Comments on: How to buy wholesale fabric

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:26:34 +0000

Hi Juel, my book isn't a sourcing directory. You can buy those but if you don't know how to manage the relationship or know how to talk to them (what my book is about, regardless of where you live), a directory won't help much. This entry, Why no one will help you, may provide some hints as to why people are reluctant to share their information. Luckily, there is a solution; you can find the help you need for nearly nothing.

By: juel maxwell-white

juel maxwell-white — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:52:51 +0000

we my partner danielle and i are just starting a business that supplies dance and yoga wear in canada, british columbia. we have no idea where to get a whole sale supplier for the spandex lycra material and no one in our city will give the name of their supplier or wholesaler, is this a trade secret or will it cost them their business, we are not going to steal their source, cant we share the wholesaler? i would tell someone else why wont anyone tell us? i am going to buy the book by kathleen fasannella but is it only for the US, bcuz that wont me in canada. i am looking forward to your reply. thank you in advance. juel

By: Jay Arbetman

Jay Arbetman — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:45:19 +0000

Just a bit about those of us in the Midwest (the great unwashed). There is a show in Chicago. It is a small show however, there are a handful of us that carry quite a few lines so there is a bit to choose from. No doubt, for much of our local crowd, jobbers present a good alternative to shopping with the big boys where you will be at the bottom of the heap. Robt. Kaufman shows at our market as do California and New York jobbers and of course other mills and converters. I carry a couple of jobbers and my customers are high on both of them. The show is a small two day show in one medium size meeting room. There are about a dozen exhibitors. Last May, over 200 attendees came and most were pretty satisfied with what was offered.

Unquestionably, if and when your business advances, this show will NOT offer you the selection that L.A. will (for example). However, most of us local types are good at follow up, friendly and actually halfway know what we are doing for the most part.

The Chicago Fabric and Trim Show features five button companies, about 25 or so fabric lines, three or four of us that sell zippers, tags and labels and more. This is a VERY useful show if you are a start up and based anywhere in the middle of the country. The show can be great to go to cost wise which is not a bad thing to consider.

See http://aibi.com/pages/ftshow.html for details

By: Gabe Eissakharian

Gabe Eissakharian — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:52:18 +0000

What are the most popular fabric to sell wholesale in this season. It’s kind of hard to find the best. Give me a few pointers please. I really appreciate.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:12:42 +0000

Good Day,
After reading your deliemma, it is sorta the same problem, that I’ am running into; HOWEVER if you design by the staples of the season and plan on what STAPLE fabrics [ i.e. summer, linen, cotton, poly blends, jersey, ) that helps for a more realiable way to build your collection.

Also, you have to also think of your line in VARYING fabrics as well. One thing I HAVE learned, never set on trying to get modal; or angora, switch it up.

If you stick to the basics first, you’ll run further with your company.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:53:03 +0000

Purchasing fabric… beginner DE
—————————————-
I have been reading your book. Thank you!
On your website, you replied to someone in regards to buying fabric (starting out) and you suggested contacting textile reps in NYC (vs. going to fabric stores).
1.—-Is there a book that lists all textile reps in NYC? I am looking for wool fabric (houndstooth, tweed, etc.).

2.—–If I found fabric from B and J Fabrics in NYC, would they sell fabric to me, for WHOLESALE for the samples and the future production of garments? What type of credentials would they ask for to confirm I was in business? A “Sales Tax number”?

3.—–If I was going to textile shows in the U.S., who are the big shows for wools?

4.—-Isn’t there one large company in the U.S. that produces wool textiles? My objective is to keep all purchases and production in the U.S..

Thank you for all your help.

Best regards,
Jodi

By: B Davies

B Davies — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 20:12:03 +0000

Does anyone have any NY textile reps/ showroom recommendations? I am starting a line of high-end children’s apparel and am looking for denim, corduroy and wool flannel. Staple fabrics but in sophisticated colors. Would love to also find a source for unusual cotton prints that won’t be seen in retail fabric stores. I have an fabric apparel sourcebook, but don’t even know where to begin!

By: Judith

Judith — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 06:09:56 +0000

Thank you so much for adressing this Kathleen. I had been thinking about writing you about this exact subject. This is great info for me.
I did receive some beautiful swatches form the The Fabric Stock Exchange. Here is the contact info: Sheryl Sapriel 1-888-5792766 or fax 215-579-2813.

By: graham

graham — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:15:22 +0000

I’m a bit different than most everybody else because my fabrics are so specialized. Since I make high end backpacks, there is a really limited pool of manufacturers.

In my experience, I have to echo AmberStars comments: I have to suck it up and buy it. If there is a deal or a special on, I buy it. This means I’ve got quite a bit of fabric around at times, but it’s all I can do.

Dyelots for cordura tend to be in the range of 1500 to 2000 yards. Unfortunately, the cheapest fabric I use is $6 a yard. The rest of them are more like $20 a yard…I don’t have the financial resources to do dyelots, especially when I use at most .45 yards of fabric per pack.

By: chris

chris — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:49:11 +0000

What would you guys say is the best fabric trade show to go to season to season? I do fall and spring lines.