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5 Best Fabric Shops in Johannesburg That Will Transform Your Suits and Dresses

  • Fabric Quality and Variety: We checked if the fabrics were genuine and how they held up after washing. We also looked at the range—from everyday materials to special occasion fabrics.
  • Fabric Care: We observed how the shops stored and handled their materials. Were the fabrics properly folded? Protected from dust and sunlight? Yazi, these small details affect the fabric's lifespan.
  • Customer Service: Good service is everything. We rated how staff treated customers, their knowledge about different fabrics, and whether they could offer helpful advice without being pushy.
  • Location and Accessibility: We considered how easy it was to reach the store, parking availability, and safety of the area. Is it worth the trip? Can you quickly pop in during lunch break?
  • Value for Money: Not just about cheap prices! We looked at whether the quality matched the cost. Sometimes it's worth paying extra for better fabric that lasts longer.

As someone who’s always been fascinated by beautiful fabrics and African prints, I’ve learned that finding the perfect fabric store in Joburg that ticks all the boxes can be quite a mission. That’s why I didn’t do it alone. Together, my team and I checked out the most talked-about fabric shops in the city.

We visited different stores across Joburg, from the busy streets of the CBD to the quieter suburbs. We even bought fabrics and tested them ourselves! Here’s our honest take on where to find the best materials for your next project.

1. Karodia’s Fabrics

karodias-fabrics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kdfonline/

Address: 204 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Hillbrow

Contact Details: +27 79 840 8712

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:45 AM – 4:15 PM

Google reviews score4.8/5
saYellow.com reviews score5/5
Best in hood reviews score4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 4.9/5
Fabric quality and variety5/5
Fabric care4.8/5
Customer service  5/5
Location and accessibility  4.3/5
Value for money  4.9/5

As a fabric enthusiast, I’ve found Karodia’s Fabrics in Hillbrow to be quite the gem. Located on Albertina Sisulu Road, we found this store as a good go-to spot for quality materials.

Their fabric selection was proper—from luxurious French taffeta to intricately beaded Sofia lace. The quality was consistent, and the prices won’t leave you crying! We’ve tested their fabrics through multiple washes, and they held up beautifully.

The staff, especially Karmen, Archie, and Ibrahim, are incredibly knowledgeable and patient. They’ll help you find exactly what you need without pushing for extra sales.

The store layout made our browsing easy, and they also offered nationwide delivery—perfect for out-of-town clients.

However, their online system needs work; it’s slow, and WhatsApp responses were delayed. The Hillbrow location might also be a concern for some shoppers unfamiliar with the area.

Pros

  • Wide fabric selection
  • High-quality fabrics
  • Staff are knowledgeable and not pushy
  • Store layout conducive for easy browsing
  • Nationwide delivery

Cons

  • Slow online system
  • Store location may be hard to find if you’re not familiar with the area

Best service

“.Thank you very much to Archie for the beat service. It was extraordinary and my daughter looked beautiful.”

Nicky Brink, Google Review

Perfect service, wide variety of fabrics

“I love korodias fabrics. Service is perfect by their friendly staff. They quickly welcome and assist you. They have a wide variety of fabrics. Their lace materials will drive you crazy.”

Cynthia Jula, Google Review

2. Moosa’s Fabrics

moosas-fabrics

Website: http://www.msrfabrics.co.za/

Address: C162 Second Floor Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg

Contact Details: +27118380501

Operating Hours: 

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM,

Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Google reviews score4.4/5
Best in hood reviews score5/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 4.7/5
Fabric quality and variety5/5
Fabric care4.8/5
Customer service  5/5
Location and accessibility  4.3/5
Value for money  4.9/5

Our team visited Moosa’s Fabrics, and it quickly became clear why it’s a favourite among designers. The fabric quality and variety were exceptional—everything from luxurious bridal lace to versatile stretch velvet. We were impressed by the detailed fabric care advice, which is crucial when working with delicate or specialty materials.  

Customer service stood out during our visit. The staff was not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable, guiding us to the perfect fabrics for our projects. Even online, their efficiency and transparency on stock availability were noteworthy.  

Located in Fordsburg, it’s convenient for anyone in the area, though parking was tricky for us. 

Prices are premium, but so is the product. You get what you pay for in terms of quality.  

The store felt cramped during busy times, however, but the vibrant atmosphere and incredible selection more than make up for it. 

Pros

  • Exceptional quality and variety of fabrics
  • Detailed fabric care advice
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff
  • Efficient and transparent online system
  • Convenient location in Fordsburg

Cons

  • Parking can be tricky
  • High prices compared to other stores
  • Cramped store during peak hours

Best service, family legacy

“Absolutely love this store.. found out yrs ago while living in CT that Hi Lite are their cousins.. hope I got that right..  Met uncle Omar this past Sat with my Mom who is now 79 and he recognized her and knew exactly who her brothers and fam were.. this is how long I myself has even been shopping here with my Mom for over 46 yrs or since the store was first opened.  The best service.. the best quality for what u paid for.”

Izycrafts, Google Review

Affordable and great quality

“The best service from sanri, salesman 66. My shopping was smooth and quick. I had a great experience. He showed me around since it was my first time going there and their things are affordable with great quality.”

