What Are 'Deadstock' Textiles?

At our brand, we use deadstock fabrics for most of our cotton and rayon pieces, giving them a lightweight, breezy feel perfect for warm weather. But what exactly are deadstock textiles, and why do we use them?

The Source of Deadstock Fabrics

We procure these fabrics from local suppliers in Kingston who source overstock material from large fashion brands. These ends-of-line fabrics are typically high-quality but are surplus to the needs of big retailers.

Why Do Large Fashion Brands Waste Fabric?

The fashion industry is notorious for over-consumption and over-production. Large retailers often buy more fabric than they need to meet projected demand. If the items produced don't sell as expected, these excess materials become waste, as they can't be returned. This surplus often ends up being dumped or burned, leading to the term "deadstock."

Source image: climateaction.africa

A Second Chance for Fabrics

Instead of allowing these perfectly good textiles to go to waste, we purchase them for our smaller production batches. Our suppliers review the deadstock fabric for quality, allowing us to select the best rolls available. This process can be painstaking, and we often don't get the exact quantities we want. Additionally, small brands face challenges with high minimum order quantities and shipping logistics, making deadstock an appealing alternative.

The Debate on Deadstock Usage

Some critics argue that using deadstock perpetuates over-consumption. However, until consumers adjust their expectations and understand the realities of garment production, and large corporations curb excessive advertising, over-consumption in fashion will persist. By choosing to buy from small brands like ours, consumers can support a different approach to fashion. We work with small-scale suppliers, produce responsibly by hand, and know all our supply chain partners personally, striving together to make a better world.