Knit fabric wholesale supply is the process by which apparel brands, garment workshops and exporters source the knit fabric they need for series production directly from the manufacturer, in project-based quantities and with approved color and weight values. Unlike retail sales by the meter, the unit here is usually calculated by the kilogram; the price is shaped by fabric type, composition, color and order quantity. As a knit fabric manufacturer that produces greige knit on its own machines and runs dyeing, printing and finishing processes through an audited subcontractor network, KARCEM manages wholesale supply from sample approval to shipment under one roof.
Who wholesale knit fabric is for
Buying wholesale knit fabric is a supply model designed for commercial buyers whose production volume exceeds a certain threshold. Typical buyer profiles include:
- Apparel brands: Brands with regular, collection-based fabric needs tied to a color card and weight standard.
- Garment and subcontract workshops: Businesses that sew for their own customers and source fabric externally.
- Exporters: Companies shipping to the European, Middle Eastern, North American and Russian markets that require Incoterms and certificate compliance.
- Private label manufacturers: Buyers who request specific compositions and handfeels and are open to repeat orders.
The common thread is that the buyer is looking not for a one-off small cut but for a repeatable supply chain of consistent quality, and expects color and weight deviations to be kept under control.
Flexible MOQ and minimum order logic
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest batch in which a fabric can be economically produced in a given color. In knit fabric, MOQ is not a single number, because dye vat capacity, the yarn's minimum consumption per color and the efficiency of the finishing line yield a different result in every project. For this reason, publishing a fixed, one-size-fits-all MOQ list often misleads the buyer.
A flexible MOQ approach sets the minimum according to three variables: number of colors (a single-color large batch versus many small multi-color batches), fabric type (the minimum for single jersey is not the same as for jacquard) and composition (an organic or recycled yarn works on a different supply batch). Thanks to this logic, small brands can work with reasonable starting batches while large manufacturers benefit from scale.
Knit fabric types offered
Below are the main knit fabric families requested in wholesale supply and their typical uses. For the weight and composition details of all types, see the fabric catalogue.
- Single jersey: Single-faced, thin and lightweight; the staple fabric of t-shirts and underwear. See the difference between single jersey and interlock.
- Interlock: Double-faced, full-bodied and balanced; quality t-shirts, baby wear and sweat lining.
- Rib knit: High crosswise stretch; collars, cuffs and slim-fit products. See the differences between baby rib and rib knit.
- Baby rib: Pronounced fine ribs, for fitted cuts.
- Pique: With its breathable textured structure, for polos and corporate wear.
- Two-thread and three-thread fleece: Sweatshirts, joggers and outdoor lined products.
- Jacquard: Patterned knit; fashion collections and differentiated product groups.
For patterns that require stretch, the lycra/elastane ratio is adjusted to the project; for details, see the lycra-elastane knit guide.
Sampling, color approval and production process
In a wholesale order, production passes through an approval chain before going straight to the machine. This chain guarantees that the incoming batch matches expectations exactly:
- Sample: A physical sample is prepared in the requested fabric type, weight and composition.
- Lab-dip (color trial): Laboratory dyeing is done for the target color and sent to the buyer.
- Color approval (ΔE<1): The difference between the approved color and the production batch is kept within a ΔE<1 tolerance using a spectrophotometer — meaning the visual difference is practically zero.
- Production: With the approved values, the greige knit, dyeing, printing and finishing processes are carried out.
- Inspection and shipment: The resulting batch is checked for weight, width and color and then dispatched.
Certified wholesale supply
For export-focused buyers and those with sustainability requirements, a certified yarn and process chain is critically important. The following standards are offered in wholesale supply:
- GOTS: Certifies that fabric made from organic fiber remains organic throughout the entire chain.
- OCS: Verifies the organic content ratio in a traceable way.
- GRS and RCS: Certify the recycled yarn content and the integrity of the chain.
Certified wholesale supply requires not only the yarn but the entire chain, including dyeing and finishing, to be auditable; this is possible only when the subcontractor network operates within the certificate's scope.
Weight and composition flexibility
In wholesale production, weight (grams per m², GSM) and composition are not a fixed menu but variables adjusted to the project. The same single jersey can be produced anywhere from a thin 140 g/m² summer t-shirt to a full-bodied 200 g/m² body. For the effect of weight choice on product feel and cost, the weight/GSM guide is a useful starting point.
In composition, a wide range can be worked, from 100% cotton to cotton-elastane, cotton-polyester and modal/viscose blends; the decision is made according to the product's intended use, wash durability and target cost.
Lead time and export
In wholesale orders, the lead time (delivery time) depends on the fabric type, number of colors, quantity and certificate requirement. For export shipments, the delivery term is clarified with Incoterms (for example EXW, FOB, CIF). KARCEM has shipping experience to the European, Middle Eastern, North American and Russian markets; the necessary certificates and documents are planned at the order stage.
Sample supply table
The table below contains representative values only, to illustrate the order of magnitude; the actual MOQ, lead time and price are always set on a project-specific basis in the quotation.
| Fabric type | Typical weight (g/m²) | Sample starting batch (per color) | Sample lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single jersey | 140–200 | Flexible / project-based | Short |
| Interlock | 180–240 | Flexible / project-based | Short–medium |
| Rib knit | 200–280 | Flexible / project-based | Short |
| Two / three-thread fleece | 250–360 | Flexible / project-based | Medium |
| Jacquard | Pattern-dependent | Project-based | Medium–long |
Why pricing is set on demand
The price per kg of knit fabric is not a single fixed figure, because the inputs that determine the unit cost change with every order. The main factors that affect the price:
- Fabric type: Yarn consumption and knitting time differ by type.
- Composition: Organic, recycled or elastane yarns cost differently from standard cotton.
- Color and number of colors: The dyeing process and batch size directly affect the unit price.
- Quantity: Larger batches provide a scale advantage.
- Certificate and lead time: Documents such as GOTS/GRS and an expedited lead time are reflected in the cost.
For this reason, an honest supplier does not give a binding price per kg before the fabric type, color and quantity are settled; a sound price emerges after the RFQ (request for quotation).
The advantage of buying wholesale directly from the manufacturer
Working directly with the manufacturer instead of through intermediary layers provides a clear benefit in both cost and control: a single point of contact from greige knit to finishing, quick correction of color and weight deviations, transparency in the certificate chain and consistency on repeat orders. With intermediary-free supply, the middleman's profit margin disappears; the technical dialogue is established directly with the party that does the production.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a wholesale knit fabric price?
You send a request for quotation (RFQ) including the fabric type, weight, composition, color(s) and estimated quantity. Once this information is clear, a project-specific price per kg and lead time are prepared. You can create a request from the contact page.
What is MOQ (minimum order) and how much is it?
MOQ is the smallest batch in which a fabric can be economically produced in a given color. Instead of a single fixed figure, it is set flexibly according to fabric type, number of colors and composition; reasonable starting batches are possible for small brands.
Is the sample chargeable?
The sample and lab-dip policy varies by project; for serious commercial requests with genuine purchase intent, the sampling process is a natural part of the collaboration. The details are clarified at the quotation stage.
How small can the smallest batch be?
The smallest batch depends on the economic minimum of the dye batch per color. For single-color projects with standard compositions the starting batch is more flexible, while for multi-color or special-composition work the minimum can rise.
Do you ship for export?
Yes. Shipments are made to the European, Middle Eastern, North American and Russian markets under Incoterms; the necessary certificates and documents are planned at the order stage.
With KARCEM
For the consistency, color accuracy and transparent pricing you seek in wholesale knit fabric supply, working directly with the manufacturer is the soundest path.