T-shirts are one of the most popular clothing items worldwide, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, versatile, and perfect for personal use, promotional events, and business branding. But if you’re thinking of starting your own clothing line or business, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: “How much does it cost to manufacture T-shirts?”
The cost of manufacturing T-shirts can vary widely depending on several factors, including the material used, the quantity of T-shirts ordered, customization options, and the location of production. Understanding these variables is crucial for anyone looking to start their own T-shirt business or place a bulk order for custom T-shirts.
The total cost of making a shirt typically includes fabric ($2–$5), cutting and sewing ($1–$4), printing or embroidery ($1–$5), labeling and packaging ($0.50–$2), and logistics or shipping costs ($0.50–$3). In total, shirt manufacturing generally costs between $5–$15 per shirt.
In this article, we’ll break down the various factors that impact T-shirt manufacturing costs, and provide you with a better understanding of how to budget for your next T-shirt production order.
How Much Does It Cost to Manufacture T-Shirts?
Understanding manufacturing costs is essential for pricing T-shirts accurately and ensuring healthy profit margins. Initially, I struggled to price shirts correctly, which impacted my profits. So, how much does it cost to manufacture T-shirts?
On average, manufacturing a T-shirt costs between $5 and $15 per piece. The key costs that contribute to this range include:
- Fabric Quality: Higher-quality fabrics like ring-spun cotton or eco-friendly materials can drive up costs.
- Sewing Labor: Labor costs vary depending on the location of production and the complexity of the stitching.
- Printing or Embroidery: Adding custom designs or logos increases the price per unit, with larger or more intricate designs costing more.
- Labels & Tags: Custom branding elements, like labels or woven tags, can add to the overall cost.
- Packaging & Shipping: Packaging, labeling, and the method of shipping (air, sea, or land) all influence the total cost.
Generally, higher-quality materials, more complex designs, and smaller orders will increase manufacturing costs per T-shirt.
Detailed Cost Breakdown for T-Shirt Manufacturing:
Based on my experience, here’s a clear breakdown of the typical costs involved in manufacturing a T-shirt:
| Process | Average Cost per Shirt | Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Material | $2–$5 | Quality, type (cotton, polyester, blend) |
| Cutting & Sewing | $1–$4 | Labor costs, complexity of style |
| Printing/Embroidery | $1–$5 | Method, colors, complexity of design |
| Labels & Packaging | $0.50–$2 | Custom labels, packaging style |
| Logistics/Shipping | $0.50–$3 | Shipping method, distance, location |
| Total Cost | $5–$15 per shirt | Combined cost of all processes |
A clear understanding of each of these components will help you manage overall manufacturing expenses more effectively.
How Do Fabric Choices Affect Costs?
Fabric choice is one of the key factors in determining the overall cost of manufacturing T-shirts. Here’s how different fabrics affect the price:
- Cotton (High Quality): $3–$5 per shirt. Provides superior comfort and quality but comes at a higher cost.
- Polyester Blends: $2–$4 per shirt. More cost-effective, durable, and commonly used for mass production.
- Organic/Sustainable Fabrics: $4–$7 per shirt. Higher cost due to premium quality, but appeals to eco-conscious markets.
Choosing the right fabric will align directly with your budget and brand positioning, helping you make the best decision for your business.
What Factors Determine the Cost of Producing a High-Quality T-Shirt?
The cost of producing a premium T-shirt depends on several key factors, including raw materials, manufacturing location, and any additional customizations. These factors work together to influence the final price and overall quality of the T-shirt.
Breakdown of Production Cost Factors
| Factor | Cost Impact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Quality | High | Premium cotton or sustainable fabrics (e.g., organic cotton) increase production costs. |
| Labor Costs | Medium-High | Ethical wages, skilled labor, and specialized craftsmanship raise expenses. |
| Production Location | Varies | Costs differ significantly between countries, e.g., China, Portugal, Bangladesh, etc. |
| Order Quantity | Medium | Bulk orders typically reduce per-unit cost, as economies of scale apply. |
| Customization | High | Custom printing, embroidery, and special labels or finishes add extra costs. |
How These Factors Affect the Cost:
- Fabric quality directly impacts the comfort, durability, and feel of the T-shirt, with higher-end fabrics raising the production cost.
