Modal fabric is an excellent choice for clothing and textiles due to its softness, durability, and sustainable origins. For designers and manufacturers in the UK, finding reliable online sources for high-quality modal is essential. This guide provides a straightforward overview of what to look for when purchasing modal fabric online and identifies the top retailers that serve the UK market.
What is Modal Fabric?
Modal is a semi-synthetic cellulose fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. It is considered a type of rayon but is known for its superior strength, softness, and high wet modulus. These properties make it a popular material for items like underwear, pajamas, bedsheets, and towels.
The primary benefits of modal fabric include:
- Softness: It has a smooth, silky feel against the skin.
- Breathability: The fabric structure allows air to circulate, making it comfortable to wear in various climates.
- Durability: Modal is resistant to shrinking and pilling, holding its shape and texture even after multiple washes.
- Absorbency: It is about 50% more absorbent than cotton, wicking moisture away from the body.
- Eco-Friendliness: Sourced from sustainably harvested beech trees, its production process is generally more environmentally friendly than that of other rayons.
Key Considerations for Buying Modal Fabric Online
Purchasing fabric online requires careful attention to detail. Before committing to a supplier, consider these critical factors to ensure you receive a product that meets your standards.
Quality and Certifications
The quality of modal fabric can vary. Look for suppliers that provide detailed specifications, including fiber composition, weight (grams per square meter or GSM), and weave. High-quality modal should feel exceptionally soft and have a consistent texture.
Certifications are another important indicator of quality and sustainability. Look for labels like:
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: This certification ensures the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for human use.
- Lenzing Modal™: Lenzing is a leading producer of modal fibers, and their brand is synonymous with quality and sustainable production practices. Fabrics carrying this label adhere to strict environmental standards.
Variety of Colors and Patterns
A good online retailer should offer a wide selection of modal fabrics. This includes a broad color palette, from standard neutrals to vibrant hues, as well as a variety of prints and patterns. For fashion brands, having access to custom dyeing and printing services is a significant advantage. Suppliers that offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs) for custom designs provide flexibility for small and growing businesses.
Pricing and Minimum Order Quantities
Pricing is a crucial factor, especially for businesses buying in bulk. Compare wholesale prices across different retailers to ensure you are getting a competitive rate. Pay close attention to the unit of measurement—whether the price is per meter or per yard.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) are also important. Some suppliers cater exclusively to large-scale manufacturers and require substantial orders. Others are more flexible, offering low MOQs that are suitable for small businesses, independent designers, and hobbyists.
Shipping and Return Policies
Since you cannot physically inspect the fabric before buying, a clear and fair shipping and return policy is essential. Check the shipping costs to the UK, estimated delivery times, and any potential customs fees.
Reputable suppliers should have a straightforward returns process in case the fabric is not as described or arrives damaged. Reading the fine print on returns, especially for custom or cut-length orders, can prevent future complications.
Top Online Retailers for Modal Fabric in the UK
Finding the right supplier is key to sourcing quality modal fabric. Here are some of the top online retailers that deliver to the UK, with a focus on their product range, services, and overall value.
1. Fabriclore
Fabriclore stands out as a leading supplier for businesses seeking customized fabric solutions. While based in India, it has built a strong reputation for serving fashion brands globally, including in the UK. Its platform is designed to simplify fabric sourcing for businesses of all sizes.
Modal Selection:
Fabriclore offers an extensive range of modal fabrics, including Modal Satin, Moss Modal, and various blends. Their selection features a wide array of solid colors and exclusive prints suitable for modern apparel. They also provide access to premium branded fibers like Lenzing Modal.
Pros:
- Customization: Provides custom design, dyeing, and printing services at low MOQs, making it ideal for private labels and boutique brands.
- Wholesale Pricing: Offers competitive, factory-direct pricing that is beneficial for bulk purchases.
- Wide Variety: An immense catalog of fabrics beyond modal, including cotton, silk, linen, and other sustainable options like Tencel and Ecovero.
- Global Shipping: Has a well-established logistics network for reliable and transparent delivery to the UK.
Cons:
- International Shipping: As an international supplier, delivery times may be longer compared to domestic retailers, and customers should be aware of potential import duties.
2. The Fabric Godmother
The Fabric Godmother is a UK-based online retailer popular among dressmakers and independent designers. The store is known for its curated selection of high-quality fashion fabrics.
