Fabric Sourcing Guide for New Clothing Brands

Starting a clothing brand is exciting, and fabric is where many new brands either save money or lose it. Good sourcing is not about finding the cheapest fabric — it is about finding the right fabric, reliably, at a price your product can carry. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Define your product first

Before you contact any supplier, be clear about what you are making. Write down the garment type, the look and feel you want, your target retail price and how customers will wash it. This tells you which fabric families to look at and stops you being distracted by beautiful fabric that does not fit your product.

Step 2: Learn the basic terms

Composition — the fibres in the fabric, for example 100% cotton or 80% linen 20% cotton.
Width — the usable width of the fabric, often given in inches such as 58/60".
Roll — wholesale fabric is usually sold by the roll; ask how many yards or metres each roll contains.
Hand-feel — how the fabric feels and drapes in your hand.

Step 3: Collect swatches

Ask suppliers for swatches of the fabrics that match your brief. Feel them, wash them, iron them and hold them against your design sketches. Keep a swatch book with notes on each one — this becomes a valuable record as your brand grows.

Step 4: Make a sample garment

Order a short length of your top choices and make a real sample. Test the fit, the drape and how it behaves after washing. Many problems only show up once a fabric is cut and sewn.

Step 5: Calculate fabric cost per garment

Work out how much fabric each size uses, including waste from cutting and pattern matching. Multiply by the fabric price to see the real fabric cost per piece. This helps you choose between fabrics with confidence.

Step 6: Build a relationship with your supplier

A good supplier tells you honestly about availability, colour consistency between batches and alternatives if something sells out. Ask questions, visit the showroom if you can, and keep communication clear.