How To Source Fabric for a Clothing Line in 2025 (Even With Low MOQs)

The right fabric can make or break your clothing line. It’s the difference between a shirt customers wear for years and one they set aside after wearing it once.

In 2025, fabric sourcing is more complex than ever. Brands are competing for mill space, supply chain delays can throw off launch dates, and shoppers are looking for sustainability as much as style. 

Ahead, you’ll learn the five-step process to finding the perfect materials—from comparing common textile types and suppliers to the key questions you should ask before signing a contract.

What is fabric sourcing?

Fabric sourcing is the process of finding and sourcing the right cloth for your products. It includes drafting material specs, requesting swatches, negotiating minimum order quantities (MOQs), and coordinating freight so rolls arrive on time and in good condition. 

Production lead times can range from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on your supplier location and production capacity. Choosing the right textiles can help you stay on budget and launch product lines more efficiently.

How to source fabric in five steps

1. Understand the basics of fabric
2. Define your sourcing strategy and budget
3. Decide on the right type of fabric supplier
4. Find fabric suppliers
5. Vet suppliers and test for quality

1. Understand the basics of fabric

Before you can source fabric effectively, you need to understand how it’s made and which types work best for your product. While fabric can be constructed in many ways, two commonly used construction types are knitted and woven. 

Knitted vs. woven fabrics

Knitted fabrics are typically lightweight and comfortable, requiring minimal care to maintain their appearance. They resist wrinkles and work well for soft tops, bottoms, undergarments, and activewear. 

There are two ways you can make knits:

1. Weft knit or hand-knitted fabric: A single yarn looped into horizontal rows, each building on the previous row
2. Warp knit: Multiple parallel yarns looped vertically at the same time to form the fabric

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Woven fabrics are made by interlacing two or more sets of yarn at right angles on a handloom or power loom. They’re generally more opaque, abrasion-resistant, and less stretchy than knits. The higher the thread count, the stronger the fabric. Best uses include denim and formal pants, button-down shirts, and jackets.

Two classifications of woven fabrics are:

1. Basic or simple weaves: Plain weaves, twill weaves, and satin weaves
2. Complex or novelty weaves: Dobby weaves, jacquard weaves, and piqués (like a men’s polo t-shirt)

Common fabric fibers and their characteristics

Once you’ve settled on knit or woven construction, the next decision is the fiber itself. Here’s how the most common types feel, function, and are used for different apparel products:

• Cotton: Soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Still the world’s leading natural fiber with 24.4 million metric tons used in 2023, according to a recent Textile Exchange market report. It’s used in everything from t-shirts to denim. 
• Polyester: Wrinkle-resistant, fast-drying, and inexpensive. It now makes up 57% of all global fiber production, so blending it with naturals can improve durability without breaking the budget. 
• Wool: Crimped animal fiber that traps air for insulation, wicks moisture, and naturally resists odor. It’s ideal for premium knits, outerwear, and performance base layers.
• Silk: Luxuriously smooth filament with unmatched drape and sheen. It’s prized for high-end blouses, linings, and occasion wear but requires delicate care.
• Linen: Flax-based, exceptionally cool and strong. It’s used to make crisp handmade suits, summer shirts, dresses, and home textiles.
• Nylon: Lightweight yet tenacious synthetic, abrasion-resistant and quick-drying. Nylon is a staple for activewear, swimwear, and outer shells.
• Rayon/viscose: Cellulosic fiber that mimics the softness of cotton with a silk-like drape. It works well in fluid dresses but weakens when wet, so blends are common.
• Lyocell (Tencel): A sustainable, closed-loop fiber made from wood pulp. Known for its silky feel and moisture management. It’s good for luxe basics and loungewear.
• Elastane (Spandex/Lycra): Stretches up to five times its length and snaps back. It’s added in small percentages to almost any fabric to improve comfort and shape retention.

2. Define your sourcing strategy and budget

Next, you’ll want to create guardrails for your sourcing process. Defining your strategy early helps you stay within budget and avoid production delays. Figure out these three numbers to start:

1. Unit cost target: Fabric drives between 60% and 70% of a garment’s total cost. Set a limit per yard so you can still hit your profit margins.
2. Order volume: MOQs differ by country and supplier. For example, in Portugal, standard MOQs range from 100–300 pieces, or one full roll per color. Order less and the price per unit increases.
3. Lead-time tolerance: Work backward from your target delivery date. The latest US manufacturing survey puts average production material lead times at 85 days. Account for supplier production and shipping windows, plus a buffer. 

