Wholesale of knitted rib fabric

Detailed Explanation of Knitted Ribbed Fabric Wholesale and Industry Development Trends

Knitted ribbed fabric, as an important type of fabric in the textile industry, is widely used in clothing, home textiles, and sporting goods due to its softness, elasticity, comfort, and breathability. With the increasing diversification and customization demands of the clothing market, the wholesale market for knitted ribbed fabric has also developed rapidly. This article will systematically analyze the fabric from aspects such as definition, classification, performance, production process, wholesale models, price influencing factors, and industry development trends to help enterprises and buyers fully understand the current market situation and prospects of knitted ribbed fabric.

I. Definition of Knitted Ribbed Fabric

Knitted ribbed fabric is a type of fabric produced by knitting technology, usually made of cotton, polyester, spandex, or their blends. Ribbon is a special knitted structure where the two sides of the fabric have different textures; one side is smooth, while the other side has distinct warp stripes. This structure not only gives the fabric good elasticity but also ensures its softness and durability.

Knitted ribbed fabric is commonly used for garment edges such as collars, cuffs, hems, and trouser cuffs. It can also be used to make loungewear, sportswear, and children's clothing, products that require good elasticity and comfort. II. Main Classifications of Knitted Ribbed Fabrics

Knitted rib fabrics can be classified into several types based on fiber type, knitting method, and intended use:

Cotton Ribbed: Made from pure cotton yarn, it has a soft hand feel and good breathability, suitable for clothing worn close to the skin.

Polyester Ribbed: Primarily made from polyester yarn, it has strong abrasion resistance and wrinkle resistance, suitable for sportswear and functional garments.

Spandex Blended Ribbed: A blend of cotton or polyester and spandex, enhancing the fabric's elasticity, widely used in knitted garments and close-fitting clothing.

Double-Sided Ribbed: With different knitting structures on both sides, it has an attractive appearance and good elasticity, often used for decorative and functional areas such as cuffs and collars.

Colored or Fancy Ribbed: Made using colored yarn or dyeing processes, it can meet the diverse color and pattern requirements of clothing designs.

Different types of knitted rib fabrics have their own advantages in terms of hand feel, elasticity, durability, and appearance. Buyers can choose the appropriate fabric type according to their intended use.

III. Main Properties of Knitted Ribbed Fabric

Knitted ribbed fabric possesses several superior properties due to its unique knitted structure:

Good Elasticity

The ribbed structure gives the fabric excellent lateral and longitudinal elasticity, making garments more comfortable and form-fitting during wear.

Soft and Comfortable

Made with cotton or cotton blends, it has a soft touch, is gentle on the skin, and is suitable for use with close-fitting clothing.

High Durability

Double-knitting and denser knitting processes improve the fabric's strength and abrasion resistance, extending the lifespan of garments.

Moisture-wicking and Breathable

Natural cotton fibers or blends with good moisture-wicking properties ensure good breathability and moisture absorption.

Excellent Stability

After finishing processes, knitted ribbed fabric has a low shrinkage rate, is not easily deformed, and is easy to process and wash.

High Aesthetic Appeal

Ribbed fabric can achieve striped, patterned, and two-tone effects through different knitting techniques and yarn combinations, enhancing the visual appeal of garments.

These properties make knitted ribbed fabric an irreplaceable and important fabric in garment production.

IV. Production Process of Knitted Ribbed Fabric

The production process of knitted ribbed fabric mainly includes yarn selection, knitting, dyeing, and finishing.

1. Yarn Selection

Different types of yarn are selected based on the fabric's intended use. Cotton yarn is soft and breathable, suitable for close-fitting clothing; polyester yarn is durable and easy to wash; spandex yarn increases elasticity. Yarn count and twist also affect the fabric's thickness, feel, and elasticity.

2. Knitting Process

Ribbed fabric is knitted using warp or weft knitting techniques. By adjusting the stitch length, density, and stitch type, the desired elasticity, texture, and thickness can be achieved. Different knitting methods can create single-sided or double-sided ribbed fabric to meet different garment needs.

3. Dyeing and Printing

The fabric can be dyed or printed to impart color and patterns. Modern manufacturers often use environmentally friendly dyes and low-water-consumption technologies to meet environmental requirements.

4. Finishing

Finishing includes softening, pre-shrinking, setting, and wrinkle-resistant processes, making the knitted ribbed fabric more stable and comfortable during garment processing and wear.

5. Inspection and Packaging

After production, the fabric undergoes tests for colorfastness, shrinkage, and tensile strength. Only after passing these tests are it rolled or cut and packaged for wholesale or processing.

