Getting started with fabric sourcing

Oct 9

Sourcing fabric can feel like a maze: puzzling and overwhelming.

With so many options and factors to consider, it can be tricky to know where to begin.

I have curated some tips to help you make your way through the ‘unknown’ of fabric sourcing.

Understand what you are looking for:

Are you searching for woven fabric? knits? stretch? Take time to look at the composition details of fabrics, and learn about the yarns used.

Consider the impact of the fabric you are sourcing:

Can you explore recycled fibres? Deadstock options? Look into natural and organic processes. It’s important to keep your brand values in mind when choosing your fabrics.

Look for low MOQ suppliers:

Don’t over-commit to huge quantities of stock *or you may regret this later*

Can you go direct?

SO many people choose wholesalers, when actually, you can sometimes go direct to the producers themselves!

Look at certifications:

Take time to understand what they mean! For example: GOTS, what does this actually stand for? How does it impact the production of cotton, from farmers to sellers?

ALWAYS test physical samples:

Pull it, wash it, see how durable it is! You can’t choose a fabric from a photograph.

Most importantly, allow yourself time to find the right fabric. It can take longer than you expect!

Let me know how you get on with these top tips!

And, if you need further insight into where to start your search for fabrics, check out the Fabric Directory!

The Fabric Directory will give you a head start to your fabric sourcing journey. After chatting to so many people struggling to source fabrics, Elizabeth Stiles and I decided to pull together our contacts, creating a dream fabric bible for all your fabric sourcing needs!

Say goodbye to the endless google deep dives at 3am and learn more about the variety of fabrics that are out there and which resonate with your values and intentions.

Including over 120+ fabric suppliers from around the world, it is a fully comprehensive fabric directory, designed to help independent businesses find and source fabric with small / low MOQ’s.