How much does it cost to make a clothing sample?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a clothing brand.

Who wrote this content?

The Dojo Business Team

A team of financial experts, consultants, and writers

We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the clothing brand market.

How much does it usually cost to produce a single clothing sample?

The cost to produce a single clothing sample for your clothing brand typically ranges from $50 to $2,500, depending on the garment's complexity and materials used.

Basic samples like simple t-shirts or tank tops usually cost between $50-$150. These garments have minimal construction details, use standard fabrics, and require basic sewing techniques that most sample makers can execute quickly.

Moderately complex samples such as dresses, hoodies, or blouses fall into the $150-$600 range. These pieces involve more intricate construction, multiple pattern pieces, and potentially specialized techniques like button holes, zippers, or decorative stitching.

High-end complex samples including tailored jackets, coats, or luxury pieces can cost $600-$2,500 or more. These garments require skilled pattern makers, premium construction techniques, and often involve multiple fittings and adjustments.

The final cost also depends on whether you're working with local sample makers or overseas manufacturers, with local options typically being more expensive but offering better communication and faster turnaround times for your clothing brand development.

What are the typical price ranges for samples based on garment type?

Clothing sample costs vary significantly by garment type, with prices reflecting the complexity of construction and time required for production.

How does the cost differ between using a local sample maker versus overseas manufacturers?

Local sample makers typically charge 30-50% more than overseas manufacturers, but offer significant advantages in communication, speed, and quality control for clothing brand development.

Local sample makers in the US, UK, or Australia charge higher rates due to elevated labor costs, overhead expenses, and stricter labor regulations. However, they provide faster turnaround times (usually 1-2 weeks versus 3-6 weeks overseas), easier communication in your native language, and the ability to visit facilities for in-person consultations.

Overseas manufacturers, particularly in China, Vietnam, or Bangladesh, offer lower base labor costs but often require minimum order quantities even for samples. Additional costs include international shipping ($30-$100+ per sample), customs duties (potentially 30-80% of the sample value), and longer development timelines that can delay your clothing brand launch.

You'll find detailed market insights in our clothing brand business plan, updated every quarter.

For new clothing brands, local sample makers often provide better value despite higher upfront costs, as they reduce the risk of miscommunication, allow for rapid iterations, and help maintain tighter control over your product development timeline.

What are the standard fees for pattern making included in the sample cost, or are they charged separately?

Pattern making is typically charged separately from sample production, representing a significant portion of your total development costs for a clothing brand.

Most sample makers charge pattern making fees separately, with rates ranging from $30-$65 per hour or fixed fees per garment type. Simple garments like t-shirts require $65-$130 in pattern making, while complex pieces like tailored jackets can cost $260-$650 for initial patterns.

Pattern revisions are billed at the same hourly rate, so expect additional charges if you need fit adjustments or design modifications. Many clothing brands budget an additional 20-30% on top of initial pattern costs for revisions during the development process.

Some full-service manufacturers include basic pattern making in their sample fees, but this is more common with overseas production and usually applies only to simple, standard garments. Always clarify what's included in quoted prices to avoid surprise charges.

This is one of the strategies explained in our clothing brand business plan.

How much does fabric typically cost per sample, and is there a minimum quantity required?

Fabric costs for clothing samples range from $5-$15 per yard for basic materials to $50+ per yard for luxury fabrics, with most suppliers requiring minimum orders that exceed single sample needs.

Basic cotton, polyester, and blend fabrics typically cost $5-$15 per yard when purchased in small quantities. Mid-range fabrics like quality cotton, wool blends, or performance materials range from $15-$50 per yard. Luxury fabrics including silk, cashmere, or designer textiles can exceed $50 per yard.

Most fabric suppliers require minimum orders of 10-50 yards per color/design, meaning you'll often need to purchase significantly more fabric than required for a single sample. This can add $100-$500+ to your sample costs, but the remaining fabric can be used for additional samples or small production runs.

Some suppliers offer sample yardage services, allowing purchases of 1-3 yards at premium prices (often 20-50% above regular pricing). Fabric sourcing fees may apply when manufacturers source materials for you, typically adding $20-$50 per sourcing service.

Planning your fabric purchases strategically across multiple samples can help minimize waste and reduce per-sample costs for your clothing brand development.

Are there additional charges for sourcing fabrics or trims, and if so, how much do they average?

Fabric and trim sourcing services typically add $20-$50 per item to your clothing sample costs, though some manufacturers include this service in their standard fees.

Independent sample makers often charge sourcing fees as a separate line item, particularly when they need to locate specialty fabrics, buttons, zippers, or decorative trims that aren't in their standard inventory. These fees cover the time spent researching suppliers, requesting samples, and coordinating deliveries.

Full-package overseas manufacturers frequently include sourcing services in their standard sample pricing, especially for common materials and basic trims. However, they may charge additional fees for premium or hard-to-find materials that require special sourcing efforts.

Some clothing brands choose to source their own materials to maintain control over quality and costs, particularly when working with local sample makers. This approach requires more time investment but can reduce overall sample costs and ensure access to your preferred suppliers.

We cover this exact topic in the clothing brand business plan.

What is the usual cost for grading or creating different sizes during the sample phase?