Once those numbers are in order, you can decide:

• Where to source: Local mills can ship fabric faster but cost more; offshore mills cut costs, but have longer transit times and higher import duties. 
• Certifications to pay for: Choose fabrics with certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic materials, OEKO-TEX for chemical safety, or bluesign for environmental protection. These can align with sustainability goals and justify a price premium.
• How to manage price swings: Lock contracts at fixed rates, split orders across regions, or add escalation clauses tied to commodity indexes.

3. Find the right type of fabric supplier

Finding reliable fabric suppliers is critical when starting a clothing line. Find partners that can guarantee the stock you need with on-time delivery. 

There are four types of fabric and textile suppliers, each defined by how they operate and what kind of fabric they stock.

Fabric mills

Fabric mills produce made-to-order fabrics and often require substantial MOQs. Minimums start at one full roll (≈100 meters) per color, and weaving and finishing typically adds 6–10 weeks.

Best for: Established brands or growing labels that need consistent, large-volume orders with full customization

Converters 

Converters purchase unfinished fabrics (greige goods) from the fabric mill. Then, they finish the fabric by dyeing, printing, or washing before resale.

Best for: Brands that want more color or print variety than a mill’s standard offering, without committing to the mill’s large MOQs

Jobbers

Jobbers sell leftover fabric from converters and mills, often at reduced prices. They typically don’t restock a fabric, color, or print once it has sold out. Keep in mind that you may not be able to reorder the same fabric twice from this type of fabric supplier.

Best for: New brands, small runs, or limited-edition collections where low MOQs and cost savings outweigh the need for ongoing fabric availability

Sourcing agents 

Sourcing agents act as an extension of your team for vendor sourcing. They match you with vetted mills, negotiate prices and MOQ, arrange quality control, and even coordinate freight. Agents often charge a commission fee of between 5% and 10% on the purchase order. Some also pool orders from multiple small brands to hit mill minimums, giving you access to fabrics otherwise out of reach and better supplier relationship management. 

Best for: Brands manufacturing overseas or seeking access to mills and fabrics they couldn’t secure on their own

4. Find fabric suppliers

Sourcing fabric in person at fabric trade shows allows you to see and touch the materials. You can also find fabric suppliers online and order fabric swatches (also known as samples). Depending on the fabric mill, they may charge you a fee, usually around $5 to $10 for each fabric hanger. 

Trade shows

Fabric trade shows can be overwhelming, with hundreds of supplier booths to explore. 

To save time, research the exhibiting fabric mills in advance and list your top 10 suppliers to visit. Leave extra time to discover new fabric and textile suppliers you didn’t find online.

Here are two fabric trade shows to start with:

1. The Fabric Shows: Ideal for small quantity fabric orders. Many of the fabric suppliers are US-based or have US showrooms.
2. Texworld: A significant international trade show with many overseas exhibitors from China, India, and other regions. 

👉 Here’s a list of textile trade shows in the US in chronological order. 

Online marketplaces and directories

If you can’t attend a fabric trade show, start with the event websites to identify suppliers that meet your criteria. Many suppliers publish fabric catalogs online—like Mood Fabrics and Fabric Wholesale Direct. 

You can also browse fabric and textile suppliers directly through marketplace platforms and directories.

Here are a couple of platforms to check out: 

1. Alibaba: Connect with tons of global fabric and textile suppliers for everything from wool to sequins, silk, and bamboo. 
2. Faire: Lists offers from over 100,000 wholesale brands, including many fabric and textile suppliers. 

5. Vet suppliers and test for quality

A low price isn’t enough. Suppliers must also meet quality, safety, and ethical standards—and be able to prove it. 

Start by requesting their current ISO 9001 certification and textile safety labels, such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. For product categories that come into contact with skin (such as cosmetic-adjacent fabrics or coated textiles) confirm they can provide toxicology data that complies with US FDA guidance.

Next, screen for legal and ethical risk. For example, US Customs presumes any goods linked to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in China are barred under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, so require traceable sourcing documents before production starts. In the EU, prepare for the upcoming Digital Product Passport/Ecodesign Regulation, which will require scannable supply chain data at the product level starting in 2027.

Test before you commit:

• Order control samples from a shortlist of suppliers.
• Date and sign samples for reference.
• Test in a lab for shrinkage, colorfastness, and tensile strength.

If you’re using a sourcing agent, make sure their commission covers factory audits, lab test coordination, and at-origin inspections. Reputable agents often bundle these services and share detailed reports. 

Sustainable and ethical fabric sourcing

Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a priority for many consumers and a competitive advantage for brands. The sustainable fabrics market topped $33 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow 13% annually through 2037. Today, 54% of global consumers say they’ll pay a premium for sustainable products, up from 35% two years ago, according to Simon-Kucher’s Global Sustainability Study.

