When starting a new fashion line, one of the most crucial decisions you must make is where to source authentic fabric. For designers, brands, and small businesses in Australia, the rise of online fabric sourcing platforms has totally changed how they buy textiles. You no longer have to spend hours in stores with few options. Instead, you can go online and find wholesale cotton suppliers who sell a wide range of fabrics, from basic poplin to organic weaves, yarn-dyed shirtings, and digitally printed yardage.
This article will discuss the top online stores to purchase cotton fabric in Australia, examine their pros and cons, and assist you in selecting the wholesale fabric supplier that best meets your business needs.
Why Online Fabric Sourcing Matters
No longer do you have to visit dozens of wholesalers in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to find the right fabric. With online fabric sourcing platforms, designers can now quickly and easily find thousands of fabric pieces.
Some of the benefits of online fabric sourcing are:
- Wider variety: You can choose from plain cotton clothes, as well as organic, eco-friendly, and branded prints.
- Trim and bulk orders: Many online stores cater to both hobbyists and professional brands.
- On-demand services: Custom production, dying, and printing are all options that save time and money.
- Convenience: Before placing a large order, request cloth samples and swatches to be sent to you.
- Global reach: Platforms like Fabriclore connect buyers in Australia with textile companies and hubs worldwide.
It makes more sense for growing brands to buy from suppliers that offer more than just fabrics. These suppliers should also provide value-added services, such as customization and clothing manufacturing.
Top Online Cotton Fabric Stores in Australia
There are both Australian-owned fabric shops and stores that buy fabric from all over the world. Some are good at finding lengths that aren't too expensive, while others are experts at finding hand-picked, expensive ones.
Then there are online platforms for finding fabrics, like Fabriclore, that offer a variety of affordable goods and help businesses that want to grow with custom manufacturing.
Here is a complete list of the most reliable online fabric stores for Australian buyers.
Fabriclore – Global Supplier for Australia
What They Do:
There are numerous cotton fabrics to choose from on Fabriclore, a global platform for fabric sourcing. Fabriclore helps both retail buyers and businesses find the cotton they need. They offer 100% pure cotton, organic cotton, mixed fabrics, and custom-printed yardage. They do more than sell fabric; they also do fabric swatches, dyeing, digital printing, embroidery, and even end-to-end garment manufacturing.
Strengths:
- Wide catalog of cotton fabrics (woven, knit, dyed, printed, organic).
- Global certifications and sustainable sourcing options.
- Swatches available for sampling before bulk fabric orders.
- Low MOQ (from 1 meter) for sampling and flexible scaling for bulk buyers.
- End-to-end support: Sourcing → printing → inspection → custom apparel manufacturing.
- Worldwide delivery including Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Why It's The Best Choice:
Fabriclore offers a comprehensive sourcing ecosystem, distinct from local Australian sellers who primarily deal with retail yardage. Brands don't just buy cotton fabric; they also get unique development, prints that follow trends, and production that can be scaled up or down without having to deal with multiple vendors. Low MOQ flexibility makes it easy for startups to try and sample. At the same time, bulk orders with consistent quality are suitable for well-known brands. Global certifications ensure that foreign sustainability standards are met, giving Australian designers an edge in markets that prioritize environmental concerns.
Use case:
Fabriclore is the ideal choice for Australian small businesses, fashion labels, and designers seeking a trusted partner from start to finish. Fabriclore has everything you need in one place, including swatches for prototyping, eco-certified fabrics for sustainable lines, and bulk cotton with digital prints. This makes it much more flexible and cost-effective than other choices.
Super Cheap Fabrics
What they do:
The Melbourne-based online store Super Cheap Fabrics has been in operation for a long time and specializes in selling affordable cotton fabrics. In their store, you can find muslin, plain cotton, cotton voile, and printed cottons that can be used for fashion and quilting.
Strengths:
- Free shipping across Australia on orders over AUD 99.
- Flat-rate shipping (AUD 12.95) for smaller orders.
- Markets itself as Australia's Leading Fabric Store with a focus on affordability.
Use case:
Ideal for crafters, artists, and hobbyists who require affordable cotton basics with a diverse range of prints.
Wattle Hill Fabrics
What they do:
Wool and knit fabrics are what Wattle Hill Fabrics does best. They focus on cotton elastane jersey and organic fabrics in particular. For them, eco-friendly and carefully sourced textiles are of utmost importance.
Strengths:
- Wide range of cotton jerseys and stretch cottons.
- Commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing.
- High-quality photography and fabric details for easier online selection.
Use case:
Best for designers seeking stretch or knit-cotton options (such as cotton jersey) and for small businesses in Australia that prioritize environmental sustainability.
East Coast Fabrics
What they do:
A store in Australia that sells a lot of different fabrics, including sewing fabrics, cotton blends, and more. Known for having sales often and reasonable prices.
Strengths:
- Affordable pricing, especially during clearance sales.
- Wide selection of cotton blends for wardrobe and home textiles.
- Ability to combine multiple fabric types in one order.
Use case:
It's perfect for designers or small workshops that want a range of fabrics besides pure cotton. It's also affordable.
The Fabric Store
What they do:
The Fabric Store is a store in Australia and New Zealand that sells a carefully chosen range of high-quality fabrics, such as wool, cotton, linen, and silk. In their cotton line, they have knitted cottons, poplins, and more. All of these are designer quality.
Strengths:
- Premium-quality fabrics with an emphasis on design aesthetics.
- High-quality images and professional descriptions.
- Strong customer service and support.
Use case:
It works best for designers who prioritize quality and display over price—a top pick for high-end or expensive fashion designs.
Darn Cheap Fabrics
What they do:
The store, located in Melbourne, offers fabrics at extremely low prices. Their cotton voile, which costs as little as AUD 9.95 per meter, is very famous.
