How to source fabrics for a Fashion start up

How do I find low MOQ fabric suppliers?

This is a question frequently asked by both start-up and established brands. As the industry continues to move towards reducing waste and improving order efficiency, there are now more flexible sourcing options available than ever before.

Having worked with smaller brands at the start of their journeys, I've built a network of suppliers offering a wide range of fabrics, from cotton gabardines for chinos to technical polyamides for shell jackets. Many mills now offer stock-supported collections alongside their main seasonal ranges. These collections typically include their best-selling fabrics in a broad selection of colours, which are regularly replenished. This allows brands to order the quantities they need without facing minimum order requirements or surcharges.

Another option is sourcing from deadstock suppliers. These fabrics are often end-of-line materials—first-quality fabrics left over from a brand's production run. Alternatively, they may be second-quality fabrics with minor defects, which suppliers will clearly identify. Defects might include a fault line that can be cut around or a colour that didn't meet a brand's requirements. Either way, deadstock can provide access to premium-quality fabrics at a competitive price, while also supporting a more sustainable approach to production.