Overproduction in Apparel: The Solution Is In Our Control!
ISAIC's President and CEO, Jennifer Guarino had the opportunity to be a guest on the What They Th!ink podcast episode--Overproduction in Apparel: The Solution is in our Control!
In this discussion, Jennifer talked with Cary Sherburne about the problem of the current fashion business model which is rife with overproduction. Reducing overproduction is within the control of brands if only they have the "Confidence To Transform"—and in doing so, can improve profits and customer loyalty!
At the heart of the issue is a fashion system built on forecasting, speed, and volume rather than actual demand. Brands routinely manufacture massive quantities of product months in advance, hoping to predict trends and consumer behavior. When those predictions fall short, the result is excess inventory, deep discounting, landfill waste, and significant environmental harm. Overproduction isn’t a side effect of the system, it’s baked into the business model.
During the discussion, Jennifer emphasized that overproduction is not inevitable. Brands often assume that sustainability requires sacrifice, but the opposite can be true. Reducing excess production can strengthen profitability by cutting waste, minimizing markdowns, and aligning inventory with real customer demand. Smarter production strategies allow companies to produce what sells, rather than selling what’s already been produced.
Jennifer also reframed sustainability as a leadership and decision-making challenge, not just a technical one. Solutions already exist: on-demand production, localized manufacturing, and better data integration. But, adopting them requires a willingness to rethink long-standing practices. Change depends less on innovation and more on intention, accountability, and courage from industry leaders.
Ultimately, the conversation delivers a clear message to all manufacturers: the apparel industry has the power to address overproduction right now. By shifting away from volume-driven models and toward more thoughtful, demand-aligned production, brands can reduce waste, protect the environment, and build more resilient businesses. The solution isn’t out of reach, it’s already in our hands, and now all we need is the confidence to transform.
To learn more about how ISAIC is creating the confidence to transform the apparel industry, read about it in our impact report here!