FABRICS & MATERIAL SELECTION / BUYING ANSWER
Reviewing a proposed fabric substitution.
What should I compare when a supplier proposes a different fabric?
details to the table.
Read the answer.
Review the requirements.
Discuss your project.
THE BUYING ANSWER
Start with a clear definition.
Compare the new material against the approved identity, appearance, construction behaviour and documented claims. Give the substitute a separate reference until accepted. Similar colour or a supplier's equivalent description should not silently replace the agreed material.
The decision behind the detail.
A substitute can affect several product records. Review labels, care information, seams and packing where relevant before treating the change as complete.
PREPARE ONLY WHAT IS RELEVANT
Three details to bring.
- Original reference
- Identify the approved material and retained swatch.
- Proposed substitute
- Record the new code and stated differences.
- Approval needs
- List the sample and document checks required.
Check together
- Keep both swatches available for comparison.
- Update affected records only after explicit approval.
- Identify the order or batch to which the change applies.
READY TO DISCUSS THIS DETAIL?
Take it into your project.
Go straight to an enquiry, or add a note first. Every field here is optional.
Add a working note (optional)
Leave anything undecided blank. These notes do not approve a sample or order.
Preparing your local note…