Are you searching for reliable Fabric Manufacturers and Suppliers in South Africa but unsure where to start? What should you look for when choosing a textile partner in this diverse market? How do you balance quality, cost, and ethical production in your sourcing decisions?
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top 10 fabric manufacturers and suppliers in South Africa, offering detailed insights into their specialties, production capabilities, and market positioning. Whether you need technical textiles for industrial applications, premium cotton for fashion design, or sustainable options for eco-conscious collections, this review covers companies specializing in woven fabrics, knit textiles, custom manufacturing, and bulk supply. Each supplier is evaluated based on their product range, production scale, industry experience, and unique value propositions to help you make an informed sourcing decision.
Explore this curated list of South Africa’s leading fabric providers to find the perfect partner for your business needs, and discover how companies like RED&BLACK complement this market with global manufacturing expertise.
List of the Top 10 Fabric Manufacturers and Suppliers in South Africa
| Brand | Headquarters | Business Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Helm Textile Mills | Johannesburg, South Africa | Textile Manufacturing Plant · Bulk Fabric Supplier |
| 2. Da Gama Textiles | Zwelitsha, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Vertical Textile Manufacturer · Cultural Fabric Specialist |
| 3. SK Textiles | Cape Town, South Africa | Textile Wholesaler · Fabric Distributor |
| 4. Weave It | Hammarsdale, KZN, South Africa | Industrial Textile Manufacturer · Technical Fabric Supplier |
| 5. The Mill Fabrics | Johannesburg, South Africa | Textile Design Studio · Contract Fabric Supplier |
| 6. JMV Textiles (Pty) Ltd | Verulam, KZN, South Africa | Vertical Textile Manufacturer · Knitted Fabric Specialist |
| 7. Millar Textiles | Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa | Textile Distributor · Fabric Solutions Provider |
| 8. UNICA Textiles | Pretoria West, South Africa | Industrial Textile Manufacturer · Technical Fabric Coater |
| 9. M&P Trikam | Johannesburg, South Africa | Fabric Importer · Luxury Textile Distributor |
| 10. Basic Fabrics | Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa | Textile Wholesaler · Bulk Fabric Supplier |
1. Helm Textile Mills
Helm Textile Mills operates as a vertically integrated fabric production facility serving brands, manufacturers, and designers across Africa since 1992. The Johannesburg-based textile company combines large-scale manufacturing capabilities with custom fabric development services, producing technical textiles, decorative fabrics, and performance materials for automotive, hospitality, and retail sectors. As both a bulk fabric supplier and bespoke textile manufacturer, Helm maintains complete control over yarn sourcing, weaving, finishing, and quality assurance processes.
Specializing in contract textiles and automotive upholstery fabrics, Helm Textile Mills supplies manufacturers with consistent, high-volume fabric production while offering design flexibility for private label collections. The company's 29-year manufacturing heritage enables reliable fabric sourcing solutions with shorter lead times compared to international suppliers, particularly for African brands prioritizing local textile procurement. With sustainable production practices and 116+ fabric variants in permanent stock, Helm serves as a turnkey fabric supplier for businesses requiring everything from sample yardage to full container loads of specialty textiles.
Established: 1992
Headquarters: 33 Fennell Street, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Industrial-scale fabric manufacturing for bulk orders
- Custom textile development and private label services
- Automotive-grade upholstery fabric production
- Contract textiles for commercial interiors
- ECO-friendly fabric options with OEKO-TEX certification
Business Model: Textile Manufacturing Plant · Bulk Fabric Supplier · OEM Textile Production
2. Da Gama Textiles
Da Gama Textiles represents South Africa's oldest and largest vertically integrated textile manufacturing operation, established in 1946 as The Good Hope Textile Corporation. Operating from its Eastern Cape production facility in Zwelitsha, this historic fabric manufacturer processes approximately 15 million machine metres monthly, serving as a cornerstone of the local textile industry. The company maintains complete vertical integration encompassing spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing operations, specializing in cotton and poly/cotton fabric production for diverse applications.
As both a bulk textile supplier and cultural fabric specialist, Da Gama produces the internationally recognized Three Cats Original Shweshwe alongside technical textiles for workwear, medical, and industrial applications. The manufacturer offers brands and retailers access to authentic African cultural fabrics while providing technical textile solutions with international certifications. With over 580 employees and deep community roots, Da Gama serves as a reliable fabric sourcing partner for businesses seeking locally produced textiles with consistent quality, shorter lead times, and culturally significant designs.
