Sourcing Consultant specializing in intimate apparel, organic cotton knits, & Turkish manufacturing.

I am early-stage in developing a company centered on elevated wellness and apparel launching with premium organic-cotton underwear for women and men. The brand centers on comfort, thoughtful materials, responsible production and a clean, timeless aesthetic. My website and brand direction are currently in development, and I am preparing to begin conversations with manufacturers, ideally in Turkey. I have narrowed it down to three manufacturers I would potentially like to work with. I am looking for an experienced apparel sourcing and product-development consultant who can help turn my existing ideas, research and product preferences into a clear, realistic plan that manufacturers can understand and respond to accurately. I have already developed many of the initial concepts and specifications, but I need an industry expert to organize them, identify gaps, verify feasibility and guide me through the sourcing process. Initial deliverables may include: * Reviewing my existing brand, product and manufacturing notes * Organizing those notes into a concise manufacturer-ready product and sourcing brief * Helping define realistic initial product specifications, including fabric composition, GSM, construction, seams, waistband, labeling, finishes, colorways, packaging and certification requirements * Drafting and refining my initial outreach email to manufacturers * Creating a focused list of questions for introductory calls and factory evaluations * Identifying or evaluating suitable manufacturers, preferably in Turkey * Helping verify factory capabilities, certifications and supply-chain transparency * Developing a preliminary startup budget covering development, samples, revisions, testing, packaging, production, freight, duties and contingency funds * Reviewing quotations, MOQs, payment terms, lead times and potential hidden costs * Building a practical timeline from initial outreach through sampling, crowdfunding or preorders, production and launch * Advising me on which materials, finishes and product claims are technically realistic and supportable * Helping determine when a technical designer, testing laboratory, quality-control inspector or other specialist is needed The initial product direction is premium underwear made primarily from GOTS-certified organic cotton, potentially around 95% cotton and 5% elastane. Current ideas include long-staple Turkish cotton, approximately 180–200 GSM, soft low-profile seams, a comfortable custom waistband, tagless labeling, thoughtful packaging and chemical-conscious processing. These are starting preferences, not immovable requirements—I want someone who can evaluate them honestly and recommend changes when necessary. Relevant skills and experience: * Apparel sourcing and product development * Underwear, intimates or close-fitting stretch-knit garments * Textile and fabric sourcing * Turkish apparel manufacturing * Tech packs and manufacturer-ready specifications * Supplier evaluation and vendor management * Product costing, budgeting and price negotiation * Sampling and production management * Quality assurance and quality control * Sustainable, ethical or certified-organic manufacturing My preferred working style is collaborative, organized and educational. I value clear communication, reliable follow-through and candid feedback. I want someone who will explain the reasoning behind recommendations, identify risks early and help me make financially responsible decisions—not simply send me a list of factories. I have substantial notes and a clear brand vision, so you will not be starting from nothing. At the same time, I welcome an expert who can challenge assumptions and help separate essential launch requirements from features that can wait until later collections. Please include: 1. Examples of underwear, intimates or stretch-knit products you have helped develop 2. Your specific role in those projects 3. Any experience working with Turkish manufacturers and GOTS-certified materials 4. How you evaluate and verify prospective factories 5. Whether you have any financial relationships with factories or receive referral commissions 6. Your proposed approach, estimated hours and fee for the initial planning and manufacturer-outreach phase This would begin as a defined consulting project, with the possibility of continued support through sampling, costing, factory selection and production.