you’re a new brand, don’t pretend to be bigger than you are; instead, pitch your growth vision and how you’d like the supplier to grow with you.

Remember that earlier scenario of small brands forced into huge orders or working with subpar factories? One way out of that space is to search for suppliers who specialize in serving small brands or who have flexible production setups.

They do exist, but you have to seek them out. For instance, some family-run mills in India or Turkey might be happy to work on smaller custom projects if you establish a rapport.

Likewise, there are textile marketplaces (including digital platforms) emerging that curate smaller, quality-focused suppliers and even allow you to order swatches or small yardages from multiple mills at once.

These can be a godsend for new brands, because, “a sourcing ecosystem that lets brands search, compare, and connect with global suppliers directly – without needing insider networks – levels the playing field,”.

Actionable Insights for Relationships:

• Visit when you can: If feasible, visit your key suppliers in person at least once. Walk the factory floor, share a meal, meet the team. Nothing builds confidence and camaraderie like real human interaction. If travel isn’t possible, even meeting at a trade show or doing a detailed video tour of the facility can be beneficial.

  
  

• Keep communication consistent: Don’t go radio silent when you don’t have an active order. A quick check-in email every so often, keeps the relationship warm. It shows loyalty and forward planning.

  
  

• Align on values: If your brand is all about sustainability or ethical production, communicate that passion to your suppliers. Find those that share these values. When a supplier knows that you prioritize, say, no explored labor, no greenwashing, they are more likely to be upfront and collaborative in meeting those standards, because they know it’s non-negotiable for you.

  
  

• Resolve issues collaboratively: Problems will happen. A batch might come in off-color or late. Approach conflict with a problem-solving mindset rather than an accusatory one. A good supplier will work with you on a fix (credit, replacement, faster shipping, etc.). How you handle these bumps often sets the tone for the long term. Do you want to be seen as that impossible-to-please client, or the fair partner who both gives and demands respect?

  
  

• Know when to walk away: On the flip side, if a supplier repeatedly lets you down or breaches trust (e.g., quality is consistently bad, or you discover ethical issues they hid), be prepared to cut ties. It’s painful, but your brand’s integrity and success rely on having the right partners. Ideally, you’ll have done enough vetting to avoid bad apples, but if you end up with one, part ways professionally and look for a better fit. There are plenty of fish in the global sea.

6. Tariffs, Trade Policies & Geopolitics: The Unseen Influencers

Trade policies and international relations can directly hit your bottom line, and they’re shifting faster than ever in 2025.

What was true about a trade agreement or import duty six months ago might already be outdated. That’s why your best strategy isn’t memorizing country-specific rules, it’s staying informed, building flexibility into your sourcing model, and thinking long-term.

We’re not going to throw a bunch of tariff percentages at you here – those numbers are a moving target. Instead, we’ll focus on how to approach this part of sourcing proactively and practically.

→ Need the latest update on the August 2025 policy changes? Read: “August 1 Tariff Shift: What Fashion Brands and Suppliers Need to Know”

Here’s what smart brand owners are doing:

• Keep a pulse on change. Follow industry blogs (like WC’s), backed industry social media profiles, or ask your sourcing partners to flag major updates that might affect you. Tariffs, sanctions, or political instability can pop up fast and knowing early lets you act early.

  
  

• Use trade-savvy suppliers or partners. Many suppliers stay on top of trade rules because it affects their own export costs. Ask them how tariffs affect your region, some will even suggest alternatives if a sudden duty spike hits. The same goes for freight forwarders and sourcing agents, they often see shifts coming before the media does.

  
  

• Diversify sourcing regions. This is your biggest hedge against uncertainty. If one country becomes suddenly more expensive or restricted due to policy changes, having another hub already in place gives you flexibility. Even if you’re not actively ordering from every region yet, having backup relationships matters. Think of it as supply chain insurance.

7. Sourcing Smarter: Tools, Tech and Collective Action

At this point, you might be thinking, “Wow, there’s a lot to juggle!” Cost, quality, time, compliance, culture, politics…It can feel overwhelming for a brand founder or small team.

The good news is you don’t have to do it all alone, and you don’t have to do it like decades ago (nobody has time for endless faxing and months of back-and-forth samples these days). This is where technology and new sourcing models come in as a breath of fresh air.

Digital sourcing platforms are changing the game. Imagine a curated online marketplace where you can browse textiles from verified suppliers around the world, see data on certifications and available inventory, order samples with a click, and even place orders through a secure system.

These platforms (like World Collective’s own marketplace, among others) aim to streamline the search and vetting process. They have filters for sustainable materials or region, user reviews or ratings, and built-in communication tools.