Established: 1946
Headquarters: Hargreaves Avenue, Zwelitsha, King William's Town, 5608, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Traditional Shweshwe and African cultural fabric manufacturing
- Technical textiles for workwear and medical applications
- Home furnishing and décor fabric production
- Industrial textile manufacturing with protective properties
- Bulk fabric supply with vertical integration capabilities
Business Model: Vertical Textile Manufacturer · Cultural Fabric Specialist · Technical Textile Supplier
3. SK Textiles
SK Textiles operates as one of South Africa's most comprehensive fabric wholesalers and textile distributors, serving the garment manufacturing industry since 1999. Headquartered in Cape Town with a 450+ product inventory, the company supplies fashion retailers, boutiques, and independent designers with trend-forward woven and knit fabrics. Specializing in both bulk textile supply and small-quantity orders, SK Textiles bridges the gap between industrial fabric manufacturers and creative professionals requiring accessible wholesale pricing.
The company distinguishes itself through curated fabric selections that combine commercial viability with design innovation, offering everything from basic shirting cottons to performance knits and seasonal trend fabrics. With direct sourcing partnerships through its sister company Texlink, SK Textiles provides manufacturers and designers with reliable access to globally-sourced textiles while maintaining local stock availability. Their vertically integrated approach ensures consistent quality control from mill to retail, making them a preferred fabric supplier for businesses requiring both volume consistency and design flexibility.
Established: 1999
Headquarters: 25 Glosderry Road, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Wholesale fabric distribution for fashion manufacturers
- Small-quantity fabric sales for independent designers
- Trend forecasting and seasonal fabric collections
- Sustainable textile options including organic bamboo
- Bulk fabric sourcing for retail fashion brands
Business Model: Textile Wholesaler · Fabric Distributor · Trend Supplier
4. Weave It
Weave It operates as a vertically integrated textile manufacturing plant specializing in industrial and technical fabrics since 1990. Headquartered in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, this South African fabric producer combines yarn processing, weaving, and finishing operations under one roof to manufacture specialized textiles for mining, filtration, medical, and workwear applications. The company's manufacturing capabilities span weights from 120gsm to 800gsm, producing tightly woven filtration fabrics, ripstop materials, and heavyweight canvas with widths up to 254cm.
As both a fabric manufacturer and commission weaving service provider, Weave It serves industrial clients requiring custom-developed textiles alongside bulk buyers of standard fabric ranges. Their in-house capabilities include calendaring, heat setting, and chemical treatments, allowing complete control over fabric performance characteristics. The company has established particular expertise in polypropylene and cotton-based technical textiles, positioning itself as a solutions-oriented fabric supplier for Africa's industrial and protective clothing sectors.
Established: 1990
Headquarters: Valvick Business Park, 18-25 Green Rd, Hammarsdale, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Industrial fabric manufacturing for mining and filtration
- Technical textile production with specialized treatments
- Commission weaving and yarn processing services
- Custom fabric development for OEM applications
- Bulk supply of cotton canvas and polypropylene fabrics
Business Model: Industrial Textile Manufacturer · Technical Fabric Supplier · Commission Weaving Service
5. The Mill Fabrics
The Mill Fabrics has established itself as a premier designer and supplier of contract upholstery fabrics since its founding in 2006 by textile industry veteran Lorna Bailey. Operating from its Johannesburg design studio and showroom, this specialty fabric company creates curated collections for high-end hospitality, corporate interiors, and residential projects across Southern Africa. The company distinguishes itself through original textile designs that blend aesthetic innovation with rigorous performance testing, particularly for commercial applications requiring durability and flame retardancy.
As both a fabric designer and distributor, The Mill Fabrics offers brands and interior designers access to exclusive textile collections unavailable through conventional suppliers. Their product development process focuses on creating signature fabrics with distinctive textures, including their recycled PET felt range and patented SHOT weave technique fabrics. The company provides custom fabric development services for hotel chains and corporate clients seeking branded textile solutions, along with stock availability of their core commercial upholstery ranges suitable for high-traffic environments.
