Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Source Fashion is Europe's leading fashion sourcing event, bringing together international manufacturers and verified buyers. Scheduled for January 19-21, 2027, at ExCeL London, the show offers a platform for networking, sourcing, and discovering sustainable fashion solutions.
With over 300 manufacturers and 4,000 buyers expected, it is an essential event for industry professionals looking to build long-term partnerships. Source Fashion takes place in London, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and venue: Source Fashion runs in January 2027 at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks; captured travel searches for this edition were set around 19-21 January 2027, so confirm the exact show days on source-fashion.com before booking.
- 2Sector focus: fashion sourcing and manufacturing rather than finished-garment retail - cut-make-trim factories, fabric mills, trim and component suppliers, print studios and private-label producers for womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim and knitwear.
- 3Supply markets on show: garment manufacturers, sourcing agents and mill agents from established and near-shore supply countries including Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Morocco, India, Bangladesh and China, presented for direct buyer comparison.
- 4Who walks the aisles: buying directors, sourcing and production managers, designers, technical and quality teams, own-label developers and founder-led labels building a supply chain for the coming season.
- 5Commercial rationale: a London-based sourcing trip that lets a buying team compare factory capability, MOQs, lead times and price architecture across many supply countries without multi-country travel.
Why visit
Attending Source Fashion provides access to a diverse range of verified manufacturers and suppliers, allowing buyers to compare production options and discover sustainable materials. Dates and Venue: Source Fashion takes place from January 19 to 21, 2027, at ExCeL London. Buyer Authority: Attendees include sourcing directors, designers, and procurement teams. Entry: Registration is required; all seminar sessions are free for registered visitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Source Fashion offers brands the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of decision-makers in the fashion industry. Scale and Focus: The event features over 300 global manufacturers and 4,000 verified buyers. Organiser: Hosted by Hyve Group, known for leading trade shows in the fashion sector. Buyer Authority: Attendees include sourcing directors, designers, and procurement teams.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Sourcing directors from major retail brands
Fashion designers seeking new materials
Procurement teams looking for reliable suppliers
Sustainability officers focused on ethical sourcing
Textile manufacturers aiming to expand their market reach
Retail buyers interested in private label production
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Garment manufacturers from various countries
Textile suppliers offering sustainable materials
Wholesale partners in the fashion industry
Technology providers for fashion production
Sourcing consultants specializing in ethical practices
Design agencies focused on innovative fashion solutions
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Garments and apparel for men, women, and children
Sustainable textiles and materials
Fashion accessories and trims
Private label production solutions
Footwear and leather goods
Fashion technology and software solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
ExCeL London
Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Facilities
Parking
ExCeL London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: ExCeL London in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at ExCeL London for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
19 – 21 January 2027:9:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily
21 January 2027:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Who runs the show
Organisers
Hyve Group
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
reported
Exhibitors: 305
Visitor countries: 19
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
London, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending Source Fashion on 2027-01-19 to 2027-01-21 in London lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
Heathrow is the main long-haul gateway for London and the best choice for intercontinental buyers. The Elizabeth line gives a direct rail run to Custom House for ExCeL; taxis are slow in weekday traffic. Confirm live times before travel
Approx. 35 km west of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 60-80 min by road; approx. 45-55 min by Elizabeth line to Custom House
by car
London Gatwick
Gatwick serves many European and leisure routes. Rail into London Bridge or Victoria then Jubilee line and DLR is usually faster than road transfer during the morning peak
Approx. 80 km south of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 75-95 min by road; approx. 60-75 min by Thameslink plus Jubilee line and DLR
by car
London Stansted
Stansted carries a large volume of European low-cost traffic. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street connects to the Jubilee line and DLR; road transfer is best outside peak hours
Approx. 60 km north-east of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 60-80 min by road; approx. 70-85 min by Stansted Express plus tube and DLR
by car
London Luton
Luton is served by a dedicated shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway for Thameslink trains to St Pancras, then onward tube and DLR. Allow extra time with bulky sample luggage
Approx. 55 km north-west of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 65-85 min by road; approx. 65-80 min by shuttle or train to central London then Jubilee line and DLR
by car
London City
London City is the closest airport to the Royal Docks and ideal for European business travellers. The DLR runs directly from the airport to the ExCeL area, making it the fastest arrival option on show mornings
Approx. 3 km east of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 10-15 min by road; approx. 5-10 min by Docklands Light Railway to Custom House
by car
London Southend
Southend is a smaller gateway used by a limited set of European routes. Rail via Stratford is the sensible connection for ExCeL; check that your arrival time still allows a same-day transfer
Approx. 60 km east of ExCeL London
to venue
Approx. 60-75 min by road; approx. 50-65 min by Greater Anglia rail to Stratford then DLR or Jubilee line
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport
4-star
London City Airport / Docklands4.7
Closest full-service option to the Royal Docks with parking and a fitness centre; captured Google Hotels pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 15,026, so treat the USD band as an approximate nightly range and recheck in GBP.
