4 Levels of the Fashion Industry

Primary Level

It consists of producers and cultivators of raw materials such as Fiber, Fabric, Leather, and Fur. Raw materials can be natural or man-made (synthetic fibers). Planning and Application of Texture and Colour take place in this stage. In this level, production of the raw materials can take up to 2 years which is the larger time span compared to other levels. The 4 basic components of the Primary Level are:

• Fiber Processing
• Yarn Production
• Fabric Production
• Fabric Finishing

Fiber is the primary element necessary for making fabrics. There are 2 types of fibres, Natural Fibre and Man-made Fibres. Natural Fibres are fibers like cotton, silk, wool, jute, flax that are obtained from plants, animals and other geological processes. Manufactured Fibres or man-made fibres are also known as artificial or synthetic fibres. Few examples for artificial fibres are Nylon, Rayon, Polyester, Spandex, Acrylic etc... It is a set of process that helps to convert raw fibres into yarns. The steps include carding, combing, twisting and spinning. Fabric Production is the procedure of converting yarns to a fabric. There are different process to convert a yarn to a fabric such as weaving, knitting, felting and needle punching. Fabric Finishing includes processes such as washing, bleaching, dyeing and printing. Examples for Primary Level: Textile production, Mills and Yarn makers

Secondary Level

Garment Production also known as Apparel Production, transforms fabrics produced by textile manufacturers into Clothes. The term "Apparel" production is only used when the apparels are manufactured in a factory. Domestic and Export are the two sectors in a traditional apparel manufacturing factory. Garment Production consists of production workers who perform cutting and sewing operations. From the initial sketch to the final product, most companies take 6 months to 1 year of intense production process. There are different stages in Apparel Production, such as

• Creating the Line Concept
• Sample Development
• Production Planning
• Production
• Finishing / Packing
• Dispatch / Distribution

Examples for Secondary Level: Designers, Vendors, Wholesalers, Manufacturers...

Retail Level

This level is also known as the Distribution Level. Different Retailers like Boutiques, Department Stores, Factory Outlets, Online E-stores approach the Factories in the Secondary Level and purchase their goods. Retail Level also includes all distribution points of sales. Examples for Retail Level: All types of Stores and Distribution points of sales

Auxiliary Level

This is the only level that functions with all other levels simultaneously. It basically offers support services to the primary producers, secondary manufacturers and the retailers. It consists of promotion agencies, print and digital media, trade organizations, public relation specialists and so on..., that assist fashion business in delivering fashion messages to other levels of the industry and the consumer. Fashion forecasters play an integral part in the merchandising progression to the end consumer. Writing skills is the most important aspect at this level. Examples for Auxiliary Level: Fashion Forecasters, Research Agencies, Advertising, Press, Consultants...