Established: 2006
Headquarters: Unit C6, Northlands Deco Park, Northriding, Johannesburg, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Contract-grade upholstery fabrics for hospitality and corporate sectors
- Custom fabric development and private label textile manufacturing
- Sustainable fabric collections including 100% recycled PET materials
- Technical textiles with inherent soil/water repellent properties
- Commercial drapery and outdoor fabric solutions
Business Model: Textile Design Studio · Contract Fabric Supplier · Custom Upholstery Manufacturer
6. JMV Textiles (Pty) Ltd
JMV Textiles operates as South Africa's only BEE-verified vertically integrated textile manufacturing group, established in 1971 and operating from a comprehensive production facility in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. The company represents one of the country's most complete textile production ecosystems, encompassing yarn texturing, fabric knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment manufacturing through its sister companies Polydye and Solar Sport. This integrated manufacturing model allows JMV Textiles to control quality across the entire production chain while offering competitive pricing and reliable delivery timelines to retail chains and fashion brands.
Specializing in circular knitted fabrics and technical textiles, JMV Textiles serves as a key fabric supplier to major South African retailers including Woolworths, Mr Price, and Edcon, while also manufacturing for international sports brands. The company's manufacturing capabilities include screen printing, yarn dyeing, and fabric finishing processes that meet rigorous international quality standards. With in-house laboratory testing facilities and compliance certifications for all major retail requirements, JMV Textiles provides brands with a vertically integrated sourcing solution from raw yarn to finished garment production.
Established: 1971
Headquarters: Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Circular knitted fabric manufacturing for fashion and sportswear
- Yarn texturing and dyeing services through Polydye division
- Garment manufacturing via Solar Sport production facility
- Screen printing and fabric finishing services
- Vertical manufacturing from fiber to finished product
Business Model: Vertical Textile Manufacturer · Knitted Fabric Specialist · Retail Supply Partner
7. Millar Textiles
Millar Textiles has served as a leading fabric distributor and textile solutions provider across South Africa since 1990, operating from strategically located facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The company specializes in supplying diverse fabric ranges to apparel manufacturers, uniform suppliers, home furnishing producers, and industrial workwear companies. With no minimum order requirements on core stock items, Millar Textiles accommodates both small-scale designers requiring sample yardage and large manufacturers needing bulk fabric deliveries.
The company distinguishes itself through comprehensive inventory management, maintaining stock of over 200 fabric varieties suitable for fashion, medical scrubs, hospitality textiles, and industrial applications. Millar Textiles offers particular expertise in prepared-for-dye (PFD) and prepared-for-print (PFP) substrates, serving as a key resource for brands developing custom textile designs. Their national distribution network and same-day delivery service within major metropolitan areas make them a preferred fabric supplier for time-sensitive production requirements across South Africa's garment manufacturing sector.
Established: 1990
Headquarters: Cape Town, South Africa (with Johannesburg branch)
Core Offerings:
- Apparel fabric supply for fashion manufacturers
- Medical and hospitality textile solutions
- Industrial workwear fabric inventory
- Prepared-for-dye and prepared-for-print substrates
- Small-quantity sampling and bulk fabric supply
Business Model: Textile Distributor · Fabric Solutions Provider · National Supply Network
8. UNICA Textiles
UNICA Textile Mills operates as South Africa's premier vertically integrated manufacturer of technical industrial fabrics, specializing in coated textiles since its establishment. Headquartered in Pretoria West with a Level 1 B-BBEE rating, the company maintains complete control over the entire production process from yarn preparation to final coating, distinguishing itself as one of the few African manufacturers capable of producing high-performance POLYVIC® PVC fabrics and SYNCA® ripstop canvas entirely in-house.
The company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility combines weaving operations with advanced coating technologies to produce industrial textiles meeting both SABS and ASTM 1019 standards. UNICA serves sectors requiring durable technical fabrics, including mining, transportation, and protective equipment manufacturers, offering specialized treatments such as flame retardancy, water resistance, and anti-fungal properties. Their integrated laboratory and quality control systems ensure consistent performance across all fabric productions, from small custom batches to large industrial orders.
