As the sales season approaches, fabric buyers are often seen reaching out to their trusted suppliers. But who exactly do they turn to? And what kind of fabrics are designers most excited about? Recently, during two major events held in Keqiao — the China International Fabrics Design Competition and the China Professional Fashion Designers Creative Design Competition — reporters had the chance to speak with several designers who frequently purchase fabrics.
Buyers typically look for the best value — products that are both affordable and high-quality. Xie Qing, Director of Fabric Procurement at Pure Group, shared her insights on synthetic fabrics, noting that Japanese-funded enterprises produce materials that meet national quality standards. European fabrics, on the other hand, offer a superior feel and level of craftsmanship that many domestic alternatives still struggle to match. However, she doesn’t always go for foreign brands. Instead, she looks for suitable domestic options that have three key advantages: first, they meet state quality regulations; second, they offer unique personalization that others can't replicate; and third, they come at a competitive price that aligns with the brand's positioning.
Fabric manufacturers should focus on understanding their target customers and developing products that truly meet their needs. Wang Yijun, Head of the Textile Department at Carrefour Global Sourcing Asia headquarters, emphasized that apart from meeting product quality standards, environmental sustainability and the production process are also important considerations. Technological innovation, product features, and whether the fabric aligns with European consumer preferences are all factors they evaluate. Additionally, supplier operations and business philosophy play a significant role in determining potential partnerships.
"For example," he said, "we take into account factors like size, weight, and price when making our decisions." From a technical perspective, Professor Zhang Peihua from Donghua University pointed out that while designers generally agree on the requirements for fabric quality, personalization, and performance, there are two main ways to meet these demands: through advanced finishing techniques and the use of innovative raw materials.
Xia Peng, Director of the Design Studio at "School of the E-School" in Shenyang, shared his perspective as well. He noted that long-term relationships with regular suppliers can sometimes limit creativity and fail to keep up with the fast-changing fashion industry. That’s why designers often seek out new suppliers to find personalized fabrics that stand out. If a manufacturer can deliver unique, high-quality materials tailored to their vision, they’re likely to become a preferred partner.
Polyester Burn Out Flannel Fleece Fabric
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