V. Wholesale Models for Knitted Ribbon Fabrics

The wholesale market for knitted rib fabrics is maturing, primarily employing the following models:

Traditional Wholesale Markets

Manufacturers supply large quantities of knitted rib fabrics to wholesalers through textile markets or fabric markets. Wholesalers then resell to garment factories, brand owners, or retailers.

Direct Sales from Manufacturers

Some knitted rib fabric manufacturers directly wholesale fabrics to corporate clients, eliminating intermediaries, reducing procurement costs, and ensuring stable fabric supply.

Customized Wholesale

Manufacturers can provide customized wholesale services based on customer needs, such as color, pattern, fiber ratio, and specifications, meeting branding and differentiation requirements.

Online Wholesale Platforms

With the development of the internet, more and more manufacturers are wholesaling knitted rib fabrics through B2B platforms or e-commerce channels, achieving nationwide and even global sales.

These wholesale models provide flexible procurement channels for garment factories and brands of different sizes.

VI. Factors Affecting the Wholesale Price of Knitted Ribbed Fabric

The price of knitted ribbed fabric is affected by several factors:

Yarn Cost: Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials such as cotton, polyester, and spandex directly impact the wholesale price of the fabric.

Process Complexity: Complex processes such as double-sided, jacquard, or fancy ribbed fabrics increase production costs.

Fabric Thickness and Density: Fabrics with higher weight per gram, higher loop density, or smaller stitch count have higher costs.

Dyeing and Finishing Processes:Environmentally friendly dyes, softening treatments, wrinkle-resistant finishes, and antibacterial treatments increase prices.

Wholesale Quantity: Bulk purchases can reduce production costs and lower the price per meter; small batches or custom orders result in higher prices.

Origin and Brand:** Differences in production costs across different regions and the brand of the manufacturer affect price fluctuations.

Understanding these factors helps buyers make informed choices about knitted ribbed fabrics and control procurement costs.

VII. Applications of Knitted Ribbed Fabric in the Apparel Industry

Knitted ribbed fabric has a wide range of applications in apparel production:

Necklines, Cuffs, and Hems: The ribbed structure ensures elasticity, fit, and comfort.

Homewear and Casual Wear: Soft and comfortable, suitable for extended wear.

Sportswear: Elastic, comfortable and form-fitting during exercise, suitable for leggings, T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

Infant and Toddler Clothing: Soft and breathable cotton rib knit fabric, suitable for infants and toddlers to wear next to their skin.

Functional Apparel: Achieved through blending or printing processes to provide antibacterial, odor-resistant, or quick-drying properties.

Due to its wide range of uses, the wholesale market demand for knitted rib fabrics is stable, making it a key fabric choice for garment factories and brand owners.

VIII. Recommendations for Choosing a Knitted Ribbon Fabric Wholesale Supplier

Assess Production Capacity:Understand the factory size, number of equipment, annual production capacity, and technological level.

Check Sample Quality:Evaluate fabric quality through indicators such as touch, stretch, and shrinkage rate.

Assess Service Capabilities:Can the supplier provide samples, customized production, and after-sales service?

Consider Price Stability:Choosing a supplier with reasonable and stable prices helps reduce procurement risks.

Environmental Protection and Certification:Reputable manufacturers use environmentally friendly dyes and green production technologies, meeting national environmental standards.

By scientifically selecting suppliers, the stability of wholesale procurement and fabric quality can be guaranteed.

IX. Development Trends in the Knitted Ribbon Fabric Industry

With changing market demands and technological advancements, the knitted rib fabric industry is showing the following development trends:

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

Green production and environmentally friendly dyeing and finishing will become mainstream in the industry, driving textile companies to adopt energy-saving and consumption-reducing technologies.

The Rise of Functional Fabrics

Antibacterial, odor-resistant, and quick-drying functional fabrics are favored by the sportswear and children's clothing markets.

Intelligent Manufacturing and Digital Management

Automated knitting equipment and digital management systems improve production efficiency and product consistency.

Increased Customization Trends

Increased demand for personalized fabrics from brands and niche markets leads manufacturers to offer customized wholesale services.

Development of Online Wholesale Platforms

E-commerce and B2B platforms make fabric procurement more convenient and expand market coverage.

X. Conclusion

Knitted rib fabrics, with their good elasticity, comfort, and diverse applications, have become one of the important fabrics in the apparel industry and textile wholesale market.

With the development of environmental protection, functionality, and customization trends, the knitted rib fabric wholesale market will continue to grow steadily.

When selecting wholesale suppliers of knitted rib fabrics, businesses should focus on production capacity, fabric quality, service capabilities, and environmental protection technologies to ensure stable procurement and high-quality fabrics.

In the future, knitted rib fabric manufacturers with R&D capabilities, production technology, and customization services will have stronger competitiveness and development potential in the market.