Fabric sourcing is a key step in launching your fashion brand and it can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. Finding a reliable fabric supplier is often a challenge, but there are ways to make the process more manageable. This guide will walk you through the fabric sourcing journey, covering what information to share with your fabric supplier, the different types of fabric suppliers for clothing and apparel brands, how to choose the best fit for your needs, and equip you with actionable tips for finding the right suppliers for your fashion startup.
In this guide, you'l learn:
- How to define your fabric requirements clearly so suppliers take you seriously.
- Where to find reliable fabric suppliers with free resources.
- How to evaluate and choose the right supplier for your needs.
- Key questions to ask potential suppliers to avoid any surprises.
Step 1: Define Your Fabric Requirements
Before reaching out to suppliers, ensure you have a clear understanding of your needs. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your fabric supplier to provide the right options and the more likely you are to get a response. Consider these key factors:
1. What Is the Fiber Content?
Start by identifying the materials you need, such as cotton, bamboo, modal, lyocell, or if you need stretch with spandex. The fiber content significantly impacts your fabric’s look, feel, durability, and sustainability so it is crucial that you have a good idea on what you need.
If you’re uncertain about the ideal composition for your project, a great starting point is to check the care label on a similar garment. For instance, if you’re designing underwear, you might notice labels reading “95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex,” indicating a fabric with bamboo’s softness and breathability combined with spandex’s stretch. Clearly outlining the desired fiber content to your suppliers not only helps them understand your vision but also enables them to suggest the most suitable options, simplifying the sourcing process and saving time.
2. Is the Fabric Knit or Woven?
Understanding the difference between woven and knit fabrics is essential when selecting materials for your fashion designs. Woven fabrics, such as those used for men’s dress shirts and trousers, are typically structured, durable, and have minimal to no stretch unless elastane is added. In contrast, knit fabrics—like those found in T-shirts, yoga pants, sweatshirts are known for their stretch and flexibility, making them ideal for activewear, loungewear, and casual styles. Clearly communicating to your fabric supplier what you’re planning to produce will help them recommend fabrics that align with your design needs, ensuring you receive options suited to your project’s requirements.
3. What Type of Knit or Woven Fabric?
Each fabric type has distinct characteristics shaped by its knit or weave structure, making some materials better suited for specific garments and purposes. There is a general rule for what type of fabric type suits different projects, if you are unsure letting your suppliers know what you are looking to make will enable them to make some recommendations
| Category | Recommended Fabrics |
| Activewear | jersey, interlock/double knit, mesh, scuba, rib knit |
| Loungewear | Rib knit, brushed fleece, French terry |
| Kidswear | Jersey, French terry, double gauze, waffle, seersucker |
| Outerwear | Durable woven fabrics like canvas, twill, gabardine |
| Outdoor | Ripstop, Canvas, Taslon, Oxford |
4. What Is the Fabric Weight?
Fabric weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter) or ounces per yard, determines thickness, hand feel, and drape. It is an essential part of the puzzle for your fabric suppliers. The fabric weight can make a big difference in how your final garment will look and whilst your fabric supplier can have the exact fiber content, fabric type, but they may not have the specific weight you are looking for.
For example, many suppliers will stock 100% cotton french terry, but not all suppliers will have lightweight or heavyweight french terry so it’s important to have this information from the start. If you don’t have this information, most suppliers can test the weight of your fabric by using a cutter and fabric weight, just let them know that you'd like to send them a sample.
| Fabric Type | GSM Range | Use Case |
| Lightweight | 100-150 GSM | Blouses, Linings, Summer Dresses |
| Medium-weight | 150-250 GSM | T-shirts, Casual Wear, Light Pants |
| Heavyweight | 300+ GSM | Jackets, Coats, Structured Garments |
5. What Is Your Order Quantity?
Knowing your order quantity is essential when researching and shortlisting potential fabric suppliers. Different types of suppliers (outlined below) have their own minimum order quantities (MOQs), typically calculated per color. For startup fashion brands with lower production needs, it’s best to focus on suppliers offering in-stock fabrics with low MOQs.
Being clear about your order quantity demonstrates that you’re serious about sourcing and well-prepared. This can save you from wasting weeks in discussions, only to discover the supplier’s MOQ is 1,000 yards when you only need 50.
6. What Is Your Budget?
In the fabric industry, sharing your budget isn’t about giving suppliers an opportunity to overcharge; it’s about helping them understand the quality you need and suggesting suitable alternatives within your price range. For instance, while bamboo is prized for its ultra-soft, breathable properties—perfect for undergarments—it comes with a premium price tag. A more affordable alternative, such as Modal, offers a similar feel at a lower cost.
By discussing your budget upfront, you avoid wasting time sampling fabrics that may end up being out of reach financially. Telling a supplier, “I don’t have a budget,” signals a lack of preparation and can lead to being overlooked. Instead, being clear about your budget demonstrates professionalism and helps the supplier recommend fabrics that align with your brand’s goals and price point.
7. Where Will the Fabric Be Shipped?
You might start looking for fabric suppliers at the same time as looking for your garment manufacturer, but narrowing down your options can help you save time on finding the right suppliers. There are a range of fabric suppliers that are based domestic and offshore, knowing where the fabrics will need to be shipped from allows you to factor in shipping costs and lead times based on your location and the supplier’s base of operations.
Step 2: Find the Right Fabric Supplier
Where to Look for your fabric supplier
Finding reliable and trustworthy fabric supplier is crucial to laying a strong foundation for your fashion startup. While fabric suppliers were traditionally sourced through trade shows like Texworld, Magic, The London Textile Fair, and Apparel Textile Sourcing (full list below), today, you can expand your search with just a few clicks online.
Key Fabric Supplier Trade Shows
United States: DG Expo, Texworld USA, Sourcing at Magic, Apparel Textile Sourcing
UK & Europe: The London Textile Fair, Future Fabrics Expo Première Vision Paris
Australia: Australian Textile & Fashion Expo, FASHFEST Australia
Online Search Tips
To discover reputable fabric suppliers, use targeted keywords such as:
Wholesale fabric suppliers, Buy fabric wholesale, Clothing fabric supplier, Fashion fabric supplier, Sustainable fabric supplier, Wholesale fabric online, Wholesale sustainable fabric
These search terms will help you find suppliers that align with your brand's needs, whether you’re focusing on high-volume orders or sustainable materials.
Free Fabric Supplier Industry Resources
For additional support, explore free resources provided by organizations such as: Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) Australian Fashion Council (AFC) These organizations offer valuable fabric sourcing information and can connect brands with vetted suppliers, providing a reliable starting point for your sourcing journey.
By leveraging both digital tools and industry events, you can connect with fabric suppliers that suit your needs. Remember to verify their credentials, request swatches, and communicate your requirements clearly to ensure a smooth partnership. If you need help sourcing fabrics, contact us directly and we will get back to you within 48 hours.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Fabric Supplier
Choosing the right fabric supplier is a cornerstone of success for your fashion startup. Not all suppliers operate the same way, so it’s essential to evaluate several factors before making your decision. Begin by identifying your brand’s unique requirements, such as cost constraints, lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and specific fabric needs. Just as important is selecting a supplier who aligns with your brand values, whether that means prioritizing sustainability, quality, or ethical manufacturing practices. Seek out fabric suppliers who provide excellent customer support and demonstrate flexibility in accommodating changes or addressing unforeseen challenges during production. Seeing fabric samples beforehand is non-negotiable—this ensures the material quality meets your expectations and aligns with your vision. You can order free swatches at Yardblox to see the quality and texture before ordering a sample.
Seek out fabric suppliers who provide excellent customer support and demonstrate flexibility in accommodating changes or addressing unforeseen challenges during production.
