This blog post will break down the cost of manufacturing clothing in China. Stay tuned!
Factors that affect the cost of manufacturing clothing in China include the following:
- Suppliers
- Complexity
- Fabric
- Trims
- Labels and Packaging
- Dyeing and Printing
- The quantity
- Shipping and Logistics Cost
Suppliers
As a garment product vendor or buyer, you may be expected to buy fresh seasons of clothing from various manufacturers, which means you’ll have to deal with and conduct business with several companies.
When working with Chinese manufacturers, keep in mind that some are more cost-effective than others based on your budget.
Furthermore, each supplier charges for its cloth and materials differently since textile garment producers operate in different cities throughout China.
Because of all these variables, each manufacturer has a unique regulatory framework or Chinese government rules. Meanwhile, workers’ aims might change owing to variances in equipment and skill levels.
If you are looking for an activewear factory. Cooperating with suppliers in Fujian province in China will be the most cost-effective when you have enough budget like US$10,000 or more. Here in Fujian, you can always find nice quality sportswear at the cheapest price.
If you are a small start-up streetwear brand, then clothing suppliers in Guangdong province in China will be your best choice. According to incomplete statistics, by 2021, Guangdong has more than 3,300 small and medium-sized garment manufacturers. Working with clothing factories in Guangdong, you don’t have to order as large as quantity like cooperating with suppliers in Fujian province. However, the price in Guangdong will be higher than in Fujian Province as suppliers offer you less MOQ. In Guangdong, you can always deal with a small quantity like 100pcs.
Complexity
There are dozens of clothing types, such as
- winter coats,
- sportswear,
- hoodies,
- blouses,
- jeans,
And so on.
Each apparel category has subgroups such as
- style,
- components and features,
- textile materials,
- fabric alternatives,
- size,
- color,
Typically, the more ornate a garment’s design is, the longer it takes to make them, and time equals labor costs. As a result, manufacturing expenses will almost certainly increase.
Furthermore, complicated design usually implies a greater technical and skill requirement for employees and a higher chance of quality control and the Chinese manufacturer’s cost of production.
Fabric Materials
The fabric has a significant impact on the cost of clothing manufacturing because the clothes you purchase will affect your purchasing costs in the long run.
If you want the unique fabric, you’ll have to pay more and wait longer for it to arrive. Customized materials are more expensive than ready-to-go goods, so if you desire a unique color, printing, or dying, you will have to spend extra and wait longer for it to arrive.
On the other hand, textile adornments or fringes are important for garment pricing. There are also various grades of each trim or accessory. This implies that the trimmings you choose will impact garment manufacturing costs.
Trims and Notions
Aside from the main fabric garment construction, other materials such as
- trims,
- buttons,
- thread,
- zippers,
- elastics and so on
They also determined the price of the garment.
Moreover,
- The size,
- The shape,
- And the material
Used in trims like zippers, buttons, and labels also sum up the cost of making a garment.
Labels and Packaging
The cost of labels varies depending on size and material, but the number of labels purchased impacts large manufacturing.
The expense of poly bags and boxes employed for shipment is primarily determined by thickness, size, and raw material. The cost of packaging is just as crucial because it makes a significant difference when considering the total order quantity.
Hangtags or price tags are utilized as packing material, and the cost of hand tags is determined by
- the substance used,
- the printing on it,
- and the MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity).
Dyeing and Printing
The dyeing and printing process will also influence the cost of textiles. Chinese manufacturers analyze the type and composition of fabric before preparing dye solutions to avoid waste while dyeing clothes.
Fabric printing, like dyeing, influences garment manufacturing pricing since the printed fabric is subject to various methods such as screen printing fabric or digital printing fabric. Then, depending on your ideas, you must deal with multiple purchasing pricing schemes.
The Quantity
The quantity you order will also affect the cost of your garments. The more you order, the lower the unit cost will be. With a smaller order, the Chinese manufacturer has to move around a lot more and use more resources, which can offset some of their economies of scale.
As a result, it is essential to decide on an MOQ (minimum order quantity) that will satisfy your needs while also providing the Chinese manufacturer with an adequate number of orders to make a profit.
Shipping and Logistics Cost
The cost of shipping and logistics is an important consideration when manufacturing garments in China.
The FOB (Free on Board) price is the total cost of the goods plus the shipping cost to the port of loading. You are responsible for paying the freight charges to get the goods to your destination.
You can also choose to have the Chinese manufacturer handle all of the shipping and logistics for you. This is called CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) pricing.
The CIF price includes:
- The cost of the goods.
- The cost of shipping to the port of destination.
- The cost of insurance.
The low cost of manufacturing clothing in China
The cost of manufacturing clothing in China varies depending on the type of clothing, the quantity ordered, and the complexity of the design.
For example, most custom clothing manufacturers in China charge between $3 and $10 per piece for the t-shirt order, which is significantly lower than the cost of manufacturing clothing in the USA, Australia, and European countries.
This low cost is one of the reasons why so many clothing brands choose to manufacture their clothes in China.
Another reason manufacturing in China is so popular is that we have a large and skilled workforce. This means that clothing manufacturers in China can produce large quantities of clothing quickly and efficiently.
However, there are some downsides to manufacturing in China. For example, communication can sometimes be a challenge, as there can be a language barrier between the clothing brand and the manufacturer.
Additionally, it can be not easy to oversee the manufacturing process when you’re not in the same country as the factory. This is why it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced custom clothing manufacturer in China that you can trust.
There are many factors influencing the cost of manufacturing garments in China.
By learning about all of the expenses involved, you can be confident that your clothing order will be more cost-effective.
If you have any questions regarding garment manufacturing in China, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information!
Lezhou as a professional custom clothing manufacturer for over 18 years; we are always prepared to offer the most practical advice to you.