London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf
4-star
Canary Wharf4.3
Canary Wharf location with Jubilee line and DLR connections to Custom House; captured pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 34,598, the highest of the captured set, so expect the upper end of the band during show week.
Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich by IHG
3-star
Greenwich4.0
Value option south of the river with parking and pet-friendly rooms; captured pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 8,713, the lowest of the captured set. Greenwich to ExCeL is a DLR or Jubilee line plus DLR journey.
Holiday Inn Express London-Royal Docks, Docklands by IHG
3-star
Royal Docks / Docklands4.1
Walking-distance positioning for ExCeL with parking and free Wi-Fi; captured pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 13,764. Useful if you want to avoid daily DLR transfers entirely.
Holiday Inn Express London - Stratford by IHG
3-star
Stratford4.3
Stratford puts you on the Jubilee line, Greater Anglia and the DLR network with easy access to ExCeL; captured pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 11,364. Parking and free Wi-Fi on site.
Radisson RED London Greenwich The O2
4-star
Greenwich Peninsula / The O24.1
Design-led option on the Greenwich Peninsula near The O2, with North Greenwich Jubilee line and DLR links to the Royal Docks; captured pricing for the 19-21 January 2027 window was around INR 10,733. Pet-friendly with parking.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
DLR
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from LCY to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon City Airport (LCY) to Custom House for ExCeL London
Shortest airport-to-venue hop in London: the DLR runs directly from the airport into the Royal Docks and Custom House is a short walk from the ExCeL entrances.
Elizabeth line
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from LHR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Custom House for ExCeL London
Direct Elizabeth line service from Heathrow terminals to Custom House, roughly 45-55 minutes. Avoid the Heathrow Express, which is faster into Paddington but requires a costly cross-London transfer.
London Underground
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from LHR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to ExCeL London
Cheaper than the Elizabeth line but slower, with a change at Green Park onto the Jubilee line and a further change onto the DLR at Canning Town. Workable with light luggage only.
National rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to ExCeL London
Thameslink to London Bridge is the quickest rail option, then Jubilee line to Canning Town and DLR to Custom House. Buy a through ticket or use contactless for the whole journey.
Stansted Express
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from STN to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to ExCeL London
Rail into Liverpool Street then Jubilee line to Canning Town and DLR. Advance-purchase Stansted Express tickets are usually cheaper than walk-up fares.
Rail and shuttle
Estimated costGBP 2.50-5.50 single Tube or tram journey
Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to ExCeL London
The Luton Airport shuttle connects to Luton Airport Parkway for Thameslink services to St Pancras; from there the Northern line and Jubilee line plus DLR complete the trip.
