Why lead time varies by category
Lead time is driven by fabric availability, finishing complexity and colour development. Knit basics with stock fabric can ship in 25 days; jacquard knit requiring custom yarn dyeing needs 60 days.
Bursa knit mills with vertical integration shave 10-15 days off the cycle by skipping subcontracting. Most Istanbul ateliers add 1-2 weeks for fabric sourcing.
Knit and basic woven timelines
Knit basics (jersey tees, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts) typically run 25-35 days. Fabric is widely stocked. Cut-and-sew capacity is abundant in Istanbul and Bursa.
Woven shirts on stocked fabrics: 30-35 days. With custom fabric development or yarn-dyed stripes, add 14-21 days for fabric.
Denim and premium garments
Denim: 35-50 days for mid-mass programs. Add 5-7 days for hand-distressing per piece. Selvedge and complex wash programs stretch to 60 days.
Premium knitwear with custom yarn count or fancy stitching: 50-70 days. Cashmere blends require yarn purchase up front and often hold the order 4-6 weeks before knitting starts.
Modest fashion and occasionwear
Standard modest fashion runs 30-45 days. Embellished abayas, beaded eveningwear and embroidered tunics stretch to 50-60 days because trim work is often subcontracted.
Verify in writing whether trim subcontracting is in-scope; trim delays are the top cause of late shipments in modest fashion.
Logistics add-on
Sea freight Istanbul to Hamburg/Rotterdam: 7-12 days. To US East Coast: 28-35 days. To UAE/Saudi: 8-14 days.
Road freight via Kapikule to Germany: 5-9 days. Air freight: 2-4 days door-to-door from Istanbul Airport via DHL/UPS/FedEx hubs.
Calendar planning
Set sample approval deadline 2 weeks before bulk start. Always include a 7-10 day buffer at the end for QC re-work. For peak-season retail drops, place 8 weeks ahead of in-store date.
For Black Friday/Q4 deliveries to European retailers, place orders by mid-August. Earlier orders mean lower air-freight risk if QC issues emerge.
Key facts
- Knit basics: 25-35d
- Woven shirts: 30-40d
- Denim: 35-50d
- Premium knit: 50-70d
- Outerwear: 50-65d