At Prime Fabrics, sourcing the best fabrics isn’t just about buying material—it’s about finding pieces that inspire creativity. Over the years, the way we source our fabrics has changed, and with it, so has the quality and variety of what we offer. Here's a look into how our process has evolved and what that means for you.
The Old Way: Making the Most of New York City's Dead Stock
New York City is one of the biggest fashion capitals of the world, which made it an amazing place to source fabrics. For years, we bought leftover rolls from designers and fashion houses right here in the city. The best part? We got those fabrics at a low price because they were surplus—either leftover or sometimes slightly defective—and avoided expensive import fees and minimums.
But the downside was that we didn’t get to choose exactly what we were buying. We had to take everything, including remnants, damaged goods, and fabrics we couldn’t always use. Consistency was a challenge, too, since we had to wait for these leftovers, and what we got was entirely up to what the designers had produced.
The Shift: Why Italy Became Our New Focus
Today, we still occasionally source from New York, but we’ve shifted our focus overseas, mainly to Italy. Italy is not only home to some of the best fabric mills in the world, but it’s also a hub for dead stock fabrics from top designers. The difference now is that we get to handpick exactly what we want—no more taking whatever comes our way.
This means we can bring you a selection of the highest-quality fabrics with some of the most unique designs. Of course, this comes at a price. We pay more for the fabric itself, and the freight and import fees are significant. But the result is worth it: top-quality materials from world-renowned mills and designers, with the variety and reliability that our customers deserve.
In addition to sourcing dead stock, we’ve also started producing our own fabrics. Working directly with Italian mills, we create cutom fabrics—brocades, silk prints, novelties, and wools—produced just for us. Take a look at this stunning iridescent wool suiting we produced. In the past, to stumble upon a fabric like this through dead stock in New York would be pure luck... and there would only be 5 yards available.
Why the Prices Are Higher—and Why They’re Worth It
We understand that the shift to higher-quality fabrics from Italy means our prices are higher than they used to be. But here's why: we're committed to bringing you the best. Beyond just beautiful fabrics, we’re offering reliability, variety, and access to some of the world’s finest textiles.
When you buy from Prime Fabrics, you’re not just buying material—you’re gaining access to fabrics that are often difficult, if not impossible, to find elsewhere. We spend weeks in Italy, traveling to remote areas and visiting suppliers that are only accessible through years of building relationships with suppliers. It’s not just about the fabric; it’s about making sure that you can get your hands on something truly special, whether it’s a basic piece or something bold and artistic.
We also know that buying fabric online can be tricky, which is why we invest heavily in making the experience as seamless as possible. From high-quality photos and videos to offering swatches so you can be confident in your choice, we’re constantly improving our service.
What This Means for You
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to bring you the best fabrics from around the world, whether you’re visiting our store in New York or shopping from the comfort of your home. We’re passionate about offering a wide range of high-quality fabrics that inspire creativity and elevate your projects. With our growing collection of premium materials, from classic basics to unique and artistic designs, we’re here to help you create something truly special.