Skip to content 
Fabric costs can add up quickly, whether for personal use or business. Finding affordable sources can help save money while maintaining quality.
The cheapest places to buy fabric by the yard are online wholesale suppliers, local textile markets, and fabric outlet stores. Discount fabric warehouses and liquidation sales also offer lower prices.
I’ve worked with many suppliers and tested various sourcing methods. Let’s explore the best ways to get fabric at the lowest cost.
Is it cheaper to buy fabric in bulk1?
Buying in bulk can significantly reduce costs, but it depends on the supplier and order size.
Yes, buying fabric in bulk is cheaper per yard because wholesalers offer discounted rates for large orders. However, it requires a higher upfront investment and storage space.
Fabric Warehouse Aisle
Dive Deeper: Bulk Fabric Pricing Breakdown
Fabric wholesalers provide tiered pricing based on order volume:
| Order Quantity | Price per Yard (Cotton) | Price per Yard (Polyester) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 yards | $10 | $8 |
| 11-50 yards | $8 | $6.50 |
| 51-100 yards | $6.50 | $5.50 |
| 100+ yards | $5 | $4.50 |
While bulk purchasing lowers cost per yard, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is a key factor. Some suppliers require at least 50 or 100 yards per fabric type, making bulk buying impractical for small businesses.
Which fabric is less expensive?
Not all fabrics cost the same. Some materials are naturally more affordable due to production and sourcing methods.
Polyester, cotton blends, and muslin are among the least expensive fabrics. Synthetic fabrics like rayon and nylon are also budget-friendly compared to natural fibers like silk or linen.
Fabric Cost Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of fabric prices per yard:
| Fabric Type | Average Price per Yard | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | $2 - $6 | Durable, synthetic, low cost |
| Cotton Blend | $3 - $8 | Soft, breathable, versatile |
| Muslin | $2 - $5 | Lightweight, used for prototypes |
| Rayon | $4 - $10 | Soft, drapey, synthetic |
| Linen | $10 - $25 | Natural, breathable, premium |
| Silk | $15 - $50+ | Luxurious, delicate, expensive |
Polyester and muslin are the cheapest options, while silk and linen are more costly due to production methods and material sourcing.
Where do high-end brands get their fabric?
Luxury fashion brands use premium fabrics sourced from specialized suppliers worldwide.
High-end brands get their fabric from exclusive textile mills in Italy, France, Japan, and the UK. They often work directly with fabric manufacturers to develop custom materials.
Luxury Fabric Sources
Top designer brands source materials from well-known mills:
- Loro Piana (Italy) – High-end wool and cashmere
- Albini (Italy) – Premium cotton for dress shirts
- Hurel (France) – Luxury lace and silk fabrics
- Nishijin Textile (Japan) – Traditional silk weaving
- Holland & Sherry (UK) – Wool and suiting fabrics
High-end brands prioritize exclusive designs, premium fibers, and ethical sourcing. They often develop custom weaves, prints, and dye techniques, ensuring uniqueness in their collections.
How can I save money on fabric?
Fabric costs can quickly add up, especially for designers or businesses. Smart sourcing can lead to significant savings.
To save money on fabric, buy in bulk, shop during clearance sales, visit fabric warehouses, and use online discount codes. Sourcing directly from wholesalers also reduces costs.
Best Cost-Saving Strategies
- Buy Overstock Fabric – Many manufacturers sell extra stock at lower prices.
- Shop Online Marketplaces – Websites like Fabric.com, Mood Fabrics, and eBay offer discounts.
- Use Discount Coupons – Many fabric stores offer seasonal promotions.
- Visit Local Textile Markets – Some vendors offer bulk discounts in person.
- Purchase Deadstock Fabric – High-end brands often sell excess fabric at lower rates.
Buying deadstock fabric is a great way to get high-quality materials at reduced prices. These are leftover fabrics from major brands that are resold instead of discarded.
Where to buy fabric at wholesale prices?
Finding wholesale fabric suppliers2 is crucial for businesses looking to cut costs.
Wholesale fabric can be purchased from online B2B platforms, textile trade shows, and direct factory orders. Suppliers on Alibaba, Global Sources, and local markets offer competitive bulk pricing.
Best Wholesale Fabric Sources
| Supplier Type | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online Wholesalers | Alibaba, Fabric.com, Mood Fabrics | Bulk orders, variety |
| Trade Shows | Première Vision, Texworld, Canton Fair | Direct supplier contact |
| Local Fabric Markets | Guangzhou Fabric Market, LA Fabric District | In-person negotiation |
| Direct from Mills | Custom textile manufacturers | Custom production |
Trade shows like Première Vision (Paris) and Texworld (New York) allow businesses to source directly from textile manufacturers, often at better prices than online suppliers.
Conclusion
Fabric costs vary based on material, quantity, and sourcing methods. Buying in bulk, shopping at wholesale suppliers, and using overstock deals can significantly lower costs. Whether you’re a business or an individual, knowing where to buy fabric affordably ensures better savings and quality.
