What is Consumption?
Consumption in the apparel industry refers to the amount of fabric or other materials that are used to produce a garment. It is an important factor in determining the cost of production and can have a significant impact on profitability.
In the apparel business, consumption means the quality of raw materials with a view to determining the price of a garment. In order to calculate the quantity of how much fabric, sewing thread, zipper, button, and other accessories are required to produce a garment up to the exporting is called consumption. In this article, we will discuss the basic concept for consumption in apparel industry.
Basic Concept for Consumption in Apparel Industry
Fabric Consumption Calculation System:
We can calculate and determine the consumption of fabric by the following two systems:
- Marker planning system
- Mathematical system
Basic information relevant to consumption:
- Measurement with technical specification
- Style description
- Fabric description
- Fabrics width / weight
- Washing shrinkage
Fabrics width:
Width of different fabrics is available thus: 35”, 45”, 50” and 60”.
Some measures and weights are as:
- 1 yds = 1260 sq inch if fabric width is 35 inch
- 1 yds = 1620 sq inch if fabric width is 45 inch
- 1 yds = 1800 sq inch if fabric width is 50 inch
- 1 yds = 1980 sq inch if fabric width is 55 inch
- 1 yds = 2160 sq inch if fabric width is 60 inch
Consumption can be made in two systems. The first and the second system are given below:
A detailed consumption of different parts of some garments is given below with illustrations.
Say, Fabric width = 45” – 1” (Shrinkage allowance) = 44”
…………………………………………………….Length X Width
Consumption Formula = ………………………………………..………………..
…………………………………………Fabric width X Fabric unit (36”)
Most of the apparel factories’ fabric consumption is made by pattern masters. The rest of the workers does not bother how it is done. If you have a product technical sheet then only you could calculate the exact fabric consumption of a garment. Average fabric consumption also depends on the nature of the fabric, like tubular or open width fabric.
Basic consumption formula:
Consumption in grams= {(L*C) + (B*SL)}*2*GSM/10000 grams
Where,
L= length of the body measure + allowance
C= Chest +allowance
SL= Sleeve length +Allowance
B=Biceps +allowance
GSM = fabric weight in grams per square meter
N.B: All length units are in centimeter
Author of this Article: Noor Ahmed Raaz B.Sc. in Apparel Manufacturing Asst. Merchandiser Opex Sinha Group, Narayongonj Email: [email protected]