Modal Selection:
The shop stocks a variety of Lenzing Modal and Tencel jerseys, often featuring exclusive designer prints. Their collection is geared toward contemporary apparel and is frequently updated with new arrivals.
Pros:
- Curated Collection: Offers a stylish and high-quality selection of fabrics, saving customers time on sourcing.
- UK-Based: Fast shipping within the UK and a straightforward returns process.
- Designer Prints: Provides access to unique prints not commonly found elsewhere.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: As a retailer focused on curated, high-end fabrics, prices may be higher than wholesale suppliers.
- Limited Customization: Does not offer custom printing or dyeing services.
3. Guthrie & Ghani
Guthrie & Ghani is another well-regarded UK fabric shop that caters to the modern sewing community. They offer a thoughtful selection of fabrics, patterns, and haberdashery.
Modal Selection:
Their inventory often includes modal jersey and french terry blends, perfect for creating comfortable loungewear and everyday basics. They prioritize quality and tend to stock fabrics from reputable manufacturers.
Pros:
- Quality Assurance: Stocks reliable, high-quality fabrics suitable for dressmaking.
- Community Focus: Offers workshops and a strong online community, which can be a valuable resource.
- Fast UK Delivery: Being based in the UK ensures quick and easy shipping.
Cons:
- Smaller Selection: The range of modal fabrics may be more limited compared to larger, specialized suppliers.
- Retail Pricing: Prices are set for individual consumers rather than wholesale buyers.
4. Croft Mill
Croft Mill is a long-standing fabric retailer in the UK with a history of supplying quality textiles. They source fabrics from ex-designer stock and mills across Europe.
Modal Selection:
Croft Mill’s selection can vary but often includes modal and viscose blends in both plain colors and prints. Their stock is constantly changing, so it is worth checking back frequently for new additions.
Pros:
- Unique Finds: Offers the chance to purchase ex-designer fabrics at a good price.
- Established Reputation: A trusted name in the UK fabric industry.
- Sample Service: Provides a sample service to allow customers to feel the fabric before committing to a larger order.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Stock: Since much of their fabric is ex-designer, popular items may not be restockable.
- Website Navigation: The user interface may be less modern than some competitors.
Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Online Purchase
To ensure a positive online shopping experience, follow these practical tips:
- Order Swatches: Whenever possible, order swatches or samples before placing a large order. This allows you to assess the fabric’s color, weight, drape, and feel in person.
- Read Customer Reviews: Check reviews for the specific fabric you are interested in and for the retailer in general. Feedback from other customers can provide valuable insight into product quality and service.
- Contact Customer Service: Do not hesitate to contact the retailer’s customer service team with any questions about the fabric or their policies. A responsive and helpful team is a good sign of a reliable supplier.
- Understand Fabric Specifications: Pay close attention to details like fabric width, weight (GSM), and care instructions. This information is crucial for project planning and ensuring the longevity of your finished garments.
Your Best Source for Modal Fabric
Sourcing modal fabric online in the UK offers convenience and access to a global market. For businesses that require flexibility and competitive pricing, Fabriclore is an excellent choice due to its extensive customization options, wholesale prices, and wide selection of quality materials. For individual makers and smaller projects, UK-based retailers like The Fabric Godmother and Guthrie & Ghani provide curated, high-quality selections with the benefit of fast domestic shipping.
By carefully considering factors like quality, variety, and supplier policies, you can confidently purchase the right modal fabric for your needs and have it delivered directly to your door.
Fabriclore showcases five main types of modal fabric categories on this page: geometric and textured modal, satin and silk modal, blended modal, premium Lenzing modal, and innovative/unique modal fabrics. Within these five buckets, the range includes options like modal geometric dobby, heavy muslin blends, Bemberg x modal satin, cotton–modal blends, Lenzing modal satin, lurex-infused modal, and other specialty constructions aimed at different drape, texture, and luxury levels.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. With 10+ years of experience in the textile industry, we have built a trusted network that connects creativity with high-quality fabrics, ensuring seamless and efficient sourcing for every scale of production.
Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; along with sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and organic cotton.
We offer four key services tailored to meet every design and production need:
- Dyeable Fabric – Woven RFD & greige, sustainable, and knitted fabrics.
- Dyed Fabric – Mill dyed, yarn dyed, Schiffli, and denim fabrics.
- Made To Order – Digital printing, screen printing, block printing, and dyeing solutions.
- Ready Stock – Block, screen, Ikat, tweed, and jacquard fabrics.
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 — your trusted partner with over a decade of expertise in the global textile industry.
