How to Prepare a Fabric RFQ

A fabric RFQ works when it gives the mill the garment role, target structure, performance checks and order context together. If the inquiry only says “need breathable fabric, please quote,” the mill can only estimate. A clear RFQ separates fixed details from open questions and links each open question to a sample decision.

What information must be fixed before an RFQ goes out?

A full tech pack is not required for an initial RFQ, but the core fabric details should be clear. At minimum, include:

• garment role or end use
• target fabric family or the short list still under review
• GSM range, usable width and composition direction
• print, finish or performance requirement
• estimated quantity, market and timing

That structure prevents a common RFQ failure: pricing one fabric role while the intended role is still unclear.

Which fabric details change the quote the most?

Price is rarely driven by composition alone. For knitted fabrics, the biggest quotation changes usually come from:

• usable width instead of nominal width
• finishing process such as moisture management, anti-bacterial or chlorine-related finishing
• print method such as sublimation, digital print or solid-dye production
• dimensional or recovery tolerances
• compliance or labeling requirements

The test and compliance part should be stated clearly.ASTM textile standards help define physical and mechanical checks.AATCC test methods are commonly used for laundering, colorfastness and moisture-related checks. If a project carries skin-safety positioning, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 or a similar requirement should be written into the RFQ before sampling starts.

What belongs in an RFQ when the fabric direction is still open?

An early RFQ can still be useful, but it should be honest about what is open. For example:

• if the garment role is known but mesh and jersey are still being compared, say so directly
• if the shell direction is known but lining or support panels are still open, split those layers into separate questions
• if the project is recycled or claim-sensitive, state that at the beginning instead of after quote approval

That last point matters more now than it did a few years ago.Textile Exchange’s Materials Market Report 2025 shows how strongly recycled and synthetic-fiber claims shape current material programs. A recycled, certified or restricted-substance requirement is not a footnote. It changes the material options and the sample plan.

When should an RFQ request pricing first, and when should it request sampling first?

Ask for estimate-first pricing when:

• the fabric family is mostly clear
• a budget range is needed before full development
• the main variables are GSM, width or finish package

Ask for sample-first development when:

• handfeel is still uncertain
• opacity under extension is critical
• the project still mixes body fabric, lining and support roles
• the brand has not locked final testing or compliance criteria

Ask for a formal quotation when:

• the fabric direction is fixed
• quantity and timeline are usable
• required tests are named
• the fabric layer or garment role is defined

What belongs in the RFQ message itself?

A usable RFQ message should be short but specific. Include:

• garment type and exact fabric role
• target structure or comparison set
• composition direction
• GSM and usable-width target
• print or finish method
• required tests or claims
• quantity target and sample deadline

If the project is still broad, narrow the fabric family first through the product catalog or application pages. If the project is already role-specific, it is faster to review a focused comparison such as fabric for team jerseys and training tops, fabric for bra lining and underwear panels or Swimwear Lining Fabric Opacity & Recovery before sending the inquiry.

Which RFQ mistakes create the most waste in sampling?

The most expensive RFQ mistakes are usually simple:

• using one fabric name for multiple garment jobs
• omitting usable width
• asking for “good stretch” without describing recovery or panel role
• adding compliance or labeling claims after samples are approved
• requesting a quote without volume or timing context

For U.S.-bound programs, fiber naming and composition claims should also be aligned with FTC textile labeling guidance. If the approved development fabric and the final label claim do not match, the problem is commercial, not editorial.

When the RFQ includes performance claims, Intertek's High-Performance Mark durable textile and apparel standard is a useful reminder to list wash appearance, pilling, color fastness, dimensional stability and stretch recovery before quotation. Those items change the mill process and the real price.

What is the fastest next step after the RFQ is prepared?

The fastest next step is to send one clean inquiry that separates:

• what is fixed now
• what must be confirmed by sampling
• what must be held as a release standard for bulk

That gives the mill one clear specification set instead of overlapping guesses. When the specifications are stable, submit them to the fabric team. If shell, lining, support or category-level decisions are still mixed together, narrow those roles first, then request pricing.