“How much will it cost?” is the first question almost every founder asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on decisions you control. Two hoodies that look similar in a photo can be very different garments to produce.
This guide explains the nine factors that set the price of a manufactured garment, shows how to calculate your true cost per piece, and lists practical ways to lower it.
1. Fabric
Fabric is usually the largest single cost. Price depends on fibre (cotton, polyester, blends, linen, recycled or organic options), weight, construction (jersey, fleece, French terry, twill, denim) and finishing. Heavier fabrics and specialty fibres cost more per metre and per garment. Our fabric selection team can suggest alternatives that keep the hand-feel you want at a better price.
2. Garment complexity
Every extra panel, pocket, zipper, seam detail or contrast colour adds cutting and sewing time. A basic tee has far fewer operations than a lined jacket. Simplifying non-essential details is one of the easiest ways to reduce cost without customers noticing.
3. Order quantity
Setup costs are shared across every unit, so the price per piece falls as quantity rises. Read MOQ explained to understand how minimums and price breaks work.
4. Decoration method
Each decoration method has its own cost structure:
| Method | How cost behaves |
|---|---|
| Screen printing | Setup per colour, then low cost per piece. Best value for larger runs and simple artwork. |
| DTG printing | Little setup, higher cost per piece. Good for small runs and full-colour designs. |
| DTF printing | Low setup, works on many fabrics. Flexible for small batches. |
| Sublimation | Ideal for all-over prints on polyester. |
| Embroidery | Digitizing setup, then cost driven by stitch count and size. |
Number of print locations, colours and size all affect the final price.
5. Trims and hardware
Zippers, buttons, snaps, drawcords, aglets, elastic and rib all add cost. Custom-branded hardware costs more than standard components.
6. Labels and hang tags
Woven neck labels, printed labels, care labels and hang tags are small individually but add up across a run. See the options on our labels and hang tags page.
7. Packaging
Folding, polybags, tissue, stickers, boxes and barcode labels. Custom packaging raises perceived value, so choose where it matters most.
8. Development and sampling
Tech packs, patterns, grading and samples are one-time costs per style. They are an investment: a solid sample prevents a whole production run of mistakes. Learn more in our garment sampling guide.
9. Shipping and fees
Freight from the factory, any duties or taxes, warehousing and fulfilment. Working with a domestic manufacturer can reduce shipping time and complexity.
How to calculate landed cost
Your real cost per garment is the landed cost:
Landed cost per unit = (production + decoration + trims + labels + packaging + shipping + fees) ÷ number of sellable units
Spread one-time development costs across your expected first run too, so you know when a style becomes profitable. Then set your retail and wholesale prices from landed cost, leaving room for marketing, returns and retailer margins.
8 ways to lower your cost per piece
- Remove details that add sewing time but not value.
- Choose a fabric weight that matches your price point.
- Reduce screen print colours or combine print locations.
- Launch fewer colourways and add more later.
- Order quantities you can sell through at full price.
- Use one fabric across several styles.
- Reuse approved patterns and specs for reorders.
- Get an itemized quote so you can see exactly where the money goes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest cost in clothing manufacturing?
For most garments, fabric and labour (cutting and sewing) make up the largest share of the unit cost. Decoration, trims and packaging add to it, and setup costs weigh more heavily on small runs.
How can I reduce the cost of manufacturing clothing?
Simplify construction, choose fabrics that fit your price point, limit colourways, keep artwork colour counts reasonable for screen printing, order quantities you can sell through, and reuse approved patterns for reorders.
What is landed cost?
Landed cost is the full cost of a finished garment arriving at your warehouse: production, decoration, labels, packaging, shipping and any duties or fees. Price your products from landed cost, not the factory unit price.
Why do samples cost more than bulk pieces?
A sample is made individually, often with pattern work and setup that bulk orders spread across many units. It is an investment that prevents costly mistakes in production.
Want real numbers for your project?
Send your design, quantities and decoration needs. You will receive an itemized quote, broken down by fabric, production, decoration and branding, within 24 hours.
Get an Itemized Quote