Lead Time

Lead time in textile manufacturing refers to the total duration from order confirmation to delivery of finished goods. Understanding and accurately estimating lead times is essential for production planning, inventory management, and meeting downstream commitments to customers.

A typical textile order passes through several sequential phases, each contributing to the total lead time. Order processing takes one to three days for confirmation, contract finalization, and payment arrangements. Material sourcing follows, requiring seven to twenty-one days to procure yarn or greige fabric, order dyes and chemicals, and prepare accessories. Sample approval—including lab dip development and strike-off production—adds another seven to fourteen days, though multiple revision cycles can extend this significantly. The production phase itself, encompassing weaving or knitting, dyeing and finishing, and quality inspection, typically runs fifteen to forty-five days depending on complexity and mill capacity. Finally, shipping requires three to forty-five days based on the chosen method—air freight sits at the short end, ocean freight at the long end—plus time for packing, loading, and customs clearance.

Lead times vary substantially by product type. Stock fabric from inventory can ship within three to seven days. Dyed fabric requires twenty-five to thirty-five days to allow for color matching and production. Printed fabric needs thirty to forty-five days due to design preparation and strike-off approval. Custom weaves with new patterns demand forty-five to sixty days to account for loom setup and sample development.

Several factors can compress or extend these timelines. Larger order quantities require more production time but may receive priority scheduling. Higher customization levels add approval cycles. Peak seasons strain mill capacity, while raw material shortages can stall production entirely. The choice between air and sea freight alone can swing delivery dates by several weeks. Experienced buyers build buffer time into their planning and maintain ongoing communication with suppliers to catch delays early.