Deadstock Fabric: definition

Deadstock fabric is surplus or leftover fabric that mills, manufacturers, or brands produced in excess of what was needed for original orders, but that was never cut or used. This includes leftover fabric from cancelled orders, end-of-bolt remnants, discontinued colourways, and overproduced fabric stock. Independent designers and sustainable fashion brands purchase deadstock to create new collections, diverting material from landfill while often accessing high-quality or unusual fabrics at lower cost. While using deadstock is a positive sustainability practice, it addresses a symptom, overproduction, rather than the root cause, and is most valuable as part of a broader approach to sustainable design and sourcing.