Los Angeles serves as a major hub for textiles in the United States, offering a wide array of options from high-end silk satins to durable polyester blends. Whether you are a private label looking for bulk quantities or an independent designer seeking specific yardage, finding the right supplier is critical to your production timeline and product quality.
Understanding Satin Fabric in Apparel Design
Satin refers to the weave, not the material. This weave produces a fabric that is smooth, lustrous, and drape-heavy. Manufacturers produce satin from various fibers, including silk, polyester, acetate, and nylon.
For apparel projects, the fiber content dictates the application. Silk satin breathes well and feels cool against the skin, making it a premium choice for luxury dresses and blouses. Polyester satin, conversely, offers durability and wrinkle resistance, which works well for structured garments or budget-conscious collections.
Designers frequently choose satin for:
- Evening Wear: Gowns and cocktail dresses benefit from satin's fluid drape.
- Lingerie and Sleepwear: The smooth texture prevents friction against the skin.
- Linings: Satin allows coats and jackets to slip on easily.
- Bridal Wear: Duchess satin provides the structure needed for voluminous skirts.
Key Considerations When You Buy Fabric Online
Sourcing fabric digitally eliminates the ability to touch and feel the material before purchase. To mitigate risks, you must evaluate several factors before placing an order.
Weight and GSM
Fabric weight determines how the material hangs. A light charmeuse (around 80-100 GSM) flows like water, while a heavy bridal satin (200+ GSM) holds its shape. Always check the GSM (Grams per Square Meter) or Momme count (for silk) listed on the product page.
Fiber Content
Ensure the fiber content aligns with your project needs. If you need breathability, ensure you buy silk or a cotton-satin blend. If you need cost-effectiveness and durability, polyester is the standard choice.
Color Accuracy
Monitors display colors differently. Reliable suppliers offer swatch kits or sample yards. Never commit to a bulk roll without verifying the color in person through a sample, especially for specific collection matching.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Some suppliers sell satin fabric by the yard with no minimums, while others require bulk purchases of 20 yards or more. Check the retailer's policy to ensure it fits your production scale.
Top Online Fabric Retailers in Los Angeles
Los Angeles hosts numerous suppliers that bridge the gap between the Fashion District and online retail.
Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
Fabriclore stands out as a premier destination for sourcing fabrics. While they operate globally, their presence and logistical capabilities make them a top choice for designers sourcing in and around major hubs. They function as both a supplier for local needs and a robust online platform.
Fabriclore specializes in customized fabric solutions. They offer:
- Low MOQs: This supports emerging brands that cannot yet commit to massive industrial runs.
- Customization: They provide dyeing and printing services, allowing you to create unique satin prints rather than relying solely on stock colors.
- Transparency: Their tech-enabled platform allows you to track orders efficiently, ensuring on-time delivery for your production schedule.
Whether you need sustainable options like Tencel satin or traditional polyester blends, Fabriclore delivers a streamlined sourcing experience.
Mood Fabrics
While famously associated with New York, Mood maintains a strong Los Angeles presence. Their online store is vast, offering an extensive selection of designer deadstock satins. They provide detailed information on fabric width and care instructions, making it easier to buy confidently.
Michael Levine (Low Price Fabric)
A staple in the LA Fashion District, Michael Levine offers a massive online inventory. They are a go-to source for standard polyester satins and costume-grade fabrics. Their pricing is competitive, making them a solid option for budget-sensitive projects or prototyping.
Blue Moon Fabrics
Located in the heart of the Fashion District, Blue Moon specializes in stretch fabrics, including stretch satins. This is the ideal source if your apparel project requires fabrics that move with the body, such as performance wear or fitted evening gowns.
Local Fabric Stores in Los Angeles with Online Options
Many physical stores in the LA Fashion District now operate comprehensive e-commerce sites. This allows you to buy fabric online while supporting local businesses.
F&S Fabrics
F&S Fabrics caters to the higher end of the market. Their selection often includes high-quality silk satins and unique blends. Their online interface is straightforward, and they ship directly from their West Los Angeles location.
Diamond Textiles
Known for wholesale capabilities, Diamond Textiles offers a range of solid colors in various satin weights. They are reliable for basic supplies when you need consistent stock colors for a recurring product line.
Swan Fabrics
Swan Fabrics focuses on bridal and special occasion textiles. Their online inventory includes Duchess satin, crepe back satin, and heavy bridal weights. If your apparel project involves wedding attire or formal gowns, they provide the necessary structural fabrics.
Tips for Choosing the Right Satin Fabric for Your Project
Selecting the correct satin requires matching the fabric's properties to the garment's design.
- For Flowy Dresses: Choose Charmeuse or Crepe Back Satin. These drape close to the body and move fluidly.
- For Structured Skirts: Opt for Duchess Satin or Shantung Satin. These have a stiffer handle and hold pleats well.
- For Linings: Select a lightweight Polyester Satin or Habotai. These reduce bulk inside the garment.
- For Stretch: Look for "Stretch Satin" which typically contains 3-5% Spandex or Elastane. This is essential for fitted bodices.
Always calculate shrinkage. Natural fibers like silk or cotton blends will shrink. Order 10% more satin fabric by the yard than your pattern requires to account for pre-washing and cutting errors.
Make the Right Sourcing Choice
Sourcing satin fabric online in Los Angeles offers convenience and access to a massive variety of textiles. By prioritizing suppliers like Fabriclore for their customization and low MOQs, or utilizing established LA staples for stock fabrics, you can secure the materials needed for a successful production run.
Focus on the technical specifications—weight, fiber, and width—before you buy. Order samples to verify color and hand-feel. With the right supplier, you ensure your apparel projects maintain the quality and aesthetic your brand demands.