The Advantages of Sourcing Knitwear from a Japanese Fashion Supplier.

Exceptional Technical Skill in Production of Knitwear

Japanese fashion suppliers are recognized for their outstanding technical capabilities in the manufacturing of knitwear. These suppliers learn how to masterfully satisfy the various needs of their customers. These needs can range from detailed printing and fine embroidery to secondary operations on garments of various types. Some of the techniques used to create a variety of different fabrics are vintage washing, stone washing, and enzyme washing.

As an example, a company may try to source retro styled knit sweaters. The supplier, in this case, used enzyme washing, which relaxed the yarn and provided a soft, faded look to the knit. The knit product not only matched the brand retro styled design, it also became a successful, high-selling item because of the comfortable, vintage styled appearance of the yarn. Such expertise comes only from deep knowledge of the industry and investment in the latest technologies to meet the highest standards of knitwear.

Thorough Quality Control Supported by Authoritative Standards

The Japanese knitwear manufacturers' quality control systems are backed by industry standards, thorough inspections, and various certifications. Knitwear production uses third-party inspections to ensure that all elements are addressed. Additionally, the materials that are used to fabricate the products are tested and certified by the Japanese JIS, a global authority that tests and evaluates textiles for durability, colorfastness, and consumer safety.

For example, one time a European retailer partnered with a Japanese supplier to procure a batch of children’s knitwear. The JIS confirmed that the fabric used was free of hazardous materials and was also highly resistant to wear and tear. This third-party verification of quality assurance builds global trust that the knitwear will not contain dangerously defective products.

Total Service Sourcing

When Japanese suppliers are sourced for knitwear, they provide one stop service for sourcing. This service includes all stages of the sourcing journey. Services extend from fabric suggestions to final export. Other stages can include development, design tweaks, and sewing. This service saves time and eliminates the hassle of communication and coordinateing multiple buyers. 

Let's look at the example of a startup fashion brand that had little experience sourcing textiles. The supplier presented the brand with custom fabrics, which were designed to correspond with the brand’s design ideas. The supplier also developed unique fabrics, kept design adjustments to optimize the fit, and took care of all export documentation. Without the need to simplify multiple sources, the brand successfully launched its knitwear collection, illustrating how one stop services assist business development by easing sourcing.

Diverse Custom Order Specialty

Another great thing when sourcing from Japanese fashion suppliers is the flexibility provided when sourcing. They also have the ability to manage small batch orders for emerging brands that are testing out new markets. The provide real time tracking on orders so buyers can monitor the production in progress and quickly respond to proactive production with any issues that arise.

An example of a successful collaboration of a small retailer with a supplier is a small boutique that placed a small batch order to test market demand for knit dresses. The boutique's supplier completed the order on time, and the boutique was able to monitor the production stage with the real time tracking. The boutique communicated questions and adjustments about the fabric to the supplier. The supplier's response to the boutique's questions was professional, and he provided quick advice. This successful product launch was the result of collaboration with the boutique. This means that with enough supply chain collaboration, all businesses can have access to high quality knitwear without the stress of high MOQ's.

Cost Effective Solutions Without Compromising Quality

Japanese fashion suppliers provide cost effective solutions to small business because they have control over the production process from the source. Custom fabric production starts with yarn selection, allowing for extra cost control. Suppliers keep high quality, but remove middle men by fabric weaving, sampling, and production so they can pass the savings on to buyers.