How Much Does UK Clothing Production Cost ?
08/06). Naturally, prices for UK clothing production vary considerably, depending on a number of factors, including quantity per size and colour. And of course, the garment design itself.
If you are manufacturing abroad, the price per garment may be far cheaper, but you will have to produce a much higher quantity to counter the extra shipping costs, communication difficulties, and increase risks.
A shirt costing £15 to manufacture in the UK may cost only £8 if manufactured abroad, but by the time you factor in shipping costs and insurance etc., the price difference is not so great.
UK factories are generally more expensive than foreign ones, but the minimum order quantity (MOQ) can be much lower. Some UK factories do not have a MOQ.
A foreign factory would rarely offer low MOQs, and if they did, it would probably not be worth the bother, as the potential risk and the added costs would outweigh the benefits.
UK startups generally need to have small UK factories to produce high quality production in small quantities – Sometimes just ten or less per style.
We generally advise our startup clients to keep their sample development in the UK, and to produce a small quantity in the UK initially. Around fifty per size and colour ideally, but less is OK too. If you prefer to make a smaller quantity, then many UK factories will be happy to help you.
If you are considering using an offshore factory, we would be happy to help you with the process, and provide whatever services you would require from us. Dont go it alone though.
Micro Clothing Factories.
Although there are a number of UK manufacturers who offer no minimum order quantity (MOQ), if you want very small quantities you may be advised to approach a micro factory that specialises in sample development and very small runs.
London used to have plenty of micro factories, run by families operating in their kitchens or garages. There are fewer now, but still exist.
These micro factories are not easy to find as they are often just a couple of sewing machinists working together, or a small tailoring shop. Good micro factories are like gold dust. As they can often provide a whole range of services at a reasonable price. They get booked up very quickly.
Machinery may be limited to a flat stitch machine and an overlocker, but often that is all that is required. They will often have access to embroiderers and printers etc.
Micro factories will often be able to provide you with pattern cutting, grading, and other services, but dont expect them to be highly skilled in those areas.
We are always on the lookout for good micro-factories, so it is worth contacting us to see whether we have someone available in your area.
Sample Development.
Production costs can be divided into two distinct parts – Sample development, and production. Although some factories will just give you a production price, that price will reflect their development costs.
The main drawback to an inclusive production price is that the factory will then own the patterns, grades, and samples. If you later decide to go elsewhere, then you would have to start again.
The best approach for a startup may be to separate sample development from production. Our sample developers can also give you a guide price for a small production run. You can then choose whether to stay with us or go elsewhere.
If you would like an indication of how much your garments would cost to produce, please feel free to email us a few example designs.
Workshops.
We run a number of short workshops for startups.
If you would like to learn how to set up and run a new fashion brand, than our one-to-one Fashion Startup Workshop should prove invaluable.
If you would be interested in learning about how to cost your own designs, you may be interested in our Costings Workshop.
Our fabric and trim sourcing workshop provides you with the knowledge to help you source your own fabrics and trims.
EMAIL [emailprotected]
