London's textile market is vast, but finding high-quality Viscose requires knowing exactly where to look. Designers and private labels value Viscose for its silk-like drape and affordability. It sits uniquely between natural and synthetic fibers, offering breathability and versatility for garments ranging from summer dresses to tailored shirts.
However, inconsistent quality remains a common issue in fabric sourcing. A cheap Viscose fabric might shrink significantly or lose its sheen after one wash. This guide identifies the most reliable sources in London and provides criteria to ensure you purchase materials that meet professional standards.
How to Evaluate a Fabric Supplier
Before visiting specific stores, establish clear criteria. Not all retailers cater to the needs of fashion brands or serious designers.
- Variety of Weaves: A good supplier stocks more than just basic plain weaves. Look for Crepe, Georgette, Chiffon, and Twill variations of Viscose.
- Transparency: The seller should know the origin of the fabric and its specific blend percentages (e.g., 100% Viscose vs. a Viscose/Linen blend).
- Stock Continuity: For fashion brands, continuity is vital. Verify if the supplier can provide the same fabric repeatedly or if they rely on "deadstock" (leftover fabric that won't be replenished).
- Sustainable Options: Modern Viscose production can be eco-friendly. Look for certifications or branded variations like EcoVero if sustainability aligns with your brand values.
Top 5 Sources for Viscose in London
London offers a mix of historic districts and modern sourcing hubs. These five locations consistently deliver quality and variety.
1. Goldhawk Road (Shepherd's Bush)
Goldhawk Road is a legendary strip for fabric shopping in West London. It features a dense concentration of shops, making it efficient for comparing prices and textures quickly.
- Why go here: Volume and competitive pricing. You will find over a dozen shops next to each other.
- What to expect: Shops here often carry surplus stock from high-street brands. You can find high-quality printed Viscose at lower price points than in central London.
- Key Tip: Check the roll ends. Bargaining is sometimes possible if you buy in bulk, though less common than it used to be.
2. Berwick Street (Soho)
Located in the heart of London, Berwick Street is synonymous with high-end textiles. This area caters to bespoke tailors, costume designers, and luxury brands.
- Why go here: Premium quality and specialized prints. If you need a specific weight or a luxury finish, this is the place.
- What to expect: Prices are higher here. The focus is on exceptional quality and exclusive designs that you won't see elsewhere.
- Key Tip: Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds and get more attention from the knowledgeable staff.
3. Joel & Son Fabrics (Marylebone)
Holding a Royal Warrant, Joel & Son serves a clientele that demands perfection. They specialize in couture fabrics.
- Why go here: Unmatched quality control. Their Viscose selection often includes designer prints and high-grade Italian weaves.
- What to expect: A well-organized environment with expert staff who understand garment construction.
- Key Tip: This is an investment destination. Go here for your "hero" pieces or limited-edition collections.
4. Dalston Mill Fabrics (Dalston)
For those in East London, Dalston Mill offers a practical balance between quality and cost. It is a favorite among students and independent designers.
- Why go here: Accessibility and range. They stock a solid core collection of solid colors and standard prints.
- What to expect: A warehouse-style setup that encourages browsing. The atmosphere is less formal than Soho but more organized than some market stalls.
- Key Tip: Their online inventory is good, but visiting in person allows you to test the drape of the Viscose, which is crucial for this specific fiber.
5. Fabriclore (Online with Global Reach)
While physical stores in London allow for immediate tactile inspection, sourcing for a brand requires scalability. Fabriclore bridges the gap between traditional sourcing and modern efficiency.
- Why choose Fabriclore: We specialize in low Minimum Order Quantities (MoQ), making us ideal for private labels and D2C brands that need custom manufacturing without the risk of massive inventory.
- The Offering: We provide an extensive range of Viscose, including standard Rayon, sustainable Ecovero, and Modal. Beyond just selling fabric, we offer customized design, dyeing, and printing services.
- The Advantage: Sourcing locally in London is great for sampling, but for production, Fabriclore offers a tech-enabled platform that ensures transparency and on-time delivery. We are trusted by over 400 private labels globally because we simplify the supply chain.
Essential Quality Checks for Viscose
Viscose varies wildly in quality. Perform these checks before committing to a purchase.
The "Scrunch" Test
Viscose is notorious for wrinkling, but high-quality weaves recover better than cheap ones. Squeeze a handful of the fabric tightly and release it. If deep, sharp creases remain immediately, the fabric will be high-maintenance for the end consumer. A higher-quality Viscose will show softer wrinkles that fall out more easily.
Check the Weave Density
Hold the fabric up to the light. A loose, uneven weave indicates poor quality and potential durability issues. A tight, uniform weave ensures the garment holds its shape and withstands regular wear.
Wet Testing (If Possible)
Viscose is weaker when wet. If you buy a sample, wet a corner and pull it gently. If it tears or distorts easily, it is not suitable for fitted garments.
Color Fastness
Rub a white tissue or cloth against the fabric. If color transfers onto the tissue (crocking), the dyeing process was poor. This is a major defect that will ruin other clothes in a wash cycle.
Sourcing Strategies for Fashion Brands
Finding the right fabric is only step one. Securing a reliable supply chain is step two.
For one-off projects or bespoke garments, the physical stores in Soho or Goldhawk Road offer immediacy. You walk in, buy the length, and leave.
However, for fashion brands planning a collection, reliability trumps immediacy. You need a partner who can dye fabric to your specific Pantone color or print your custom pattern on a high-quality Viscose base.
This is where Fabriclore excels. We combine the variety of a massive warehouse with the customization of a boutique mill. Our focus is on supporting your business growth through consistent quality and transparent timelines.
Next Steps for Your Collection
Sourcing Viscose fabric in London offers options for every budget and project scale.
- For students and hobbyists: Visit Goldhawk Road or Dalston Mill for variety and value.
- For bespoke tailoring: Head to Berwick Street or Joel & Son for luxury options.
- For fashion brands and private labels: Partner with Fabriclore. We deliver fully customized fabric at low MoQs, solving the logistical headaches of scaling a brand.
Understanding your material is the foundation of a successful garment. Choose your supplier based not just on the pattern they have in stock today, but on their ability to support your production needs tomorrow.