First things first, who is HRP Textile Agency?

As you probably already understood by browsing through our website, we are a Textile Agency based in Barcelos that aims to support international brands placing their production in Portugal. Our role in the process of apparel production is to be an intermediary between our clients and the clothing manufacturers in Portugal. Being strategically based in Barcelos, allows HRP to have a wide range of options regarding suppliers, since we are near a great number of clothing manufacturers.

At HRP we count with a team composed of 8 enthusiastic and strong-willed members. Not only they are specialists experienced in the industry, but also share the passion for textiles and fashion. We see each other as family, and this feeling extends to our partners. We are genuinely committed in building long and trustworthy business relationships with our partners. In fact, throughout his career our CEO has built several partnerships with both suppliers and clients, which in many cases have been going on non-stop for more than 30 years.

In other words, you could say HRP Textile Agency provides consulting expertise in apparel sourcing and manufacturing in Portugal, while advising our clients throughout the whole apparel production process. We have the goal of presenting a personalized experience based on the requirements of each client, so they can make the most of their investment in Portugal.

Why should you care?

This is the million-dollar question. What differentiate us from others? Why us? We could start reflecting and giving a huge and complex answer full of examples why you should care about us, but let’s keep this simple. We have detected 2 core problems which give brands several headaches, namely the search for suitable manufacturers adjusted to their needs, and the quality control.

Choosing the right clothing manufacturer is one of the most important and difficult elements in your business. A brand can have the best designers and marketing, but if it does not have a good product it will not sell. Some of the problems you may face, when looking blindly for suppliers abroad, can be the following:

• Poor quality;
• Faulty Goods;
• Shipment delays.

Consequently, this approach will most likely result in poor sales, plus a vast amount of expenses and time wasted. Time is money, these are expenses that can dictate the difference between you best and worst year. So why not diminishing the risks? We have developed a service that aims to solve our clients most concerning problems regarding a suited choice of suppliers and quality control. Wouldn’t it be better to have a trustworthy partner in Portugal to watch your back and attending to your brand’ specific needs, even when you are thousands of  kilometres away? I am predicting the answer will be a strong “Hell yeah!”.

So, What’s our key to success?

As a Textile Agency, we proud ourselves of providing a service which adapts to the requirements and standards of each client. Since we act as an intermediary between brands and suited clothing manufacturers in Portugal, we are not limited to work with only certain types of garments. Consequently, HRP can be very flexible when attending to your requests. Nevertheless, we do have some conditions that must be met for us to be able to work with our clients, and we are straightforward about them. Brands who wants to start a partnership with HRP must understand we have our processes oriented for mid/large international brands, so we have a MOQ per style and colour of 300 pieces.

So, what’s in store for brands who want to start a partnership with HRP? This: we have developed a complete service to simplify our clients’ journey in Portugal. HRP stands by your side from the moment you first start the development of your collection, until the final shipment of your production order. Throughout this process we carefully monitor all stages and assure a perfect flow of information. In other words, you could say that we handle the production management of your brand and allow you to focus more on your marketing and sales efforts.

As we said previously, we can be very flexible regarding the type of products that we deal with. Our clothing manufacturers in Portugal can produce all types of garments for Sportswear, Active Sportswear, Fitness wear, Leisurewear, Outdoor, Cycling, Fashion, Casual, Workwear and Underwear. Moreover, as we aim to provide a personalized experience to each brand, there is a possibility to produce other fashion products by request (e.g. shoes), since HRP will find the right manufacturer for your product specifications. All of this is just one tech pack away!

Sustainability, are we in or out?

We receive daily inquiries of clients who want to move towards a more sustainable production. Even though there is no such thing as a complete sustainable production yet, there are several choices throughout the development of your collection that can help it to be greener. Following all concerns about the environment, HRP Textile Agency is becoming increasingly aware of the planet and the need to make a change. We are striving to be, at every step, more accountable and transparent regarding the environmental impact of our operations. Our clothing manufacturers have an important role in how we tackle the urge to reduce our environmental impact. Over the years, they have been shifting their practices to hold a more ethical and sustainable production:

• Compliance with the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative);
• Usage of sustainable materials such as organic and recycled fibers;
• Certifications (GOTS, Oeko-tex 100, SA8000, GRS, OCS 100, SMETA);
• Recycling and reducing the usage of plastics;
• Knits leftovers are used as raw material by other industries.

