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Day 23: The "Starter Pack" (Top 3 Fabrics for US Brands)

Welcome to Week 4, Day 23 of My Dad vs. The Algorithm.

Today we are answering the #1 question we get from new brands: "What fabric should I start with?"

There are thousands of knit structures out there. But if you look at the best-selling clothing brands in the USA—from streetwear giants to boutique labels—90% of their revenue comes from just three types of fabric.

My dad, Ira, believes Keep It Simple

A cartoon infographic titled "The Brand Starter Pack" by Greene Textile. Alex and Ira stand in a warehouse displaying a box containing three fabric rolls labeled "The Tee (Jersey)," "The Hoodie (French Terry)," and "The Rib." Ira holds a white roll labeled "Wholesale PFD Stock" with a wink.
The Essentials. 📦 You don't need 50 fabrics to launch. You just need the Starter Pack: Jersey (The Tee), French Terry (The Hoodie), and Rib (The Finish). And the secret weapon Ira is holding? PFD (Prepared for Dye)—so you can dye it any color you want, whenever you want

Ira’s Take:

"Everyone wants to reinvent the wheel. I tell them: 'Look at your own closet. 'What are you wearing? A T-shirt (Jersey). A Hoodie (French Terry). And a tank top (Rib). Master the basics first. If you can't make a good T-shirt, the moon dust won't save you."

Here are the Big 3 knit fabrics that drive the American fashion market, and why you should carry them.

1. The Daily Driver: Cotton Jersey 👕

  • The Look: Smooth, flat, and classic. This is your standard T-shirt fabric.

  • The Specs: usually 30/1 Combed Cotton (for a softer, lighter tee) or 20/1 (for that streetwear "beefy" tee).

  • Why It Wins: It’s the highest-volume seller in the world. It prints well, it washes well, and it’s breathable. Every brand needs a Jersey program.

2. The Heavy Hitter: French Terry & Fleece 🧥

  • The Look: Smooth on the outside, textured on the inside.

    • French Terry: Has "loops" on the back. Lighter, more breathable. Perfect for year-round loungewear.

    • Fleece: The back is brushed (fuzzy). Warmer and cozier.

  • Why It Wins: Americans live in sweats. The "Matching Set" (Hoodie + Sweatpants) is the uniform of the modern US consumer.

3. The Glue: Rib Knit 🧶

  • The Look: Stretchy with vertical lines.

  • Why It Wins: You can't make the first two without this. You need Rib for the neckbands on your T-shirts and the cuffs on your hoodies.

  • Pro Tip: Use Spandex Rib. If you use cheap cotton rib without spandex, the neckband will stretch out and look sloppy after one wash.

The Secret Weapon: Wholesale PFD Stock 🏳️

This is the most important part for brands who want to move fast.

PFD stands for "Prepared For Dye." It is fabric that has been bleached and treated specifically so it is ready to absorb garment dye. It is essentially a "Blank Canvas."

Why Smart Brands Buy PFD: Trends change fast. Today the hot color is "Sage Green." Tomorrow it's "Burnt Orange."

  • If you buy pre-dyed fabric, you are stuck with that color.

  • If you buy Wholesale PFD Stock from us, you have flexibility. You sew the garments in white, and then Garment Dye them whatever color is trending that week.

Ira’s Strategy:

"Don't gamble on color. Buy the PFD. Sew the inventory. When the orders come in, then you dye it. It’s the only way to beat the inventory trap."

The Bottom Line

You don't need 50 fabrics to launch a line. You need the right 3, and you need a flexible strategy.

Start with the Starter Pack:

  1. Jersey (The Tee)

  2. French Terry (The Hoodie)

  3. Rib (The Finish)

  4. PFD Stock (The Flexibility)

Tune in tomorrow for Day 24!

(Missed yesterday's post about Waffle Knits? Read Day 22: The Waffle Menu here.)

Ready to start? Shop our Wholesale PFD Stock Program and get immediate inventory.

 
 
 

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