Brand building Feb 23, 2027 6 min read
How to Source Fabric for Your Clothing Brand
Fabric sourcing options: deadstock (low MOQ, sustainable, limited choice), direct from mills (high MOQ, custom), agents (varied), online platforms (Karma Trade, Reverse Resources).
The Chart
| Source | MOQ | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadstock (Karma Trade) | 1 yard | $ | Sustainable launch |
| LA Garment District | 5-50 yards | $ | Quick local source |
| NYC Garment District | Similar | $ | Premium fashion |
| Italian mills (direct) | 100+ yards | $$ | Premium luxury |
| Asian mills (Alibaba) | 500+ yards | $ | Volume + budget |
| Print-on-demand | 1 yard | $ | Custom prints, small batch |
FAQs
Deadstock = old fabric?
Excess fabric from other brands' production runs. Quality is high (originally meant for premium brands), price is lower than first-run, choice is limited and ever-changing.
Sustainable certifications?
GOTS (organic cotton), GRS (recycled), Bluesign (sustainable production), OEKO-TEX (chemical safety). Higher cost but premium positioning + ethical claims.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.