The difference between CMT and full package is essentially a question of who does the sourcing and who carries the risk if materials arrive late or wrong.
CMT
Cut, make and trim. You supply the fabric and often the trims. The factory cuts, sews and finishes. You control material selection and cost, and you own the consequences of a fabric arriving late or short.
Full package
The factory sources materials, produces the garment and delivers finished goods. You approve rather than procure. It costs more per unit and removes a great deal of coordination work.
How to choose
- Choose CMT if you have supplier relationships and want direct material control
- Choose full package if your time is better spent on product and sales
- Choose full package for a first run, when you do not yet know what you do not know
- Choose CMT when a specific fabric is central to your product and you want to own that relationship
The hidden cost of CMT
CMT looks cheaper because the quote is smaller. It is not cheaper if managing suppliers consumes the time you would otherwise spend selling, or if a fabric delay idles the sewing slot you booked.
A middle path
Many brands run full package on core styles and CMT where they have a specific mill relationship worth preserving. The models are not mutually exclusive across a range.