Material sourcing
What is material sourcing?
Material sourcing is the first and most critical step in garment manufacturing. It involves selecting, acquiring, and testing the fabric and threads needed to produce clothing. For an expert garment manufacturer, procuring high-quality material is not just a process; it’s a responsibility, as it directly affects the quality, durability, and customer trust in the final product. At Ascension International, we treat material sourcing as both an art and a science. Our goal is not just to buy fabric, but to source premium raw materials that enhance your brand value and provide a high quality, comfortable experience for the end user.
How do we source our Material?
Our material sourcing system is built on complete transparency and professional exercise. We obtain raw materials through two main channels:
• In-house Fabric Production:
In our own factory, we produce specific types of fabrics using modern machinery. These include cotton, cotton fleece, recycled blends, and custom-blended fabrics. Because we have full control over this process, we can modify quality, GSM, color, and texture to meet the clients’ exact specifications.
• Sourcing from Renowned Fabric Mills:
For fabrics that can not be produced in-house, we source them from trusted mills in Pakistan, Turkey, China, and other countries. We only purchase from companies that guarantee quality, durability, and international certifications like OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and ISO. Our focus is not just on fabric cost, but on strength, color retention, and eco-friendly composition.
What Types of Materials Do We Source?
We don’t just buy any standard fabric — we carefully select materials based on the needs of each project, preserving the uniqueness of every brand. We source the following fabric types:
• Organic Cotton: Eco-friendly, soft, and safe for skin — ideal for premium brands.
• Recycled Polyester: Made from plastic bottles and other waste — perfect for sustainable fashion.
• Fleece Cotton / Fleece Polyester: Warm, soft, and slightly stretchable — great for winter wear like hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets.
• Lycra / Spandex Blends: Stretchable and body-hugging — used in sportswear and women’s apparel.
• Custom Blended Fabrics: We blend cotton, polyester, Lycra, or other materials based on the client’s specific needs to create unique fabrics.
Before sourcing any fabric, we thoroughly inspect its weight (GSM), color absorption capacity,
strength, and softness.
Sourcing Strategy Overview:
Our company sources fabric at both local and international levels according to demand, seasonal requirements, and seasonal requirements, and specific project needs. This ensures the timely and appropriate procurement of raw materials. We do not rely exclusively on any one country for fabric sourcing. Instead, we typically source from the following countries based on fabric type:
• Pakistan: High-quality cotton and fleece fabric are available here. We either purchase from local mills or manufacture in our factory.
• Turkey: Known for premium polyester and custom blend fabrics.
• China: Offers technologically advanced, specially fabricated fabrics such as biodegradable or high-performance knits.
• Bangladesh and Others: For specific jackets and outerwear where special attributes are needed.
This sourcing strategy helps ensure we meet high-quality standards, maintain a consistent supply, and deliver efficient turnaround for fabric requirements.
Meaning Of Fabric Standards:
We do not compromise on standards. Our sourcing process includes several stringent quality checkpoints both before and after procurement:
• GSM (Grams per Square Meter): We evaluate the weight of the fabric to ensure it meets the brand’s specific requirements for appearance and functionality.
• Color Fastness: We ensure the fabric retains its color even after repeated washing and usage.
• Softness and Hand Feel: The texture and softness of the fabric and essential factors in determining product quality.
• Shrinkage and Durability: We test for potential shrinkage after washing and ensure long-term usability.
All these tests are carried out using our own laboratory and partner vendors so that no raw fabric
goes unverified.
Our Ethical Sourcing Commitment:
We do not view fabric sourcing merely as a commercial activity, but rather as a reflection of our ethical values. Our approach is rooted in principles that are both environmentally friendly and humane. We follow specific guidelines and standards throughout the sourcing process:
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Wherever possible, we use organic cotton and sustainable textiles that are GOTS certified.
• Use of Non-Toxic Materials: We use polyester and synthetic fabrics that have minimal environmental impact.
• No Child Labor: We ensure that all fabric sourcing complies with international labor laws and standards, and we do not source from any suppliers who exploit child labor.
Customized Sourcing According to Client Preference:
Fabric selection depends on the requirements of the product and the specific preferences of each brand. We offer full flexibility to clients to select the type of fabric they want or to specify their needs in a tech pack. We provide sourcing for the following types of fabric and features:
• Special fabrics based on GSM, color, structure, and composition
• Technical blends like anti-bacterial cotton-polyester or rayon fabrics
• Special finishes like brushed or peached surface treatment
• Sustainable or dyed fabrics with environmental certifications.Our goal is to provide brands with access to exactly the kind of fabric they truly need—without compromise and without unnecessary complexity.
Our Low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Policy
We understand that every brand has its own unique needs and budget. That’s why we offer flexibility with low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) in our sourcing process:
• In-house Ready Fabric: We can supply small MOQs for fabrics that are already available in our inventory.
• Market Sourced Fabric: For fabrics sourced from the market, MOQs depend on supplier terms and availability.
• Custom Color or Finish: For special custom dyeing or finishes, MOQ is determined accordingly.
Our Objective:
Our goal is to ensure that even small or emerging brands get access to high-quality fabrics at manageable order volumes.
Why is Our Fabric Sourcing the Best?
• We offer both in-house readiness and quality sourcing simultaneously.
• Faster lead times and reduced wait periods.
• Complete control over quality.
• Adherence to sustainable, organic, and ethical practices.
• Support for sampling and prototyping during the early development phase.
• Customized fabrics tailored to each brand’s specific requirements.
FAQ's
Do you only source knitted fabric?
No, we source various types of fabrics, including knitted, dyed, fleece, and specialty blends.
Do you also prepare fabric in your facility?
Yes, we manufacture some types of fabric in-house, such as fleece and dyed knitted fabrics.
Can I place and receive emergency orders?
Yes, if you need an urgent order, Ascension International offers express production and express
shipping services. Depending on your requirements, we can complete production quickly and
deliver your parcel within 3 days or even less.
What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
The MOQ depends on the type of fabric and the sourcing method. However, we do
accommodate low MOQs for new and emerging brands.
Can you provide fabric in a specific GSM and color?
Absolutely! We can produce or source fabric according to your required GSM and colorstandards.