Regional rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forLondon Southend (SEN) to ExCeL London
Greater Anglia services run into Stratford, where the DLR and Jubilee line connect to Custom House and Canning Town. Check that services align with your arrival time.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12.00-20.00 metered black cab or private hire for the short Royal Docks run; confirm before travel
Best forLondon City (LCY) to ExCeL London
Only worth taking with heavy samples or in bad weather; the DLR covers the same distance in minutes for a fraction of the cost.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
January is London's coldest show month: expect daytime highs of about 6-9 C, overnight lows near 2-4 C, overcast skies and rain on roughly 10-11 days of the month. Daylight is short, with sunset before 17:00, so plan evening meetings indoors. ExCeL halls are heated, but the walkways between the DLR and the entrances are exposed, so a waterproof outer layer and shoes that cope with wet pavements make the daily commute far more comfortable. Frost on early DLR platforms is possible; check a live forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK prepaid SIM and eSIM plans from EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 are widely sold at airports and in central London, and most visitors find an eSIM the simplest option for show-week data. ExCeL offers venue Wi-Fi, but capacity varies in packed halls, so download the exhibitor directory, floor plan and any meeting notes before you arrive. UK power is 230V with Type G three-pin sockets, so European and US plugs need an adapter. Visitors roaming from the EU should check their operator's post-Brexit roaming terms, as surcharges may apply.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
London sourcing events run on smart casual: chinos, knitwear and a jacket are typical, and comfort matters more than formality because ExCeL halls involve long walking distances.
Punctuality and queuing
Meetings start on time and queuing is expected and respected at badge collection, coffee counters and DLR platforms. Arrive five minutes early rather than pushing in.
Payments and tipping
Contactless cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere, including on buses and the DLR. Card payment is standard in restaurants and taxis; a service charge is often already included on the bill.
Small talk and follow-up
Initial meetings are friendly but brisk, and decisions usually follow by email after the show. Bring a business card or a digital contact card and send follow-up notes within a week.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LHR
Captured searches for this edition looked at economy round trips into London Heathrow for 19-23 January 2027. Frankfurt is one of the shortest hops at roughly two hours, while Dubai shows nonstop service of around nine hours. Long-haul origins such as Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney should plan to land at least one full day before the opening so a delay does not cost the first show morning. Heathrow carries most long-haul capacity, Gatwick and Stansted serve European low-cost routes, and London City is the closest airport to the Royal Docks with a direct DLR connection. Book early for January, avoid tight same-day connections, and confirm baggage allowances if you are carrying sample garments.
Visa
Non-visa nationals may attend business events in the UK without a visa for short stays; visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa for business (meetings, conferences, trade fairs) covering stays of up to 6 months. Visa-exempt visitors from certain countries must instead obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travel. Check your nationality against the official GOV.UK guidance before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
GOV.UK lists three relevant routes for trade-show attendance: the Standard Visitor visa for business and short stays up to 6 months, the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for eligible visa-exempt visitors, and airport transit visas. Apply through the official GOV.UK service only; an organiser invitation letter is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 60-80 min by road; approx. 45-55 min by Elizabeth line to Custom House; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 75-95 min by road; approx. 60-75 min by Thameslink plus Jubilee line and DLR; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 60-80 min by road; approx. 70-85 min by Stansted Express plus tube and DLR; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 65-85 min by road; approx. 65-80 min by shuttle or train to central London then Jubilee line and DLR. Allow road or rail time to ExCeL L
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ExCeL London: London City Airport / Docklands: Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport; Canary Wharf: London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf; Greenwich: Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and Free Now all operate across London, including the Royal Docks. Pick-up and drop-off at ExCeL is directed to designated points rather than the hall doors, so follow venue signage and allow a short walk. Expect surge pricing during the show's opening and closing windows and when the DLR has disruption; for the short hop from London City Airport the DLR is faster than waiting for a car.
Public transit: The Docklands Light Railway is the workhorse for ExCeL London, with Custom House and Prince Regent stations both within walking distance of the halls. Custom House is also served by the Elizabeth line, giving a direct rail link from Heathrow, while Prince Regent connects to Canary Wharf and Bank. From the Jubilee line, change at Canning Town for the DLR towards Beckton. From Heathrow, the Piccadilly line to Green Park plus the Jubilee line to Canning Town plus DLR is the cheapest route; the Elizabeth line is faster. Contactless bank cards and phones work on the tube, DLR, Elizabeth line and buses, and daily caps apply. Check Transport for London's status page on show mornings for planned DLR engineering work, which is common on winter weekends.
