The demand for viscose fabric is growing, especially in fashion hubs like New York City. Designers and home sewers value its silk-like feel, beautiful drape, and versatility. Finding high-quality viscose fabric by the yard online can be a challenge, but knowing where to look makes all the difference.
This guide provides a straightforward look at the best online stores for buying viscose fabric in NYC. We’ll cover what viscose is, what to consider when buying it online, and which retailers offer the best selection, quality, and prices. Whether you’re a professional designer or a hobbyist, this article will help you source the perfect fabric for your next project.
What is Viscose Fabric?
Viscose is a type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp, a cellulose-based material. It’s often considered a semi-synthetic fiber because it originates from a natural source but requires a chemical process to become a textile. First produced in the late 19th century as a more affordable alternative to silk, viscose shares many of silk’s desirable qualities.
Properties and Uses
Viscose is known for several key characteristics:
- Soft and Smooth Texture: It has a silky feel that is comfortable against the skin.
- Excellent Drape: The fabric flows beautifully, making it ideal for dresses, blouses, skirts, and curtains.
- Breathability: Viscose is breathable and moisture-absorbent, making it comfortable to wear in warm weather.
- Vibrant Colors: It takes dye well, resulting in rich and lasting colors.
Because of these properties, viscose is a popular choice for apparel, including lightweight summer clothing, elegant evening wear, and comfortable everyday items. It is also used in home décor for items like drapes and upholstery linings.
Key Considerations When Buying Viscose Online
Shopping for fabric online requires a different approach than buying in a physical store. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind to ensure you get the right material for your needs.
- Quality and Composition: Read product descriptions carefully to understand the fabric’s composition. Is it 100% viscose, or is it blended with other fibers like cotton, linen, or elastane? Look for details about the fabric’s weight (often in grams per square meter or GSM), as this will affect its drape and opacity.
- Pricing: Compare prices between different retailers. Some stores offer competitive pricing per yard, while others provide discounts for bulk purchases. If you need a large amount of material, look into fabric wholesale options to get a better rate.
- Shipping and Returns: Check the shipping policies and costs, especially for delivery within NYC. A reliable return policy is also important in case the fabric doesn’t meet your expectations in person.
- Swatches: Since you can’t feel the fabric online, ordering swatches is highly recommended. This allows you to check the color, texture, and weight before committing to a larger purchase.
Top Online Retailers for Viscose Fabric in NYC
Here are some of the best online stores that deliver high-quality viscose fabric to New York City.
Fabriclore
Fabriclore stands out for its extensive and unique collection of viscose fabrics, including many prints and weaves that are hard to find elsewhere. They offer a wide variety of viscose, from soft modal and Tencel to classic viscose challis.
- Pros: Huge selection of unique, artisanal prints. They offer customization options and have a strong focus on both modern and traditional designs. Their collection of viscose blends is also impressive.
- Cons: As an international supplier, shipping times to NYC might be longer than domestic retailers.
- Unique Selling Point: Fabriclore specializes in Indian textiles and offers a curated selection of prints that you won’t find at standard fabric stores, making them a great choice for one-of-a-kind projects.
Mood Fabrics
A household name for designers, especially after its features on Project Runway, Mood Fabrics is a go-to source for high-end fashion fabrics. Their online store is just as impressive as their physical locations in NYC and LA.
- Pros: Extensive collection of designer and high-quality viscose fabrics. They have a wide range of prints, solids, and blends. Their website is easy to navigate, and they offer fast shipping options.
- Cons: Prices can be on the higher end, which might not be suitable for every budget.
- Unique Selling Point: Mood Fabrics offers exclusive designer fabrics, giving you access to the same materials used in the fashion industry.
Spandex House
Located in the heart of NYC’s Garment District, Spandex House is known for its vast inventory of stretch fabrics. They also carry a solid selection of viscose and viscose-blend knits, perfect for comfortable and stylish apparel.
- Pros: Great selection of stretch viscose fabrics. They offer wholesale pricing, which is a major advantage for bulk buyers. Their physical store is accessible for those in NYC who want to see the fabric in person.
- Cons: The website is less modern than some competitors, which can make browsing a bit cumbersome. The primary focus is on stretch fabrics, so the selection of woven viscose might be more limited.
- Unique Selling Point: Their specialization in stretch fabrics makes them the top choice for anyone making activewear, dancewear, or fitted garments with viscose knits.
B&J Fabrics
Another Garment District institution, B&J Fabrics has been supplying fine fabrics to designers for decades. Their online store reflects their commitment to quality and offers a curated selection of textiles from around the world.
- Pros: High-quality, premium viscose fabrics from European mills. They have a great selection of Liberty of London prints on viscose bases. Customer service is knowledgeable and helpful.
- Cons: Premium quality comes with premium prices. Their selection might be more geared towards high-end fashion rather than everyday sewing projects.
- Unique Selling Point: B&J Fabrics is known for its luxury selection and exceptional quality, making it a perfect source for special occasion garments.
Sustainable and Ethical Options
For those prioritizing sustainability, several retailers offer eco-friendly viscose options. Tencel Lyocell and Lenzing Ecovero are two branded types of viscose produced in a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, significantly reducing their environmental impact.
- Blackbird Fabrics: This online-only retailer based in Canada is known for its thoughtfully curated collection of apparel fabrics, including a good range of Tencel and Ecovero viscose. They ship to NYC and are a favorite among the online sewing community.
- Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics: A California-based store with a robust online presence, Stonemountain & Daughter offers a great selection of sustainable fabrics, including Ecovero viscose prints and solids.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Most online fabric stores announce sales and promotions through their email newsletters.
- Shop Off-Season: Look for discounts on fabrics at the end of a season as retailers clear out inventory.
- Look for Wholesale Options: If you need more than a few yards of fabric, check for wholesale pricing. Retailers like Spandex House offer fabric wholesale pricing that can lead to significant savings.
- Check Remnant Sections: Many online stores have a “remnants” or “sale” section where you can find smaller cuts of fabric at a discounted price.
Your Guide to Sourcing Viscose
Choosing the right online retailer for viscose fabric by the yard depends on your project, budget, and priorities. For unique prints, Fabriclore is an excellent choice. For high-end designer options, Mood Fabrics and B&J Fabrics are top contenders. And for stretch viscose and wholesale pricing, Spandex House is hard to beat.
By ordering swatches, reading descriptions carefully, and comparing your options, you can confidently purchase the perfect viscose fabric online for your next creation in New York City.
