Cost of T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh

The cost of T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh ranges from $2.50 to $8.50 per unit, depending on fabric quality, order volume, and customization requirements. Bangladesh has become the second-largest garment exporter globally, producing over $39.35 billion worth of apparel annually. This South Asian nation offers unmatched pricing advantages through its robust textile infrastructure, a skilled workforce of 4 million, and 3,500+ factories. For startups, fashion brands, and wholesalers seeking affordable production without compromising on quality, understanding Bangladesh’s cost structure is essential for making profitable sourcing decisions.

The country’s competitive pricing stems from low labour costs, integrated supply chains, and preferential trade agreements with major markets such as the EU and the USA. Texasia stands out as one of the best T-shirt suppliers in Bangladesh, offering transparent pricing and export-quality manufacturing. Whether you are launching a new clothing line or scaling an existing brand, Bangladesh offers the most cost-effective T-shirt production globally.

Overview of the Cost of T-shirt Manufacturing in Bangladesh for Global Buyers

Bangladesh delivers the lowest T-shirt manufacturing costs worldwide, with complete production ranging from $5.40 to $8.55 per piece, including shipping, compared to $13.14 in China and $17.50 in the USA. The nation exported $21.16 billion in knitwear products during FY 2024-25, representing a 9.73% year-over-year growth. Basic cotton T-shirts start at $2.50-$3.50 per unit for bulk orders of 1,000+ pieces, while premium organic options range from $4.50-$6.50. This price advantage comes from labour costs of just $0.25-$1.00 per shirt, which is 80% lower than those of Chinese factories.

Texasia exemplifies a reliable manufacturing partner that combines competitive rates with consistent quality standards. Global buyers benefit from Least Developed Country (LDC) trade benefits, zero-duty access to European markets, and established logistics networks connecting Dhaka and Chittagong ports to worldwide destinations.

Why Bangladesh Offers Low Cost of T-shirt Manufacturing

Bangladesh maintains the lowest hourly wages in the textile industry, with garment workers earning approximately $114 per month (12,500 BDT) as of 2024. This wage structure is 60-70% lower than in Vietnam and significantly cheaper than in India or China. The country has built a complete vertical integration system in which fabric mills, dyeing units, printing facilities, and garment factories operate in proximity, eliminating intermediary costs and reducing transportation expenses.

Government incentives support the textile sector through cash subsidies, tax holidays, and export bonuses that allow manufacturers to offer better pricing to international clients. The massive production scale creates economies of scale—factories producing 50,000+ units monthly can substantially reduce per-unit overhead costs. Energy costs remain relatively low, accounting for approximately 15-25% of total manufacturing expenses, and sourcing raw materials from local mills saves 10-15% compared to imported fabrics.

Global Demand and Competitive Pricing Advantage

The USA increased imports from Bangladesh by 45.9% in January 2025, reaching $799.65 million, while EU purchases jumped 37% to $3.69 billion during January-February 2025. This surge reflects buyer confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to deliver quality products at unbeatable prices. International brands like H&M, Gap, Zara, and Walmart source millions of T-shirts annually from Bangladeshi factories because the cost savings enable 30-50% higher profit margins than in other manufacturing hubs.

The clothing factory pricing in Bangladesh per-piece structure benefits from GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) access to major markets, meaning reduced or zero import duties for buyers in the EU, Canada, Japan, and Australia. This preferential Treatment, combined with Bangladesh’s lead time of 60-90 days for standard orders, makes it the preferred destination for volume buyers. Factories like Texasia have established strong reputations for meeting international compliance standards while maintaining competitive pricing.

T-shirt production cost per unit in Bangladesh: Detailed Pricing Guide

T-shirt production costs per unit in Bangladesh vary significantly by fabric type, order volume, and finishing requirements. Understanding the pricing tiers helps buyers budget accurately and negotiate better deals with manufacturers. Basic single-colour cotton tees cost $2.50-$3.00 per piece for orders of 5,000 units or more, while smaller quantities of 500-1,000 pieces typically range from $3.50-$4.50. Premium options with special treatments, organic materials, or complex designs push unit costs to $5.00-$7.00.

The price difference between low-quantity and bulk orders can reach 40-60%, making volume purchasing extremely attractive for established brands. Factories offer tiered pricing structures where costs decrease progressively as order quantities increase. Sample orders of 100-300 pieces may cost $5.00-$8.00 per shirt due to setup costs and inefficiencies of small production runs.

Basic Cotton T-shirt Production Cost Per Unit

Basic cotton T-shirts using 160-180 GSM single jersey fabric cost $2.50-$3.20 per piece for bulk orders of 3,000+ units. This includes standard round-neck or V-neck construction, simple stitching, basic neck labels, and standard poly bag packaging. The fabric alone accounts for approximately $1.20-$1.60 of this cost, with pricing of 220-280 BDT per kg for basic cotton fabric.

Labour costs add $0.25- $0.50 per garment for cutting, sewing, and finishing. Factory overhead, including electricity, machinery depreciation, and quality control, contributes another $0.40-$0.60. Standard screen printing of one colour adds $0.30-$0.50 per print location, while basic packaging and labelling cost approximately $0.15-$0.25.

For orders between 1,000 and 3,000 pieces, expect prices in the $3.00-$3.80 range. Smaller runs of 500-1,000 units typically cost $3.50-$4.50 due to less efficient production setup and higher per-unit overhead allocation.

Premium and Organic T-shirt Manufacturing Cost

Premium T-shirts using combed cotton (300-350 BDT/kg) or ring-spun cotton (360-420 BDT/kg) cost $4.00-$5.50 per unit for bulk orders. These fabrics offer superior softness, durability, and finish quality compared to basic options. The fabric cost increases to $2.00-$2.80 per shirt, while labour and overhead remain similar to standard production.

