DiFFreight Blog How to Order Fabric Directly from China Wholesale and at Low Cost

How to Order Fabric Directly from China Wholesale and at Low Cost

How to Order Fabric Directly from China Wholesale and at Low Cost

Article content: 

  1. Buying Fabrics in China with DiFFreight — Step-by-Step Process.
  2. Why are fabric supplies from China a profitable solution for business.
  3. Comparison of fabric prices from China in bulk: how much they sell in retail in Ukraine.
  4. DiFFreight — More Than Just a Fabric Supplier from China.

China has long been a key manufacturing hub, offering a vast range of products at great prices. For those working with clothing, home textiles, or in the fashion industry, fabric supplies from China are critical. You can not only save money but also access high-quality and innovative materials. We’ll walk you step by step through the entire order process — from finding a factory to quality control and logistics.

Buying Fabrics in China with DiFFreight — Step-by-Step Process

Factories manufacture not only cotton, polyester, and nylon but also specialty fabrics: water-repellent, windproof, UV-protective materials. Natural options are also available, such as silk, linen, and cashmere. These fabrics are used not only for clothing but also for home textiles, children's toys, footwear, tents, backpacks, etc.

Choosing Fabrics

Start by deciding what kind you need (cotton, silk, polyester, knit). Prepare a request for potential suppliers:

  • Exact fiber composition in percentages.
  • Weight in grams per square meter (GSM) or other units.
  • Roll width.
  • Color and print. Specify Pantone codes if you need exact shades. If you need a print, provide layouts and printing requirements (digital, sublimation, screen printing).
  • Purpose: bedding, outerwear, sportswear, lining, curtains, upholstery.
  • Additional features: whether you need waterproof coating, flame resistance, antibacterial properties.
  • The quantity you want to buy. Some vendors have a minimum order quantity (MOQ).

A detailed list of specifications will simplify communication. You’ll be able to send a universal request and compare supplier responses.

Finding a Supplier

Where to order fabric wholesale from China:

  • Alibaba.com (B2B) — export-oriented, with many suppliers not only from China but also from around the world.
  • 1688.com — a domestic Chinese platform. Prices are more attractive than Alibaba's, but the interface and communication are entirely in Chinese.
  • Made-in-China.com, Global Sources — also popular B2B platforms.

If possible, visit large textile markets or trade shows. Send a request to potential wholesalers. Clarify the order cost, whether volume discounts are available, and how long it takes to deliver/produce the products.

Didn’t find a suitable option? The supplier sourcing service in China by DiFFreight will be a great help to your business. We’ll find manufacturers/wholesalers — this saves time and reduces the risk of receiving poor-quality products.

If you're starting cooperation with a new partner, order a full verification. Our staff checks business licenses, registry documents, and the supplier’s history. Don’t give scammers a single chance!

Ordering Fabrics from China

Start by requesting samples — swatches of the rolls you're interested in. Manufacturers often provide them for free if you're planning a large order. These samples are small, but enough for you to feel the fabric and evaluate its quality.


Next, a supply contract is signed, indicating volumes, exact specifications, delivery deadlines, address, and order price. Payment is usually split into two parts: a deposit and a final payment after product inspection. If you order on 1688, the batch will be delivered only within China.

Fabric Transportation from China

Delivery from China to Ukraine is carried out by sea. Fabric is an excellent type of cargo that, with proper packaging, can withstand 50–60 days of transit. Small batches can be consolidated at the DiFFreight warehouse, so you only pay for the container space you need.

Warehouse services in China include:

  • inspection of received cargo — counting units, comparing specifications with the order, photo and video report;
  • labeling and additional packaging if necessary: we’ll add extra film to protect against moisture;
  • temporary storage for the most budget-friendly shipping option.

Delivery of goods from China to Ukraine
Get more information

Air freight logistics is less common due to its high cost.