Today we are better than yesterday, but not as good as we will be tomorrow. In a joint effort with our suppliers, and as our clients demands for a more sustainable production increases, we are moving towards a more environmentally friendly supply chain.

The Blog

Finally, now that you understand who we are and what we do, it is time for a small intro of what our objectives with the creation of this blog are. As you could understand throughout this article, we are fascinated by this industry so, with the expectation you feel the same, we have decided to start sharing our expertise, knowledge and experiences.  Here, you will find in the future several articles covering all kinds of topics regarding textiles and fashion. For instance, information about trends, fashion trade shows, reflections about current events and how it affects our industry, textile knowledge, and much more.

We are looking forward to sharing with you all this knowledge and hope you enjoy it!

by Rui Oliveira

HRP 2020 © All rights reserved

O conteúdo We are HRP, Your Textile Agency in Portugal! aparece primeiro em HRP.

Firstly, you need to understand what type of brand you are. Are you a start-up brand or an established one? What type of products are you looking for? Do you wish to develop a collection with several products or just one? These and many other questions will eventually help you decide which approach would be better for you: working with a textile agency or directly with a clothing manufacturer. There are pros and cons in both cases, ultimately it will depend on your requirements and expectations.

Textile Agency

Each textile company serves a purpose. In textile agencies case, there are generalists and specialists. There are those who intervene directly in the buying and selling process, and those who just work as intermediaries between brands and clothing manufacturers, while charging a commission for it.  As previously explained in the first article of our blog, HRP Textile Agency is clearly part of the latest, since we do not take part in the buying or selling. In fact, by acting as an intermediary between brands and suited suppliers, we are not limited to work with only certain types of garments. As a result, HRP can be very flexible when attending to our clients’ requests.

So, why do brands even think of using a textile agency instead of working directly clothing manufacturer? Simple, they know where it hurts. Looking at the pros, if you are part of an international brand which is located several kilometers away from Portugal, you will find some problems:

• Lack of knowledge of all the textile industry of the country, namely about the best clothing manufacturers for your needs;
• You can’t visit daily the clothing manufacturers and understand how the developments are going, or attest the quality of your products in real time;
• Language barrier dilemma. Sometimes the best clothing manufacturer for your needs, may not speak or have the correct vocabulary to work with a foreign customer.

These were just a few examples of some difficulties you can find when looking for a partner abroad, that a Textile Agency can easily solve.

Still not convinced?

There are more aspects that can take you to choose working with a Textile agency instead of directly with a factory. For instance, one collection is normally composed with different types of products (e.g. Hoodie, shirts, shoes, among others), with different fabrics and compositions. As said previously, each textile company serves a purpose. In the case of clothing manufacturers, they tend to be specialists in just one or some segments, but never in all. This means that for just one collection, you will probably need several different manufacturers working for you. Here, you have two options: either you have a large team to work and follow up with each manufacturer OR you work with a textile agency capable of managing a network of factories that can fulfill your needs.

By choosing the latest, you will never have to go find a factory by yourself, as you can take advantage of the knowledge and network of your partner. Furthermore, you will only have to cultivate a good relationship with just one company, while taking the rest of the time to focus on product development, marketing and selling.

The previous picture exemplifies in a simpler way how a textile agency can be a game-changer. Normally, you will have to pay a fee for this service that can go from 5% to 10% of the production price the factory will give you. However, the time saved with production management and the assurances of your expectations being met by a strict quality control service, will probably help you recover this money in no time.

Clothing Manufacturer

The textile supply chain is long and depends on the participation of several parts that need to be coordinated so that your goods can reach safe and sound to the shops, namely the clothing manufacturers.

So, what is clothing manufacturing? Basically, for producing a garment, several operations are necessary. For instance, cutting, sewing, and finishing are just some of the parts that are integrated in this process. Depending on the type of product, the type of equipment and workmanship needed may vary, that is why one clothing manufacturer does not produce all types of clothing. In sum, clothing manufacturers are focused on converting raw materials into finished goods, ready to be sold.

Thinking on working directly?

Besides all the cons that can happen while working directly with manufacturers, which were already mentioned above, there are also several benefits. When you manage to find the right factory, it can sometimes save you money and time, when everything is working perfectly. There are several manufacturers which are excellent in what they do and have a highly trained team to help you. In these cases, time and money can be saved and you will be pleased with their work.