What to look for in sustainable fabrics

Choosing sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled polyester aligns with eco-conscious values and can elevate your brand’s reputation. Focus on:

• Proven fiber origins: Verify that raw material claims are backed by data. For instance, only 28% of the world’s cotton was grown under recognized sustainability programs in 2023, so “organic” or “BCI” labels should be traceable back to the farm level.
• Recycled or regenerative content: Recycled polyester, FSC-certified lyocell, or wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) reduces reliance on virgin resources and cuts embedded carbon.
• Low-impact processing: Look for mills that use dope-dyeing, closed-loop cellulose production, or wastewater-treatment systems that meet ZDHC MRSL limits to reduce toxins and conserve water.
• Full supply chain transparency: Platforms such as Textile Exchange’s Trackit let you audit every tier, from gin to garment, to meet regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
• Realistic MOQs and lead times: Sustainable options may have higher minimums or longer dye windows. Negotiate early so your calendar and cash flow can account for them.

Key certifications

When sourcing sustainable fabrics, look for certifications that verify ethical and eco-friendly practices: 

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): For certified organic fibers and socially responsible manufacturing.
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: Ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances. 
• bluesign: Focuses on chemical management and safe production.

Some clothing brands also source repurposed fabrics—like Preppy Collective, which buys items from thrift stores and turns them into new products. Highlighting these sustainable practices in your marketing can help you connect with eco-conscious customers.

Key questions to ask fabric suppliers

Many brands create a spec sheet template that lists specific information about each fabric quality. Sometimes, the fabric manufacturer may already have a spec sheet they can share with you. These 10 questions help you confirm product details and business terms while sourcing materials for your clothing line—before committing to an order.

About the fabric specifications

1. What is the fabric article or item number?

Fabric manufacturers assign an article or item numbers to each fabric they sell. The fabric article number is usually found on the fabric hanger and is used when you order samples or bulk fabric yardage. 

2. What is the fabric weight (GSM)?

It’s important to consider the fabric weight of each garment you design. You probably won’t use the same fabric weight for every product in your collection. 

Often, bottoms use a heavier-weight fabric than tops, but it depends on how you want the fabric to drape or lay on the body. Fabric weight is listed in grams per square meter (GSM or GR/M2). 

Below are common GSM ranges for different knit garments: 

💡 Note: These fabric weights are rough guidelines. The fabric weight you choose may vary for your clothing line. 

3. What is the fabric content? 

Fabric content refers to the makeup of the fibers used to knit or weave the fabric. Commonly used fibers are rayon, cotton, polyester, and silk. 

4. What is fabric construction?

Fabric construction refers to how yarns and fibers are converted into a piece of fabric that will be used to make an end product. 

Fabric characteristics are determined by the materials and methods used to construct the fabric. Most fabric production uses interlacing methods, such as weaving or knitting.

5. What’s the fabric width (total and cuttable)?

Fabric width measures the fabric roll width from edge to edge. Fabric suppliers will provide two measurement points—if they don’t, ask for it. 

1. Total width: The full measurement from one edge of the fabric to the other
2. Cuttable width: The usable width after excluding edges that may be skewed or damaged during production and transportation

When calculating yield, refer to the cuttable width for a more precise measurement of usable fabric. 

About the business terms

6. How much does the fabric cost per yard/meter (sample yardage and bulk yardage)?

Depending on your target retail price for the garments you sell and the fabric yield for each garment, you can determine your target fabric price per yard or meter for each fabric. Remember this target price when sourcing new materials to ensure you’re within your budget. 

Fabric pricing per yard or meter can change yearly, depending on the market and the cost of resources used to make the fabric. Buying in bulk typically costs less per yard than purchasing sample yardage. 

You can ask the wholesale fabric supplier for their sample and bulk price per yard. The cost per yard for sample fabric can be $3 to $5 more, sometimes double the bulk yardage price. 

7. What is the MOQ?

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) refers to the smallest amount of fabric yardage you must buy per order from a supplier. Most mills have an MOQ for sample yardage (usually at least five yards) and a different MOQ for bulk yardage. 

Depending on the supplier, bulk fabric yardage MOQs vary. For example, if a supplier has an MOQ of 500 yards, you must purchase at least that amount to work with them. 

Some suppliers allow you to apply the bulk MOQ across multiple colors of the same fabric quality. Others may agree to a reduced MOQ with a price surcharge. Applying the MOQ across more than one color is a way to maximize your buying options if you cannot buy 500 yards of one color. 

8. How long is the fabric delivery lead time?

The time between placing a fabric order and receiving it is the fabric delivery lead time. 

