Cordura is a durable and versatile fabric widely used to manufacture small goods like wallets, purses, and cardholders. It is known for its strength and durability, making it an ideal material for products subject to wear and tear. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using Cordura in small goods manufacturing and how it compares to other materials such as kevlar and canvas.

Advantages of Cordura

One of the main advantages of using Cordura in small goods manufacturing is its durability. Cordura is made from high-tenacity nylon yarns that are tightly woven together, giving the fabric a strong and resilient construction. This makes it resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasion, making it ideal for use in products subjected to frequent handling and use.

Another advantage of Cordura is its versatility. It is available in various colors, patterns, and textures, making it easy to incorporate into various designs. It can be printed, embroidered, or embellished with various techniques, allowing manufacturers to create unique and eye-catching products.

This fabric is known for the following:

• Durable and resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasion
• Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures
• It can be printed, embroidered, or embellished with various techniques
• Versatile and suitable for a variety of different designs
• Provides a high-quality and professional appearance to finished products.

Disadvantages of Cordura

In terms of cons, one potential disadvantage of using Cordura is its cost. This fabric is typically more expensive than others, such as canvas or polyester, making it a less cost-effective option for some manufacturers. Additionally, Cordura can be more difficult to work with than other fabrics, as it is not as pliable and may require special tools and techniques to cut and sew. Disadvantages include the following:

• It is typically more expensive than other fabrics.
• It can be more difficult to work with than other fabrics.
• This material may require special tools and techniques for cutting and sewing.
• It is not as durable or resistant as other materials, such as Kevlar.

Cordura vs. Kevlar and Canvas

When compared to other materials such as kevlar and canvas, Cordura has some key differences. Kevlar, for example, is an even more durable and resistant fabric, but it is also significantly more expensive and difficult to work with. Canvas, on the other hand, is less durable and resistant than Cordura, but it is also less expensive and easier to work with.

Overall, deciding to use Cordura in small goods manufacturing will depend on various factors, including cost, durability, and versatility. While Cordura may not be the best option for every manufacturer, it can provide a number of benefits, such as durability and versatility, that make it an attractive material for many products.

Call Softline Today!

At Softline Brand Partners, we can turn your design into a reality. With a high degree of flexibility and years of experience, Softline is the right choice for your small goods manufacturing. Reach out today to learn more about our services! 

Leather bags are a timeless and popular accessory that can add a touch of sophistication and luxury to any outfit. But have you ever wondered about the manufacturing process behind these beautiful and durable products? This article will explore the various steps involved in creating a leather bag, from the initial idea and design to sourcing materials, manufacturing, inspection, packaging, and shipping.

Ideation and Design

The first step in manufacturing is to develop an idea for a new leather bag. This could be based on the latest fashion trends, customer feedback, or the designer’s creative vision. Once the idea has been developed, the next step is to create a design for the bag, including details such as the shape, size, color, and any special features or embellishments.

Source Materials

Once the design has been finalized, the next step is to source the materials used to make the bag. This typically includes leather, which can be sourced from various sources, including cowhide, sheepskin, and even plant-based leather made from sustainable materials such as cork and pineapple leaves. 

Preparation and Assembly

The leather is then cut and shaped according to the design using specialized tools and equipment such as die-cutting and sewing machines.

Once the leather has been cut and shaped, the next step is to manufacture the bag. This typically involves a series of steps, such as sewing the pieces together, attaching handles, linings, and other accessories, and finishing the bag with dyeing and polishing. 

Many manufacturers use specialized software such as Optitex to help streamline the manufacturing process and ensure that the finished product meets the desired specifications.

Quality Inspection

After the bag has been manufactured, it is inspected to ensure it meets the required quality standards. This may involve checking for defects like loose stitching, uneven edges, or other imperfections. The bag may be returned for further manufacturing or repair if any defects are found.

Packaging and Shipment

Once the bag has passed inspection, it is packaged and prepared for shipping. This typically involves placing the bag in a protective box or bag, along with any accompanying accessories or documentation. The bag is then shipped to the customer or retailer, where it will be available for purchase.

