“How much will it cost?” is the first question every new brand, gym or club asks a manufacturer. The honest answer is: it depends on a handful of clear factors. Once you understand them, you can read any quotation, compare factories fairly, and decide where to save and where to spend.
This guide explains every factor that changes the price of custom sportswear, using how we quote at Naxon Sports as the example.
The Short Answer
Your price per piece is made of: fabric + cutting and stitching + decoration (printing or embroidery) + trims and labels + packaging, then shipping on top. Order quantity changes all of these, because set-up work is shared across more pieces.
1. Fabric — Usually the Biggest Cost
Fabric type, weight (GSM) and quality decide most of the price.
- Polyester and polyester mesh — the most affordable choice for team jerseys and sublimated garments.
- Nylon/spandex and polyester/spandex — four-way stretch fabrics used for leggings, sports bras and compression wear. More expensive than plain polyester, with nylon blends usually at the top.
- Cotton fleece and French terry — used for hoodies and joggers. Heavier weights cost more.
- Recycled polyester and bamboo — premium options for eco-focused brands.
Tip: tell your manufacturer your target retail price. A good factory will suggest a fabric that fits it instead of quoting the most expensive option.
2. Garment Complexity
A simple T-shirt has a few panels and seams. A rash guard with flatlock seams, a sports bra with pads and straps, or a jacket with zips and pockets takes far more cutting and stitching time. More panels, more seams, more labour.
3. Decoration Method
- Sublimation — unlimited colours at no extra cost per colour; ideal for team kits and all-over prints on polyester.
- Screen printing — very cost-effective for large runs of simple logos, but each colour needs its own screen.
- DTF and heat transfer — good for small runs and detailed artwork.
- Embroidery — priced by stitch count and size; looks premium but costs more.
- Silicone, puff and reflective prints — specialist finishes that add cost.
Read the full comparison: sublimation vs screen printing vs embroidery.
4. Order Quantity (MOQ)
Every new design needs pattern work, sampling, screens or print files and machine set-up. On a small order that set-up cost is shared by fewer pieces, so the price per piece is higher. As quantities grow, the price per piece drops. At Naxon Sports our MOQ starts from 30 pieces per design, depending on the product. Learn more: what is MOQ in clothing manufacturing?
5. Sampling
A sample is the cheapest insurance you can buy. It costs more per piece than bulk, but it catches fit, fabric and colour problems before you pay for hundreds of garments. At Naxon Sports samples usually take 5–7 days, and the sample cost is adjusted in your bulk order.
6. Trims, Labels and Branding
Zips, drawcords, elastic, woven neck labels, care labels, hang tags and barcode stickers each add a small amount — but together they make the difference between a generic garment and a real brand. Decide which ones you truly need for your first run.
7. Packaging
A plain polybag is the cheapest. Branded zip bags, printed packaging and custom boxes cost more but improve the unboxing experience for online brands.
8. Sizing and Colour Splits
Very small runs in many colours or unusual sizes increase cost, because each colour may need its own fabric lot and set-up. Keeping your first collection to fewer colours keeps the price down.
9. Shipping and Import Costs
Express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) is fast but priced by weight and volume. Sea freight is much cheaper per kilo for large orders but takes weeks longer. Also budget for import duties and taxes in your country — these vary by destination and product, so check with your customs broker or courier. See our lead times guide for how shipping choice affects your schedule.
8 Ways to Lower Your Cost per Piece
- Start with fewer styles and colours, but a deeper quantity per style.
- Use sublimation for multi-colour designs instead of many screen colours.
- Choose a fabric that matches your price point, not the most premium one.
- Reuse one approved pattern across several colourways.
- Keep trims simple on your first run.
- Send a clear tech pack — fewer mistakes, fewer re-samples.
- Ship larger orders by sea freight when you have time.
- Plan reorders early so you never pay for rushed express shipping.
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
When two factories give different prices, check that both quotes include the same fabric and GSM, the same decoration method, the same labels and packaging, and whether shipping is included. A cheaper quote often leaves something out.
FAQs
Why is my sample more expensive than the bulk price?
A sample needs the same pattern and set-up work as a full order, but for one or a few pieces. At Naxon Sports the sample cost is adjusted in your bulk order.
Is sublimation cheaper than screen printing?
For designs with many colours, usually yes, because sublimation has no extra cost per colour. For one- or two-colour logos on large runs, screen printing is often cheaper.
Does ordering more always lower the price?
Generally yes, because set-up costs are shared across more pieces. The biggest drops come when moving up from very small runs.
Get a Quote From Naxon Sports
Send us your design, quantity and destination and we will reply with a clear price, fabric options and timeline. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp.