Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Wholesale ribbons are ordered as ribbon on a roll or as ready-tied bows, in quantities for series production, retail or packaging. To give you an accurate quote, the manufacturer needs to know the type of ribbon, the width, the colour, the delivery format and the approximate quantity. The price depends on the material, the width, the finishing (print, logo) and the order volume.
Who buys ribbons wholesale
Wholesale ribbon buyers have different needs, so it is useful to start your inquiry by saying what the ribbon will be used for:
- garment factories and clothing brands – ribbons for edging, ties, hanger loops, decorative bows on children’s and formal wear, lingerie;
- shops and online retailers – ribbons for wrapping orders and gifts;
- cosmetics, confectionery and beverage producers – decoration of boxes and bottles;
- event and wedding agencies – decoration, guest favours;
- haberdashery traders – ribbon by the metre for retail and ateliers;
- hair accessory and jewellery makers – narrow ribbons in many colours.
What to include in your wholesale ribbon inquiry
- Type of ribbon – satin (single or double face), grosgrain, organza, herringbone tape, velvet, cotton, jacquard.
- Width in mm – standard widths start at about 3 mm and go up to 100 mm.
- Colour – a colour card number, Pantone or a physical sample. State whether you need several colours and in what proportion.
- Composition – polyester, cotton, viscose, blend; important for washing and for garment labelling.
- Format – roll (state the desired roll length), pieces cut to a set length or ready-made bows.
- Finishing – printed, foil or woven logo, sealed ends, adhesive dot.
- Quantity – total and per colour; whether the order is one-off or regular.
- Purpose – clothing (washing, ironing, skin contact) or packaging.
Factors that determine the price of ribbons
Published wholesale ribbon prices are rarely comparable, because quality varies considerably under the same name. Instead of comparing only the price per metre, compare the following parameters:
| Factor | How it affects the price |
|---|---|
| Material | natural and viscose fibres are usually more expensive than polyester |
| Width | a wider ribbon contains more yarn |
| Density and weight | a more densely woven ribbon costs more, but is also of higher quality |
| Edge type | a woven edge is more durable than a cut edge |
| Colour | standard stock colours versus Pantone dyeing |
| Finishing | print, foil, jacquard logo, cutting, bows |
| Quantity | a larger volume lowers the price per metre |
For a specific price, send a request for a quote with the details above.
Samples and quality control
Before a first large order, ask for a sample. Check:
- The colour in daylight against the fabric or packaging.
- The edges – straight, without loose threads, without waves.
- The sheen and softness – especially with satin; cheap satin is stiffer and “papery”.
- Behaviour in washing – if the ribbon is for clothing, wash it together with a piece of the fabric and check for shrinkage and colour bleeding.
- Behaviour when cut – does the end fray, does it seal well with heat.
- The roll length – check that it matches what was stated.
Rolls, metres and consumption
Wholesale ribbons are delivered on rolls of a set length, which depends on the width and type of ribbon. When planning consumption, calculate how much ribbon goes into one item or package, multiply by the number of pieces and add a reserve for machine set-up, mistakes and samples. For clothing, also allow for possible shrinkage if the ribbon is cotton.
For regular orders, agree with the manufacturer on one and the same article and colour, so that the look stays consistent between batches. Different dye lots can differ minimally in shade, so for items sold together, order everything at once.
Mistakes when ordering ribbons wholesale
- An inquiry saying only “red satin ribbons” – without width, composition and format, quotes are not comparable.
- Choosing from a photo instead of a physical sample.
- Ordering the exact quantity without a reserve – an additional batch may be in a slightly different shade.
- Ignoring washing requirements when the ribbon is for a garment.
- Mixing ribbons for clothing and for packaging in one specification – the requirements are different.
Storing ribbons in the warehouse
Ribbons on rolls are sensitive to light, dust and pressure. Store them in closed boxes or on shelves, away from direct sunlight, which can fade bright colours over time. Do not stack heavy objects on the rolls – satin and velvet keep pressure marks. If the rolls are individually packed, leave them in the packaging until use and mark each with the article number, colour and lot. This makes repeat orders and tracking the shade across regular deliveries easier.
The ribbon types ordered most often
For clothing, the most popular are satin ribbon for bows and lingerie and herringbone tape for reinforcement and ties. For packaging, satin, grosgrain and organza lead the way. The full selection is in the ribbons section.
Wholesale ribbons from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of haberdashery and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience, more than 10,000 articles and deliveries across the EU. We also make custom ribbons, including with a logo. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send your specification via the contact page – you will receive a quote and a sample.
