How To Source Fabric
How To Source Fabric For Your Clothing Brand
357. Fabric sourcing is one of the most important parts of building a successful fashion brand. The fabrics you choose will affect the quality of your garments, your production costs, and ultimately your profit margins.
Whether you are launching a new clothing label or expanding an existing collection, learning how to source fabric effectively can save both time and money.
Why Fabric Sourcing Matters
Fabric is often the largest cost component in garment production. In many cases, fabrics account for up to 70% of the total manufacturing cost of a garment.
Choosing the right supplier can help you:
- Reduce production costs
- Improve garment quality
- Meet production deadlines
- Maintain consistent quality across repeat orders
- Increase profit margins
Step 1: Define Your Fabric Requirements
Before contacting suppliers, prepare a detailed specification.
Consider:
- Fibre content
- Fabric weight
- Width
- Stretch properties
- Colour requirements
- Minimum order quantities
- Budget
The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for suppliers to help you.
Step 2: Request Fabric Swatches
A swatch is a small sample that allows you to assess a fabric before placing an order.
Swatches help you evaluate:
- Colour
- Texture
- Weight
- Drape
- Quality
Never commit to large fabric purchases without reviewing swatches first.
Step 3: Understand Minimum Order Quantities
Many suppliers operate with minimum order quantities (MOQs).
Some suppliers are happy to work with startups and small brands, while others only deal with larger orders.
Always ask:
- What is the MOQ?
- Does the MOQ apply per colour?
- Are sample lengths available?
Step 4: Compare Prices Carefully
Price is important, but it should not be your only consideration.
A cheaper fabric may:
- Produce lower-quality garments
- Increase returns
- Damage customer satisfaction
At the same time, expensive fabrics can make it difficult for new brands to remain profitable.
The key is finding the best balance between quality and cost.
Fabric Width Matters
Many designers focus only on the price per metre.
However, fabric width can significantly affect costs.
A wider fabric often allows more pattern pieces to fit across the width, reducing fabric consumption and potentially lowering production costs.
Fabric Jobbers And Clearance Fabrics
Fabric jobbers specialise in selling surplus stock, mill ends, and clearance fabrics.
For startups, these suppliers can offer excellent value.
Benefits include:
- Lower prices
- Smaller order quantities
- Immediate availability
The drawback is that repeat orders may not always be possible.
Textile Fairs And Trade Shows
Textile exhibitions are an excellent way to discover suppliers and view fabrics in person.
Benefits include:
- Meeting suppliers directly
- Comparing fabrics side by side
- Discovering new trends
- Building supplier relationships
Trade shows can be particularly useful for brands looking to scale production.
UK Suppliers Versus Overseas Suppliers
Many startups begin by sourcing within the UK because communication and delivery times are generally simpler.
As production grows, overseas suppliers may offer advantages such as:
- Lower costs
- Wider fabric selection
- Larger production capacity
However, importing fabrics requires careful planning and supplier verification.
Planning For Repeat Orders
One of the most common mistakes new brands make is failing to plan for future production.
Before committing to a fabric, ask:
- Will this fabric be available next season?
- Can the supplier guarantee repeat availability?
- Are there alternative options if stock runs out?
Reliable supply chains are essential for successful growth.
Common Fabric Sourcing Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Ordering without swatches
- Ignoring lead times
- Focusing only on price
- Overlooking fabric width
- Failing to confirm MOQs
- Not planning for repeat orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find fabric suppliers for a clothing brand?
You can find suppliers through trade shows, industry directories, sourcing agents, recommendations, and online research.
What is a fabric sourcing agent?
A fabric sourcing agent helps identify suppliers, negotiate prices, obtain swatches, and manage sourcing projects.
Can startups buy fabric in small quantities?
Yes. Many suppliers specialise in smaller orders, although prices may be higher than bulk purchasing.
What is a fabric MOQ?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. It is the smallest quantity a supplier will sell.
Need Professional Help?
Fabric sourcing can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly for startups. If you need assistance finding reliable suppliers or sourcing fabrics for your collection, our fabric sourcing service can help.