Women s crew-neck pullovers 9 trendy products 9 supplier profiles A guide to importing clothes from China www.globalsources.com/mobileelectronics www.globalsources.com/apparel
Buyer s Guide to sourcing women s crew-neck pullovers A gallery with 9 trendy products handpicked by our Market Analysts, 9 supplier profiles and importing guide. } Product gallery: Diverse fabrics, styles jazz up line 3 } Comparison table: Profiles of 9 export-ready suppliers 6 } Guide to importing clothes from China 8
Women s crew-neck pullovers: Product gallery, supplier profiles, importing guide Diverse fabrics, styles jazz up women s pullovers Suppliers employ textile blends for better breathability and durability, and turn out pieces that catch the eye. Makers of women s crew-neck pullovers from mainland China and Taiwan are using different textiles and fabric combinations to improve functional properties. Suppliers are also launching unconventional designs to separate themselves from industry rivals. Cotton remains the fabric of choice for most suppliers. Acrylic, polyester and nylon are also widely used. Many high-end models adopt wool. These textiles can be blended together for greater breathability, moisture absorbency, warmth retention, skin-friendliness, and shrink and wrinkle resistance. Body-fitting, waist-length and loose styles are popular. Some makers are releasing overall lace and sheer pieces that suit summer. Models have short, three-quarters long or full-length sleeves. The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our Market Analysts for representing current trends in women s crewneck pullovers. Uses breathable acrylic The model HZS15233 women s crew-neck pullover from Hangzhou Sunshine Textile Co. Ltd adopts 100 percent breathable acrylic, making it suitable for summer. The sweater has a gauge of 7GG and comes in a long design. Weight is 240g. Price ranges from $8.25 to $12.95 for an MOQ of 500 pieces. Dress style Jiaxing Layo Imp. & Exp. Group Co. Ltd s R1022304(RD0164)-3122 model is a dress-style women s crew-neck pullover with black and white stripes. The long-sleeved sweater uses pure cotton with a 12GG gauge. The garment weighs 246g. Minimum order is 500 pieces. More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel 3
Sheer sweater The model Xempul women s crew-neck pullover from Jiaxing Mengdi Import & Export Co. Ltd uses acrylic-polyester sheer fabric. The sweater is breathable and is suitable for summer. The supplier requires a minimum order of 1,000 pieces. Lace pullover Using stylish lace fabric, the three-quarter long-sleeved model CL2323 women s crew-neck pullover from Lily Corp. is designed for summer. The material options are cotton, nylon and polyester. MOQ is 1,000 pieces. Playful cat design Richforth Garments Co. offers the model RGWW024-PO002 women s crew-neck pullover with a playful cat design. The sweater is made of 100 percent cotton and comes in sizes S to XXL. Colors, logos and labels can be customized. OEM and ODM orders are accepted. Minimum order is 1,000 pieces for each style and color. Mimics watercolor painting The patterns of Yiwu Youngly Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd s model YW-W0608 resembles watercolor painting. These are customizable. The long-sleeved sweater is made of 100 percent cotton. OEM and ODM orders are welcome. Minimum order is 1,200 pieces. 4 More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel
Cable-knitted neck The model EEI-006-0285 women s pullover from Zhejiang NAC Garments and Textiles Dept. features a cable-knitted neck. It adopts 12GG pure cashmere and is available in sizes S to L. The sweater weighs 254g. The supplier requires an MOQ of 100 pieces per color and 300 pieces for each style in five sizes. With handwarmer pockets Designed for spring and fall, the model SSLW12N1 hooded women s pullover from Zhejiang Newfine Industry Co. Ltd- Knitwear Products features handwarmer pockets. It is made of 65:35 polyester-cotton. Minimum order is 300 pieces. Adopts pure Merino wool The model KZW-35 women s crew-neck pullover from Zhejiang Orient Knitex I/E Co. Ltd utilizes 100 percent Merino wool with a stitch density of 12GG. The sweater weighs 260 to 290g, and has black and white stripes. Price is $12 to $15 for a minimum order of 300 pieces. Stay informed to stay ahead Read about the latest product trends, and get practical sourcing tips at our online information hub, Sourcing News & Advice. www.globalsources.com/news More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel 5
