Links
For the sake of transparency, please know that there are some referral links in the mix here. Our clients and dear readers are our top priority… we only make recommendations that will genuinely benefit you, not to make a few pennies here and there.
Sourcing: Fabrics
Swatch On
An online fabric marketplace based in South Korea, particularly interested in creating a reliable fabric sourcing marketplace for fashion designers.
Mood Fabrics
From small wholesale store in NYC, to the recognizable brand it is today, Mood Fabrics is thrilled to be considered “destination shopping” for fabric devotees worldwide.
M&J Trimming Co
Over 20,000 products… crystals, ribbons, buttons, supplies & more
Sourcing: Agencies
Manufactured
Helping consumer brands manufacture products globally. Services include development, sourcing, vendors & order management.
Sourcify
Sourcing for the modern era… improve turnaround time and margins by up to 64% with their streamlined sourcing solution.
Seditex
Sourcing in Vietnam since 2000… factory introductions, assessments, merchandising, costing, quality control and staff search.
Sourcing: Consultants
Learn to Make a Product
Get access to expert advice and a proven framework for turning your product idea into a success.
India Sourcing
Boost your eCommerce profits - source unique, high quality products from India!
Vietnam Insider
Fashion start-up consulting and manufacturing in Vietnam expertise.
Sourcing: Directories
Makers Row
American made – the platform for American manufacturers.
Thomas Net
Become a part of North America's largest and most active network of industrial/commercial suppliers.
Alibaba
The leading platform for wholesale trade, serving millions of buyers & suppliers around the world.
Trade Shows
Magic
The most comprehensive fashion marketplace in the U.S., showing apparel, footwear, accessories, and sourcing resources from around the world.
Global Sources
The latest products, the best suppliers! Specialized trade fair in Hong Kong.
Software
Adobe Illustrator
The industry-standard vector graphics software that we use for our flats and technical drawings inside tech packs.
Microsoft Excel
Easiest way to set up a tech pack is in a spreadsheet. Excel can be used online, on your computer or as a mobile app.
Google Sheets
Create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets using you internet browser. Free alternative to Excel!
Books
Complete Guide to Size Specification and Technical Design
By Paula J. Myers-McDevitt. Everything you need to know about measuring samples, creating spec sheets and fitting garments.
101 SEWING SEAMS
The most used seams by fashion designers. By ABC Seams
Patternmaking for Fashion Design
By Helen Joseph Armstrong. Detailed yet easy-to-understand lessons pattern making.
→ For more book recommendations head over to our Bookshop.org list
Tools
Retractable tape measure
This is made from fiberglass which will not stretch, unlike most other tape measures I’ve wasted money on… trust me on this one!
Pantone Cotton Passport
2,310 PANTONE fashion, home + interiors colors in a compact folio with numerical references. All colors formulated for fabrics and color fastness.
Fashion Humanoid Ruler Set
Speed up your flat sketches and technical drawings with this handy ruler set!