- Labor costs can vary depending on the production country, with higher-wage locations such as the U.S. or Portugal costing more than lower-wage countries.
- Production location affects cost through labor expenses, transportation fees, and supply chain considerations.
- Order quantity influences unit price—larger orders generally result in lower per-unit costs due to efficiencies in mass production.
- Customization (like printing or embroidery) adds to the cost, especially with complex designs or small-batch runs.
Choosing the right combination of these factors allows businesses to balance quality and cost-effectiveness, ensuring a premium product while managing expenses.
How Does Manufacturing Location Impact Cost?
The location of production significantly influences the total cost of manufacturing a T-shirt, primarily through labor and operational costs. Countries with lower wages, like Bangladesh and China, offer cost-effective production, while places like Portugal and the U.S. focus on higher-quality production with a premium price tag. Additionally, ethical and sustainable production practices can increase costs but boost brand reputation.
Cost Comparison by Country
| Country | Cost per T-Shirt | Labor Conditions | Quality Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | $3.00 – $6.00 | Low-cost labor, large-scale production | Medium |
| China | $4.00 – $8.00 | Efficient, automated production | Medium-High |
| Turkey | $6.00 – $12.00 | Ethical labor, strong textile industry | High |
| Portugal | $8.00 – $15.00 | EU labor standards, sustainable production | Very High |
| USA | $10.00 – $20.00 | Premium wages, best ethical practices | Very High |
Luxury brands tend to favor Portugal and the USA for their premium quality, while cost-conscious brands often opt for China or Bangladesh for more affordable production.
How Much Does Customization Add to the Cost?
Customizing T-shirts through printing, embroidery, or labeling can significantly increase the manufacturing cost, depending on the complexity and chosen method.
Cost Breakdown of Different Customization Options
| Customization Type | Additional Cost per T-Shirt | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | $1.00 – $3.00 | Bulk orders, simple designs |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | $3.00 – $6.00 | Small orders, detailed prints |
| Embroidery | $4.00 – $6.00 | Premium logos, textured designs |
| Custom Labels & Tags | $0.50 – $2.00 | Branding, luxury appeal |
Customization typically adds $1 to $6 per T-shirt, depending on the method, design complexity, and order size. Screen printing is ideal for large orders with simple designs, while DTG and embroidery are better suited for smaller, premium runs.
How Do Order Quantity and Bulk Production Affect Costs?
Ordering in bulk can significantly reduce the per-unit cost of T-shirts, as factories can streamline production and achieve economies of scale. Larger orders typically result in lower costs, while smaller orders carry higher per-unit costs due to fixed setup expenses.
Price Variation Based on Order Size
| Order Quantity | Estimated Cost per T-Shirt |
|---|---|
| 100 – 500 pcs | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| 500 – 1,000 pcs | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| 1,000 – 5,000 pcs | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| 5,000+ pcs | $5.00 – $8.00 |
Larger bulk orders can reduce per-unit costs by up to 30%. However, small orders tend to have higher costs due to fixed setup expenses.
Are Sustainable T-Shirts More Expensive?
Sustainability often adds to production costs due to the use of organic materials, ethical labor, and eco-friendly packaging. However, sustainable T-shirts appeal to eco-conscious consumers and can justify higher retail pricing.
Additional Costs for Sustainable Production
| Sustainable Practice | Extra Cost per T-Shirt |
|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | +$2.00 – $5.00 |
| Fair Trade Wages | +$1.00 – $3.00 |
| Eco-Friendly Dyes | +$0.50 – $2.00 |
| Recycled Packaging | +$0.50 – $1.00 |
Sustainable T-shirts typically cost 20-50% more than traditional options but offer strong brand appeal and increased loyalty from eco-conscious consumers.
How Can Brands Optimize High-Quality T-Shirt Production Costs?
To maintain a balance between cost and quality, brands can apply several strategies to manage production costs effectively:
Strategies to Reduce Costs Without Compromising Quality
- Negotiate with Suppliers: Long-term contracts or bulk orders can secure lower per-unit costs.
- Choose Efficient Printing Methods: Screen printing is ideal for bulk orders, while DTG and embroidery are better for premium, small-run designs.