Supplier comparison table Company name Supplier ranking Supplier location Year established Business type Hangzhou Sunshine Mainland China 2004 Exporter, manufacturer, trading company Jiaxing Layo Mainland China 1983 Exporter, manufacturer, trading company Jiaxing Mengdi Mainland China 1980 Exporter, manufacturer, trading company Lily Taiwan 1987 Exporter, manufacturer Richforth Mainland China 1995 Buying office, exporter, manufacturer, trading company Yiwu Youngly Mainland China 2006 Manufacturer, wholesaler, trading company, agent, buying office Zhejiang NAC Mainland China 1975 Exporter, importer, manufacturer, trading company Zhejiang Newfine Mainland China 1973 Exporter, manufacturer, trading company Zhejiang Orient Knitex Mainland China 1980 Exporter, manufacturer, trading company Global Sources supplier rankings Suppliers are ranked using a 6-star ranking system. Companies with a higher star ranking provide more business information and verification reports on their Global Sources online homepages. Suppliers rated 5 or 6 stars have a Credit Check report from First Advantage or Sino-Trust and a Supplier Capability Assessment report provided by Bureau Veritas online. The rankings are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. 6 More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel
Main export markets North America, Europe, Oceania North & South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa North America, Western Europe, Oceania North & South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa North & South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa US, Europe, South America, Australia, Japan Company certification Number of employees Total annual sales (US$ million) Major customers Undisclosed 4 to 5 Le Chateau Inc., Fast Futures Brands Ltd, LPP S.A., Group Dynamite, Nord Storm, Blooming ISO 9001:2008 300 to 350 More than 500 1,500 to 2,000 50 to 55 Liujio, O stin, Itokin, Guess, Softsurroundings, La Perla, Nordstrom, Calvin Klein, Morgan, Terre de Marins, Demart, Otto, TBS, IKKS, Passport, C&A, Witt Weiden, Together, Vestebene, Conte of Florence, Patrizia Pepe, Burton, Esprit, 8th Sin, Deniele Fiesoli, Ovs, Coin, Cristinaeffe, Axis, Perry Ellis, Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbia 150 to 200 20 to 25 250 to 300 0.4 to 0.5 150 to 200 4 to 5 North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa North America, Western Europe, Oceania Europe, North & South America, Australia, Japan ISO 9001:2008 250 to 300 More than 500 Zara, C&A, La Halle, Charles Vogele, Tesco 150 to 200 100 to 250 600 to 650 4 to 5 La Paris, HBC, Love 21, Johnson s More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel 7
Guide to importing clothes from China Importing clothing and textiles from China? Keep reading, and learn what you must know about sourcing from clothing manufacturers, fabric specifications and design drawings. The article will also explain how you can reduce the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) requirement and compliance testing costs by streamlining the use of fabrics and colors. Clothing suppliers in China: What to look for a. Product scope Product focus is the primary factor qualifying potential apparel manufacturers. Clothing factories are specialized in making certain types apparel, which is also reflected on their material subcontractors and machinery. You will get an idea of a supplier s product scope by quickly reviewing their website or supplier page on Global Sources. That said, the business scope, as specified on the supplier s business license, can be even more telling. Below follows an example: High-grade fabric weaving, dyeing and finishing; clothing, textile products in the production, processing, sales of the company products and related products in the acquisition of export business. We can tell from the business scope above that this supplier is an export-oriented textile fabric manufacturer. If there is no mention of production, manufacturing or specific production procedures, the supplier is likely a trader. That category of supplier also tends to include a large number of product categories in its scope. b. Product compliance track record Buyers in many markets, mainly the US and the EU, must ensure compliance with various product standards and regulations. When it comes to textiles, there is a variety of substance restrictions in place, limiting the content of formaldehyde, lead and azo dyes. However, only a few apparel manufacturers can provide compliance documents (i.e., test reports), making it hard to assess a clothing supplier s capability to produce compliant goods. Instead, compliance documents are far more often