Sourcing the right fabrics and suppliers is one of the most challenging (and exciting) parts of running an activewear brand. This year, we took a trip to Las Vegas Sourcing at MAGIC, one of the biggest sourcing events in the fashion industry. Our goal? To find top-tier suppliers, discover the best new materials, and gain insight into what’s next for activewear.

And let’s just say—we walked away with game-changing knowledge. Here are the three biggest lessons we learned that will forever change how we approach sourcing.

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1. Why Face-to-Face Meetings with Suppliers Change Everything

We’ve worked with countless suppliers over the years, but here’s the truth—most of our communication has been completely digital. Email chains, WhatsApp messages, and video calls have been our go-to methods for describing the fabrics, fits, and features we want. But at MAGIC, we met many of our suppliers in person for the first time, and the difference was night and day.

Here’s why meeting face-to-face is a total game-changer:

• Clearer Communication: No more lost-in-translation moments! Being able to physically point at fabrics, demonstrate stretchability, and explain exactly what we wanted eliminated guesswork.
• Instant Feedback: Instead of waiting days for responses, we got immediate answers to our questions about pricing, production times, and fabric capabilities.
• Stronger Relationships: It’s easier to negotiate and build trust when you shake hands with a supplier. Seeing their enthusiasm and expertise firsthand made us much more confident in who we’re working with.

Takeaway: If you get the chance to meet your suppliers in person—do it. Digital communication works, but nothing beats an in-person conversation when it comes to nailing down the details of your product.

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2. Feeling Fabrics in Person = A Huge Time & Money Saver

Ordering fabric samples can be an expensive and time-consuming process. We’ve spent thousands of dollars on sample shipments, only to receive fabrics that weren’t quite what we expected. That’s why being able to see, touch, and feel hundreds of fabrics at the MAGIC event was a huge advantage.

Here’s why hands-on fabric sourcing is a game-changer:

• No More Guesswork: Photos and descriptions can only tell you so much. Some fabrics that looked amazing in supplier catalogs felt cheap in person, while others that seemed ordinary turned out to be exceptionally high quality.
• Save on Sample Costs: Instead of spending weeks (and money) going back and forth with suppliers, we instantly knew which materials were worth pursuing.
• Compare Fabrics Side-by-Side: We could directly compare the weight, stretch, and feel of multiple fabrics at once—something that’s impossible when ordering samples one at a time.

Takeaway: If you’re serious about quality, sourcing events like MAGIC are worth the trip. Feeling fabrics in person saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.

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3. Country of Origin ≠ Quality (Good or Bad!)

A big misconception in the fashion industry is that certain countries only produce low-quality fabrics while others automatically make high-end materials. But after talking with dozens of suppliers at MAGIC, we learned that it’s not that simple.

Here’s what we discovered:

• There are hidden gems in every country. Some of the best quality fabrics we found came from suppliers in regions that are often overlooked. These manufacturers prioritize innovation, sustainability, and premium production methods—you just have to know where to look.
• Not all suppliers are created equal. Just because a country has a reputation for making cheap fabrics doesn’t mean every supplier from that region is low quality. Likewise, just because a country is known for luxury textiles doesn’t mean every factory there produces great products.
• Do your research! The key is to vet your suppliers properly. Look at their production capabilities, certifications, and samples before making assumptions based on location.

Takeaway: Quality isn’t about where a fabric is made—it’s about who is making it. The right supplier can produce exceptional materials no matter where they’re located.

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Final Thoughts: Why MAGIC Was a Game-Changer for Us

Attending the 2025 Las Vegas Sourcing at MAGIC completely shifted our approach to sourcing. Meeting suppliers face-to-face helped us refine our vision, touching fabrics in person saved us time and money, and breaking down misconceptions about fabric origins opened our eyes to new opportunities.

If you’re in the fashion or activewear business, attending sourcing events like this is a must. It’s not just about finding new suppliers—it’s about learning, refining your brand, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Have questions about fabric sourcing or supplier selection? Drop them in the comments below!