What New Brands Need to Know About Sourcing A Guide to Wholesale Streetwear and B2B Clothing Partnerships

Starting a new brand in the streetwear clothing industry is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As the market becomes more competitive and trends evolve rapidly, the way new brands approach sourcing becomes an essential factor in their success. Whether you’re a startup looking to get into wholesale streetwear or a brand owner with a vision of creating something unique in the market, understanding the fundamentals of sourcing will give you a solid foundation for building a sustainable and profitable business.

In this blog, we will cover what new brands need to know about sourcing, with a specific focus on streetwear clothing and wholesale streetwear. We’ll dive into the B2B (business to business) relationships and how to build strong connections with suppliers and manufacturers. With real world examples from brands like Zunisportswear, this guide will offer actionable insights to help you navigate the complex world of sourcing.

Understanding Sourcing in the Streetwear Clothing Industry

Sourcing refers to the process of finding and securing suppliers for the materials, production, and manufacturing of products. In the streetwear clothing industry, sourcing is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality control: Streetwear brands rely on high quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure their products align with their brand identity.
• Cost management: Sourcing helps brands manage costs, particularly when it comes to finding affordable yet reliable suppliers.
• Speed to market: Streetwear trends move fast, and sourcing materials and manufacturers efficiently can help your brand stay ahead of the curve.
• Sustainability: More brands are turning to sustainable sourcing practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

For new streetwear brands, sourcing often involves finding reputable suppliers who can deliver on both the quality and volume needed at the right price.

Wholesale Streetwear:
What You Need to Know

Wholesale streetwear is an excellent avenue for emerging brands to scale quickly and reach a wider audience. In the wholesale model, you sell your products in bulk to retail stores, distributors, or other B2B entities that sell them directly to consumers. This distribution model is often ideal for new brands since it allows them to build their brand presence without the need to invest heavily in direct to consumer (DTC) sales channels from the outset.

Here are some key considerations when it comes to wholesale streetwear:

1. Choosing the Right Wholesale Supplier

When sourcing for wholesale streetwear, choosing the right supplier is critical to your success. Here’s what you should consider:

• Reputation: Look for suppliers with a strong reputation in the industry. Suppliers who have worked with established streetwear brands often have the knowledge and resources to meet your needs.
• Quality Control: Quality is everything in the streetwear market. Ensure that your wholesale suppliers provide materials that meet your brand’s standards for durability, comfort, and style.
• Lead Time: Streetwear trends can be fast paced, so ensuring that your supplier has a reliable and consistent lead time is vital. You want to avoid running into delays that could hurt your business.
• Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Suppliers may have specific MOQs, which can affect your pricing and profitability. Make sure your budget and plans align with these requirements.

2. Building Strong Relationships with B2B Partners

B2B (business to business) partnerships are essential for any wholesale operation. These relationships are typically long term, so it’s crucial to build trust and understanding with your suppliers. Here’s how:

• Communication: Regular communication ensures that both parties are on the same page when it comes to product expectations, timelines, and quality.
• Negotiating Terms: Successful B2B partnerships involve negotiating favorable terms, such as payment schedules, discounts, and shipping terms. For instance, Zunisportswear, a successful streetwear brand, has built its business on strong B2B relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. Negotiating for favorable terms early on helped the company scale efficiently.
• Flexibility: As your brand grows, your sourcing needs may change. Building a flexible B2B relationship allows you to adapt to these changes without causing disruptions in your supply chain.

3. Understanding Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing is at the heart of sourcing, and for streetwear brands, it’s essential to understand the process from beginning to end. Here’s what you should know:

• Types of Manufacturers: You’ll encounter different types of manufacturers, including local, regional, and international options. Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, quality, and production timelines.
• Production Capacity: Make sure that the manufacturer you select can handle your production capacity as you scale.
• Sampling and Prototyping: Always request samples or prototypes before committing to a full production run. This allows you to assess the quality and fit before the final products are made.

If you’re working with an overseas manufacturer, ensure that you’re aware of import/export regulations and shipping times.

Sourcing and Sustainability in Streetwear

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the streetwear industry. Consumers are more conscious about the environmental impact of their clothing, and many are willing to pay a premium for products that are ethically sourced and produced.

Here are some tips for making your streetwear brand more sustainable:

• Ethical Sourcing: Partner with manufacturers who use eco friendly materials, like organic cotton or recycled fabrics. This is not only better for the environment but also resonates with consumers who prioritize sustainability.
• Local Sourcing: Consider sourcing locally to reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that workers are paid fair wages.
• Transparent Practices: Modern consumers value transparency. Be open about where and how your products are made, and showcase your sustainable sourcing efforts.

Conclusion

Sourcing is a critical aspect of launching a successful streetwear brand. Whether you’re looking to break into the wholesale streetwear market or build a B2B relationship with suppliers, understanding sourcing practices is vital for creating a sustainable and profitable business. By focusing on quality, building strong supplier relationships, and embracing sustainable practices, new brands can set themselves up for long-term success in the fast-moving world of streetwear clothing.