with the advancement of online purchases, question arises- how do you guarantee to find the quality of fabric when buying online? purchasing fabric in the comfort of your home has become amazingly convenient. Not being able to touch, feel, or scrutinize the fabric up close can sometimes make you feel like taking a risk.
Yet, with some awareness and intelligent shopping habits, you can confidently judge fabric quality online and make sound decisions. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through important tips, pitfalls to avoid, and the best practices for online fabric shopping success.
Why Fabric Quality Matters When Shopping Online ?
Fabric quality has a direct effect on the comfort, longevity, and general look of a garment or textile. Whether purchasing for personal consumption, tailoring, or a company, substandard fabric can lead to:
- Fading within a few washes
- Shrinking or warping
- Harsh feel on the skin
- Pilling, ripping, or excessive wear and tear
That’s why it’s imperative to learn how to assess quality of fabric without having to touch it.
1. Know Fabric Types and Their Features
Before shopping, learn about various fabric types of fabrics & their undefined characterstics.. Every fabric functions differently when it comes to softness, drape, thickness and durability.
Examples:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, wrinkle-prone
Linen: Cool, slightly stiff, textured
Silk: Smooth, shiny, fragile
Polyester: Long-lasting, wrinkle-free, less breathable
Rayon: Flowing, breathable, semi-synthetic texture
Having an idea of what to expect from each type of fabric allows you to compare what is described online with what the fabric actually feels like in real life.
2. Read Product Descriptions Carefully
Most online fabric stores that are reputable offer detailed descriptions that can assist you in evaluating fabric quality.
Watch out for these signs:
- Material composition: 100% cotton vs. cotton blend
- GSM (Grams per Square Meter): Higher GSM, Higher Thickness, Heavier Fabric
- Weave type: Plain, twill, satin – influences how the fabric feels and performs
- Stretch or elasticity: Critical for body-fitting garments
- Opacity or transparency: Determines if lining is required
Tip: If a description is not very detailed, that may be a red flag.
3. Zoom In On Product Images
Great websites provide great, high-resolution, zoom-able fabric pictures.
What to look for in pictures:
- Close-up photos highlighting weave texture
- Drape or how the fabric drapes on a model or mannequin
- Stitching, where visible, can indicate quality and finish
- To better know the colour go to natural light
Some websites even provide videos to show how the fabric moves – a major plus!
4. Check for Fabric GSM (Grams Per Square Meter): it tells you the quality of fabric
GSM helps in evaluating the Weight and thickness of a fabric. This is one of the most reliable criteria for estimating fabric quality online.
GSM Reference Guide:
- Less than 100 GSM: Light and sheer (e.g., voile, chiffon)
- 100–200 GSM: Ideal for shirts, dresses, lightweight bottoms
- 200–300 GSM: Thicker and heavier (e.g., denim, canvas)
Heavy weight fabrics tend to be more long-lasting and structural, whereas lighter weight fabrics have breathability.
5. Check Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Reviews from previous consumers can be mines of information. Keep an eye on their feedback too keeping these areas in mind:
- Does it compare to the photographs and description?
- How does the fabric behaves (soft, stratchey, scratchey)
- Color accuracy
- Shrinkage or bleeding on washing
- What is suitable for particular projects (e.g., good for dresses, upholstery, etc.)
Pro Tip: Search for reviews with photos to make a sounder judgment.
6. Examine Return and Sample Policies
A good internet fabric seller tends to provide:
- Swatch/sampling options prior to full yardage purchase
- Flexible return policies in the event the fabric doesn’t live up to expectations
- Ordering swatches enables you to physically test texture, color, weight, and drape before investing in a larger amount.
7. Stick to Credible Sellers or Marketplaces
Always buy from reliable online fabric stores like Tantushree Fabrics. As we-
- Provide correct product information
- Have customer support
- Have better packaging and shipping
Top indications of a good store:
- Clear contact info
- Secured website (https://)
- Social proof (followers, reviews, mentions on forums or blogs)
8. Know Price vs. Quality
It may be tempting to go for cheaper options, but the quality of fabric usually has a relation with price. It doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive will be better — but really cheap fabric may mean:
- Low thread count
- Mixed fibers or fillers
- Poor dyeing or printing process
Some price comparison amongst similar GSM or blends to determine if you’re getting a fair quality.
9. Check for Certifications and Eco-labels
Good-quality fabrics usually carry certifications that ensure ethical sourcing, sustainability, or authenticity.
A few such common certifications are:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): For organic cotton or ecological textiles
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Guarantees no dangerous chemicals that the fabric contains
- Silk Mark: Guarantees no dangerous chemicals that the fabric contains
Fabric authenticity and health safety can be assured by these labels
10. Ask Questions
Do not be shy to call the seller and pose certain questions like:
- Is the color accurate as per the photo?
- What is the shrinkage percentage?
- Can you tell me about the texture?
- Is it machine washable?
The seller’s responsiveness and knowledge can also be an indicator of their overall service quality.
Last Thoughts: Shop Smart, Feel Confident
True, online shopping for fabrics misses out on the sense of touch, but that does not imply you can’t trust quality. By merging technical knowledge, eyesight, judgments, reviews, and good buying habits, you can be sure to tell fabric quality online.
Ensure you buy from trustworthy websites, read the small print, and leverage tools such as swatches or videos to your advantage. With time, you will have more confidence when recognizing high-quality fabrics without setting foot in a store.
Key Point: High-quality fabrics just don’t makes your clothes look classy but also assures satisfaction, comfort & durability .
FAQs
Q: What is GSM and why should I care?
A: GSM is grams per square meter and informs you of the thickness/weight of a fabric. More GSM typically indicates greater durability.
Q: Can I rely on color accuracy when buying online?
A: Always look at images in natural light and check for reviews citing color. Screens will show color differently.
Q: What if I get low quality fabric?
A: Make sure the seller has a return policy. Call customer service and offer photo proof for a replacement or refund.
Q: Is ordering fabric swatches worth it?
A: Absolutely! Swatches are an excellent way to touch and feel fabric before you make a large purchase.