Some wholesale suppliers keep stock of the fabric they sell, resulting in a quick turnaround from order to delivery. Others have lead times of four to eight weeks or longer. Ask for lead times for samples and bulk yardage. Sample yardage often arrives sooner.

9. Where is the country of origin?

The country of origin (COO) is where the fabric is produced and shipped from. This information must go on the inside label of your garments and can affect the cost of your fabric if there are tariffs or import duties.

10. What are the fabric care instructions?

Fabric care recommendations vary based on fabric type, fabric content, and construction. Some fibers get damaged in high heat or have higher shrinkage rates in the dryer. Other fabrics, like silk, are often dry clean only. 

Manufacturers provide fabric care instructions to preserve the fabric’s integrity over time. 

Common challenges in fabric sourcing

Sourcing the perfect fabric can be a complex process. Here are some of the most common challenges brands face when sourcing fabric and tips to overcome them.

Navigating high MOQs as a small business

MOQs can be an obstacle, particularly for smaller brands or new fashion lines. Many fabric mills require large MOQs, often exceeding production needs and budgets for cash-strapped businesses.

For smaller quantities, consider working with jobbers who specialize in selling surplus fabric at a lower MOQ. Alternatively, some suppliers may allow you to meet the MOQ across multiple colors of the same fabric or agree to a reduced MOQ with a price surcharge. It’s worth trying to negotiate. 

Ensuring consistent quality

High-quality fabrics are critical to your reputation and customer satisfaction, but quality assurance is always a gamble when outsourcing from third-party vendors. Inconsistencies can derive from factors outside your control, such as manufacturing, storage, or shipping.

Always start with swatches or sample yardage to test for shrinkage, colorfastness, and other performance factors before you place a full order. 

Perform wear tests and washing trials to see how the fabric holds up over time. If possible, work with a third-party lab to verify that the fabric meets your standards before production.

Provide suppliers with clear specifications, including the fabric’s weight, content, and care requirements. Make sure to also request a spec sheet for every order.

Building strong supplier relationships

Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers can lead to better pricing, shorter lead times, and priority access to new materials. But building that trust can be challenging, especially when working with international partners or during supply chain disruptions.

Maintain open and transparent communication about your needs, expectations, and timelines. When working with overseas suppliers, take time to understand cultural differences and business practices; this can go a long way toward a better working relationship.

Suppliers are more likely to prioritize your orders if they see potential for an ongoing partnership.

💡Tip: Shopify merchants can manage vendor information directly in the Shopify admin. You can track details like which vendor supplies which items, sales trends, and vendor performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about working with suppliers. You can even display your vendors on your online store if you want. 

Glossary: Key fabric sourcing terms

Like most industries, the fashion industry has its own language for sourcing and manufacturing. These retail terms can help you navigate fabric sourcing like a pro. 

Fabric hand

Fabric hand refers to the way the fabric feels when you touch it with your hand. There are no definitive fashion industry descriptors for fabric hand, but commonly used words to describe fabric hand are soft, cool, dry, and silky.

Selvage

The selvage is the finished edge of the fabric. It keeps the fabric from unraveling and fraying. The selvage runs the entire length of the material. 

Fabric grain

The grain line of the fabric is broken up into three categories:

1. Lengthwise grain (warp) refers to the threads that run parallel to the selvage.
2. Crosswise grain (weft) refers to the threads that run perpendicular to the selvage or along the cut edge of the fabric. 
3. Bias grain is technically not a “grain.” It’s the 45-degree angle between warp and weft grains. Cutting your fabric on the bias results in more stretch and can be used anywhere you need the material to drape more smoothly over a curve.

Fabric drape

Drape refers to how the fabric hangs or falls on the body. It determines whether a garment hugs the body or hangs away from it.

Fabric hanger 

A fabric hanger, also called a fabric header, serves as a sample. It’s a small fabric cutting for buyers to see and feel the material firsthand. You can also use a swatch as a reference during the design process. 

Sample yardage

Sample yardage is the fabric you order when designing and developing samples. Typically, it costs more per yard than bulk fabric yardage that you buy for production. Most fabric suppliers require a five-yard minimum order for sample yardage. 

Bulk yardage

Bulk yardage is the larger quantity of fabric ordered after garment designs are approved. Depending on the supplier, there may be sizable minimum order requirements, or you can order a small quantity at a higher price per yard.

Greige goods

Greige is an unfinished woven or knitted fabric in its raw state before being bleached, dyed, or printed. 

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is when fabric becomes smaller than its original size, usually after washing. It’s typically measured as a percentage, and tolerance levels should be determined before you go to production.