Austin’s fashion scene is growing fast. Small startups here want materials that look good, feel great, and don’t harm the planet. That’s where Tencel fabric comes in.
Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp. It’s soft, breathable, and biodegradable. For fashion brands trying to stand out while staying eco-conscious, Tencel checks all the boxes. Plus, you can buy it by the yard, which gives you flexibility when you’re just starting out.
If you’re running a small fashion startup in Austin and looking for quality fabric, Tencel is worth your attention. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Austin Fashion Startups Are Choosing Sustainable Materials
Austin has become a hotspot for creative entrepreneurs. The city supports independent businesses, and its community cares about sustainability. Fashion startups here aren’t just making clothes. They’re building brands that reflect values like transparency, quality, and environmental responsibility.
Customers notice this. They want to know where their clothes come from and what they’re made of. Brands that use sustainable materials have an edge. Tencel helps you meet those expectations without compromising on style or comfort.
What Makes Tencel Fabric Stand Out
Tencel isn’t just another eco-friendly option. It brings real benefits to the table.
It’s Better for the Environment
Tencel is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, usually eucalyptus or beech trees. The production process uses a closed-loop system, which means the solvents are recycled instead of released into the environment. This makes Tencel one of the cleanest fabrics you can work with.
It’s also biodegradable. When a Tencel garment reaches the end of its life, it breaks down naturally without leaving harmful waste behind.
It Feels Great to Wear
Tencel is known for its softness. It drapes beautifully and feels smooth against the skin. The fabric is also moisture-wicking, which keeps the wearer cool and dry. That makes it ideal for Austin’s warm climate.
Whether you’re designing casual wear, activewear, or dressier pieces, Tencel adapts well. It holds dye beautifully, so your colors stay vibrant wash after wash.
It Works for Many Styles
Tencel is versatile. You can use it for dresses, shirts, pants, skirts, and even accessories. It blends well with other fibers like cotton or linen, giving you more creative options. The fabric is lightweight but durable, so your designs hold up over time.
Where to Find Tencel Fabric by the Yard in Austin
If you’re sourcing Tencel fabric by the yard, you have a few solid options.
Fabriclore is one of the best places to start. They offer a wide range of Tencel fabrics in different weights, colors, and finishes. Ordering online is straightforward, and they ship quickly. For small fashion startups, Fabriclore provides quality fabric at competitive prices, which helps when you’re managing a tight budget.
You can also check out local fabric stores in Austin. Some carry sustainable fabrics, including Tencel. Visiting in person lets you feel the fabric and see the colors up close before you commit. Building relationships with local suppliers can also lead to discounts or custom orders down the line.
Online marketplaces like Etsy and specialty fabric retailers are other options. Just make sure the seller is reputable and that the fabric is certified Tencel, not a blend labeled as something it’s not.
Tips for Working with Tencel Fabric
Tencel is easy to work with, but a few tips will help you get the best results.
Sewing with Tencel
Use a sharp needle and a straight stitch. Tencel can be slippery, so pin your fabric carefully or use fabric weights to keep it in place. A walking foot on your sewing machine can also help with smoother stitching.
Pre-wash your fabric before cutting. Tencel can shrink slightly, so washing it first ensures your finished garment fits as expected.
Caring for Tencel Garments
Tencel is low-maintenance. It can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage the fibers. Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Let your customers know this. Clear care instructions show you care about the longevity of your products.
Designing with Tencel
Tencel drapes well, so it works beautifully for flowing silhouettes and structured pieces alike. Experiment with different weights. Lighter Tencel works for blouses and summer dresses. Heavier Tencel is great for jackets and pants.
You can also mix Tencel with other sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or hemp. This gives your designs more texture and depth while keeping your brand values intact.
Success Stories from Austin Fashion Startups
Several Austin-based fashion brands have built their identity around sustainable materials like Tencel.
One local startup focuses on minimalist women’s wear. They use Tencel for nearly every piece in their collection. Customers love the softness and the fact that the clothes are eco-friendly. The brand has grown through word-of-mouth and social media, proving that sustainability sells.
Another Austin designer makes activewear using Tencel blends. The moisture-wicking properties make the fabric perfect for yoga pants and sports tops. The brand markets itself as performance wear that doesn’t cost the Earth, and it resonates with health-conscious, environmentally aware customers.
These brands show that Tencel isn’t just a trend. It’s a smart choice for startups that want to build a loyal customer base.
Why Tencel Is the Future for Austin Fashion Brands
Sustainability isn’t going away. Customers are demanding better, and regulations around textile production are tightening. Fashion startups that adopt sustainable practices now will be ahead of the curve.
Tencel fabric by the yard gives you the flexibility to start small and scale up. You’re not locked into massive orders or long lead times. You can test designs, gather feedback, and adjust without wasting resources.
Austin’s creative community supports businesses that do things differently. By using Tencel, you’re not just making clothes. You’re making a statement about what your brand stands for.
If you’re ready to take your fashion startup to the next level, start with the right materials. Tencel offers the quality, sustainability, and versatility you need to stand out in a crowded market.
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 [email protected].
Experience seamless, authentic, and affordable fabric sourcing with Fabriclore — your trusted partner with over a decade of expertise in the global textile industry.
