Quick answer: Clothing manufacturing cost depends on fabric, product complexity, decoration, quantity, labels and packaging, and shipping and duties.
“How much will it cost?” is the first question every brand asks. The honest answer is: it depends on a few clear factors. Once you understand them, you can design products that fit your budget and compare quotes fairly.
Building a clothing or sportswear brand? Ravix Pro Industry is a sportswear and apparel manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan, offering OEM and private label manufacturing for clothing brands: product development, samples, custom labels and packaging, and consistent bulk production, certified WRAP, BSCI, OEKO-TEX and ISO 9001. MOQ 30 pieces per design. Private label · OEM manufacturing · Get a free quote.
Part of our guide: MOQ and Pricing for Clothing Manufacturing · Quick answers
1. Fabric and GSM
Fabric is usually the biggest part of the cost. Heavier fabrics (high GSM), premium cotton, technical stretch fabrics and recycled options cost more than standard polyester or cotton jersey. Read what GSM means.
2. Product complexity
More panels, pockets, zips, linings and special seams mean more cutting and stitching time. A simple tee is quicker to make than a fully lined varsity jacket.
3. Decoration method
Sublimation, screen printing, puff print, embroidery and DTF have different set-up and per-piece costs. Many colours in screen printing, or large embroidery with many stitches, increase cost. See sublimation vs screen printing.
4. Order quantity
Larger quantities spread set-up costs over more pieces, so the unit price falls as quantity rises. A low MOQ lets you start small; you can reorder in larger quantities later.
5. Sizes and colours
Many sizes and many colourways in one order add handling. Mixing sizes inside the MOQ is normal; each extra colourway may count as a separate design.
6. Labels, tags and packaging
Woven labels, printed neck labels, hang tags, custom polybags and boxes add small costs per piece but make a big difference to how premium your brand looks.
7. Sampling
Samples are made one by one, so the sample cost is higher than the bulk unit price. It is worth it: a good sample prevents expensive mistakes in bulk.
8. Shipping method
Air courier is fast and simple for small orders; sea freight is much cheaper per kilo for large orders but slower. Heavy products such as hoodies and jackets cost more to ship than tees.
9. Import duties and taxes
Duty depends on the product, fabric and your country’s trade rules. For example, EU and UK buyers may benefit from trade preferences for goods made in Pakistan when the rules of origin are met. Always check current rules with your customs broker.
How to lower your unit cost
- Choose a standard fabric that suits the product instead of the most expensive option.
- Limit print colours or use sublimation for full-colour designs.
- Order fewer colourways and more pieces per design.
- Combine several products in one shipment.
- Approve the sample quickly so production stays on schedule.
Get an exact price
Send us your product type, fabric, decoration, quantity and sizes and we will send a detailed quote with each cost listed. No hidden extras.
Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQs
Why is the sample more expensive than bulk?
Samples are made individually with full set-up, so they cost more per piece than bulk production.
Does a bigger order always mean a lower price?
Generally yes, because set-up costs are shared across more pieces.
Are shipping and duties included in the quote?
We can quote ex-factory or door-to-door. Import duties depend on your country and are paid by the importer.