Parking: ExCeL London has on-site car parks serving the halls, with a daily tariff and pre-booking strongly advised during Source Fashion week. Confirm which car park matches your hall entrance when you book, as the site is large. Vehicles entering central London may also be liable for the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone, so check your vehicle and route in advance. Drivers with reduced mobility should contact the venue about accessible bays before travelling.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 6-9 C with overnight lows around 2-4 C; frost is possible on early DLR journeys. Check a live forecast in the week before arrival.
Seasonality: January is a wet, low-sun month in London, with rain on roughly 10-11 days and frequent overcast skies. Expect rain on at least one show day and short daylight, with sunset before 17:00.
Packing: Pack a warm waterproof coat, a couple of mid-layers, an umbrella, waterproof shoes for the walkways between the DLR and the halls, and a Type G power adapter for UK sockets. Add a light layer for the heated exhibition halls and a compact bag for sample swatches and catalogues.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Source Fashion usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: register for a Source Fashion trade badge via source-fashion.com and save the confirmation to your phone and inbox.
T-2
13 days out: check UK entry requirements on GOV.UK - visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation status, passport validity and any transit rules.
T-3
12 days out: book a hotel on the DLR or Jubilee line corridor (Custom House, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Stratford) and confirm the cancellation terms.
T-4
11 days out: book rail or flights to arrive the day before opening so a cancellation does not cost you the first show morning.
T-5
10 days out: build a target exhibitor list from the online exhibitor directory and map stands to halls to limit walking on day one.
T-6
9 days out: write a one-page sourcing brief - product categories, target FOB ranges, MOQs, fabric preference, delivery windows and compliance certificates required.
T-7
8 days out: prepare a digital and printed line sheet of your current bestsellers so factory staff can see the construction and finishing level you buy.
T-8
7 days out: request meetings with priority suppliers by email, quoting Source Fashion and your preferred meeting day.
T-9
6 days out: load the TfL Go app, set up contactless payment on your phone, and check planned DLR or Elizabeth line engineering closures.
T-10
5 days out: order business cards, a printed buyer profile and a pocket notebook for stand notes and supplier contact details.
T-11
4 days out: pack for January London - warm waterproof coat, layers, waterproof shoes, umbrella and a Type G adapter.
T-12
3 days out: download the show floor plan and schedule, and mark sourcing talks or panel sessions worth attending.
T-13
2 days out: confirm badge collection arrangements, venue opening hours and the ExCeL entrance nearest your priority halls.
T-14
1 day out: re-check the weather, set two alarms for the first morning and plan to arrive at ExCeL before the busiest badge-collection window.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at ExCeL London
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Source Fashion registration concourse
ExCeL London
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
ExCeL London
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Source Fashion fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Source Fashion and who attends it?
Source Fashion is a London sourcing event for the fashion supply chain, bringing garment manufacturers, fabric mills, trim suppliers and sourcing agents together with buyers from retailers, brands and start-up labels. It is aimed at people who place or influence production orders rather than at consumers shopping for clothes.
When and where does the next edition take place?
The edition currently listed runs in January 2027 at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks, east London. Captured travel searches for this edition were set around 19-21 January 2027; always confirm the final show days and opening hours on source-fashion.com before booking flights.
Is Source Fashion trade-only or can the public attend?
Sourcing events of this type are trade-only and require pre-registration with verifiable business details. Expect to be asked for a company name, role and business email during registration, and check the organiser's published admission policy for age limits and guest rules.
How do I register for a visitor badge?
Register online through the organiser's website before you travel and bring the confirmation plus photo ID to the ExCeL badge collection point on arrival. Pre-registering avoids queueing on the first morning, which is the busiest entry window.
Which products and supplier types can I source at the show?
Expect cut-make-trim garment factories, fabric mills and converters, trim and component suppliers, print and embroidery studios, and private-label or design-service providers. Categories typically span womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, knitwear, soft separates, occasionwear and accessories.
Do suppliers at Source Fashion work with small or start-up brands?
