We get it, compliance doesn’t exactly scream excitement. But in today’s fashion industry, it’s quietly becoming one of the most important conversations to have. Because behind every product is one big question: Can you prove it? And here’s a twist, most of that proof doesn’t live inside your brand. It starts outside of it. With the suppliers you trust. With the decisions you make in product development. And with the way you structure your data from day one.
So if you’re tired of seeing compliance treated like a legal checkbox, and ready to see how it can actually become a smarter way of working, you’re in the right place.
At its core, compliance just means playing by the rules. But in fashion, like in many industries, those rules come in a lot of different shapes. Some are written into law, others are internal to your brand. Some are mandatory, others are more about values, expectations, and alignment. And yes, it can all get a bit blurry.
You could think of it this way: there’s what you have to do, and what you choose to do. The official stuff, like EPR, GPSR, or CSRD, is regulated. If you don’t follow it, there are consequences. But a big part of working with being compliant also comes down to the things your brand decides matter. That could be your internal buying manual, your supplier code of conduct, or any certification setup you’ve committed to. These might not be enforced by law, but they still carry weight.
So when we talk about being compliant, we’re not just talking about avoiding fines. We’re talking about building a business that’s credible, consistent, and ready to prove what it stands for. And in a world full of requests for documentation, transparency, and traceability, that really comes down to one thing: having the data to back it all up. Because whether it’s legal requirements or brand values, compliance is about trust. And trust is something you build, every day, across the supply chain.
So how do you actually prove that your products are what you say they are? In the fashion industry, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Supply chains are long, complex, and often pretty unclear, and tracking things all the way back to the raw material still feels out of reach for most brands.
But here’s the thing: even though you, as the brand, are the one being held responsible, you’re not the one holding all the information. To meet compliance demands, whether that’s around material origin, processing, packaging or anything else, you need solid data from your suppliers. And not just your main supplier, but often their suppliers too. That’s why supply chain collaboration is no longer just “nice to have.” With new laws coming in and more brands committing to internal policies and voluntary standards, the pressure is only growing. You can’t stay compliant if the data stops at your front door. You need your suppliers on board, aligned, and able to deliver the information you’re being asked for.
So now is the time to start thinking seriously about how you work together. Because strong supplier relationships aren’t just about delivery dates and MOQ anymore, they’re about transparency, trust, and shared responsibility.
So how do you collect all the data you need without overwhelming your suppliers or stalling development? The answer lies in setting up a process that works with your existing workflows, not on top of them.
It starts by involving your suppliers early. If you’re about to ask for new data points, don’t wait until the tech pack is locked and everyone’s halfway through sampling. Let them in on it upfront. Explain what you need, why you need it, and how it’ll be used. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes, it’s about building products that are future-proof, with the data to back them.
And the structure matters. The best way to ask for data is where your product data already lives. (Yes, this is where the PLM comes in.) If your development team calls it “main material” and your compliance team calls it “primary fabric,” you’re setting your supplier up for confusion. Define the terms, agree on the fields, and make sure everyone’s asking for the same thing in the same way, in the same place.
Also: be clear about your expectations. No supplier is going to have perfect data overnight. So don’t treat it like a test, set priorities. Let them know what’s critical now and what’s coming later. That way, they’re more likely to stay engaged, and more willing to invest in the process alongside you.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not just collecting data. You’re building a setup that helps everyone move faster, with fewer headaches, and a whole lot more confidence.
So, is there anything you can do internally to make it easier for your suppliers to deliver the data you need? The answer is yes, and it starts at the very beginning of the collection process.
Let’s look at fabric choices as an example. If your brand has specific requirements when it comes to fabric composition, then chances are, the process doesn’t start in design. It often begins with the buying team setting the direction for what types of materials should be used. Maybe it’s leftover stock from previous seasons. Maybe it's a curated range of fabrics that meet certain data standards. Whatever the setup, it’s the buyer’s job to make sure the options they present come from suppliers who can actually provide the data you’ll later be asked to report on. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. The design team also has to work within those boundaries. That might mean sticking to pre-approved fabrics or using nominated suppliers for specific trims, not just because they look good, but because they’re able to deliver the information you’ll need when it's time to prove what’s in your product.
It’s a balancing act. One where creativity still gets to shine, but inside a framework that supports compliance from the start. And honestly, that structure isn’t just good for meeting legal requirements, it can help reduce headaches later on. For example, fewer cancelled styles because of unexpected price jumps or unavailable documentation. When everyone on the product development team is aligned on the “data reality” of each choice, it becomes easier to stay creative and stay compliant. Because in the end, it’s a team effort, and the earlier you get aligned, the easier it is for everyone down the line, suppliers included.
Every month, we host a webinar, often in collaboration with our IT solution partners and leading industry brands. The topics vary, but one thing remains the same: we aim to make the fashion industry’s challenges more manageable and share our take on practical, hands-on solutions.
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