Viscose fabric has become a go-to choice for designers, crafters, and fashion enthusiasts who want the look and feel of silk without the high price tag. This semi-synthetic material drapes beautifully, breathes well, and takes dye exceptionally well, making it perfect for everything from flowy dresses to upholstery projects.
If you’re based in New York and looking for high-quality imported viscose, you have plenty of options. The city’s fabric district is legendary, but online retailers have also stepped up their game. Knowing where to shop can save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide will walk you through the best places to buy imported viscose fabric in New York, whether you prefer shopping in person or ordering online.
What Makes a Good Fabric Store?
Before we jump into specific stores, let’s talk about what separates the great fabric shops from the mediocre ones.
Quality matters most. The best stores carry fabric that feels luxurious and lasts through multiple washes. Imported viscose should have a smooth finish and consistent weave.
Variety gives you options. You want a store that stocks different weights, prints, and colors. Whether you need lightweight viscose for a summer blouse or heavier modal fabric by the yard for a structured garment, selection matters.
Fair pricing keeps you coming back. Fabric shopping can get expensive quickly. Good stores offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality. Many also run sales or offer bulk discounts.
Customer service makes the difference. Staff who know their products can help you choose the right fabric for your project. They should answer questions about care instructions, shrinkage, and suitability.
Top Online Store: Fabriclore
Fabriclore stands out as one of the best online options for buying imported viscose fabric. They ship directly to New York and offer an impressive range of viscose varieties, including viscose fabric by the yard.
What makes Fabriclore special? Their fabric comes directly from Indian mills, which means you get authentic imported viscose at reasonable prices. The website is easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions and high-quality photos that actually represent the fabric’s true color.
They stock everything from printed viscose challis to solid-colored viscose crepe. If you’re working on a project that requires viscose fabric by the yard, their selection is hard to beat. viscose, a type of viscose made from beech trees, offers extra softness and durability.
Fabriclore ships samples before you commit to larger orders, which takes the guesswork out of online fabric shopping. Their customer service team responds quickly to questions, and they stand behind their products with a solid return policy.
Physical Stores in New York’s Garment District
Mood Fabrics
If you’ve ever watched Project Runway, you know Mood. Located on West 37th Street, this iconic store carries an extensive selection of imported fabrics, including viscose from Italy and France.
Mood’s strength lies in its sheer volume. You’ll find racks upon racks of viscose in every color and pattern imaginable. The staff can point you toward specific sections, though the store can feel overwhelming on busy days.
Prices run higher than some competitors, but the quality justifies the cost for many shoppers. Mood also offers viscose fabric by the yard if you’re looking for that extra-soft finish.
B&J Fabrics
B&J Fabrics on West 40th Street has served New York’s fashion community since 1940. They focus on designer and luxury fabrics, including high-end imported viscose.
The store has a more curated feel than Mood. Staff members know their inventory well and can help match fabric to your specific needs. B&J carries beautiful viscose silks and rayon blends that work well for special occasion garments.
Expect to pay premium prices here, but the quality and service make it worthwhile for important projects.
Fabric Outlet
For budget-conscious shoppers, Fabric Outlet on West 40th Street offers imported viscose at lower price points. The selection changes frequently as they source overstock and discontinued fabrics.
You’ll need to dig through the racks to find hidden gems, but the hunt can pay off. Quality varies, so inspect fabrics carefully before buying. They sometimes stock viscose fabric by the yard at excellent prices.
Other Reliable Online Retailers
Fabric.com
This online retailer ships quickly to New York and maintains a solid selection of viscose fabrics. Their website includes customer reviews and detailed fabric specifications, which help with online ordering.
Fabric.com runs frequent sales, making it a good option when you need viscose on a budget. They carry viscose fabric by the yard in various weights and prints.
Mood Fabrics Online
Mood’s online shop offers much of their in-store selection with the convenience of home delivery. The website is easy to search by fabric type, color, and price range.
Shipping can take a few days, so plan ahead if you’re working on a deadline. The online store includes fabric care instructions and suggested uses for each material.
Tips for Buying Imported Viscose
Always order samples first when shopping online. Screen colors rarely match reality, and you need to feel the fabric’s weight and drape before committing to several yards.
Check the fabric content carefully. Some stores label rayon blends as pure viscose. Read the full description and ask questions if anything seems unclear.
Consider shrinkage. Viscose typically shrinks 3-5% after the first wash. Buy extra yardage to account for this, especially for fitted garments.
Feel the fabric in person when possible. Even high-quality viscose can vary in hand feel. Some drape better than others, and some have a silkier finish.
Ask about care requirements. Most viscose needs gentle washing or dry cleaning. Make sure you’re willing to maintain the fabric properly before making a purchase.
Compare prices across stores. The same or similar fabric can vary significantly in price. Check multiple sources before buying, especially for large projects.
Look for sales and bulk discounts. Many fabric stores offer better prices when you buy 10+ yards. If you have a big project, this can save substantial money.
Making Your Final Decision
New York offers excellent options for buying imported viscose fabric, whether you shop online or visit physical stores. Fabriclore tops the list for online shopping, with authentic imported fabrics, competitive prices, and reliable customer service. Their viscose fabric by the yard selection makes them particularly valuable for projects requiring this softer viscose variant.
For hands-on shopping, the Garment District remains your best bet. Mood and B&J Fabrics offer premium selections with expert help, while Fabric Outlet provides budget-friendly alternatives.
The right choice depends on your specific needs. If you value convenience and competitive pricing, start with Fabriclore’s online selection. If you need to see and feel the fabric before buying, plan a trip to the Garment District.
Either way, you’ll find beautiful imported viscose that brings your creative projects to life.
Fabriclore is a leading B2B fabric sourcing platform dedicated to empowering fashion designers, apparel manufacturers, and clothing brands worldwide. With 10+ years of experience in the textile industry, we have built a trusted network that connects creativity with high-quality fabrics, ensuring seamless and efficient sourcing for every scale of production.
Our extensive collection includes natural fibers like cotton fabric, linen fabric, and silk fabric; man-made fibers such as viscose and polyester; along with sustainable options like LENZING™, LIVA™, BEMBERG™ Cupro, and organic cotton.
We offer four key services tailored to meet every design and production need:
- Dyeable Fabric – Woven RFD & greige, sustainable, and knitted fabrics.
- Dyed Fabric – Mill dyed, yarn dyed, Schiffli, and denim fabrics.
- Made To Order – Digital printing, screen printing, block printing, and dyeing solutions.
- Ready Stock – Block, screen, Ikat, tweed, and jacquard fabrics.
Explore our diverse range of custom-printed, ready mill-dyed, and yarn-dyed fabrics to find the perfect match for your next collection.
For personalized assistance or inquiries, reach out to us at hello@fabriclore.com.
Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore — your trusted partner with over a decade of expertise in the global textile industry.