Brenda Manthwa, Google Review

3. Arthur Bales

arthur-bales

Website: http://www.arthurbales.co.za/

Address: 62 4th Ave, Linden, Randburg, 2104

Contact Details: +27118882401

Operating Hours: 

Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 AM

Wednesday 9:00 AM –  5:30 PM

Saturday 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Google reviews score4.5/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Best in hood reviews score5/5
Hellopter reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 4.9/5
Fabric quality and variety5/5
Fabric care4.8/5
Customer service  5/5
Location and accessibility  4.6/5
Value for money  4.5/5

Arthur Bales Fabrics, a Johannesburg staple since 1902, offers an impressive selection of fabrics, from premium polycottons to luxurious American cottons. Our team was impressed with the variety, which caters to every project, from vintage to modern designs. 

The store’s layout was neat and well-organized, which made it easy to browse and find exactly what we were looking for.

Customer service was a highlight during our visit. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help, creating a welcoming atmosphere. We felt well taken care of during our visit, and it’s clear that many are repeat customers.

Though the prices reflect the high-quality selection, they may be steep for some.

Additionally, parking was a bit challenging during our visit, especially since we were there during busy days.

Pros

  • Wide selection of fabrics
  • Neat and well-organized store layout
  • Knowledgeable and helpful staff

Cons

  • Steep prices
  • Challenging parking during busy days

Old-school haven of beautiful fabrics, an absolute treat!

“Oh my goodness, time warp travel into haberdashery heaven. Old school heaven of beautifully displayed fabrics, cotton’s, wools and accessories. What an absolute treat. Please stay as you are forever. Love love everything.💓💓💓 Super friendly helpful staff.”

Penny Penny, Google Review

Great selection of fabrics; friendly, efficient, and helpful staff

“They always have a great selection of the latest dress fabrics, haberdashery and wool. Friendly, efficient and helpful staff.”

Estelle Venter, Google Review

4. KIRSCH STEIN & CO

kirsch-stein-co

Website: http://www.kirschstein.co.za/

Address: 53 Troye St

Contact Details: +27113375400

Operating Hours: 

Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Google reviews score4.4/5
African advice reviews score2/5
Best in hood4/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency 3.5/5
Fabric quality and variety4.8/5
Fabric care4.9/5
Customer service  4.5/5
Location and accessibility  4.5/5
Value for money  4.8/5

After visiting Kirsch Stein & Co, we were impressed by their remarkable fabric quality. As sole agents for Dormeuil suiting in South Africa, they maintain high standards with their imported materials from France, England, and Scotland. Their history since 1946 shows in their expert fabric selections.

We found their variety exceptional, from corporate wear to sportswear. Their 3,000-square-meter warehouse houses an impressive collection of materials, serving manufacturers, designers, and retail shops efficiently. Their specialised focus on corporate uniform manufacturing particularly stands out.

The staff demonstrated deep product knowledge, backed by experienced sales representatives who serve not just South Africa but neighbouring countries. 

Their expansion from Troye Street to Fordsburg shows their commitment to accessibility.

The pricing reflects their premium positioning, but the quality justifies the investment. 

However, parking was difficult, some customers mentioned that customer service was slow during peak hours, and some common fabrics were unavailable. 

Pros

  • Expert fabric selections and a wide variety
  • Outstanding corporate uniform manufacturing 
  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Sales service to countries beyond South Africa
  • Location expansion in Fordsburg makes them more accessible

Cons

  • Difficult parking
  • Slow customer service during peak hours
  • Some common fabrics were unavailable

Wide variety of fabrics

Wide variety of suiting fabrics and beautiful linings.”

Nozipho Khumalo, Google Review

Quality and wide variety of materials, good customer service

“Quality materials and a wide variety of materials for sewing. Good customer service and their prices are fair.”

Taku Muchenje, Google Review

5. DI Dadabhay Fabrics & Wool

di-dadabhay-fabrics-wool

Website: http://www.didadabhay.co.za/

Address: 24 Market St

Contact Details: +27626966078

Operating Hours: 

Monday – Thursday:  9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN

Google reviews score4.8/5
Volza reviews score5/5
Total reviews3/5
Score consistency 4.9/5
Fabric quality and variety5/5
Fabric care4.8/5
Customer service  4.9/5
Location and accessibility  4.3/5
Value for money  4.9/5

Our recent visit to DI Dadabhay Fabrics & Wool revealed a remarkable heritage of over 100 years in textile trading. The fabric quality was exceptional, particularly their renowned Isi-shweshwe collection, featuring authentic indigo cloth in various patterns and colours.

The store’s variety was impressive, as they offered everything from traditional Khangas to modern fabrics. Their wool selection, ranging from one-ply to four-ply, stood out, alongside an extensive haberdashery section catering to both local and international customers.

Customer service proved to be a core strength, with how their staff demonstrated deep product knowledge and efficiency. 

Their next-day delivery service and responsiveness to online queries particularly impressed us.

The pricing reflects fair value, especially considering the quality and authenticity of their traditional fabrics. Their strong supplier relationships ensure consistent quality.

While the store offers an excellent experience overall, we noticed that some areas get crowded during peak hours, and their online interface could use modernization.

Pros

  • Exceptional fabric quality
  • Wide selection of fabrics
  • Efficient and knowledgeable staff
  • Prompt next-day delivery service

Cons

  • Store gets crowded during peak hours
  • Online interface could be upgraded

Prompt service, highly recommended!

Amazing service!! Thank you so much. Very efficient and replied right away. I am based in Durban and I got her order the next morning. Highly recommend!! Thank you very much.

Emma Sunkel, Google Review

100% quality, great service

“Thank you so much the variety of seshweshwe materials to choose from and the quality 100% .Thank you for the great service aswell from the staff.”

Angey Mokhali, Google Review

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