How can I find high-quality fabric when I buy fabric online?

Buying fabric online is convenient, but the biggest challenge is ensuring quality. Without touching the fabric, it's hard to tell if it’s soft, durable, or breathable.

To find high-quality fabric¹ online, check fabric descriptions, look for reputable sellers, read customer reviews, and request samples before bulk purchases. Researching fiber content and weave structure also helps assess quality.

I’ve sourced fabric from many online suppliers, and I’ve learned what to look for and what to avoid. Let’s break down how to identify top-quality fabrics when shopping online.

How to know if a fabric is high quality?

Fabric quality affects durability, comfort, and appearance. But how do you judge quality online?

High-quality fabric has a smooth, even weave, strong fibers, and a consistent dye application. It should feel soft yet sturdy, with no loose threads or uneven textures. Checking weight, fiber content, and stretch recovery can also indicate quality.

Fabric Texture and Patterns

Key Signs of High-Quality Fabric

1. Fiber Composition – Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool are often higher quality than synthetic blends.
2. Weave & Density – High thread count and tight weaving indicate durability.
3. Dye & Colorfastness – Even color without fading or bleeding is a sign of quality dyeing.
4. Hand Feel & Stretch – Fabric should feel smooth, with good stretch recovery.

Before buying online, check the fabric GSM (grams per square meter). Higher GSM means heavier, denser fabric, which often indicates better quality.

How do I choose good quality fabric?

Choosing good fabric requires careful evaluation, especially online.

To select high-quality fabric, examine fiber composition², weave tightness, weight, and manufacturer reputation. Always check detailed product descriptions and request samples when possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Fabric

1. Understand Fiber Types – Natural fibers like wool and linen last longer than synthetic blends.
2. Check Weave & Knit – A tight weave with no visible gaps means higher quality.
3. Look for Certifications – OEKO-TEX, GOTS (organic cotton), and other standards ensure better fabric processing.
4. Read Reviews – See what other buyers say about durability and feel.
5. Buy Swatches First – Ordering samples prevents costly bulk mistakes.

If a fabric is labeled as "combed cotton" or "Egyptian cotton," it's usually a higher grade than regular cotton. Similarly, long-staple fibers produce softer and stronger fabric.

What are poor quality fabrics?

Not all fabrics are made to last. Some materials wear out quickly, fade, or feel uncomfortable.

Poor quality fabrics have uneven textures, weak fibers, loose weaving, and excessive shrinkage. They often pill easily, lose shape after washing, and feel rough or stiff.

Characteristics of Low-Quality Fabric

Cheap polyester blends, loosely woven cotton, and low-thread-count fabrics often wear out quickly. Always check for tight weaves and high fiber density to avoid poor-quality fabric.

Does pilling mean bad quality?

Many people associate pilling with poor fabric quality, but is that always the case?

Not necessarily. Pilling happens when short fibers break and tangle on the fabric’s surface. High-quality fabrics with long-staple fibers pill less, but even luxury wool and cashmere can pill over time.

Why Does Fabric Pill?

Pilling occurs when loose fibers rub against each other, forming small fabric balls. Factors affecting pilling:

• Fiber Length – Short fibers pill more than long fibers.
• Weave Tightness – Loose weaves allow more movement, leading to pilling.
• Fabric Type – Wool, polyester blends, and synthetic knits tend to pill more than tightly woven cotton or linen.

If pilling is a concern, choose fabrics labeled as "long-staple cotton" or "anti-pill wool". Using a fabric shaver can help remove pilling without damaging the material.

What grade of fabric is best?

Fabric is graded based on durability, texture, and production quality.

The highest quality fabrics are "A-grade" or "AAA-grade," meaning they have fewer defects, smoother finishes, and better durability. Some fabrics, like Egyptian cotton and cashmere, have additional grading systems based on fiber length and weave.

Fabric Grading Systems

For cotton fabrics, long-staple cotton (e.g., Pima or Supima) is considered the best quality. For silk, Mulberry silk is the highest grade.

How to tell if fabric is 100% cotton?

Many sellers claim their fabric is pure cotton, but how can you verify?

To check if a fabric is 100% cotton, perform a burn test. Cotton burns with a steady flame, smells like paper, and leaves soft ash. Checking for breathability, softness, and natural wrinkles can also help.

Ways to Identify Pure Cotton

1. Burn Test – Cotton burns easily, leaving soft ash. Synthetic fabrics melt instead.
2. Water Absorption Test – Cotton absorbs water quickly, while synthetics repel it.
3. Wrinkle Test – Pure cotton wrinkles more than polyester blends.
4. Thread Count & Weave – High-quality cotton has a tighter weave and higher thread count.

If a fabric is labeled "poly-cotton blend," it contains both cotton and synthetic fibers. Always check fabric composition percentages when buying online.

Conclusion

Finding high-quality fabric online requires careful research and checking for key indicators like fiber composition², weave density³, and customer reviews. By understanding how to identify premium materials, you can make better purchasing decisions and avoid low-quality fabrics.