The type of fabric needed for your business will decide which associations for the fabrics industry will meet your business needs. When it comes to manufacturing and supplying, there are different aspects of the fabric industry you should be aware of. The different types of fabric are:

1. Nonwoven fabric, which is neither knitted nor woven. This fabric is usually not strong and is commonly used as a backing with additional material providing support. Felt is an example of nonwoven fabric.
2. Synthetic fabrics, which are made with synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or spun thermoplastics. These are mainly used in the manufacturing of clothing. The fabrics consist of bulk fibers, yarns or woven cloth, among other materials.
3. Specialty fabrics, which are specific to a certain use or industry. Examples of specialty fabrics include marine fabrics, upholstery, awnings, tents, truck covers and others.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out nonwoven fabrics associations

For those in the industry, nonwoven fabric supplier associations can keep you current on industry news and provide networking opportunities to expand your customer base.

I recommend: The Association for the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) organizes conferences, provides training and prints handbooks for fabrics groups. Representing the nonwoven industry in Taiwan is the Taiwan Nonwoven Fabrics Industry Association (TNFIA). Members include manufacturers, suppliers and converters of nonwoven fabrics.

Check out synthetic fabric supplier associations

A synthetic fabric supplier association can help grow a business, provide membership benefits for distribution and protect the bussiness' interest in the industry.

I recommend: The National Association of Decorative Fabric Distributors (NADFD) is a fabric supplier association that provides a forum for the exchange of information within the industry. Their goal is for distributors to promote, protect and advance the interest of wholesale fabric and supply distribution. The Fabric Stock Exchange Textile Brokers is a wholesale fabric organization that offers extra inventory at good prices. They sell all types of fabric from natural to synthetic, and woven to knit. The American Fiber Manufacturers Association, Inc. (AFMA) is a trade association that represents producers who only sell synthetic fabric in the Unites States and only if they operate in the open market.

Check out specialty fabrics groups

If your business produces fabric that can only be used in a specific industry, a specialty fabric supplier organization can help protect your interests.

I recommend: The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a trade association for the fabrics industry that represents specialty fabric, such as awnings, marine fabrics, upholstery and geosynthetics, among others. Their website supports interest groups, has an events page and offers a magazine for each different specialty. Affiliated with IFAI is the Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association. SWIFA is a non-profit organization that represents the technical fabric industry. Their membership is open to suppliers, manufacturers, fabricators and others interested in promoting the technical and specialty fabrics industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For natural fabric suppliers, check online for fabrics councils.
• •  Many wholesalers offer fabrics to retailers for a discount at the end of a season.