When should I start sampling and bulk production for the 2027 season?

Plan backwards from the in-market date. The UniOuter production chain for a new style:

• Sampling: 7-14 working days (rush 7-10, stock-fabric 3-5), plus 3-7 days courier transit.
• Revision round (common): add 7-14 days if the first sample needs changes.
• Bulk production: 30-50 working days after final sample approval and material readiness.
• Sea freight: ~30-40 days to North Europe, ~15-25 days to US West Coast, plus port and clearance time.

Rule of thumb for a new style shipping by sea to Europe: start development roughly 6 months before the in-market date, and 7-8 months if it is a technical multi-layer style or your launch sits in peak season, when factory slots must be reserved early.

For repeat styles the timeline compresses sharply: patterns, colour standards and fabric references are on file, sampling can often be skipped, and bulk can start directly - which is why locking core styles in one season pays off the next.

Two levers if your date is tight: rush sampling plus air freight for a first drop, with bulk replenishment following by sea.

See the full 2027 procurement calendar.