Our story: 35+ years in Cape Town textiles

If you make clothes or uniforms, you know one thing matters more than almost anything else: the fabric.

At Texas Textiles, we’ve been supplying Cape Town makers with quality knits, wovens, and specialty fabrics since 1989 – from our base in Salt River to customers across South Africa.

This is the first post in The Texas Textiles Maker’s Guide, a blog with practical advice on choosing fabric, understanding quality, and building better garments and businesses. Whether you run a CMT, a clothing brand, a school uniform operation, or you sew at home, you’re in the right place.

Our story: 35+ years in Cape Town textiles Texas Textiles started in 1989, right here in Cape Town. Back then, the local clothing industry was buzzing, and small makers, CMTs, and designers needed a fabric supplier they could trust for quality, range, and fair pricing.

Over the years, we’ve grown from a small operation into a key supplier for:

1. Local CMTs and clothing brands 2. Schools and uniform makers 3. Designers and startups 4. Home sewers and hobbyists

Through all of that, our focus has stayed the same: The best textiles at the best prices, backed by real expertise and reliable service.

Today, you’ll find us at 49 Shannon Street, Salt River, where we run a busy warehouse and showroom, pack online orders, and help customers choose fabric in person, on WhatsApp, and over the phone every day.

What we’re known for When people talk about Texas Textiles, a few things usually come up:

1. Range We stock a wide selection of knit and woven fabrics for all kinds of garments:

i) Knits: jersey, rib, interlock, French terry, fleece, performance knits, and more ii) Wovens: poplin, shirting, denim, twill, canvas, uniform fabrics, and more

Whether you’re making T‑shirts, hoodies, shirts, trousers, dresses, or school uniforms, you can usually find what you need under one roof.

2. Value We know fabric is one of your biggest costs. That’s why we focus on competitive pricing for both retail and bulk, with clear price tiers so you know exactly what you’re paying.

Our goal isn’t to be the cheapest in every single line. It’s to give you the best value: fabric that performs well, looks good, and doesn’t cause headaches later.

3. Service Ask any of our regulars and they’ll tell you: we’re easy to work with.

i) Quick responses on WhatsApp, phone, and email ii) Honest advice on what will (and won’t) work for your garment iii) Help with specs like GSM, width, stretch, and fiber content iv) Support for both small orders and large, repeat runs

4. Local presence Being in Salt River matters.

- You can visit us at 49 Shannon Street, see the fabric, and get advice in person. - If you’re in Cape Town, we can arrange fast local delivery or collection. -For customers in other provinces, we ship nationwide via courier.

Who we serve We work with all kinds of makers. The common thread is simple: they need reliable fabric at a fair price, and they want to deal with people who understand what they’re doing.

CMTs and clothing brands If you run a CMT or a clothing brand, you need:

- Consistent quality across batches - Reliable supply for repeat orders - Clear pricing for bulk

We supply knits and wovens for streetwear, basics, sportswear, corporate wear, and more. Many of our customers have been with us for years, building their ranges around fabrics they know they can trust.

Schools and uniform makers

School uniforms need to be: - Durable enough to survive daily wear and frequent washing - Easy to care for - Affordable when you’re buying in volume

We stock a range of uniform fabrics – from poly/cotton twills and gabardines to checks and plain greys and navies – and we work with schools and uniform makers to balance quality and budget.

Designers and startups If you’re launching a brand or a new collection, fabric choices can make or break your product.

We help designers and startups with: - Choosing the right fabric types and weights for their garments - Understanding the trade‑offs between cost, feel, and durability - Starting with small runs and scaling up as the brand grows

Home sewers and hobbyists Not everyone is making hundreds of garments. Some of our best customers are home sewers who love working with good fabric.

We’re happy to sell smaller cuts, offer samples, and help you choose the right material for your next dress, shirt, or craft project.

Why we’re launching this blog Every day, we answer the same kinds of questions: i) “What’s the difference between knit and woven?” ii) “What GSM should I use for T‑shirts / hoodies / uniforms?” iii) “Which fabric is best for a school blazer / sports jersey / summer dress?” iv) “Is it safe to buy fabric online?” v) “How do I choose a reliable fabric supplier in Cape Town?”

Instead of repeating ourselves over WhatsApp and phone calls, we decided to put our answers online in one place.

The Texas Textiles Maker’s Guide is for anyone who works with fabric in South Africa. We’ll cover topics like:

- Knit vs woven fabric and when to use each - How to read fabric specs (GSM, width, stretch) like a pro - Choosing fabrics for specific garments and markets - Buying fabric online without getting burned - Local industry insights from Cape Town and beyond - Behind‑the‑scenes looks at our Salt River warehouse - New tools we’re building, like AI garment visualisation

Our aim is simple: help you save time, reduce risk, and make better products by choosing the right fabric from the start.

What’s coming next Here are a few of the posts we’re working on:

i ) “Knit vs Woven Fabric: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each” ii) “How to Choose a Fabric Supplier in Cape Town: A Maker’s Checklist” iii) “Starting a Clothing Brand in South Africa? Here’s How to Pick Your First Fabrics”

If there’s something specific you’d like us to cover – a fabric type, a garment, or a problem you keep running into – let us know. We read every message and use your feedback to plan future posts.

Visit or contact Texas Textiles If you’re in Cape Town, we’d love to meet you.

Address: 49 Shannon Street, Salt River, Cape Town WhatsApp: +27 69 523 7295 Phone: 021 447 4470 Email: texastex@mweb.co.za | admin@texastextiles.co.za