Grading costs for clothing samples range from $2-$25 per size, depending on the complexity of the garment and whether you use computerized or manual grading services.

Computerized grading typically costs $2-$5 per pattern piece per size, making it the most cost-effective option for clothing brands planning multiple size runs. Manual grading ranges from $10-$25 per size for complete garments, with skilled pattern makers adjusting each piece individually.

Most grading services require a minimum charge covering at least three sizes (small, medium, large), with total costs ranging from $125-$250 for basic garments. Complex pieces with multiple pattern pieces or specialized construction details can cost significantly more to grade.

Package pricing is common, where grading services charge a flat rate per garment type regardless of the number of pattern pieces. This approach provides predictable costs but may be less economical for very simple garments with few pattern pieces.

Many clothing brands delay grading until after finalizing their base size sample, as any pattern changes require re-grading all sizes, potentially doubling your grading costs.

How much does it cost to make changes or revisions after receiving the first sample?

Sample revisions typically cost $25-$250 per hour depending on the complexity of changes and the skill level of your pattern maker or sample maker.

Minor adjustments like hemline changes, simple fit modifications, or basic detail alterations usually take 1-2 hours and cost $25-$100 total. These changes often involve minimal pattern adjustments and straightforward resewing of specific areas.

Major revisions including significant fit changes, construction method modifications, or design element additions can take 3-8 hours and cost $150-$500 or more. These changes often require substantial pattern modifications and potentially complete sample reconstruction.

Professional pattern makers typically charge $100-$250 per hour for revision work, while sample sewers may charge $25-$75 per hour. Always request time estimates before approving revisions to control costs for your clothing brand development.

It's a key part of what we outline in the clothing brand business plan.

What are the labor costs involved in sewing a prototype, and how are they calculated?

Labor costs for sewing clothing prototypes are calculated based on time and complexity, typically ranging from $75-$400 per sample depending on garment type and skill requirements.

Simple garments like t-shirts require 2-4 hours of sewing time at $20-$35 per hour, resulting in $40-$140 in labor costs. Basic construction involves straightforward seaming, hemming, and minimal detail work that most experienced sewers can complete efficiently.

Moderate complexity garments such as button-up shirts or simple dresses require 4-8 hours at $25-$45 per hour, totaling $100-$360 in labor costs. These pieces involve more precise construction, detail work, and often require intermediate to advanced sewing skills.

Complex garments like tailored jackets or outerwear can require 8-15 hours or more at $30-$50 per hour, resulting in $240-$750+ in labor costs. These pieces demand expert-level construction skills, specialized techniques, and meticulous attention to fit and finish.

Most sample makers provide time estimates upfront, allowing clothing brands to budget accurately and make informed decisions about design complexity versus cost considerations during the development process.

Are there setup or service fees charged by manufacturers for small runs or single samples?

Many manufacturers charge setup or service fees ranging from $50-$200 for single samples or small runs to cover the administrative costs and production inefficiencies of small orders.

Overseas manufacturers frequently impose these fees because single samples disrupt their normal production flow and require special handling, documentation, and quality control procedures. These fees help offset the lack of economies of scale when producing individual pieces.

Local sample makers are less likely to charge setup fees, as they typically specialize in small-batch and prototype production. However, some may charge rush fees for expedited orders or premium service charges for complex coordination requirements.

Full-package manufacturers that handle sourcing, production, and shipping often include setup costs in their standard pricing structure. Always clarify fee structures upfront to avoid unexpected charges that can significantly impact your clothing brand's sample development budget.

Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our clothing brand business plan.

How much should be budgeted for shipping and customs when ordering samples from abroad?

International shipping and customs costs for clothing samples typically range from $60-$200+ per shipment, with duties potentially adding 30-80% to the original sample value.

What's the typical total cost range from concept to final approved sample for a beginner brand?

The total cost from concept to final approved sample for a beginner clothing brand typically ranges from $200-$4,000+ depending on garment complexity and the number of revisions required.

Simple garments like basic t-shirts or tank tops usually cost $200-$600 total, including initial pattern making ($65-$130), first sample ($40-$130), fabric costs ($20-$50), and one round of minor revisions ($50-$150). These straightforward pieces require minimal development time and iterations.

Intermediate complexity garments such as dresses, hoodies, or button-up shirts typically cost $600-$1,500 total. This includes more complex pattern making ($130-$260), higher sample costs ($100-$260), premium fabric expenses ($50-$150), and potentially multiple revision rounds ($150-$400).

Complex or luxury garments including tailored jackets, coats, or intricate designs can cost $1,500-$4,000+ from concept to approval. These pieces require expert pattern making ($260-$650), expensive sample production ($200-$520), premium materials ($100-$300+), and extensive revision processes ($300-$800+).

This is one of the many elements we break down in the clothing brand business plan.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Glim Industries - Clothing Sample Cost Guide
2. Make It British - UK Sample Costs
3. The London Pattern Cutter - Sampling Prices
4. White2Label - Local vs Overseas Manufacturing
5. Makers Row - Domestic vs Overseas Manufacturing
6. Garmenta Apparel - Pattern Making Costs
7. Sewport - Fabrics and Trims Guide
8. Visionise - Clothing Sample Types
9. Fashion Incubator - Pattern Grading Services
10. FreightAmigo - Clothing Shipping Costs