Types of Fabric Supplier
| Fabric Supplier | MOQ | Stock Availability | Re-Orderable | Best For |
| Retailer | None | Yes | No | Small quantities for personal or DIY projects |
| Wholesaler | Low | Yes | Not Always | Small businesses needing up to 100 yards |
| Trader | Medium | Yes | Yes | Medium-sized brands ordering 1,000+ yards |
| Factory | High | Limited | Yes | Large-scale production for international brands |
| Yardblox | Low | Yes | Yes | Startup and medium-sized brand brands |
At Yardblox, we pride ourselves on being a hybrid fabric supplier, offering the best of both worlds. Partnering with over 100 trusted factories, we provide a wide array of fabrics with unmatched availability. While many of our styles are kept in-stock with low minimums to support smaller brands and projects, we also work directly with fabric mills to produce larger quantities—scaling up to 1,000+ yards when needed. As a fabric supplier, we cater to the dynamic needs of both emerging brands and established businesses. Whether you need ready-to-ship inventory or custom fabric sourcing for your next collection, Yardblox ensures a seamless and reliable sourcing experience.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential fabric suppliers and ready to reach out, it’s time to dig deeper with key questions to ensure they can meet your specific needs. Asking the right questions upfront will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a strong foundation for a reliable partnership.
1. Do you have the fabric I need?
Provide detailed specifications, including fiber composition, structure (knit or woven), weight, and finishing requirements. Be as specific as possible to ensure the fabric supplier can deliver exactly what your project demands. If the fabric supplier has an online store, check out their fabric online and see if they stock similar fabrics to the types you’re looking for and send this to them as a reference when you reach out. See all fashion fabrics.
2. Is the fabric in stock?
For ready-stock suppliers like fabric wholesalers and fabric retailers, confirm the availability of the fabric you need. For custom or made-to-order suppliers, ask about lead times and ensure their production schedule aligns with yours to avoid delays in your timeline.
3. What are the MOQs and pricing?
Clearly understand the fabric supplier’s minimum order quantities (MOQs) and pricing structure. Specify whether pricing is calculated per yard, meter, or kilogram. Additionally, ask about surcharges for smaller orders or any added costs for customizations to prevent surprises later.
4. Do you provide fabric swatches?
Always request fabric swatches before placing a large order. Evaluating the fabric’s texture, color, and quality firsthand ensures it aligns with your design vision and avoids unexpected issues down the line. Not all fabric suppliers will offer swatches for free, at Yardblox you can order up to 10 free swatches per month, here’s a quick guide on how to order free fabric swatches.
5. What are your wholesale discount tiers?
Inquire about your fabric supplier's bulk order discounts. Understanding wholesale pricing structures helps you maximize savings and plan your budget effectively, especially if your order size fluctuates. Discounts are usually calculated per color per style, so be clear about your order size when asking for discounts, if you order 100 yards but spread across 5 colors, make sure to communicate this so the supplier doesn’t send you the quote for 100 yards of the same color. At Yardblox, our wholesale discounts starts from just 20 yards.
6. Are the fabrics re-orderable?
Ask if the fabric is part of the supplier’s ongoing stock or if it’s a limited run. Re-orderable fabrics ensure consistency in color, texture, and quality for future production, avoiding mismatched batches in your collection.
Taking the time to ask these critical questions to your fabric supplier will streamline your sourcing process and help you identify suppliers that align with your brand’s needs and long-term goals.
Conclusion
Fabric sourcing and finding the best fabric supplier doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By defining your needs, researching your options, and asking the right questions, you’ll be well-equipped to find suppliers who align with your vision. Whether you’re looking for small-batch options or large-scale production, taking a strategic approach will set the foundation for your brand’s success. If you’re looking to start your fashion brand or looking to source fabrics for your existing brand, Yardblox supports fashion and clothing startup brands of all order sizes. We can help you narrow down your search and guide you through the process.
Check out our online fabric library or speak to one of our teams to get started hello@yardblox.com
