India is one of the world's largest cotton yarn producers, with substantial export capacity to global knitting mills, weaving mills and fabric manufacturers. Coimbatore, Tirupur and Surat are major production hubs.
Yarn Counts (Ne System)
- Coarse: Ne 10s–20s (denim warp, canvas)
- Medium: Ne 20s–40s (t-shirts, casual apparel)
- Fine: Ne 40s–60s (dress shirts, premium)
- Extra fine: Ne 60s–100s (fine shirting, luxury)
Yarn Types
- Carded cotton yarn — Standard, entry tier
- Combed cotton yarn — Premium, softer, less pilling
- Ring-spun yarn — Standard commercial
- Compact yarn — Fewer hairy fibres, smoother
- Open-end (rotor) yarn — Cheaper, coarser
- Mercerised yarn — Silkier finish, higher lustre
- Gassed yarn — Surface-hair burnt off, smoother
Common Blends
- 100% cotton
- Cotton-polyester (65/35, 80/20)
- Cotton-viscose blend
- Cotton-modal blend
- Cotton-elastane (for stretch)
HS Codes
- 5205 — Cotton yarn (uncombed, single)
- 5206 — Cotton yarn (containing < 85% cotton)
MOQ & Pricing (FOB India)
- Standard Ne 30s ring-spun cotton yarn — 1 MT, $2.80–3.40/kg
- Combed Ne 40s premium — 1 MT, $3.20–4/kg
- Compact Ne 60s — 1 MT, $3.80–4.80/kg
- GOTS organic cotton yarn (Ne 30s) — 1 MT, $3.80–4.80/kg
- Mercerised cotton yarn — 1 MT, $4.20–5.20/kg
Certifications
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- GOTS (for organic yarn)
- BCI (Better Cotton Initiative)
- Fair Trade (limited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum fabric quantity per colour I can order?
Standard MOQ for made-to-order fabric is 500 metres per colour per construction. Stock fabrics may be available in 100–300m lots at premium pricing. Some mills carry "seasonal remnant" stocks at lower minimums. For custom weaves or specialty constructions, MOQ typically rises to 1,000+ metres.
How do I verify the fibre composition of my fabric shipment?
Request an independent fibre composition test (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, or Alex Stewart) on the actual bulk lot before shipment. The test verifies percentage of each fibre by weight against the specification. Cost is typically $150–300 per test and worth the certainty — mis-declared fibre content is one of the most common textile import disputes.
What lead time should I plan for custom-woven fabric?
From order confirmation: yarn procurement 2 weeks, loom setup 3 weeks (for new construction), sample and approval 2 weeks, bulk weaving 3–5 weeks, finishing and shipping preparation 1 week. Total: 12–16 weeks for a first custom weave. Repeat orders on the same construction compress to 5–7 weeks.
How is fabric priced — per metre or per kilogram?
Most fabric is priced per running metre at a standard width (e.g., 140cm or 150cm). Some technical fabrics and yarn are priced per kilogram. When comparing quotes across suppliers, verify the width and GSM — a "per metre" quote at 110cm width isn't comparable to one at 150cm width for the same GSM.
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About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer — we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house — giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.