A sourcing reset for European fashion
Across the United Kingdom, France and Spain, fashion buying teams are reassessing long-standing sourcing models. Rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and stricter sustainability regulations are forcing European retailers to ask a difficult question:
Is our current sourcing strategy still fit for purpose?
For many brands, the answer is no. And increasingly, the solution is India.
Not as a low-cost backup. Not as a seasonal experiment. But as a core, long-term apparel sourcing destination that offers reliability, transparency, compliance and scale.
Why UK, French and Spanish brands are rethinking China
European brands are not abandoning China overnight, but the risks have become harder to ignore.
Key buyer concerns include:
- Rising labour and compliance costs
- Longer lead times and reduced flexibility
- Minimum order constraints for mid-size brands
- Trade pressure and geopolitical uncertainty
- Sustainability scrutiny from EU regulators and consumers
For UK, French and Spanish retailers operating on tighter margins and faster drops, flexibility matters as much as price.
This is where India apparel sourcing is gaining momentum.
India’s structural advantage in 2026
India is no longer an emerging sourcing destination. It is a mature manufacturing ecosystem built for global fashion brands.
What differentiates India today:
- End-to-end textile ecosystem from fibre to finished garment
- Large, skilled labour base across knitwear and woven categories
- Strong compliance culture aligned with European standards
- Competitive pricing without compromising quality
- Increasing adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices
For European buyers, this translates into predictability, not promises.
Why Tirupur is central to Europe’s knitwear sourcing
When European buyers talk about sourcing knitwear from India, one city dominates the conversation: Tirupur.
Tirupur is responsible for a significant share of India’s knitwear exports and has built its reputation on:
- High-volume T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts and loungewear
- Integrated units with knitting, dyeing, printing and stitching
- Strong experience with UK and EU quality standards
- Proven track record with large retailers and private labels
For UK, French and Spanish brands, Tirupur offers a rare combination of scale, speed and technical know-how.
What European buyers really worry about when sourcing from India
Despite India’s advantages, European buying teams often hesitate due to past experiences or outdated perceptions.
Common concerns include:
- Lack of transparency
- Inconsistent quality across suppliers
- Delays caused by poor production planning
- Communication gaps
- Over-promising and under-delivery
These issues are not about India as a country. They are about how sourcing is managed.
How a structured sourcing partner changes the outcome
Successful European brands do not source from India alone. They work with structured sourcing partners who understand both sides of the equation.
A professional sourcing partner ensures:
- Factory selection based on product category and volume
- Realistic costing and lead time planning
- Inline quality checks, not just final inspections
- Clear communication aligned with European buying calendars
- Full visibility across the supply chain
This is where sourcing shifts from transactional to strategic.
Sustainability expectations from European retailers and how India delivers
Sustainability is no longer optional for European fashion brands. From the UK’s ESG reporting to France’s AGEC law and Spain’s extended producer responsibility rules, compliance is becoming non-negotiable.
India’s apparel industry has made significant progress in:
- Organic and BCI cotton sourcing
- Recycled polyester and blended yarns
- Low-impact and natural dyeing processes
- Water recycling and zero liquid discharge systems
- International certifications such as GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX and Sedex
For European buyers, India now offers measurable sustainability, not vague claims.
Lead times, pricing and scalability explained for Europe
One of the biggest misconceptions is that sourcing from India means longer lead times.
In reality:
- Sampling can be completed in 7–14 days
- Bulk production for knitwear typically runs 60–90 days
- Scalable capacity allows reorders without restarting development
- Competitive pricing remains stable even at higher compliance levels
For UK, French and Spanish retailers managing multiple drops per season, this reliability is critical.
Why VERDE Fashion Sourcing fits European buying models
VERDE Fashion Sourcing was built specifically to bridge the gap between European buyer expectations and Indian manufacturing realities.
VERDE works as an extension of your sourcing team, not just a vendor.
What European buyers value in VERDE:
- Deep understanding of UK, French and Spanish retail standards
- Transparent costing and factory selection
- Strong presence in Tirupur’s best manufacturing units
- End-to-end production management and quality control
- Clear communication and realistic timelines
VERDE believes in building long-term sourcing partnerships.
India is no longer the alternative. It is the strategy.
For European fashion brands navigating cost pressure, sustainability demands and supply chain risk, the shift is already underway.
India offers:
- Scale without rigidity
- Compliance without inflated costs
- Sustainability with substance
- Manufacturing depth that supports growth
And with the right sourcing partner, India becomes not just reliable, but strategic.
Why VERDE?
VERDE Fashion Sourcing combines:
- Local manufacturing expertise in Tirupur
- European buyer-centric processes
- Transparent supply chain management
- Ethical, sustainable and scalable production
For UK, French and Spanish brands looking to build resilient sourcing strategies in 2026 and beyond, VERDE is the partner that makes India work.
Let’s talk sourcing.
