Two white T-shirts. Very different prices. Why?
You have the idea: a white T-shirt with a good fit, a soft feel, and your own label. Then two manufacturing quotes arrive. The shirts look almost identical. The prices do not.
Fabric, construction, order quantity and the work included can all change the price. Before choosing, let's look beyond the picture.
But they’re both 100% cotton.
That tells you the fibre content. It does not tell you the whole story. Cotton fabrics can use different yarns, knit structures, weights and finishes.
GSM means grams per square metre: the weight of the fabric. A higher number means heavier fabric, but it is not a quality score.
A light summer tee and a heavier, structured tee have different briefs. Start with the intended feel and use, then compare suitable fabrics.
The little details have a price, too.
Turn the shirt inside out. Look at the neckline, shoulder seams and hem. Then check the label and packaging.
Your custom label, embroidery, special finish or packaging may be included in one quotation and charged separately in another.
There can also be development work before production: creating a pattern, making samples and adjusting the fit. Ask how this is charged.
Small order? Check the total, too.
| Example fixed cost | Order size | Cost per T-shirt |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | 50 T-shirts | $2.00 |
| $100 | 200 T-shirts | $0.50 |
A larger order spreads that fixed cost across more pieces. But it also means paying for more stock.
If you are testing a new brand, small quantities may suit your budget and sales plan better, even when the unit price is higher. Compare the total commitment and what you realistically expect to sell.
Should I choose the more expensive one?
Price alone cannot tell you which T-shirt is right for your collection. Compare the same specifications, review samples and decide which details matter to your customer.
For organic or recycled materials, ask what supporting documentation is available for your order. You might choose simpler packaging to protect your budget for fabric and fit, or launch with fewer colour options.
Your five-question quote check
