Softgoods Resources?

[Renzsu 4]

Hey all, I was wondering if there are any good up to date resources on soft-goods design and materials?

 

Best I found so far (haven't been searching for long) is this one, and that's not a whole lot:

http://www.whitemountain.com.au/backpack_c...faqs_index.html

 

I realize that most of those materials are brand names, but since I've done already a few projects where I needed to work with fabrics, it would be good to have a bit more than just 'rough nylon fabric', right?

[Cyberdemon 17]

This is one of those areas I think getting in touch with a softgoods vendor can be critical. Many of them have sample booklets with a whole range of materials stapled to the page. Since feeling the fabric is one of those vital issues, being able to feel all the different thicknesses, materials, etc really helps.

 

You can learn a lot online, but getting up close with the stuff is really useful. Theres a lot of wacky materials and processes out there - and I don't think online stuff could ever give you enough info.

[KQD 0]

I agree. You need to understand the limitations and advantages of the actual materials, as well as the ancillary fittings that tend to go with them like zips, webbing, buckles and cords. To be honest actually getting hold of this information is not that easy (having done work in this area).

 

One thing I learned early on was that if you are designing technical softgoods (like rucksacks or luggage) one good place to start is a chandlers and take a look through the brands for webbings, fasteners, etc. The actual fabrics themselves can be very complex and each has there own individual issues. Again a good place to start is a local fashion school. Tradeshows can also be a good source but you need to aim for the shows that are focussed on the OEMs rather than the end user or retail trade.

 

Here are a few websites anyway:

 

http://www.acesupplies.co.uk/

 

http://www.nationalwebbing.com/index.htm

 

http://www.gore.com/en_xx/

 

http://www.contendersailcloth.com/index1.a...0&SWid=1004

[Renzsu 4]

Thanks, I agree that it's probably best to just get a bunch of samples of the big names. Invista seems like a good starting point.

 

edit: KQD, thanks for those links, you posted while I was making my reply

[Guest self]

Renzsu, what type of work are you doing? Material selection varies greatly depending on the type of project like backpacks vs. jackets. If you are new to the world of soft goods I would agree with cyberdemon to get a hold of some venders, but I would contact your factory first to find out what mills they work with. Venders are not always the easiest to work with unless you sit down with them face to face at a tradeshow. I would also suggest looking at current products on the market especially in the shoe industry. They are always pushing new boundaries with fabrics more so than any of the other soft good industries. As for the Hardware side of things here are some of the major companies that I like to work with.

 

http://www.ykkfastening.com/indexie.html (one of the two most respected zipper companies, also makes great buckles)

http://www.ririzippers.com/ (I would say the most respected zipper company)

http://www.woojinplastic.com/ (Slightly lower quality buckles than YKK but more affordable)

[em10 0]

I'm new to all of this, so apologies if this question is beyond basic, but when you say to speak to "vendors" to hopefully have a look at their sample booklets, do you mean materials vendors? Or factories?

 

And do you need to be actually working with these vendors to see their sample booklets or would I be able to see them as part of some initial research into a potential project?

[cmabill 0]

I don't know desgin resources but the material is so wide and various that make it hard to specify a sigle one. but we could provide free samples from wholesale fabric market if you could specify detail. pls visit our website:www.zooqc.com we deal with fashion accessories.