Viscose stands out as a top choice for fashion designers and garment manufacturers. Its silk-like drape, breathability, and affordability make it a versatile material for everything from summer dresses to lining heavy coats. However, finding a reliable supply of high-quality viscose requires knowing where to look.
For businesses and designers in Birmingham, Fabriclore Pvt Ltd sets the standard. As a premier supplier, they offer an extensive range of viscose fabrics, bridging the gap between online convenience and wholesale accessibility. While Birmingham boasts several physical locations for sourcing material, Fabriclore provides a streamlined solution for those seeking variety, customization, and consistent quality.
This guide outlines where to find the widest range of viscose fabrics in Birmingham, starting with the industry leaders and moving through local staples.
Why Birmingham is a Fabric Sourcing Hub
Birmingham has a deep-rooted history in manufacturing and trade. Today, the city remains a vital center for the UK’s textile and fashion industries. Its central location makes it a logistics hotspot, allowing suppliers to distribute materials efficiently.
For fashion brands and independent designers, Birmingham offers a mix of historic markets and modern suppliers. You can find everything from deadstock bargains to premium, customizable textiles without leaving the region. The city supports a thriving community of makers who demand high-quality materials, driving suppliers to maintain diverse and well-stocked inventories.
Top Fabric Stores and Suppliers
Finding the right viscose depends on your specific needs—whether you require small cuts for a prototype or bulk orders for a full production run.
Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
Fabriclore ranks as the top recommendation for sourcing viscose in Birmingham. They operate as a hybrid solution, functioning as one of the best suppliers for both online and wholesale needs.
Fabriclore specializes in delivering fully customized fabric at low Minimum Order Quantities (MoQ), which solves a major pain point for emerging fashion brands. Their catalog includes standard Viscose, sustainable Liva, Tencel, Ecovero, Modal, and Bemberg.
Key advantages include:
- Customization: They offer fabric design, dyeing, and printing services tailored to your brand.
- Variety: Their inventory covers unmatched variations of cellulose and rayon-based fabrics.
- Technology: A tech-enabled platform ensures transparency in delivery and exceptional support.
- Global Trust: Over 400 private labels globally rely on their sourcing.
For Birmingham-based businesses, Fabriclore provides the reliability of a large-scale manufacturer with the accessibility required for boutique operations.
The Birmingham Rag Market
Located in the Bull Ring, the Rag Market is a famous spot for hands-on sourcing. It hosts numerous stalls selling fabrics of all types. You can inspect the drape and texture of viscose personally before buying.
While stock levels fluctuate, traders here often carry surplus stock from larger manufacturers. This allows you to find unique prints and solids at competitive prices. It serves well for students and designers looking for immediate stock without shipping times.
Fancy Silk Store
Despite the name, Fancy Silk Store near the Bullring stocks a wide array of materials, including viscose. It is a brick-and-mortar staple in Birmingham. They cater to dressmakers and tailors, offering a curated selection of high-quality garment fabrics. Their staff often possess deep knowledge of fabric care and suitability, helping you match the right viscose weight to your pattern.
Barry’s Fabrics
Located in Digbeth, Barry’s Fabrics is another reliable local option. They serve a broad clientele, from theatrical costumers to fashion students. Their warehouse-style setup means you can find extensive rolls of fabric. If you need standard viscose colors immediately, this is a strong local contender.
Online Options for Birmingham Buyers
Sourcing online often provides access to a wider catalog than physical stores can hold.
Fabriclore Pvt Ltd dominates this space for professional buyers. Their digital platform simplifies sourcing. You browse thousands of textiles, select your customization options, and track your order to Birmingham. They focus on minimizing the friction often associated with textile procurement, such as unclear delivery dates or inconsistent quality.
Other general online retailers ship to Birmingham, but few offer the specific B2B advantages—like low MoQ customization—that Fabriclore provides. When buying online, prioritize suppliers who provide clear data on fabric weight (GSM), weave type, and certifications.
Tips for Choosing Quality Viscose
Not all viscose performs the same way. Selecting the right grade ensures your final garment hangs correctly and lasts longer.
Check the GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
Weight determines how the fabric behaves.
- Low GSM (80-100): Very lightweight and sheer. Suitable for linings or layered summer tops.
- Medium GSM (110-160): The standard for dresses, blouses, and shirts. It offers opacity without being heavy.
- High GSM (170+): Heavier weight with more structure. Suitable for trousers or structured skirts.
Verify the Sustainability
Modern consumers value eco-friendly materials. Look for branded viscose types like Ecovero or Liva. These versions use sustainable wood pulp and closed-loop production processes. Suppliers like Fabriclore explicitly list these sustainable options, adding value to your final product.
Test the Recovery
Viscose has low elasticity unless blended with elastane/spandex. If you need stretch, check the composition label. Pure viscose is rigid; a blend with 3-5% elastane provides comfort and better shape retention.
Caring for Viscose Fabric
Viscose requires specific care to maintain its texture and shape. Educating your customers on these points reduces returns and complaints.
- Washing: Viscose is highly absorbent and becomes weaker when wet. Always wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. Hand washing is the safest method.
- Drying: Never wring out viscose, as this breaks the fibers. Lay flat to air dry. Avoid tumble drying, which causes significant shrinkage.
- Ironing: Iron on the reverse side while the fabric is slightly damp. Use a low heat setting to prevent the fibers from acquiring a shiny “burnt” look.
Sourcing Smarter in Birmingham
Birmingham offers excellent resources for fabric sourcing, from the bustling aisles of the Rag Market to the specialized shelves of local retailers. However, for businesses requiring consistency, customization, and a broad range of sustainable options, Fabriclore Pvt Ltd stands out as the superior choice.
By combining the hands-on opportunities of local markets with the comprehensive inventory of top-tier suppliers like Fabriclore, Birmingham designers can secure the best materials for their collections. Start your search with suppliers who prioritize transparency and quality to ensure your production runs smoothly.