For a small brand, this means access to a pre-vetted pool of suppliers that used to be available only to big players with sourcing teams. It’s about leveling the playing field: “opening up supply chains and equipping smaller players with the same advantages as larger ones”.

By using these digital tools, you can save time and reduce the legwork on finding who to contact.

Don’t overlook the power of community and collective knowledge too. Sourcing doesn’t have to be competitive secrecy all the time.

Many sustainable fashion brands, for example, are surprisingly open in sharing tips or even supplier references, because they want to raise the industry standard.

The tone of modern sourcing is (or should be) collective-centric and empowering: we’re all better off if more brands demand transparent practices, because it pushes the whole supply base in that direction.

So, consider joining alliances or groups focused on responsible sourcing – you’ll get support and maybe even collective bargaining power.

Actionable Insights – Working Smarter:

• Explore digital marketplaces: Sign up for one or two sourcing platforms and browse. Even if you don’t immediately source through them, you’ll learn a ton about what’s out there and benchmark prices. Some platforms offer free trials or free accounts where you pay only when you order something.

  
  

• Utilize software for organization: Even a well-structured Excel or Airtable base can track your sourcing pipeline (contacts, quotes, sample status, etc.). As you grow, look into PLM tools or more advanced supply chain management tools that can integrate with inventory and sales – this ensures you have a birds-eye view of your whole system.

  
  

• Keep learning: Make it a habit to read industry reports or attend webinars on sourcing and sustainability. The landscape is changing fast (e.g., new eco-friendly materials, new laws, new logistics solutions like neutral carbon shipping options). The more you know, the more proactive you can be.

  
  

• Think ecosystem: Ultimately, the strongest approach is one that’s all-inclusive. You’re not just picking a fabric; you’re building a supply chain that reflects your brand’s ethos and can adapt as you scale. By thinking of your suppliers, logistics, technology, and customers as part of one interconnected ecosystem, you’ll make decisions that are sustainable in the long run. You’ll also be better positioned to respond to whatever the world throws at us next.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Sourcing textiles internationally is a journey. One that can feel daunting at first, but also rewarding. It’s a journey that will teach you as much about your own business as it does about the world.

You’ll learn to weigh trade-offs like a pro, develop a sixth sense for spotting both red flags and hidden gems, and likely gain a newfound appreciation for the global community that makes our clothes possible.

Remember, every big brand started somewhere. The ones that have navigated global sourcing successfully didn’t have a magic formula from day one – they learned, adapted, and forged strong partnerships along the way.

As an emerging or scaling brand, you have the advantage of agility and the benefit of modern tools those before you didn’t. You can build a supply chain from scratch that is more ethical, more transparent, and more resilient than was possible in the past.

Before we wrap up, let’s hit the highlights of what we covered (think of this as your pre-flight checklist before you “take off” into international waters):

• Do your homework on cost vs. quality: Know where you can compromise and where you won’t. And always factor in MOQs and hidden costs.

  
  

• Plan for time differences and transit times: Fashion may be fast, but boats are slow. Design your calendar and choose partners accordingly.

  
  

• Demand quality and proof of it: Good suppliers will respect you for holding them to high standards if you do so fairly. Certificates, QC checks, and transparency are your friends.

  
  

• Communicate, communicate, communicate: When in doubt, pick up the phone (or Zoom). Human connection can solve many issues that endless email threads cannot.

  
  

• Build real relationships: The world may be huge, but the industry can be surprisingly small and tight-knit. Reputation matters, and being a genuinely good partner will open doors for you globally.

  
  

• Stay adaptable and informed: The only constant is change. By staying curious and connected (and keeping a Plan B handy), you’ll navigate storms and find the silver linings.

  
  

• Leverage collective power: You’re not alone in wanting better sourcing. Collaborate, use shared platforms, and contribute to a system that works better for everyone – brands, suppliers, and the planet.

Yes, challenges exist, but so do solutions, innovations, and allies to help you overcome them. Here’s to sourcing smarter and building a fashion business that’s truly world-wise and world-class. Safe travels on your sourcing journey!

Want to learn more about smart sourcing in 2025? Dive deep into these articles:

• Innovation & Compliance: The Interconnected Digital Ecosystem The Fashion Industry Needs

• Sourcing Smarter: A Guide to Finding Reliable, Responsible Textile Suppliers

• Rethinking B2B Textile Sourcing: What the Industry Needs Now

• Quality Over Quantity: The Pathway to Success for Small Fashion Brands

Written by Maria Eugênia Lima, Junior Digital Content & Social Media Producer at World Collective