Turkish factories operate two main seasonal cycles: spring/summer (sample Sep-Nov, bulk Jan-Apr, ship Mar-Jun) and autumn/winter (sample Mar-May, bulk Jul-Oct, ship Sep-Dec). Capacity tightens 4-6 weeks ahead of Ramadan and Q4.
- SS buying window
- Sep-Nov
- AW buying window
- Mar-May
- Peak capacity stress
- Pre-Ramadan, Q4
- Sample to ship
- 12-16 weeks
The two main cycles
Spring/Summer collections start sampling September-November and ship March-June. Autumn/Winter samples March-May and ships September-December. Each cycle covers 12-16 weeks from approved tech pack to FOB.
Mid-season drops and replenishment programs run continuously, with 3-6 week cycles for stocked-fabric programs.
Capacity constraints
4-6 weeks before Ramadan (typically Feb-Mar), modest fashion ateliers run at 110-120% capacity. Booking ahead is essential for Ramadan deliveries.
Q4 (Oct-Dec) sees fast-fashion replenishment volume spike for European retailers. Reserve capacity 8 weeks ahead for Q4 delivery slots.
Trade fair calendar
January: ITPF Istanbul (premiere). February: Premier Vision Istanbul. March: IF Wedding Fashion Izmir, ISPO Munich. April: Texworld Paris. May: Istanbul Fashion Connection.
September: PV Istanbul return, Premier Vision Paris. October: Magic Las Vegas, ISPO China.
Sample order timing
For SS collection: send tech packs in August, get samples Sep-Oct, finalise designs Nov, place bulk Dec for Mar-Apr shipping.
For AW collection: send tech packs Feb, samples Mar-Apr, finalise May, bulk Jun-Jul for Sep-Oct shipping.
Ramadan and Eid impact
Many ateliers close 1-2 weeks during Ramadan in regions with high observant population (Fatih, Konya). Plan production windows around this calendar.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha mean 5-10 day complete production pauses. Build buffer into all lead-time estimates around these dates.
Long-term capacity reservations
Major retailers reserve weekly capacity slots 12-18 months ahead at preferred factories. Smaller brands can negotiate quarterly capacity blocks for stable repeat programs.
Capacity reservations typically require 20-30% deposit on annual volume commitment. The trade-off is guaranteed slots and locked pricing.