How Much Does Custom Branded Apparel Cost for a Small Business?
Custom apparel pricing varies more than most first-time buyers expect, and the biggest swings usually aren't about the garment itself.
What actually moves the price
Quantity has the largest effect — traditional suppliers reward bulk orders heavily, which is exactly what penalizes small businesses ordering 20-50 units. Print method, number of colors, and garment quality all matter, but usually less than order size.
| Factor | Impact on cost |
|---|---|
| Order quantity | Largest — bulk discounts can be 30-50%+ |
| Print method | Embroidery costs more per unit than screen print |
| Number of colors | More colors = higher setup and per-unit cost |
| Fabric quality | Moderate — better blends add modest cost |
Small businesses usually overpay not because of quality, but because of minimums built for bulk buyers.
Where small businesses can save
Sourcing from suppliers that support low minimums avoids paying for excess stock just to hit a bulk discount. A smaller, well-fitted order often costs less overall than a larger order with unused inventory.
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