About Rubitex
About unwavering commitment to high-quality textiles,
fashion-forward trends, and community impact
OF TRADE
Our Story
Humble Beginnings
Rubitex Fabrics was founded in 1991 by Hajj Sikander “Chico” Hassim and has grown from a modest fabric wholesaler in Cape Town into one of the city’s firmly established fabric suppliers.
Chico, born in Heidelberg, Gauteng, completed his matric at William Hills School and went on to work at Hill Samuel Merchant Bank in Johannesburg.
Chico’s inspiration to enter the textile industry came from his sister’s successful fabric business in Durban, and with a desire to move to the delightful city of Cape Town, his meeting his incredibly supportive wife there, and the recognition of the mother city’s potential for growth while there was a limited number of fabric manufacturers in Johannesburg at the time, Rubitex Fabrics found its feet on the southern shores.
Chico initially purchased fabric from his brother-in-law for the first few years, and was often on the road meeting clients, showcasing fabric samples and networking into the industry. He later transitioned to import his own high-quality textiles, starting with in-demand printed viscose, and supplied to chain store manufacturers.
The success of importing this fabric would inform strongly on the future decisions Chico made in choosing the right fabrics and understanding the direction and trends the market moved towards. Rubitex later diversified into a wider array of fabrics, some basic items for decor and a few other applications, while the primary offering has remained tailored for ladies’ high fashion and garments.
Customer Testimonial
“Best wholesaler and consistent with fabrics, if you are friendly to staff they will help you with anything you need. Because it’s a small company they don’t have the staff numbers to assist every individual customer, but if you’re happy to wait they’ll help you personally with any of your needs.“
Gabrielle Foulis
10 February 2023
Fashion Fabrics
Explore Our Range of Fashion Fabrics
At Rubitex Fabrics, our commitment to excellence in business operations is reflected in our meticulous approach to sourcing high-quality materials and staying ahead of fashion trends. Despite facing significant challenges such as the decline of the rag trade, fierce competition from low-cost competitors in Durban, and the economic impacts of COVID-19, we have remained steadfast in our dedication to quality and reliability. By collaborating closely with wholesalers and conducting thorough trend research, we ensure that our fabric selections are always in line with the latest seasonal fashions, allowing us to meet the diverse needs of our clients, from small dressmakers to large retailers. Our resilience is further demonstrated through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with prominent design shows for TV channels like Kyknet, reinforcing our position as one of Cape Town’s oldest and most trusted fabric wholesalers. Achieving and maintaining excellence, Rubitex Fabrics prides itself on being a cornerstone of the local textile industry, recognised for our unwavering quality and service standards.
Our company culture is deeply rooted in family values, fostering an environment of honesty, transparency, and mutual support. We maintain an open-door policy, ensuring that all team members feel heard and valued, which cultivates a positive and collaborative workplace. This familial atmosphere extends beyond our internal operations to our active involvement in the local community. Rubitex Fabrics is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by sponsoring disadvantaged girls’ Matric ball fabrics, donating fleece off cuts to charity organisations that create baby blankets for maternity wards, and supporting design students with essential materials. Additionally, we prioritise sustainability by minimising fabric waste through affordable sales of off cuts and generous donations. Our customers are at the heart of our business, and their positive feedback on our exceptional in-store service motivates us to continuously enhance our offerings. At Rubitex Fabrics, we believe that by nurturing strong relationships within our team and community, we can create a thriving, supportive, and sustainable future for all.
