Modal fabric has become a go-to choice for fashion designers and textile enthusiasts who want softness, durability, and sustainability in one package. Whether you’re creating everyday wear, activewear, or luxurious home textiles, modal offers the perfect blend of comfort and performance.
But finding high-quality modal fabric by the yard online can be tricky. With countless suppliers claiming to offer “premium” materials, how do you know which ones deliver genuine quality at fair prices?
This guide will help you navigate the online fabric market in the UK. We’ll cover what makes modal fabric special, what to look for when shopping online, and where to find reliable suppliers—including Fabriclore, a trusted name for customized fabric at wholesale prices.
What is Modal Fabric?
Modal is a type of rayon made from beech tree pulp. The production process transforms natural cellulose into silky-smooth fibers that feel softer than cotton and more breathable than synthetic materials.
Here’s what sets modal apart:
Exceptional Softness: Modal fibers are incredibly smooth, making them gentle on sensitive skin. The fabric gets even softer with each wash.
Long-Lasting Durability: Unlike regular rayon, modal resists shrinking and fading. It maintains its shape and color through repeated wear and washing.
Eco-Friendly Production: Modal uses less water and energy than cotton production. Most manufacturers source beech trees from sustainable forests.
Moisture-Wicking Properties: The fabric absorbs moisture 50% better than cotton, keeping you comfortable in warm weather.
Wrinkle Resistance: Modal holds its shape well and requires minimal ironing, making it practical for everyday garments.
Fashion brands use modal fabric for t-shirts, underwear, activewear, bed linens, and towels. Its drape and sheen also make it popular for dresses and flowing garments.
Factors to Consider When Buying Modal Fabric Online
Shopping for fabric online requires careful attention to detail. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Quality and Authenticity
Not all modal fabric is created equal. Some suppliers blend modal with synthetic fibers or lower-quality materials without clear labeling.
Check product descriptions for fiber content percentages. Pure modal should be labeled as 100% modal or specify the exact blend ratio. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) that verify sustainable and safe production practices.
Price and Value
Modal fabric typically costs more than basic cotton but less than silk. Prices vary based on quality, weight, and supplier.
Compare prices across multiple suppliers, but don’t automatically choose the cheapest option. Extremely low prices often indicate lower quality or questionable sourcing. Instead, look for competitive pricing that reflects the fabric’s quality and any customization options.
Variety and Selection
A good wholesale fabric supplier should offer multiple options in terms of weight, colors, and finishes. Standard modal comes in weights ranging from 140 GSM (grams per square meter) for lightweight garments to 250 GSM for heavier applications.
Consider whether you need solid colors, prints, or the option for custom designs. Some suppliers offer digital printing services that let you create unique patterns.
Supplier Reputation
Before placing an order, research the supplier’s track record. Read customer reviews on independent platforms, not just testimonials on the supplier’s website.
Check how long the company has been in business and whether they specialize in fabric sales. Established suppliers with industry experience are more likely to provide consistent quality and reliable service.
Shipping and Returns
Understand the supplier’s shipping policies, including delivery times and costs to the UK. International suppliers may offer lower prices but charge higher shipping fees or have longer delivery times.
Review the return policy carefully. Reputable suppliers should allow returns or exchanges if the fabric doesn’t match the description or arrives damaged. Some offer sample ordering so you can test the fabric before committing to a larger purchase.
Top Online Stores to Buy Modal Fabric in the UK
Fabriclore
Fabriclore stands out as one of the best options to buy fabric online in the UK. The platform specializes in customized fabric design, dyeing, and printing at low minimum order quantities (MOQ).
What makes Fabriclore different:
- Wide Material Selection: Beyond modal, you’ll find cotton, linen, viscose, Tencel, silk, and sustainable options all in one place.
- Customization Options: Order fabric with your own designs and prints, perfect for fashion brands building unique collections.
- Competitive Wholesale Pricing: The platform offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, making it cost-effective for both small designers and established brands.
- Low MOQ: Unlike traditional wholesalers requiring large bulk orders, Fabriclore works with smaller quantities suitable for independent designers and startups.
