What moves the cost of making a garment
Two dresses that look alike on a screen can differ a lot in price. These are the things that make the difference, roughly in order of weight.
Fabric
Fabric is usually the largest part of the price. Composition, weight, finish and where it comes from all matter. A fabric that is in stock in Guangzhou is quicker and often cheaper than one that has to be made or dyed to order.
How much fabric the pattern uses
Full skirts, wide legs, bias cuts and large prints that must be matched use more fabric per piece. Small changes in the pattern can bring the consumption down without changing the look.
Construction
Every seam, dart, pleat, lining and finish is sewing time. A lined blazer with welt pockets takes far longer than an unlined shell top. Construction is where the pattern room can often suggest an equal result for less work.
Trims and details
Buttons, zips, lace, elastic, labels and hangtags add up, and custom versions come with their own minimums and lead times.
Quantity and colours
Set-up work is spread over the order, so the price per piece falls as the quantity grows. Splitting the same quantity across many colours or sizes pushes it back up.
Finishing and treatments
Prints, embroidery, washes and special pressing are extra steps, often with outside suppliers.
Packing and shipping
Folding, bagging and labelling to your instructions, and the way you ship, also show up in the final landed cost. See Packing and shipping your order.
Questions
Why can't you give me a price from a photo alone?
We can give a rough range. The firm price depends on the fabric and construction details, which the photo rarely shows completely.
Does a bigger order always cost less per piece?
Usually, because set-up work is spread over more pieces. The fabric price may also drop at larger quantities.
Where can I save without hurting the garment?
Fewer colours, simpler trims and a fabric that is easy to source are the usual places. We point them out when we quote.