Fabric Stores in Lebanon: Tailoring, Upholstery, and Traditional Textiles

Tripoli's Souk el Tawileh has been a textile market for centuries; Bourj Hammoud added garment-industry specialization in the 20th century. Both still operate with hundreds of small shops, each specializing in a fabric category.

Suiting Fabrics

• Italian wool (Vitale Barberis, Loro Piana off-cuts): $30-120/m — Super 110s-130s for daily wear, Super 150s+ for special occasions.
• English wool (Holland & Sherry, Dormeuil): heavier weights, more durable.
• Cotton (chinos, jackets): $8-25/m.
• Linen: $15-40/m — Belgian and Italian best.

Upholstery Fabrics

• Cotton velvet: $20-50/m — formal, stains.
• Synthetic velvet (polyester): $15-30/m — kids/pets friendly.
• Linen blend: $20-40/m — Mediterranean look.
• Performance fabric (Crypton, Sunbrella): $40-80/m — indoor-outdoor.
• Leather (full grain): $80-200/m² — durable, ages well.

Traditional & Decorative

• Damascene brocade and silk: heirloom quality, $50-300/m.
• Lebanese cotton kufiyeh-pattern: souvenirs and home decor.
• Bedouin weaves (Hand-made geometric): wall hangings and pillow covers.

Quality Testing in Store

• Burn test scrap (if shop allows): wool smells like hair, cotton smells like paper, polyester melts to bead.
• Hand: natural fibers feel cool then warm; synthetics feel warm and slick.
• Check selvage for brand mill stamp on suiting.
• Hold up to light — even weave, no thin spots.