Mill vs converter vs stock service: which fabric supplier do you need?

SupplySeys guide · Updated November 2026

Mills make fabric, converters finish and print fabric bought from mills, stock services and jobbers sell fabric that already exists, and agents represent mills. For small quantities start with stock services; for custom fabric at scale go to mills.

Mill

A mill makes fabric: it spins yarn, weaves or knits it, and often dyes and finishes it too. Mills offer the widest control over fiber, construction, color and finish, but they usually have higher minimums and longer lead times for made-to-order fabric. Many also run stock programs with lower minimums. SupplySeys lists 1,896 mills and manufacturers.

Converter

A converter buys unfinished (greige) fabric from mills and has it dyed, printed or finished to its own designs, then sells the finished fabric. Converters often sell in smaller quantities than mills and can be a good middle ground for custom colors or prints.

Stock service, wholesaler and jobber

Stock services and wholesalers keep finished fabric in inventory and sell it quickly, often by the yard or bolt. Jobbers buy overruns, closeouts and deadstock and resell them. These are the easiest suppliers for small quantities. See 125 stock services and wholesalers.

Trims and notions supplier

Trims and notions suppliers sell the components that go with fabric: zippers, buttons, elastic, thread, labels, interfacing, lace and ribbon. See trims and notions suppliers and the trims & notions service list.

Agent

An agent represents one or more mills in a market and takes orders on their behalf. Agents can be useful for access to overseas mills, but SupplySeys lists suppliers directly and doesn't include agencies.

Which one should you contact?

For a first collection with small quantities, start with stock services, jobbers and mills with stock programs. For custom colors or prints at modest volume, try converters and print or dye houses. For your own constructions at scale, go to mills. Browse dyeing & finishing, printing and cut & sew for production partners.