Spandex & Lycra Fabric Wholesale — Quick Guide for Buyers and Suppliers
Why choose spandex/lycra wholesale?
Lower unit cost for large runs — ideal for brands and factories.
Easier color matching and consistent stretch across batches.
Access to custom blends and finishes (e.g., nylon+spandex, polyester+spandex, anti-chlorine, silicone finish).
Key specs to check before buying
Fiber ratio — e.g., Nylon 80% + Spandex 20% (determines hand-feel & recovery).
GSM / Weight — impacts opacity, drape, and performance.
Width — common widths: 140–165 cm. Confirm usable width for cutting.
Stretch % & Recovery — measure stretch across warp & weft and check recovery performance.
Colorfastness & dye method — test wash resistance, chlorine resistance (for swim fabrics), and UV stability.
Finish / Hand feel —Examples: brushed/matte/shiny, water-resistant, anti-pilling, chlorine-resistant finishes.
Construction / Knit type — single jersey, interlock, tricot, circular knit, etc., which affect weight and elasticity.
Common applications
Sportswear, leggings, yoga pants
Swimwear & active swim fabrics
Compression garments & underwear
Dancewear & performance costumes
How pricing is determined
Raw material costs — higher spandex content and higher-grade nylon/polyester increase price.
Fabric construction — more complex knits and higher GSM cost more.
Color and finishing — special dyes, anti-chlorine, silicone finishes, or performance coatings add cost.
Order quantity & repeat business — larger MOQ and repeat orders generally lower unit price.
Shipping, customs, and packaging — freight method, duties, and packaging specs affect landed cost.
Minimums, samples, and quality checks
Request physical samples and lab dips before bulk orders. Online photos aren’t enough.
Ask for test reports: GSM, stretch %, colorfastness (wash/chlorine), pilling, and shrinkage.
Negotiate reasonable initial MOQ — aim for sample-friendly MOQs (e.g., 200–500 meters per color if feasible).
Inspect production roll consistency — request photos or third-party QC for color and hand consistency across rolls.
Shipping & lead times
Typical production lead time: 2–6 weeks depending on quantity and finishing.
Stock vs. made-to-order: For urgent runs, prioritize ready-roll stock availability.
Packaging details: Confirm roll length, core type, protected ends, and labeling to avoid damage and customs delays.
Incoterms: Clarify responsibilities (FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP) to know who handles freight, insurance, and duties.
Practical supplier-selection tips
Verify factory capabilities — ask for photos/videos of production lines and finishing processes.
Request references or past client examples for similar fabric specs.
Check turnaround for color matching — vendor should offer reliable lab dips and repeatable color recipes.
Negotiate sample costs upfront and agree on sample-to-production color tolerances.
Consider local warehouses or bonded stock if frequent small orders are needed to reduce lead time.
Short CTA & link suggestion
If you need reliable spandex/lycra fabric wholesale with custom blends and low MOQs, contact our sourcing team for free samples and a fast quote. — Marvin
