Guangzhou fabric market guide (Zhongda)

Zhongda is the place to see a huge range of fabrics in one trip: cotton, linen, silk, chiffon, knits, denim, lace, embroidery and technical fabrics, plus buttons, zips, labels and other trims. It sits close to Guangzhou's garment industry, so it moves quickly with fashion trends.

It suits fashion brands, designers, small clothing manufacturers and buyers who need many different fabrics in modest quantities.

Zhongda isn't one building but a whole district of markets, spread over several square kilometres. The central buildings, such as the Guangzhou China Fabrics and Accessories Center, have higher-end shops and prices. Surrounding markets often have more affordable options. Shops tend to group by type, so ask at the entrance or follow the signs for the fabric you need.

Many shops sell from stock by the roll, and some by the metre, which is why Zhongda is popular with small businesses. For custom colours or special finishes, the shop usually orders from a mill, and the minimum rises to hundreds or thousands of metres per colour.

Prices are usually quoted per metre, per yard or per kilogram for knits. Make sure you know which, and check the width, because a cheaper price on a narrower fabric can cost more per garment.

1. 1Bring reference samples or photos, and know the composition, weight (GSM) and width you need.
2. 2Collect swatches from several shops, labelled with the shop's card and the article number.
3. 3Compare them in daylight. Colours look very different under market lighting.
4. 4Order a larger cutting of your favourites to test washing, shrinkage and colour-fastness.
5. 5Agree the price, quantity, delivery date and shade tolerance in writing before paying a deposit.

Fabric problems are expensive, because they usually show up after cutting and sewing. Before fabric is shipped or cut, check:

• Shade, against the approved sample and between rolls.
• Width and weight (GSM), against what you ordered.
• Defects such as holes, slubs, stains and weaving faults. Fabric is often graded on a points system per 100 square yards.
• Hand feel, stretch and recovery for knits.
• Washing results: shrinkage and colour-fastness.

We can check fabric rolls before shipment as part of our quality inspection service.

For large quantities of one fabric, going to the mill directly is often cheaper, and many mills are in Zhejiang, around Keqiao. Zhongda is better for variety, small quantities and trend fabrics. Many buyers use both: Zhongda for sampling and small runs, mills for bulk.