Buyer questions / Sourcing & samples
Pure Wool or Wool Blend? Write the Requirement Clearly
Separate a firm fibre restriction from a preference. This keeps unknown composition visible and lets Fred propose the right article rather than infer percentages from a name.
Decide which conditions are mandatory
If 100% wool is required, state it as a hard condition. If a wool blend is acceptable, explain whether particular fibres or percentages matter. If you are open to recommendation, say so and describe the garment effect, care route and testing expectations you want to compare.
A material or collection title is not a complete composition declaration. “Blended weave”, “bouclé” or “tweed” can help organize a visual discussion, but the final article needs its own declared composition. Do not fill unknown fibre percentages to make a comparison table look complete.
Keep aesthetic and technical targets separate
Texture, colour and silhouette are useful preferences even before the blend is defined. Identify the physical reference and what you like about it. Then list the fibre conditions separately so a supplier does not mistake a visual match for a verified composition match.
Ask what evidence will document the final composition and whether your buyer requires an additional test. Requirements for origin, recycled content or restricted substances need their own evidence discussion; they are not established simply by a percentage of wool.
Compare the proposed articles rather than generic labels
Request article identity, composition, finished GSM, usable width and the relevant finishing information. Compare physical samples through the same garment trial. A change in fibre blend may also require a new care or performance review for the intended garment.
Record why an alternative is being proposed and which requirements it meets or leaves open. Keep any excluded fibre visibly excluded. The Fabric Finder lists discussion directions when composition is unknown; it does not treat them as documented 100% wool matches.
A practical record for your sample discussion
| Decision | Record | Question for Fred |
|---|---|---|
| Hard condition | Required or excluded fibres | Must the proposal meet it? |
| Preference | Surface and garment effect | What can remain flexible? |
| Documentation | Declared article composition | What confirms the percentage? |
| Comparison | Same garment trial | What result supports selection? |
Questions buyers ask
Does a woolen fabric title mean 100% wool?
No. Confirm the article’s declared composition.
Will the Finder guarantee a pure-wool match?
Unknown composition stays unconfirmed and appears only as a discussion direction.
What if I do not know the best blend?
State the garment and priorities, and ask Fred to propose documented alternatives.
From direction to development
Turn this question into a sample brief
Keep the reference, target and open questions together before contacting Fred.