held by textile fabrics subcontractors and overseas buyers, rather than the apparel factory. That being said, our experience tells us that the risk of noncompliance (i.e., a product that fails compliance testing) is low, when importing clothes from China. Our clients have submitted material samples for REACH and California Proposition 65, testing on a frequent basis in the last few years and very few have failed testing. There is, however, one exception. Coated fabrics. Buyers of waterproof fabrics with TPU or PVC coating must take extra care, as the coating may contain phthalates and other restricted substances. c. Quality management system and social compliance A Quality Management System (i.e, ISO 9001:2008) is implemented in the supplier s production flow to track and limit defects. Among clothing manufacturers, far from all suppliers hold QMS certification. Clothing importers are wise to not rely on the suppliers to manage quality and should implement their own quality assurance procedures. Social compliance has been a hot topic in the industry in recent years. Especially since the collapse of Rana plaza in April 2013. That occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, not in China. The overall degree of workplace safety is higher in China, compared to other Asia manufacturing destinations. That being said, a supplier with social compliance audit reports at hand are to be preferred. Look for suppliers with BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) and Sedex certification. What to include in the techpack a. Fabric specifications 8 More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel
Fabric specifications can be based on an existing standard fabric or an OEM specification. The latter may result in a vast increase of the lead time and MOQ. Here is a list of fabric specifications: Material / fiber composition (i.e., 98% cotton, 2% spandex) Weight (i.e., 240gsm) Yarn count (i.e., 40x40) Yarn type (i.e., combed) Colors (Pantone or RAL) Treatment (i.e., flame retardance) Coating (i.e., PU coating) b. Bill of materials (Components) All components must be listed in the bill of materials, and may include everything from fabric pieces to zippers. The quantity of each component, on a per unit basis, must also be specified. Buttons Zippers Velcro Seam material c. Design Design elements can be replicated from reference samples, or design drawings. However, limiting yourself to only one of two is unwise. A physical sample provides a much needed reference product for the supplier during the sample development process. However, design elements must also be communicated as design drawings, which also serve as attachments to sales contracts and other product documentation. Reference samples Sample photocopies Design drawings The design drawings should also show the position of washing labels, prints and embroideries, for the sake of reducing the risk of misunderstandings. d. Size table A size table lists dimensions for all sizes. This is a complement to the design drawing, on which the various measurements are to be specified (i.e., chest width and length). The following measurements may be included: Chest Hem Length Arm Collar (Front) Collar (Back) Shoulder Width e. Logos All print and embroidery files must be provided in either.ai or.eps format. Include the following: Washing labels Embroidery Prints Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) When importing clothing from China, the MOQ is usually set at about 500 to 1,000 pieces per product. There is a reason for this. Clothing manufacturers must purchase a certain quantity from the textile fabrics and component suppliers. This quantity requirement is then reflected on the MOQ the clothing manufacturer must set. Clothing suppliers are not only setting MOQ requirements per product (i.e., design), but also per color, fabric and size. Hence, clothing importers must request the following MOQs from prospective apparel makers: MOQ per fabric MOQ per SKU MOQ per color MOQ per size For further clarification on how the MOQ is structured, an example follows below: MOQ per fabric: 1,000 pieces (set by subcontractor) MOQ per SKU: 500 pieces (indirectly by subcontractor) MOQ per color: 500 pieces (set by subcontractor) MOQ per size: 250 pieces (set by clothing supplier) Clothing suppliers are generally more willing to offer a lower MOQ when it is in their own control to do so. As we see in the list above, the SKU MOQ is often based on the MOQ per color. The latter is in turn set by the fabrics supplier, rather than the clothing factory. This is even more obvious when we look at the size MOQ, for which the supplier can afford to be more flexible. This also explains why a lower order volume results in a limited material option. Reducing the MOQ requirement when importing clothing Now, 500 pieces per SKU is not a terribly large volume. It is barely enough to keep a medium-sized clothing factory running for more than a couple of hours. However, most brands are not limited to only one product. Hence, an MOQ requirement of 1,000 pieces per product is More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel 9