Softline Can Help!

Leather goods are durable, useful, and beautiful. At Softline Brand Partners, we can turn your business’s leather dream into a reality. With a high degree of flexibility and years of experience, Softline is the right choice for your leather needs. Reach out today to learn more about our services! 

The Softline team is extremely proud to support the Quetico Foundation Ridley Wilderness Youth Program. The program provides students from across the Toronto District School Board with an immersive wilderness canoe-tripping experience in Quetico Park. Check out the video below to see some images from their trip!

From the Quetico Foundation website:

“We get involved where the stakes are high, and our value will be greatest, leveraging results through our broad base of supporters and allies.

We also recognize the power of collaboration, teaming up with like-minded organizations who share our aims. Together, we strive to help decision-makers, users, and stakeholders value the Quetico wilderness and ensure its preservation for generations to come.”

We at Softline Brand Partners couldn’t agree more.

Two of the costliest Hurricanes in U.S. History, Harvey and Irma, have decimated Southern Texas and Florida in the last two weeks. The total cost of the damage is still being calculated, but economist Michael Montgomery of HIS Markit is reporting that August and September output data will be affected by Hurricane Harvey. “Supply disruptions will rock oil refining that accounted for 3 percent of industrial production last year, and the chemical industry, responsible for 12.4% of industrial production in 2016, Montgomery said Friday.”[1] This article will briefly explore how hurricanes are affecting manufacturing around the United States.

Hurricanes Wreak Havoc on Supply Chains and Infrastructure

The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to many oil production and refineries that create base plastics for various industries. The disruption due to Hurricane Harvey is a major hit to supply chains nationwide, and manufacturers are struggling to find new short-term suppliers.

“If we get into the middle of September and we’re not back up and running and producing various plastics, even at some minimal sustainable rate, you’re going to start being concerned about the overall supply chain,” said Mark Eramo, Vice President of Global Chemical Business Development at IHS Markit.[2]

After Harvey, Hurricane Irma was quick to follow. Irma demolished the Florida Keys, took out power for half of all customers in the state, and brought storm surges to the southern and western sides of the state that wiped out beachfront communities and crippled shipping ports. Florida is home to over 19,000 manufacturers employing more than 331,000 workers, many of whom may temporarily be out of a job.[3] Initial estimates for the damage caused by Irma were between 150-200 billion, but have been reduced in recent days due to a change of course that caused the storm to mostly miss the most populated areas of the state, including Miami-Dade County. The total cost is still unknown.

Economic Impact

As noted earlier, many expect affected supply chains in the short term. This may cause delays in deliveries and production time and is cause for concern for economists who measure the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

The hurricanes have destroyed or crippled many businesses and permanently damaged infrastructure, which will add stress to the local and national economies. Goldman Sachs analysts warn that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma could have a “sizable” impact on the U.S. Economy. The bank reduced its GDP growth projections by 0.8% to 2%.[4]

Rebuilding Effort

Due to a concentrated effort by State and Federal officials, Texas and Florida ports are already starting to open today, and many have had their power restored. “In the U.S., more than 50,000 utility workers from the U.S. and Canada are descending on Florida and other states hit by the storm, part of a long stream of trucks joining returning residents on highways with loads of water, generators, food, and construction materials.”[5] There have also been an incredible amount of donations and people flooding into the areas affected. The effect on manufacturing and the economy might be short-term, but local officials and residents will be cleaning up the mess made by these devastating hurricanes for months, if not years, to come.

What is Softline?

Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

[1] US Manufacturing and Spending Seen Taking Short-Term Hit From Hurricane Harvey’s Impact
[2] Harvey has ‘paralyzed’ a critical part of US manufacturing supply chain
[3] Florida Manufacturing – Industry Overview
[4] Hurricane Irma Might Have a Sizable Impact on U.S. Economy, Goldman Sachs Warns
[5] Top Supply Chain and Logistics News From WSJ