INSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY – How the 90-Day Tariff Break Impacts the Fashion Industry: A Strategic Guide for Emerging Designers

The recent 90-day tariff break has sparked a moment of cautious optimism across the fashion industry. For many brands—particularly emerging fashion designers—this temporary fashion industry tariff relief offers more than just financial breathing room. It presents a strategic opportunity to realign sourcing, rethink production timelines, and reallocate budgets that were previously constrained by high import duties. But the benefits of this tariff holiday will only be realized by those who act quickly and intentionally.

Over the past few years, U.S. fashion businesses have faced mounting pressure from tariffs imposed on a wide range of imported goods, particularly textiles, trims, and ready-made garments manufactured in countries like China. For emerging fashion designers, already juggling slim margins and complex supply chains, these tariffs have often made overseas sourcing prohibitively expensive. The 90-day tariff break offers a rare chance to ease this burden—but only temporarily.

One of the most immediate advantages is the ability to renegotiate costs with suppliers. Designers importing fabrics or finished goods should revisit quotes that previously included tariff-related markups. With duties on hold, there’s potential to lower unit costs or invest the savings in quality improvements, upgraded packaging, or faster logistics.

Another area that warrants attention is production scheduling. Designers who have held back on orders due to high import fees should move swiftly to place them within this 90-day period. Strategic planning here could mean a stronger product launch at a more competitive price point. In a post-pandemic market where consumers are increasingly price-sensitive but still demanding quality and novelty, this matters more than ever.

Emerging fashion designers should also take this time to stock up on essential materials. For designers still in development stages, bulk ordering of core fabrics and trims now—before tariffs potentially resume—can significantly reduce upcoming collection costs. However, it’s important to balance this approach with smart inventory management to avoid overstocking, especially in a volatile retail environment.

Additionally, now is the time to reassess manufacturing partners. While the tariff break applies to certain products, the underlying political and economic uncertainties remain. Designers who previously explored nearshoring or alternative sourcing destinations—such as Vietnam, India, or Latin America—should continue building those relationships. The 90-day window is not a signal to return to risky dependencies but rather a chance to bridge operations while making long-term decisions.

Beyond the supply chain, this period should be used to strengthen brand agility. Can you adjust your retail pricing strategy to reflect lower COGS (cost of goods sold)? Can you reinvest the savings into marketing campaigns or trade show participation that might have been out of reach just a month ago? These are key questions to consider. Even temporary shifts in import costs can offer meaningful room for growth if leveraged properly.

In the broader context, the 90-day tariff break is not a resolution—it’s a reprieve. Emerging fashion designers must remain aware that trade policies can shift swiftly depending on political outcomes and diplomatic negotiations. Using this time to build resilience—not dependency—is the ultimate goal.

Key Actions Emerging Designers Should Take Now:

• Re-negotiate costs with current suppliers to reflect tariff-free pricing.

• Place production orders quickly to meet the 90-day timeline.

• Stock essential materials to offset potential future cost spikes.

• Diversify sourcing to reduce exposure to a single manufacturing region.

• Reinvest savings into growth areas such as marketing, e-commerce, or product development.

• Stay informed about ongoing trade negotiations that could impact long-term strategy.

For many small brands, 90 days may seem like a brief moment in time—but in the lifecycle of a collection, it’s a turning point. Taking decisive steps now can create lasting competitive advantages in a global fashion landscape that remains as complex as it is creative.

As the industry continues to shift, emerging fashion designers don’t need to navigate these changes alone. I specialize in helping designers with every stage of product development and fashion production strategy, offering coaching services tailored to the unique needs of each brand. Whether you’re adjusting your sourcing strategy, planning your next collection, or simply trying to make sense of what this fashion industry tariff relief means for your business, I’m here to help. You can schedule a free 30-minute strategy call with me to discuss your next steps through the link below:

👉 https://go.oncehub.com/BarbaraSessim

Let’s make sure you’re ready to take full advantage of this moment—and build a brand that’s ready for what’s next.