Some do, but MOQs vary widely by factory and by fabric, so treat it as a conversation to have at each stand rather than an assumption. Prepare your target order quantity, fabric preference and delivery window in advance so suppliers can quote realistically on the day.
How do I get to ExCeL London from the airport?
London City Airport is closest, with a short Docklands Light Railway hop to Custom House; from Heathrow the Elizabeth line reaches Custom House in roughly 45-55 minutes, and from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton you take a mainline train into central London and continue by tube or DLR. Taxis from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are significantly slower and more expensive than rail.
Is there parking at ExCeL London?
ExCeL has on-site parking with a daily tariff, and pre-booking is advisable during busy show days. The Docklands Light Railway is usually the faster option if your hotel is on the DLR or Jubilee line network.
Can I bring samples, swatches or a wheeled case?
Buyers routinely carry swatches, colour cards, laptops and wheeled cases on the show floor, and sample handling is normal at a sourcing event. Keep anything sharp or liquid out of hand luggage for the flight into the UK and check the organiser's rules on bulky goods.
Are there talks or seminar sessions at the show?
The programme usually combines sourcing talks, panel discussions and trend or compliance briefings alongside the exhibition. Session line-ups and timings are published on the organiser's schedule page closer to the edition, so check that page rather than relying on last year's agenda.
What should international buyers prepare before travelling?
Check your visa or UK Electronic Travel Authorisation status on GOV.UK before booking, confirm your passport validity, and carry your business invitation or registration confirmation for border and badge checks. Bring a Type G power adapter and a payment card that works contactless on London transport.
Is there a dress code for Source Fashion?
Smart casual is the norm at London sourcing events: tailoring is not required, but comfortable shoes matter because ExCeL halls involve long walking distances and the DLR walkways are outdoors.
Glossary
- CMT (cut, make, trim)
- A manufacturing model where the buyer supplies fabric and trims and the factory charges only for cutting, sewing and finishing - common in the garment factory rows at Source Fashion.
- FOB (free on board)
- The quoted price for goods delivered to the departure port, after which the buyer pays freight and insurance; the default quoting basis for most overseas garment suppliers.
- MOQ (minimum order quantity)
- The smallest order a factory will accept, usually quoted per style, colour or fabric; a core negotiating point for start-up labels and small-batch buyers at the show.
- Private label
- Production of garments to a retailer's own brand and specification, covering design adaptation, tech packs, labelling and packaging.
- OEM and ODM
- Original equipment manufacturing means building a buyer's own design; original design manufacturing means the factory offers an existing design that the buyer brands.
- Tech pack
- The technical document a buyer sends to a factory containing measurements, construction, fabric, trims, colourways and labelling instructions.
- Lead time
- The elapsed time from order confirmation and fabric approval to goods leaving the factory, typically quoted in weeks and a key comparison point between suppliers.
- Sampling and fit approval
- The staged process of proto, fit and pre-production samples that a buyer signs off before bulk manufacturing begins.
- Near-shoring
- Sourcing from suppliers geographically close to the sales market - for UK buyers typically Portugal, Turkey, Morocco and Eastern Europe - to shorten lead times and reduce freight exposure.
- Deadstock and surplus fabric
- Unused fabric or finished garments left from previous production; a growing sourcing category for limited-run and lower-impact collections.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Certification covering organic fibre content and processing criteria through the textile supply chain, commonly cited by sustainable fabric suppliers.
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
- Certification for recycled content, chain of custody and social and environmental practice in recycled textile production.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
- Product-level testing and certification that a textile article is free from harmful substances above set limits.
- Trims and components
- Non-fabric inputs such as buttons, zips, interlining, labels, threads and packaging sourced alongside fabric.
- Sourcing agent
- An intermediary that matches buyers with vetted factories, manages sampling and inspection, and handles logistics and payment terms.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Source Fashion 2027
- sourcing exhibition UK
- fashion suppliers
- sustainable fashion
- Source Fashion London 2027
- London United Kingdom
- Fashion Trade Show London 2027
- Textiles
- Fashion Trade Show B2B Trade Expo London
- Garments and apparel for men, women, and children
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.