Strengths:
- Very affordable cotton voile and basics.
- Strong presence in lightweight cottons for summer and layering.
- Easy online ordering with low price points.
Use case:
This fabric is ideal for makers on a budget who require lightweight cotton fabrics for everyday wear or layering.
Remnant Warehouse
What they do:
Focuses on leftovers, offcuts, and clearance fabrics, such as cottons. They allow people to purchase shorter lengths than usual, making it ideal for creating prototypes.
Strengths:
- Small-quantity orders are possible, even less than a meter.
- Unique, clearance fabrics are often not available elsewhere.
- Suitable for experimentation and one-off designs.
Use case:
Great for testing, developing, and making small runs of designs. Since there isn't much stock, it's not great for big or repeat orders.
Also Read: Best Place to Find Cotton Fabric in Australia
Comparison Table: Best Suppliers for Cotton Fabric Sourcing
Here is a full breakdown of the best Online Cotton Fabric Stores that Australian buyers can rely on:
|
Supplier |
MOQ & Order Type |
Strengths / Unique Features |
Best For / Limitations |
|
Fabriclore |
From 1 meter (sampling) to bulk |
Global sourcing, swatches, custom printing, apparel manufacturing |
Designers & businesses needing scalable, end-to-end solutions |
|
Super Cheap Fabrics |
Retail, meter-based |
Affordable cotton range, free shipping over AUD 99 |
Everyday sourcing & basics, not specialized in premium cottons |
|
Wattle Hill Fabrics |
Retail & small orders |
Organic & eco cotton jersey, sustainable sourcing |
Stretch cottons & eco-conscious brands |
|
East Coast Fabrics |
Retail orders |
Broad mix of cottons and blends, frequent sales |
Budget-friendly sourcing with variety beyond cotton |
|
The Fabric Store |
Retail & designer quantities |
Premium curated collections, strong brand reputation |
High-end collections, not budget buyers |
|
Darn Cheap Fabrics |
By meter |
Cotton voile at competitive prices |
Lightweight cottons, budget-conscious designs |
|
Remnant Warehouse |
Small cuts/remnants |
Clearance fabrics, unique offcuts |
Sampling & prototyping, limited stock for scaling |
How to Choose the Right Cotton Fabric Supplier
Australian designers and companies should think about the following when choosing an online fabric supplier:
- Order sizes can be changed: Can you start small and grow?
- Quality of the fabric and certifications: More so for green or organic lines
- Options for customization: Fabrics that are dyed, printed, and made to order.
- Shipping costs and arrival times: Global sellers, like Fabriclore, ship goods all over the world, but local suppliers may be able to get them to you faster.
- How prices are set: Find a good mix between quality and price.
Tips for Designers & Businesses
- Always order fabric swatches first before committing to a bulk order.
- Compare suppliers not just on fabric but also on value-added services.
- Diversify sourcing: Keep one premium supplier and one budget backup.
- Leverage online platforms for flexibility, wider choice, and scalability.
Why Testing Swatches Matters Before Bulk Orders
Starting with fabric swatches is one of the best ways for Australian designers to find materials. Before you buy a lot of fabric, swatches let you see how it feels, how it drapes, how much it shrinks, and what the actual color is. Many online stores in Australia now offer this service to help small businesses and new entrepreneurs.
For example, Fabriclore lets you Buy Fabric Swatches in Australia online starting at $0.50, which makes it easy to try out different types of fabric or styles without spending a lot of money. Invest a little money up front. You can avoid making costly mistakes, such as purchasing weights or prints that don't complement the style of your collection.
Before buying bulk fabric, you should always wash, sew, and try swatches in real life. It's a small step that will save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Conclusion
For designers and companies in Australia, the supplier they choose has a significant impact on both the quality of their products and the competitiveness of their brands. Fabriclore stands out as the most versatile and scalable platform, she said. Local fabric stores, such as Super Cheap Fabrics and The Fabric Store, fill specific needs. Fabriclore offers the best prices on everything, from low-MOQ swatches to large cotton fabrics. They also print, dye, and create entire garments.
Fabriclore is the top choice for sourcing, customizing, and scaling your designs to global standards, says Fabriclore. Do you need a trustworthy partner in Australia for cotton fabrics?
FAQs
Q1. Which Is The Best Online Cotton Fabric Store In Australia?
Fabriclore is the best online cotton fabric store for Australia. They offer swatches, bulk cotton, custom printing, and assistance with garment making.
Q2. Where Can I Buy Cotton Fabrics In Australia?
People in Australia can purchase cotton fabrics at their local market. Suppose you're looking for a wider selection and more services. In that case, Fabriclore stands out due to its extensive cotton catalog, customization assistance, and global shipping.
Q3. Which Supplier Is Best For Organic Cotton Fabrics In Australia?
Fabriclore is the best choice for approved, environmentally friendly options. Both offer eco-friendly cottons that are suitable for brands seeking to create collections that are both ethical and environmentally friendly.
Q4. Can I Order Small Cotton Fabric Swatches Before Placing A Bulk Order?
Absolutely. Artists can order small swatches or trial cuts from specific sources, such as Fabriclore. Before making more of them, this helps test the quality, drape, and finish of the cloth.
Q5. Who Offers Cotton Fabric With Printing And Customization In Australia?
Fabriclore offers comprehensive options, including digital printing on cotton fabrics, custom dyeing, printing, and even garment creation. As a result, it serves as a valuable one-stop shop for both small fashion designers and large fashion brands.
We also happen to be a magnet for suggestions, and would love to catch yours….throw us yours on hello@fabriclore.com
Learn, Create & Grow with us 