Customs Clearance

For wholesale, we’re talking about customs clearance — legalizing the import in the destination country. It is very important to collect the full set of documents, complete all the paperwork, and pay duties and taxes. Each type of fabric is assigned an HS code (UCC FEA in Ukraine), which determines the fee amount. This is “white” customs clearance, allowing you to legally sell wholesale in Ukraine.

Cargo — the “gray” or “semi-white” scheme — is very risky. DiFFreight recommends using customs broker services, especially for import beginners. And of course, avoid gray import methods: without proper paperwork, customs can fine or seize your shipment.

Domestic Delivery in Ukraine

The final step — your order from China will arrive at the address or warehouse specified in the contract.

Why are fabric supplies from China a profitable solution for business

The Middle Kingdom is known for the production of natural and synthetic fabrics, competing with Turkey and Vietnam. Why is it profitable to purchase raw materials specifically in China:

  • Low-cost price, which allows you to set high retail prices, sew clothes or textiles while saving on raw materials.
  • A huge assortment of fabric types, designs, patterns, with different application methods. At the same time, the quality is not inferior to European standards thanks to advanced technologies and equipment.
  • Fabric production in bulk from China to order, taking into account customer requirements — inexpensive customization.

And a developed infrastructure is the key to fast and safe delivery.

Comparison of fabric prices from China in bulk: how much they sell in retail in Ukraine

To prove that purchases in China are really profitable, we compared prices on the Ukrainian and Chinese marketplaces. This is a clear demonstration of how to make money on fabric imports by ordering in bulk.

Important: the cost is indicated per running meter — this is one meter of fabric in length with different roll widths, the standard is considered to be 150 cm.

Type of fabric Price in China, $ Price in Ukraine, $
Sequins on red knitted base, 100% polyester, density 270 g/m2. 3.80 8.18
Satin in ecru color (spun milk). Composition 97% polyacrylic, 3% spandex, density 280 g/m2. 3 6.30
White muslin with a twig and berry print. Composition 100% cotton, density 130 g/m2. 2.50 5.30
Polar fleece in khaki color, 100% polyester, density 270 g/m2. 2.90 5
Chiffon with rose print on a dark blue background. Composition 100% polyester, density 90 g/m2. 1.83 4.20

Fabric suppliers from China often give bulk discounts: the more meters you order, the cheaper it is.

DiFFreight — More Than Just a Fabric Supplier from China

We’ve been working in international logistics for over 5 years and know the intricacies of trade with China like no one else. That’s why DiFFreight has grown from a transport company to a provider of full-scale business services:

  • product procurement in China: finished clothing, shoes, accessories, as well as fabrics, fittings, and more;
  • negotiating with suppliers and factories and signing reliable contracts;
  • order payment service from Chinese bank accounts (very relevant for domestic Chinese platforms!);
  • customs brokers prepare and collect all documents, from basic invoices to certificates.

Delivery will go smoothly: DiFFreight takes care of your cargo, sticks to deadlines, provides quality insurance, and handles all the details. We’re not just suppliers of fabric from China to Ukraine — we help businesses grow by offering full-cycle procurement solutions.

FAQ - get answers to your questions

1. What types of fabrics are most commonly ordered wholesale from China?

The most popular fabrics are cotton, polyester, knitwear, denim, fleece, satin, chiffon, and blended materials. Specialized fabrics for sportswear and technical clothing are also in demand.

2. Can fabrics be ordered with custom designs or prints?

Yes, most factories offer custom printing services (digital print, sublimation, embroidery) as well as dyeing in any Pantone color. This allows brands to create unique materials.

3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for fabrics?

MOQ depends on the type of material and the supplier. Typically, it starts from 100–300 meters per color or design. For custom prints, the MOQ may be 500–1000 meters.

4. How is fabric quality checked before shipment?

We organize an inspection at our warehouse in China: checking density, composition, color uniformity, color accuracy, and absence of defects before shipment.

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