- Optimize Order Quantity: Ensure you order the right volume to avoid overproduction while securing bulk discounts.
- Source from Mid-Range Production Countries: Turkey offers a balance of cost and quality for businesses looking for a middle ground.
- Use Sustainable Yet Affordable Fabrics: Organic cotton blends offer a more cost-effective alternative to 100% organic cotton while still promoting sustainability.
By adopting these strategies, brands can optimize costs, maintain high quality, and remain competitive in the market.
Why Global Brands Choose Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.?
Our use of modern technology, trained artisans, advanced knitting systems, and multi-stage QC makes us a leading name in Garments production.
Production Capacity
- 30 million+ pieces annually
- 12,000 employees skilled workers
- 24/7 production capability
- Flexible MOQ (small batch to bulk)
Quality Assurance
- ISO-certified processes
- Multi-level inspection
- Premium yarn and fabric sourcing
- Zero-defect manufacturing commitment
Design & Development
- In-house design team
- Custom pattern development
- Trend forecasting & styling guidance
- Rapid sampling turnaround
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
State-of-the-art production facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled workforce delivering superior quality leggings at scale.
Production Excellence
%Automated Production Lines
140 fully automated production lines with advanced cutting and sewing technology for consistent quality.
🧪Quality Control Laboratory
In-house testing facility ensuring fabric durability, color fastness, and performance standards.
♻Sustainable Practices
Eco-friendly manufacturing processes with recycled materials and water conservation systems.
Our Sleeveless T-Shirt Production Process
Step 1
Design Confirmation
The process begins with confirming the design based on client specifications. This step involves digital sketching and adjustments using software.
Step 2
Pattern Making
Using the confirmed design, patterns are created with precision, often digitized for accuracy.
Step 3
Computer Auto-cutting machine
The fabric is cut using a computer-controlled cutting machine to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Step 4
Sewing with Specialized Machines
The cut pieces are sewn together using a four-needle six-thread machine for side seams and a three-needle five-thread machine for hems, ensuring durability and stretch.
Step 5
Quality Inspection
Each garment undergoes a thorough inspection to check for defects in stitching and fit.
Step 6
Packaging and Shipment
Approved garments are folded, packaged, and prepared for shipment to the client.
Why Brands Choose Newasia Garment Co., Ltd.
At Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. , we specialize in small-batch orders (100pcs MOQ) and high-quality logo custom, making us the ideal partner for startups, brands, and businesses looking for flexible, reliable, and cost-effective apparel manufacturing.
Key Reasons to Work With Us
- Low MOQ & Fast Turnaround
- 100pcs minimum order – Perfect for testing designs or small businesses.
- 5-10 days for sample and 15-30 days to produce – Quick delivery without compromising quality.
- Screen printing, embroidery, DTG, Rhinestone Application – Choose the best method for your logo.
- Free design support – Our team helps optimize artwork for the best results.
- Located in the heart of China’s textile hub(Guangzhou), ensuring fast material sourcing & lower costs.
- 2000+ fabric options – From organic cotton to performance blends.
- Quality You Can Trust
- Strict QC process – Every piece inspected before shipping.
- ISO,BSCI certificate – Safe, durable, and eco-friendly materials.
Global Shipping & Easy Communication
- Door-to-door logistics (DDP available).
- 24/7 support via WhatsApp, Email, WeChat.
Our Services
You need a good T-shirt manufacturer that will go the extra mile for you to get it right. You will need solid support in the development stages. And then, of course, you will also need solid planning to keep your delivery on-schedule, so you don’t miss your product launch. Professional quality control is a must if you want to have brand-level products on the shelves.
We can create your unique design and add graphics and logos to your jersey.
Different countries, different brands all have different sizes. Our team will help you make the optimised sizing chart for your target market
We have professional designers who can design different styles of Jackets for you.
Our clothes are available in a variety of materials such as cotton, spandex and polyester.
No need to find other packaging factories, we can provide you with custom packaging services for clothing, including labels, tags, cartons.
We can customize various colors for you. You can also choose from our color card.
Certified Professional Clothing Producer
We are very proud of these certificates! They represent Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. ’s amazing achievements and accreditations. They show how much we care about quality, safety, and professionalism.
