INSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY – Are Sustainable Minimum Orders the Future? What New Fabric Suppliers Are Offering Emerging Brands

Barbara Sessim
Jun 5
3 min read

Discover how low-MOQ sustainable fabric platforms are transforming material sourcing for emerging designers. Access ethical textiles without bulk commitments.

Ok ok ok… so this is a topic that I have already written about before but, due to the current event in the fashion industry, let’s explore a little bit more about MOQs and fabric orders. Yes, tariffs, consumer behavior and sustainability are directly related to this topic!

Today’s emerging designers are navigating a landscape shaped by rising sustainability standards, shifting consumer behavior, and the financial pressure to avoid overproduction. One of the most encouraging developments in this space is the rise of fabric suppliers offering sustainable materials with significantly lower minimum order quantities (MOQs). This evolution isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a fundamental change that may redefine how independent brands operate in the long term.

Historically, sourcing sustainable fabrics has been a daunting task for new designers. Access was often restricted to large brands capable of meeting high MOQs—sometimes as much as 1,000 yards or more per material. That model left smaller labels with few options: either overcommit financially or compromise on sustainability. But today, new platforms and suppliers are challenging that reality.

Marketplaces like Queen of Raw, which specializes in unused and deadstock textiles, allow designers to buy smaller amounts of sustainable materials while reducing industry waste. Similarly, platforms like Common Objective and Fabscrap are building networks around ethical sourcing and circularity, offering insights and access to small-batch, responsibly made fabrics. These services cater directly to the needs of independent fashion brands trying to balance environmental values with production practicality.

Another major player, Trove, focuses on giving second life to existing textiles, making it possible to source high-quality fabrics without contributing to new production. And then there’s Retraced, which emphasizes full material traceability, allowing small brands to verify the origins of their fabrics even on limited-scale orders. These innovations are not just convenient—they are becoming necessary as consumers demand greater transparency and responsibility from fashion labels, regardless of size.

What makes these developments so impactful is how they help level the playing field. With flexible MOQs, small brands can prototype more sustainably, test collections without massive financial risk, and iterate based on demand—all without the burden of leftover inventory. This is especially critical in an era where pre-order models, small-batch releases, and on-demand manufacturing are gaining traction. Lower MOQs mean brands can finally align their sustainability commitments with their business model.

From a broader industry standpoint, the push toward sustainable minimum orders aligns with global goals to reduce waste and carbon emissions. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry contributes around 10% of global carbon emissions. By sourcing from existing materials or opting into verified low-impact supply chains, even small brands can be part of the solution.

Of course, navigating these sourcing options still requires strategy. It’s not only about finding suppliers—it’s about aligning materials with your design goals, production timeline, and target price point. This is where experience and guidance can make a real difference. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with a variety of emerging designers to help them build their businesses from the ground up, including material sourcing, product development, and sustainable planning.

If you're an emerging designer looking to build your brand the right way—from the inside out—I can help! Whether you're sourcing sustainable fabrics, figuring out MOQs, or planning your next collection, let’s talk. You can schedule a free 30-minute strategy call with me through the link below.

https://go.oncehub.com/BarbaraSessim

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