Where does fabric come from?

Fabric sources differ in price, quantity and flexibility. Know the types so you can choose what suits your size.

The main sources

• A mill (weaving or knitting): Cheapest for large quantities, with high minimums.
• A converter or trader: Buys greige fabric then dyes and finishes it, with lower minimums.
• Fabric markets: Swatches, small quantities and speed, at a higher price per metre.
• Deadstock: Leftover from mills or brands, in limited quantities, and cannot be reordered.

Which suits a young brand

New brands usually start with converters, fabric markets and deadstock, and move to mills as quantities grow. Each source changes how much continuity of the fabric you can count on.

Ask specific questions

• Is the fabric available to reorder? Is quality steady between lots?
• What is the real usable width?
• What is the lead time?

Exercise

For each candidate fabric write its likely source and why. Decide which source suits the quantity of your first order.