If you are new to buying fabric in Thailand — for a small brand, an online shop or your own tailoring business — the choices can be overwhelming. This beginner's guide covers the basics you need to buy with confidence.
Understand the label
- Composition tells you the fibres, such as 100% cotton, 100% viscose or 85% polyester 15% cotton. This affects comfort, care and price.
- Width is the usable width of the fabric. Wider fabric often means less waste per garment.
- Yards per roll tells you how much fabric is in one wholesale roll.
Know the main fabric families
- Cotton — breathable and easy to sew. Great for shirts and everyday wear.
- Linen — cool and textured. Ideal for summer and resort styles.
- Viscose — soft and drapey. Perfect for dresses and blouses.
- Polyester — durable and crease-resistant. Good for fashion and evening wear.
- Blends — combine the best of two fibres, such as poly–cotton for easy-care shirts.
Always start with a swatch
Photos cannot show hand-feel, thickness or true colour. Ask for a swatch, or buy a short length, and test it: wash it, iron it and see how it changes. This simple step prevents most beginner mistakes.
Check colour in daylight
Shop lighting can change how colours look. Take the fabric to a window or doorway before you decide, and compare it with your reference photo.
Calculate how much you need
Work out the fabric needed for one garment in each size, add a little extra for cutting waste and pattern matching, then multiply by your quantity. Your supplier can help if you share the garment type and size range.
Wholesale or retail?
If you need full rolls, a wholesaler will usually give better prices and more consistent stock. For a few metres, a retail shop may be easier. Many wholesalers can still help beginners with samples — just ask.
Keep records
For every fabric you buy, note the name, composition, width, colour and supplier. When a product sells well, you will want to reorder exactly the same fabric.
Have a question as a first-time buyer? Message us on LINE — our team is happy to explain anything, no matter how basic.
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