Textiles & fabrics category illustration

Sourcing by enquiry

Textile & fabric sourcing.

Start a discussion about fabrics, yarns or made-up textile articles. Describe the end use and required construction. Supply, samples, origin and any supporting claims are subject to confirmation for your enquiry.

Enquire about textiles & fabrics

Product briefFabric, yarn or finished article and end use

CompositionRequired fibres and blend percentages

ConstructionWoven or knitted structure; yarn specification where relevant

MeasurementsWeight, usable width or finished dimensions with units

FinishColour reference, finish and acceptance criteria

All details are confirmed for the individual enquiry. Category image is illustrative.

Prepare a useful enquiry

Three things that help
us understand your needs.

Define what you need

For fabric, provide fibre blend, construction, weight and usable width. For yarn, specify the count system and composition. For finished articles, include dimensions and construction details or a technical drawing.

Agree how to evaluate

Share colour references, sample needs and the quality criteria relevant to your application, such as dimensional stability or colourfastness. State the test method and limits if your team already has them.

Clarify commercial requirements

Give quantity by colour or size, preferred origin if any, packing and destination. Ask for supporting evidence before relying on organic, recycled-content or other certification claims. No certification or stock availability is implied.

Start with the product form

What textile do you need?

Choose a starting brief below. These are enquiry examples, not a stock list. Product, source, availability and suitability require confirmation.

Sourcing by enquiry

Woven cotton fabric

Describe the fabric construction, composition and intended end use before discussing colour or price.

Fibre composition and blend percentages; woven construction and yarn count system where known.
Fabric weight in g/m², usable width, weave and any dimensional tolerances.
Dyed, printed, bleached or unfinished requirement; colour reference and shade-approval method.
Quantity by colour, packing format, destination and required timing.

Enquire about woven cotton fabric

Sourcing by enquiry

Yarn or made-up textile item

For yarn, state the count and construction. For a finished article, share dimensions, construction and a drawing or reference sample.

Fibre composition, yarn count system, ply, twist or finished-item construction as applicable.
End use and the performance criteria that matter to your team.
Colour, finish, labelling, packing and sample requirements.
Quantity by specification or size, destination and delivery scope.

Enquire about yarn or made-up textile item

One measurable specification

Make samples and offers comparable.

Use the same construction, units and acceptance criteria when reviewing alternatives.

Download the textile enquiry brief

Name the product and intended end use. Separate fabric, yarn and finished-article requirements rather than combining unlike items.
State fibre percentages, construction, weight and width with units. For yarn, identify the count system; for finished articles, include dimensions and a drawing where possible.
Provide a physical or digital colour reference and define how shade, finish, dimensional stability or colourfastness will be evaluated. Include the test method and limits if your team has specified them.
Separate quantities by colour, width, size or specification. Add packing, labelling, destination and timing requirements.
Request evidence for the actual offered product before relying on organic, recycled-content or other certification claims. No certification or origin is assumed.

Use the product specification checklist to define acceptance criteria and the sample evaluation guide before approval.

Textile questions

Before approving a sample.

Is fabric weight enough to identify a fabric?

No. Weight should be considered with composition, construction, yarn details, usable width, finish and intended end use. Agree the complete specification and tolerances.

Can I enquire about textile imports as well as exports?

Yes. Include the product, preferred origin if any, destination, quantity and intended use. Feasibility, supporting documents and commercial terms must be assessed for the individual requirement.

Does a sample confirm every production lot?

A sample supports evaluation of that sample. Agree what it represents, the specification it is checked against and how later lots will be assessed before making a commitment.

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