Is it just me, or is finding a reliable apparel manufacturer way harder than it used to be?

Discussion in 'eCommerce' started by Zoey Chow, Jan 12, 2026.

  1. #1
    Hi everyone,

    I’ve been sourcing apparel for a while now, so this isn’t my first time working with manufacturers. That said, over the past year or two, the whole process has felt way more frustrating than I remember.

    I’m curious how others are dealing with this, especially those sourcing apparel at scale or for ongoing production.

    Do you mostly rely on platforms, referrals, agents, factory visits, or something else?
    Have you found any practical ways to filter suppliers more efficiently before committing?


    Would really appreciate hearing real experiences rather than generic advice.

    Thanks in advance
     
    Zoey Chow, Jan 12, 2026 IP