Let’s bust a myth: your clothing production cost isn’t just about labor. It’s a cocktail of variables, and if you don’t understand them, you’ll either overpay or undercut your own product. Here’s what’s really behind the final quote.
Fabric Makes or Breaks the Budget
Fabric is usually 50–70% of the total cost. And no, “cotton” isn’t a single price point. There’s cheap carded cotton and high-grade organic ring-spun cotton—worlds apart in feel, longevity, and price. Same goes for blends, knits, and finishes. Want that luxe brushed jersey? Pay up.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
Factories quote based on efficiency. If you want 100 pieces, you’re asking them to break their workflow for a small run. That means higher cost per piece. Scale up to 1,000? Suddenly things are smoother—and cheaper.
Trims and Extras Add Up
Think buttons, zippers, custom labels, embroidery, screen printing, special packaging… every extra detail comes at a price. And custom hardware? That’s a whole different cost category.
Sampling Isn’t Free (Nor Should It Be)
Some brands expect free samples. But think about it—sample development takes fabric, labor, and time. If a factory does it right, they’re investing resources. Expect to pay for this stage, or risk getting “free” samples that don’t reflect final quality.
Compliance and Certifications
If you’re targeting major retailers or exports, you’ll need compliance: GOTS, OEKO-TEX, SEDEX, BSCI—you name it. These cost time and money for manufacturers to maintain. And yes, that trickles into your quote.
Labor and Location Matter
Labor costs vary wildly depending on where the factory is based. But cheaper isn’t always better. Poor labor practices = high turnover, inconsistent output, and eventually, higher costs from rework or brand damage.
Lead Time Affects Cost
Rushed orders = overtime labor, express shipping, and higher wastage. Need 2,000 jackets in 10 days? Get ready to pay a premium.
Case Study:
One of our startup clients initially balked at our $7.80/unit quote for a custom tee. They went to another factory who offered $5.20. Guess what? The fabric was see-through, the necklines stretched after one wash, and half the size labels were wrong. They came back to us, ate the loss, and restarted. Moral of the story: cheap upfront often costs more long-term.
Conclusion:
Apparel manufacturing isn’t a flat-rate industry. Every decision—from fabric to timeline— shapes your cost. Want a fair quote? Come prepared with real specs and realistic expectations. Otherwise, you’re just guessing—and gambling