Fabric Sourcing Tips for Fashion Brands

by Ari Jogiel
Fabric Sourcing Tips

Sourcing the right fabric is one of the most important decisions a new brand can make. It affects everything from how your garments look and feel, to how they perform, how much they cost, and how long they take to make. Whether you're building your first collection or scaling an existing one, strong fabric sourcing tips can help you make smarter decisions and avoid expensive mistakes.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: from minimum order quantities (MOQ) to trade show fabric sourcing tips. It’s built specifically for newer fashion brands and first-time manufacturers who want to source better, smarter, and more confidently.

Why Fabric Sourcing Matters for Growing Brands

Choosing the right fabric isn’t just about how something looks. It’s also about how it works. Fabric impacts:

  • Fit and function: Stretch, weight, and texture all change how the garment performs.

  • Price point: Materials are often the biggest driver of cost.

  • Production time: Fabric knit and delivery times affect your overall production timeline.

  • Sustainability: Deadstock, organic, or recycled fabrics can align with ethical values and are growing in consumer demand.

For newer brands, the stakes are even higher. A bad fabric choice can slow you down, blow your budget, or create quality issues down the line. That’s why we believe the best fabric sourcing tips are the ones that help you build better from the start.

How Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) Work and How to Navigate Them

Minimum order quantities are a common pain point for emerging brands. Simply put, MOQ is the smallest amount of fabric a supplier is willing to sell. It’s important to know the MOQs early, since they help you decide if a fabric will work for your brand. It often depends on:

  • The mill or wholesaler’s capabilities

  • The type of fabric and customization (e.g., color dyeing, print)

  • Their production process and setup costs

Tips for Managing MOQ:

  • Ask about stocked fabrics: Suppliers sometimes offer stocked fabrics at lower MOQs.

  • Start with sample yardage: Most suppliers allow sampling with low MOQs before committing.

  • Work with vendors familiar with startups: These partners are more likely to offer flexibility.

  • Plan ahead: MOQ affects budgeting and production strategy, so know your needs early.

  • Surcharge: Often, suppliers will offer a surcharge for going below the MOQ. This can allow you to purchase a quantity more suitable for your brand.

Understanding minimum order quantities upfront saves you time and headaches later. It’s one of the most important fabric sourcing tips for newer brands.

Lead Times Explained: Timing Your Production Calendar

Lead time in fabric sourcing refers to the duration it takes for your fabric to be delivered from the supplier to your factory. This includes:

  • Mill production and dyeing

  • Shipping and customs(for overseas orders)

  • Quality checks and delivery

What Impacts Lead Times?

  • Custom colors or finishes

  • Overseas vs. domestic sourcing

  • Seasonal demand and mill capacity

Tips to Manage Lead Time:

  • Always confirm the lead time early in the process

  • Buffer in extra weeks for shipping delays or approvals

  • Use available stock when timelines are tight

For new brands especially, lead times for fabric sourcing must be built into your launch schedule. If your fabric arrives late, your whole timeline shifts.

Leveraging Trade Shows: Prep, Pitch & Pick the Right Fabrics

Trade shows are one of the best ways to discover new suppliers and learn the fabric landscape. This is where trade show fabric sourcing tips become especially valuable.

Before the Show:

  • Research which mills will be there

  • Make a list of must-have fabric types and prepare references

  • Prepare a short intro about your brand, and have business cards ready to go

At the Show:

  • Touch and compare similar fabrics side by side

  • Ask about MOQ, lead time, and pricing

  • Take clear notes and label fabric swatches

After the Show:

  • Follow up with your top vendors to inquire about specific fabrics you liked

  • Order swatch books or sample yardage

  • Ask about MOQ, pricing and timelines

For brands that are serious about scaling, these trade show fabric sourcing tips can shorten the sourcing process by months.

Building Fabric Supplier Relationships that Benefit Your Brand

The right supplier relationship can make or break your production.

Look for Partners Who:

  • Understand small brand challenges

  • Communicate clearly and consistently

  • Offer transparency about costs and timelines

Start small, prove you’re reliable, and build trust. Good relationships lead to better payment terms, faster responses, and more flexibility on minimum order quantities.

Sustainable & Deadstock Fabrics: Eco‑Friendly Sourcing Tips

Eco-conscious sourcing isn’t just a trend; it’s becoming an expectation. Many newer brands are prioritizing sustainability, and rightfully so.

Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics:

  • Look for organic, recycled, or low-impact materials

  • Work with mills that provide certifications

  • Understand the tradeoffs (cost, availability, MOQ)

Using Deadstock:

  • Deadstock fabrics are leftover rolls from other brands

  • Typically available in small quantities

  • Great for limited drops and lower MOQs

Sustainability also improves brand perception and can set you apart in a crowded market.

CMT vs FPP: What’s Best for Your Production Needs?

When sourcing fabric, your manufacturing model matters.

CMT (Cut, Make, Trim):

  • You source your own fabric and trims

  • Works best if you already have sourcing experience

FPP (Full Production Package):

  • The factory handles everything, including sourcing

  • Ideal for new brands with less experience

Many newer brands choose FPP to simplify sourcing, reduce risk, and save time.

Common Pitfalls When Sourcing Fabric and How to Avoid Them

Sourcing fabric is filled with hidden challenges. Here’s what to watch for:

Pitfalls:

  • Choosing fabric based only on look, not function

  • Ignoring lead time fabric sourcing until it’s too late

  • Overlooking minimum order quantities

  • Skipping sample yardage

  • Not confirming payment terms in writing

How to Avoid Them:

  • Always test your fabric by ordering sample yardage

  • Ask the right questions (MOQ, lead time, certifications)

  • Work with experienced partners

  • Read contracts and confirm details before purchase

These fabric sourcing tips can help you avoid costly setbacks and stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions from Fashion Brands

What is the average MOQ for fabric sourcing?

MOQ varies widely. They range anywhere from 50 to 1,000 yards, depending on the supplier, fabric type, and customization.

How long does fabric sourcing usually take?

Lead time for fabric sourcing can take 1–12 weeks, depending on whether the fabric is custom, stocked, or imported.

Can small brands attend fabric trade shows?

Yes. Many trade shows welcome small brands and startups. It’s a great way to network and find new materials.

Is it cheaper to source fabric overseas?

It can be, but you must factor in lead times, shipping, and customs, which will affect your production cost and timeline.

What fabrics are best for beginners?

Start with stocked knits or wovens in small runs. They’re widely available, lower in MOQ, and easy to work with.

Want to Work With Us?

At House of Ari Jogiel, we bring Strategy, Design, Development, and Manufacturing together under one roof. Since 2017, we’ve partnered with over 350 brands, including The North Face, WNBA, and Hype & Vice.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with global operations, we’re built to support new and emerging brands through every step of the process, from concept to finished garment.

Ready to get started? Submit an inquiry form here.

Want to learn more? Grab a copy of the Start a Fashion Brand Manual, a step-by-step guide to building a successful fashion brand through five clear phases.

 

Back to Secret Sauce Diaries