multiplied by the number of SKUs in your catalog. As such, startup brands and small businesses have the following options: 1. Reduce the number of SKUs 2. Reuse fabrics and colors on as many SKUs as possible Option 2 enables the supplier to both satisfy the MOQ requirements set by subcontractors while offering its overseas buyers a reduced MOQ. As said, clothing manufacturers can afford to be a bit more flexible when it comes to the processes they manage in house. For example, cutting and sewing. Yet, expect a reduced volume to result in an increased unit price. This strategy offers another benefit. Substance testing costs (i.e., REACH and California Proposition 65) are largely based on the number the number of fabrics and colors. Hence, compliance testing costs can be vastly reduced by limiting the number of fabric and colors used to make a collection. Most countries only require the importer to provide material test reports for applicable substance regulations, rather than product specific test reports with the notable exception of children s clothing. Shipping textiles and apparel from China Clothing is a high volume product. As air freight charges quickly run up due to Volumetric charges, shipping by sea is the only viable mode of transportation for anything but minor sample deliveries. Sea freight charges are based on three factors: Incoterm, volume and destination. Textile & Apparel Trade Fairs in mainland China and Hong Kong Global Sources Fashion show Location: Hong Kong When: January (Fall / Winter) and July (Spring / Summer) Product list: Bags & luggage Fashion jewelry Scarves & gloves Belts & footwear Accessories Socks Eyewear Kids apparel Fabrics, lace & trimmings Sweater & knitwear Sportswear Casual wear Down jackets & outerwear Underwear & sleepwear Swimwear & beachwear Canton Fair Phase 3 (Guangzhou) Location: Guangzhou (mainland China) When: April/May and October/November Product list: Men and women s clothing Kids wear Underwear Sports and casual wear Furs, leather, downs & related products Fashion accessories and fittings Home textiles Textile raw materials & fabrics Carpets & tapestries Shoes Office supplies Cases and bags Sports, travel and recreation products Hong Kong Fashion Week for (Hong Kong) Location: Hong Kong When: January (Fall / Winter) and July (Spring / Summer) Product list: Ladies wear Menswear Baby and children s wear Sportswear Lingerie Swimwear Evening wear Handbags Shoes Costume jewelry Fabrics Buttons Labels Inspection, testing, certification & verification services Fredrik Grönkvist is the co-founder of ScandinAsian Enterprise in Shanghai. Since 2010, he and his team have helped hundreds of companies worldwide, primarily in the EU and US, to develop and manufacture products in China. He is also the main contributor on www.chinaimportal.com, a leading knowledge base for small- to medium-sized enterprises importing from Asia. For further questions, you can contact him on www.chinaimportal.com/contact-us/. 10 More exclusive news: GlobalSources.com/Apparel
Get Reliable Pricing Data, Tooling Costs and Lead Times for Your OEM and ODM Products Click here to request Free Demo or go directly to http://www.chinaimportal.com We help you gather accurate information on unit pricing, tooling costs and product specifications - for your custom designed, and private label, products. Get data from up to 8 verified suppliers today, by placing your order online - directly on Chinaimportal.com. Get accurate pricing & product data We contact each supplier to gather information on pricing, tooling costs, MOQ, payment terms and production time. Verified suppliers only We only present data from verified suppliers either selected by us, or those chosen by your company. Small business friendly pricing No order value commission or middle men. Turn around in 15-20 working days Let us handle the price research process and save months of work. Place and manage your orders online Upload documents, design drawings and other files directly on the site.
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