Stockists

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Stock fabric is a fabric that a factory overproduces for a variety of reasons or a fabric that a big brand is not using anymore, basically it’s any leftover fabric that can’t be used for its original purpose or order fulfilment anymore.

Deadstock fabric is usually leftover fabric in textile mills (generally from the previous season). This fabric is sold in large quantities at a discounted rate directly by the mills, and many “sustainable” brands buy this fabric to use in their own clothing line.

Where deadstock fabric is generally found in textile mills, overstock fabric is what we call the extra fabric that has already been bought by fashion brands. Generally, this is the stock that ends up in landfills because it ends up unused and sitting in fashion houses for months, and sometimes even years until it is finally disposed of.

It may not be the increadibly sustainable choice some brands make it sound to be but it’s a god option for brands just starting out. Because the fabric is already made, there are smaller minimums, usually 10 meters. This makes it easy for designers that are small and self-funded to buy a few less, and not have to invest capital into fabric they may not need.

The negative side is that it is virtually impossible to find more of a specific fabric for future production.

In a textile district like Prato there are over 100 companies of fabric stock. The best way to navigate them is to contact an agent, they are paid commission by the stockist so it will come to no extra cost to the designer or brand. Some have a minimum total expense of fabric, which is usually around 2.000 Euros but others only take their percentage fee.

Many Stocks and Agents have started working with online catalogues and websites so the need to come to the physical location is reduced.