The story of textiles is the story of civilisation. Woven through the very fabric of our history, the rag trade—the age-old industry of making, selling, and recycling clothes—has shaped societies, empowered workers, and driven fashion revolutions. At CheapFabrics.co.uk, we champion the craft behind every metre of fabric. But to fully appreciate what we create and sell today, we must first look back.
What Is the Rag Trade?
The term “rag trade” originally referred to the clothing and textile industry, particularly in Britain. It encompasses everything from fabric production and dressmaking to the sale of clothing in local markets and high-end stores. In its early days, the rag trade was often associated with modest workshops, immigrant entrepreneurs, and hand-to-mouth tailors working from backrooms or market stalls.
The Industrial Revolution: A Turning Point
The late 18th and 19th centuries marked a seismic shift in textile production. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, fabric mills boomed across the UK, particularly in Manchester, known as “Cottonopolis”. Mechanised looms replaced hand-weaving, making fabric more accessible—but not without consequences. Sweatshops and poor labour conditions became part of the darker side of this progress.
Immigrant Roots and British Ingenuity
By the early 20th century, the East End of London had become a hub for garment-making, populated largely by skilled Jewish and later South Asian immigrants. These communities brought expertise, hustle, and a tradition of reworking and repurposing fabrics—the original recyclers long before “sustainability” became a trend.
At CheapFabrics.co.uk, we pay tribute to these roots. Many of our customers are home-sewers, tailors, and crafters keeping the spirit of self-made fashion alive. Just like the early rag traders, they see fabric as possibility.
Fast Fashion vs Conscious Crafting
While the late 20th century gave rise to fast fashion, the rag trade never died—it simply evolved. Today, more people are looking to reclaim slow fashion, opting for quality fabrics, custom pieces, and the joy of making things from scratch. That’s why we stock a wide range of textiles—from timeless cottons to luxurious velvets—at affordable prices.
Our Mission: Making Fabric Accessible
At CheapFabrics.co.uk, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We’re proud to be part of the next chapter in the rag trade—one where fabric is not wasted, where creativity thrives, and where home dressmakers, students, designers, and small businesses have the tools they need to create something meaningful.
Whether you’re working on your next sewing project or starting your own fashion line, remember: the rag trade is your heritage too.