Established: 2000
Headquarters: 304 Edison Street, Pretoria West Industrial, Gauteng, 0183, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- POLYVIC® PVC coated technical fabrics
- SYNCA® ripstop canvas and industrial textiles
- Custom fabric coating and treatment services
- Flame-retardant and specialty treated textiles
- Complete vertical manufacturing from yarn to finished product
Business Model: Industrial Textile Manufacturer · Technical Fabric Coater · Vertical Production Facility
9. M&P Trikam
M&P Trikam represents one of South Africa's longest-established textile importers and fabric distributors, operating since 1935 as a family-owned business specializing in premium fashion and suiting materials. Based in Johannesburg's Fordsburg textile district, the company serves as the exclusive South African agent for prestigious Italian mill Drago S.p.a and Lanificio Cerruti, providing luxury wool suiting fabrics to the local fashion industry. Their multi-generational expertise in fabric curation has established them as a key resource for bespoke tailors, fashion designers, and uniform manufacturers seeking quality imported textiles.
The company maintains a comprehensive inventory spanning over eight specialized fabric categories, including corporate wear, bridal fabrics, school uniforms, and technical sportswear materials suitable for sublimation printing. M&P Trikam distinguishes itself through personalized service and small-quantity availability, catering to both large manufacturers and individual designers requiring cut-length fabrics. Their extensive trimming department and fashion accessories complement their fabric offerings, providing designers with complete sourcing solutions from high-thread-count Egyptian cottons to specialized fusings and sewing notions.
Established: 1935
Headquarters: Fordsburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Core Offerings:
- Luxury Italian wool suiting and shirting fabrics
- Corporate wear and uniform fabric collections
- Bridal and special occasion fashion textiles
- School wear and technical sportswear fabrics
- Trimming accessories and sewing notions
Business Model: Fabric Importer · Luxury Textile Distributor · Fashion Resource Provider
10. Basic Fabrics
Basic Fabrics operates as one of Africa's most extensive wholesale fabric distributors, with a 65-year legacy serving the continent's fashion and textile industries since 1958. Originally established as National Fabrics (Pty) Ltd, this family-owned business maintains showrooms in Johannesburg and Cape Town, offering designers and manufacturers access to seasonal fabric collections alongside core textile staples. The company specializes in bulk supply to commercial clients while maintaining accessible minimums for emerging designers through its tiered pricing structure.
The wholesaler's competitive advantage lies in its vertically integrated supply chain and trend forecasting capabilities, allowing it to provide African fashion brands with runway-inspired textiles at commercial quantities. Basic Fabrics serves as a key sourcing partner for retailers and manufacturers across multiple sectors, carrying specialized ranges including evening couture fabrics, performance textiles, and home furnishing materials. Their seasonal catalogues - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer - reflect international fashion trends adapted for African markets, while their Basics range provides reliable stock fabrics for uniform and workwear production.
Established: 1958
Headquarters: Selby, Johannesburg with additional showrooms in Melrose Arch and Cape Town
Core Offerings:
- Seasonal fashion fabric collections for commercial production
- Bulk textile supply for retail fashion brands
- Workwear and uniform fabric solutions
- Home furnishing and upholstery textiles
- Haberdashery and trim components
Business Model: Textile Wholesaler · Bulk Fabric Supplier · Fashion Industry Partner
Conclusion
Based on our comprehensive review of South Africa's textile landscape, the market demonstrates remarkable diversity and specialization across its leading fabric manufacturers and suppliers. From vertically integrated operations like JMV Textiles handling complete production from yarn to garment, to specialized industrial fabric producers like UNICA Textiles and premium importers like M&P Trikam, South African companies have developed distinct competitive advantages serving both local and international markets. These manufacturers collectively showcase the continent's growing capability to produce everything from technical textiles for mining and medical applications to fashion-forward materials for the global design industry.
While South African textile companies excel in specialized niches and benefit from regional trade agreements, the global fabric manufacturing landscape reveals complementary strengths across different regions. At RED&BLACK from China, we've built our reputation on combining scale manufacturing capabilities with the precision and flexibility that modern fashion brands require. Our position in the global textile ecosystem allows us to offer complementary solutions to South African manufacturers, particularly in synthetic fabrics, technical textiles, and large-volume production runs that benefit from China's manufacturing infrastructure and supply chain efficiencies.
The synergy between African specialty manufacturing and Chinese production scale creates compelling opportunities for brands seeking comprehensive textile solutions. RED&BLACK's manufacturing capabilities in performance fabrics, innovative blends, and consistent large-volume production serve as an ideal complement to South Africa's strengths in wool, cotton, and specialty woven textiles. This global partnership approach enables us to collectively offer brands worldwide the full spectrum of textile solutions while maintaining the quality standards and ethical production practices that define today's leading fabric providers.
