// INTRODUCTION:
At Carson Alan, the journey of every garment begins with careful fabric selection, which plays a crucial role in defining the quality and feel of the final product. Our approach to sourcing and selecting fabrics is meticulous, driven by a commitment to both craftsmanship and quality.
// SOURCING FABRICS:
Our fabric sourcing journey starts in Los Angeles, where Carson collaborates closely with our production manager, Rosie. After Carson sketches his designs, he heads to LA to spend a day with Rosie, diving into large fabric books to find the perfect materials. Beyond these books, LA's rich array of fabric stores often offers hidden gems that Carson brings back to the factory for consideration.
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. Most of our materials are sourced from the U.S. and Japan, reflecting our belief in their high standards. However, we are always open to sourcing from anywhere worldwide if it means obtaining superior quality. This dedication ensures that every garment we produce meets our stringent quality standards.
// THE FABRIC SELECTION PROCESS:
For Carson, the first factor in selecting fabric is always hand feel—how the material interacts with the skin is paramount. Next comes the practicality of the fabric: the weight, drape, and seasonality all play into the final decision. A garment intended for a relaxed fit might require a lightweight fabric, while one meant to have structure could benefit from a heavier material.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE FABRIC SELECTION PROCESS:
Design Creation: Carson begins by sketching his designs on a croquis (a body form).
Presentation: The sketch is then presented to our factory team.
Fabric Selection: Carson flies to LA to work with the factory team to select fabrics.
Swatches and Dyeing: Selected fabric swatches are dyed to our specific colors for the collection.
Approval: Fabric swatches are sent to Nashville for team approval.
Sample Production: Once approved, the first sample is produced.
// CHALLENGES WHEN FABRIC SOURCING:
One of the biggest challenges we face is the time and cost of shipping fabrics, especially when sourcing from overseas. Additionally, we’ve learned that fabric dyeing can be lengthy due to waitlists at dye houses, sometimes delaying production by over a month.
// SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
While sustainability is important to Carson Alan, we never compromise on quality. Some sustainable fabrics may not meet our design needs, but our small-scale production helps minimize waste. We rely on our factory's trusted global suppliers for high-quality fabrics.
// CONCLUSION:
At Carson Alan, every fabric is chosen with care, ensuring that our garments not only look good but feel good, too. We continue to explore unique fabrics that align with our commitment to quality, and we look forward to sharing more of our journey with you.
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