We’re proud to say that we have obtained BSCI and ISO 90001 certificates, and inspection certificates for filling materials such as down and cotton. We follow international standards throughout our production process and take responsibility for the quality of our products.
As one of China’s leading clothing manufacturers, we are pleased to be recognized by respected organizations. These certifications underscore our reliability as a trusted supplier to the global apparel industry.
Trusted Certificates：
Why Choose Us
 Independent base We have our own laboratory and can independently develop fabrics , China  Professional certification Certification: ISO 9001, ISO 14001，BSCI，GRS |  Full-equipped Full-equipped, from fiber manufacturing, yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing and processing to finished product production  Rich experience Professional, large and experienced design team, combined with the latest artificial intelligence technology |  Our Facilities 12,000 skilled employees, daily production capacity exceeds 100,000 pieces  Fashion exhibition Participated in domestic and foreign fashion weeks and exhibitions many times |
Trusted by Global Clients
Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.’s production advantages
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. offers tailored sportswear services, including custom designs, colors, fabrics, logos, patterns, and sizes. With a low minimum order quantity (MOQ of 150 pieces), they cater to startups, wholesalers, and established brands, making it ideal for small businesses and growing companies.
Use moisture wicking, breathable, quick-drying and sustainable fabrics to ensure the comfort and durability of sportswear such as yoga, fitness, running, cycling, etc. Customers can choose high-quality, environmentally friendly and high-performance textile materials.
The factory is equipped with advanced equipment such as seamless knitting machines, sublimation printing, laser cutting, embroidery and digital heat transfer technology to ensure production accuracy and high-quality finished products.
Adopt AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards and conduct multi-stage quality inspections from raw materials to final packaging to ensure that each product meets international quality standards. The factory is ISO and BSCI certified.
Provide fast production and delivery services, with production time of about 5-10days for customized samples, 15-30 working days for bulk orders , and about 30-35 working days for complex designs, ensuring that customers receive products in time.
An experienced professional team provides 3D design support and confirms the final design within 24 hours
We have an international design team that integrates global fashion trends to provide designs that combine functionality, style, and casual sportswear to meet the needs of different markets and consumers.
We collaborate with top logistics partners to offer diverse shipping options—express, air, sea, and land. Our professional sales and after-sales team ensures quick responses and provides custom branding services, including logos, labels, and packaging.
How to Lower the Cost of Manufacturing T-Shirts
If you’re looking to reduce your manufacturing costs without sacrificing quality, here are a few strategies to consider:
- Increase Order Quantity: As mentioned earlier, placing larger orders reduces the price per unit. If you’re able to increase your order size, you’ll likely receive a lower cost.
- Choose Cost-Effective Fabrics: Opting for standard cotton or polyester blends instead of premium fabrics can help lower material costs.
- Simplify Your Design: Reducing the number of colors and complexity in your design will help cut down printing costs.
- Negotiate with Suppliers: If you plan to work with a manufacturer long-term, negotiate better pricing for bulk orders or long-term contracts.
How to Get Started with T-Shirt Manufacturing
If you’re ready to start your own T-shirt brand or simply need a bulk order of custom T-shirts, it’s essential to find the right manufacturer who can deliver quality products within your budget.
Here’s how we can help you get started:
- Request a Free Quote for your T-shirt order, and get detailed pricing based on your material, quantity, and customization needs.
- Consult with Our Experts to explore the best fabric options and printing techniques that fit your brand’s vision and budget.
- Streamline Your Order Process with our easy-to-use platform, designed to help you manage everything from design submission to delivery.
Conclusion
The cost of producing a high-quality T-shirt ranges from $5 to $15 per unit, influenced by factors such as fabric choice, labor costs, customization, and sustainability practices. Premium fabrics, ethical production methods, and custom branding elements contribute to higher costs but significantly enhance the product’s value and appeal.
To achieve the best balance between quality and cost, businesses should optimize their sourcing strategies, streamline manufacturing processes, and consider factors like order quantity and customization carefully. By doing so, they can offer premium-quality T-shirts while managing production costs effectively.
Read more: How Much Does It Cost to Manufacture T-Shirts? A Comprehensive Guide for Brands and Buyers