If you’ve been hanging out in the sustainable fashion world for a minute, you’ve probably heard the term “deadstock fabric.” Sounds mysterious, right? Maybe even a little morbid?
Don’t worry — it’s actually really good news for the planet and people.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Deadstock?
Deadstock fabric is basically leftover fabric that didn’t get used the first time around. Think of it like the extra fabric brands or mills made but didn’t end up needing — maybe they over-ordered, changed a color, or scrapped a design.
Normally, all that fabric could end up in a landfill, but instead, it gets a second chance. At Poplinen, we try to take unused fabric we find and turn it into easy, beautiful pieces you can wear on repeat.
Why It’s a Sustainable Win
Using deadstock fabric = giving the planet a little breathing room. Here’s why we love it:
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Less waste: We’re saving perfectly good fabric from going to waste.
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Fewer resources used: The fabric already exists, so we’re not creating additional demand for more water, energy, or chemicals to create new material.
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Lower impact overall: No new production = fewer emissions.
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More creativity: Deadstock comes in small batches, which makes every piece feel extra special.
Where Does It Come From?
Deadstock is usually leftover from big fashion brands, fabric mills, or production houses. Some of it even comes from designer collections, which means it's high quality and sometimes very rare.
We source our deadstock from trusted partners who specialize in sustainable fabrics and make it easy to track where everything comes from. It's a little like treasure hunting — but for textiles.
Want to Explore Deadstock for Yourself?
If you’re into sewing, designing, or just curious, here are a few great places to find deadstock fabric:
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Queen of Raw – A marketplace for unused and sustainable fabrics.
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FabScrap – A nonprofit rescuing and reselling leftover materials (mostly NYC-based).
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The Fabric Store – Gorgeous natural fabrics and designer deadstock.
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SwatchOn – Small-batch, sustainable fabric from South Korea.
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Offset Warehouse – Ethical and eco-friendly textile heaven.
Why We Use Deadstock at Poplinen
Using deadstock allows us to create timeless and more affordable staples without asking the planet for more than it’s already given. We’re all about less waste, more intention, and clothes that feel as good as they look. Deadstock helps us do just that — and we think that’s something worth prioritizing.
Got questions about deadstock or how we use it in our collections? Slide into our inbox or DM us on IG — we love geeking out about this stuff.