The concerns start when you want to diversify the products on your collection and need to find another supplier on your own. If the supplier you are currently using is taking too much attention from you, you will not be able to efficiently find another so you can grow your brand. Additionally, in some cases, brands hire external companies or freelancers to do the quality control of their productions to assure everything goes accordingly the plan. This is one extra cost that could be avoided if you had chosen textile agency to manage your production, since the quality control is included in their services.

Keeping it simple 

Basically, imagine you are on vacations and visiting a foreign country for the first time. You can read all about it and plan everything for yourself, or you can hire a guide to help you have the best experience and not miss any part of the adventure (normally, their know how is better than the books). Both options are available, both options are okay, it all depends on what you are looking for. My suggestion would be: if you are a smaller brand with just a few styles, maybe try to go on your own and as you grow think about the possibility of hiring an agent. However, if you are an established brand with a big operation already in place, perhaps going with an agency could bring you several worthwhile benefits.

by Rui Oliveira

HRP 2020 © All rights reserved

O conteúdo Textile Agency vs Clothing Manufacturer aparece primeiro em HRP.

1. Expert Knowledge and Established Networks

At HRP Textile Agency, we pride ourselves on our extensive industry expertise and established connections to some of the best factories in Portugal. Our network allows us to quickly connect you with reliable production facilities and fabric suppliers, simplifying the sourcing process. This saves you time and effort in vetting potential partners, enabling you to focus on what truly matters: your brand.

2. High-Quality Craftsmanship and Precision

Portugal has a rich history of textile production, renowned for its attention to detail and craftsmanship. At HRP, we ensure that every aspect of your product— from stitching to fabric sourcing— is executed to perfection. This commitment to quality provides confidence that each piece reflects your brand’s standards, ensuring customer satisfaction.

3. Simplified Production Management

Managing production can often be a daunting task. HRP Textile Agency takes on the logistics, communication, and coordination necessary to keep everything on track. How? By managing the entire production process from start to finish, we help you save valuable time and allow you to concentrate on other essential areas of your business, such as design, marketing, and sales.

4. Personalized Service and Flexibility

We understand that every brand is unique. Our personalized, collaborative approach means we adapt easily to your changing specifications and market demands. Whether you require small batch production or larger runs, HRP Textile Agency is flexible in meeting your requirements while ensuring that the final product aligns with your vision.

5. Cost-Effective Solutions

While Portugal is known for its high standards, working with HRP Textile Agency can help you optimize production costs. Our extensive network allows us to negotiate fair prices with local manufacturers without sacrificing quality. We strive to ensure that your budget is utilized efficiently, reducing waste and maximizing value.

6. Comprehensive Quality Control

Quality control is a cornerstone of our operations at HRP. We conduct thorough checks throughout the production process to ensure that every detail meets your specifications, minimizing the risk of defects and ensuring consistency. Our experience in managing potential risks helps maintain smooth operations and enhances customer loyalty.

7. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Sustainability is at the heart of the Portuguese textile industry, and at HRP, we prioritize eco-friendly practices. We work with certified factories that comply with strict environmental standards, such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS. By guiding you in sourcing sustainable materials, we help ensure your products meet consumer demands for environmentally responsible fashion.

8. Efficient Logistics and Shorter Lead Times

Located in a strategic position within Europe, Portugal offers logistical advantages that lead to shorter lead times and reduced shipping costs. Partnering with HRP Textile Agency means quicker responses to market changes and faster turnaround times, all while lowering your carbon footprint.

9. Innovation and Technological Advancements

At HRP, we embrace innovation in the textile industry. Our partners utilize advanced machinery and technologies such as 3D printing and smart textiles, ensuring that our clients can access cutting-edge developments. This commitment to innovation allows your brand to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.

Conclusion: A Valuable Partnership for Sustainable Growth

Choosing to work with HRP Textile Agency in Portugal is more than just outsourcing production; it’s about building a trusted partnership with an experienced team that understands the complexities of the textile industry. From sustainability to quality control and efficient logistics, HRP is dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life responsibly and with exceptional quality. Let’s embark on this journey together—because your brand deserves the best.

by Rui Oliveira

HRP 2024 © All rights reserved

O conteúdo The Value of Working with HRP Textile Agency in Portugal aparece primeiro em HRP.