Diploma in Apparel Merchandising and International Sourcing.
growCreate Fashion. Master Merchandising. Shape Your Future.
The Diploma in Apparel Merchandising & International Sourcing is a career-focused
professional program designed for students, graduates, entrepreneurs, and working
professionals who aspire to build successful careers in the global apparel, textile, sourcing, and retail industries.
The program combines classroom learning with practical industrial exposure, live factory visits, international sourcing knowledge, and internship opportunities to develop industry-ready merchandising professionals.
Students will gain hands-on experience in garment costing, supply chain management, sourcing
strategies, retail buying, inventory planning, trend forecasting, buyer communication, and
international sourcing practices.
Why Choose This Program?
Industry-designed curriculum
Learn with a curriculum developed to meet current fashion and apparel industry needs.
Factory & Industry Exposure
Gain real factory exposure through visits, internships, and industry interactions.
Global Sourcing & Market Insights
Develop expertise in international sourcing and South Asian apparel markets.
International Industrial Visits
Explore global apparel manufacturing through optional international industrial visits.
Experienced Industry Mentors
Learn from experienced professionals with extensive apparel industry expertise.
Career Guidance & Placement Support
Receive personalized career guidance and placement assistance for a successful future.
Program Overview
This comprehensive diploma program covers:
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Apparel Industry
Build a strong foundation in the apparel industry, manufacturing process, merchandising, and global markets.
Topics Covered- Apparel Industry Overview
- Textile Value Chain
- Garment Manufacturing Process
- Roles of Merchandisers
- Domestic vs Export Markets
- Buyer Expectations
Learning Outcome: Understand the apparel industry's structure, processes, and the role of merchandising in domestic and export businesses.
Module 2: Supply Chain Management
Learn how apparel supply chains are planned and managed from product development to order execution.
Topics Covered- Supply Chain Fundamentals
- Vendor Development
- Design Selection
- Product Development
- Seasonal Product Planning
- Customer Requirements
- Raw Material Planning
- Production Planning
- Lead Time Management
- Critical Path Management
- Vendor Coordination
- Order Execution
- Production Flow Analysis
- Factory Workflow
Learning Outcome: Develop the ability to manage apparel supply chains, production planning, and vendor coordination.
Module 3: Garment Costing
Understand garment costing methods and prepare complete cost sheets for apparel products.
Topics Covered- Introduction to Garment Costing
- Buyer Target Price
- Cost Sheet Preparation
- Fabric Consumption
- Fabric Yield Calculation
- Fabric Cost Analysis
- Trims Cost
- Accessories Cost
- Embroidery Cost
- Printing Cost
- Washing Cost
- Labour Cost
- Overheads
- Freight
- Duty
- Margin Calculation
- Profit Planning
- FOB Costing
- CIF Costing
- Build Complete Cost Sheets
Learning Outcome: Prepare accurate garment cost sheets and calculate product pricing using industry costing methods.
Module 4: Fabric & Trim Knowledge
Develop knowledge of fabrics, trims, and materials used in garment manufacturing.
Topics Covered- Woven Fabrics
- Knit Fabrics
- Denim Fabrics
- Yarn Types
- Fabric GSM
- Fabric Construction
- Fabric Quality
- Fabric Testing
- Trims Identification
- Labels
- Buttons
- Zippers
- Threads
- Packaging Materials
Learning Outcome: Identify fabrics, trims, and materials while understanding their quality and applications.
Module 5: Garment Construction & Fit
Learn garment construction, measurements, sampling processes, and fit evaluation techniques.
Topics Covered- Garment Measurements
- Pattern Basics
- Fit Analysis
- Sample Development
- Proto Sample
- Fit Sample
- PP Sample
- Size Set
- Shipment Sample
- Fit Evaluation
Learning Outcome: Develop the skills to evaluate garment fit and understand the complete sampling process.
Module 6: Retail Buying & Merchandising
Explore retail merchandising strategies, buying cycles, and assortment planning.
Topics Covered- Retail Buying Cycle
- Product Mix
- Seasonal Buying
- Customer Behaviour
- Fashion Calendar
- Product Assortment
- Vendor Selection
- Buying Strategy
- Retail Merchandising
- Margin Planning
Learning Outcome: Understand retail buying processes and merchandising strategies for successful product planning.
Module 7: Inventory Planning
Learn inventory planning techniques to optimize stock management and warehouse operations.
Topics Covered- Inventory Basics
- Stock Planning
- Safety Stock
- Warehouse Planning
- Rack Planning
- SKU Management
- Replenishment
- Seasonal Inventory
- Fast Moving Products
- Slow Moving Products
- Dead Stock Management
- Inventory Reports
- Inventory Planning Exercise
Learning Outcome: Plan inventory effectively while maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing inventory costs.
Module 8: Trend Analysis
Study fashion trends, consumer preferences, and forecasting methods for apparel merchandising.
Topics Covered- Fashion Forecasting
- Consumer Behaviour
- Market Research
- Seasonal Trends
- Global Fashion Trends
- Colour Forecasting
- Fabric Trends
- Buyer Preferences
- Trend Boards
- Fashion Analysis Project
- Seasonal Trend Presentation
Learning Outcome: Analyze fashion trends and consumer behaviour to support product planning and merchandising decisions.
Module 9: International Sourcing
Understand global sourcing strategies, international markets, vendor selection, and cost optimization.
Topics Covered- International Market Resources
- China
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Pakistan
- Direct Factory Sourcing
- Buying Offices
- Trading Companies
- Vendor Networks
- Online Sourcing Platforms
- South Asian Apparel Industry
- China Manufacturing Ecosystem
- Global Vendor Evaluation
- Country Comparison
- Quality Standards
- Fabric Mills
- Trim Suppliers
- Accessories Suppliers
- Sustainable Materials
- Buyer-Nominated Suppliers
- Product Cost
- Freight
- Customs Duty
- Insurance
- Port Charges
- Logistics Cost
- Final Landed Cost
- Buyer Target Achievement
- Vendor Selection
- Cost Optimization
Learning Outcome: Develop the knowledge to source apparel products globally while evaluating suppliers, markets, and landed costs.
Industry Exposure
International Exposure
Explore global sourcing, apparel markets, and international supply chains.
Optional International Industrial Visit
Visit leading apparel factories, sourcing hubs, and buying offices abroad.
Industrial Internship
Gain practical experience across production, merchandising, quality, and sourcing.
Washing Unit Exposure
Understand garment washing processes, finishing techniques, and quality standards.
Live Industry Projects
Work on real apparel merchandising, costing, sourcing, and planning projects.
Industry Learning Experience
Build practical skills through industry exposure and expert-led learning.
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion, learners can pursue careers as:
Who Can Join?
- Fashion Design Students
- Textile Students
- Apparel Technology Students
- MBA Retail & Marketing
- Entrepreneurs
- Garment Industry Professionals
- Fresh Graduates
- Anyone interested in Apparel Merchandising
Your Future Starts Here
Take the first step toward a successful career, stronger confidence, and greater opportunities.