- Reliable Delivery: Their tech-enabled platform provides delivery tracking and customer support throughout the process.
Over 400 private label fashion brands globally trust Fabriclore for their fabric sourcing needs. The company ships internationally and maintains quality control standards across all products.
Other Reputable UK Suppliers
Mood Fabrics offers an extensive online catalog with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. They stock various modal blends and provide swatches for most fabrics.
Minerva Crafts caters to both hobbyists and professional designers with a user-friendly website and helpful customer service. They frequently update their modal fabric selection with seasonal colors.
Fabric Godmother focuses on quality over quantity, curating a smaller but carefully selected range of premium fabrics including modal and modal blends.
The Textile Centre provides wholesale pricing for larger orders and maintains a physical showroom in London where you can view samples before ordering online.
Benefits of Buying from a Wholesale Fabric Supplier
Working with a wholesale fabric supplier offers several advantages, especially if you’re running a fashion business or regularly need fabric for projects.
Cost Savings: Wholesale pricing significantly reduces per-meter costs, especially for bulk orders. This matters when producing collections or multiple pieces.
Consistent Quality: Established wholesalers maintain quality control across their inventory. You can reorder the same fabric and expect identical specifications.
Reliable Supply: Wholesalers typically keep stock of popular materials, reducing the risk of your preferred modal fabric becoming unavailable mid-project.
Customization Options: Many wholesale suppliers offer services like custom dyeing, printing, or finishing treatments. This lets you create unique fabrics that set your designs apart.
Business Support: Professional wholesalers understand the needs of fashion businesses and often provide technical specifications, care instructions, and fabric recommendations.
Tips for a Successful Online Fabric Purchase
Follow these practical steps to ensure your online fabric shopping goes smoothly:
Order Samples First: Most suppliers offer sample swatches or small cuts for a nominal fee. Order samples to check the fabric’s weight, drape, color accuracy, and overall feel before committing to larger quantities.
Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Pay attention to fiber content, weight, width, care instructions, and any special characteristics. Note whether measurements are in meters or yards.
Check Color Accuracy: Remember that fabric colors may appear different on your screen than in person. Read the supplier’s color accuracy disclaimer and order samples when color matching is critical.
Verify Contact Information: Legitimate suppliers provide clear contact details including email, phone number, and business address. Test their customer support by asking questions before ordering.
Review Shipping Estimates: Factor in delivery time when planning projects. International orders may take longer and could incur customs fees.
Save Product Information: Screenshot or save product pages with specifications. This helps if you need to reorder or reference the exact fabric later.
Inspect Upon Arrival: Check your fabric immediately when it arrives. Look for defects, verify the quantity matches your order, and ensure the fabric meets the description. Report any issues promptly.
Make Your Next Project Stand Out
Modal fabric combines luxury, comfort, and practicality in ways few other materials can match. Its softness rivals silk, its durability surpasses cotton, and its eco-friendly production aligns with sustainable fashion values.
Finding the right supplier makes all the difference. Fabriclore offers a reliable solution for designers and brands looking to buy fabric online with customization options, competitive pricing, and consistent quality. Their low MOQ and wide material selection make them accessible whether you’re creating a single sample or producing an entire collection.
Take time to compare suppliers, order samples, and verify quality before committing to large purchases. The right modal fabric from a trusted source will elevate your designs and keep your customers coming back for more.
Ready to source premium modal fabric for your next project? Visit Fabriclore to explore their collection and discover how customized fabric sourcing can transform your fashion business.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform with 10+ years of experience dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like Cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; and sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and Organic cotton.
We offer 4 key services:
1. Dyeable Fabric (Woven RFD & Greige, Sustainable and Knitted Fabric)
2. Dyed Fabric (Mill Dyed, Yarn Dyed, Schiffli, & Denim Fabric)
3. Made To Order (Digital Printing, Screen Printing, Block Printing, and Dyeing Solutions)
4. Ready Stock (Block, Screen, Ikat, Tweed, & Jacquard)
Explore our diverse range of custom printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection. For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]. Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore.