Organic cotton T-shirts represent the premium tier at $5.50-$7.00 per piece due to fabric costs of 450-520 BDT per kg. Organic certification requirements add $0.20-$0.40 to processing costs. Pima cotton and other luxury materials can push prices to $6.50-$8.50 for specialized buyers seeking top-tier quality.

Premium finishing techniques like enzyme washing, silicon softening, or special dyeing add $0.40-$0.80 per garment. High-quality hang tags, woven labels, and custom packaging contribute another $0.30-$0.60. Texasia specializes in both standard and premium T-shirt manufacturing, offering flexible options for different market segments.

Bulk Order vs Small Order Cost Comparison

The cost difference between bulk and small orders significantly impacts overall project budgets:

Small-order factories like Texasia offer MOQs as low as 300 pieces per style, making them ideal for startups and for testing new designs. Large-volume factories prefer orders of 3,000+ pieces to maintain production efficiency.

Garment Manufacturing Cost Breakdown in Bangladesh: Full Component Analysis

A garment manufacturing cost breakdown in Bangladesh reveals that fabric accounts for 40-50% of total costs, labour for 15-25%, overhead for 20-30%, and packaging/shipping for 10-15% of the final price. Understanding each component helps buyers identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate effectively with suppliers. For a $3.00 basic T-shirt, approximately $1.35-$1.50 goes to fabric, $0.45-$0.75 to labour, $0.60-$0.90 to overhead, and $0.30-$0.45 to finishing and packaging.

Factories with vertical integration reduce costs by 10-15% through internal fabric production, dyeing, and finishing operations. Buyers working with integrated manufacturers benefit from better pricing and faster turnaround times than those with factories dependent on external suppliers.

Fabric Cost Impact

Fabric quality and type directly determine 40-50% of the final T-shirt price. Basic cotton fabric at 220-280 BDT/kg ($2.00-$2.55/kg) yields approximately 3.5-4 shirts per kilogram, resulting in a fabric cost of $0.50-$0.73 per shirt. A standard 160 GSM T-shirt weighs roughly 140-160 grams and requires 250-280 grams of fabric, including waste.

Combed cotton at 300-350 BDT/kg increases fabric cost to $0.70-$0.90 per shirt, while ring-spun premium cotton at 360-420 BDT/kg pushes costs to $0.85-$1.05 per shirt. Organic cotton at 450-520 BDT/kg results in a $1.10-$1.35 per-garment fabric cost. Blended fabrics like 60/40 cotton-polyester cost $1.80-$2.50 per meter, translating to approximately $0.60-$0.85 per T-shirt depending on consumption.

Fabric wastage of 12-18% occurs during cutting and production, directly impacting costs. Skilled pattern makers reduce waste to 10-12% through efficient marker planning. Bulk fabric purchases of 5,000+ kg secure 5-10% better pricing than smaller orders, allowing manufacturers to pass savings to buyers.

Labour Cost in the Bangladesh Garment Industry

Bangladesh offers the world’s lowest garment labour costs at approximately $0.25-$1.00 per T-shirt, which is 80% cheaper than China and 60-70% lower than Vietnam. The current minimum wage for garment workers stands at 12,500 BDT ($114) per month, effective from 2024. This wage covers approximately 26 working days, resulting in a daily rate of about $4.38 or $0.55 per hour for an 8-hour shift.

A skilled operator can produce 60-80 basic T-shirts per day, allocating 6-8 minutes of sewing time per garment. With helper support for cutting, finishing, and quality checking, the total labour cost is approximately $0.30-$0.50 for basic styles. Complex designs with multiple stitching operations or special techniques can increase labour costs to $0.60-$1.20 per piece.

Labour costs represent 15-25% of total manufacturing expenses in Bangladesh, significantly lower than the 35-45% typical in China or Southeast Asian countries. This advantage allows Bangladesh to maintain competitive pricing even as wages gradually increase by 5-8% annually due to inflation and labour union negotiations.

Printing, Embroidery, and Customisation Cost

Screen printing costs $0.30-$0.50 per print location for single-colour designs in bulk orders of 500+ pieces. Additional colours add $0.15- $0.25 per colour. Digital printing (DTG) ranges from $0.80 to $1.50 per shirt for full-colour designs, making it cost-effective for small batches but expensive for large orders.

Embroidery pricing in Bangladesh is calculated based on 1,000 stitches = 1 unit at approximately 0.50-0.80 BDT ($0.004-$0.007) per 1,000 stitches. A typical left-chest logo with 7,500-10,000 stitches costs $0.30-$0.50 per garment. Complex designs with 15,000-25,000 stitches range from $0.80 to $1.50. Recent market rates show basic embroidery services at 6-8 BDT per design for simple logos.

Custom embroidery services include backing foam at 45 BDT per meter, trimming labour, and quality control. Heat transfer printing costs $0.20-$0.40 per placement, while vinyl printing costs $0.35-$0.60 per placement. Special techniques like puff printing, foil stamping, or rhinestone application add $0.80-$2.50, depending on complexity.

Packaging and Labelling Cost Per Unit

Standard packaging includes poly bags at $0.02-$0.04 per piece, basic printed neck labels at $0.03-$0.05, and hang tags at $0.05-$0.10. Simple folding and bagging labour adds approximately $0.02-$0.03 per garment. Total basic packaging costs range from $0.12 to $0.22 per T-shirt.

Premium packaging with custom-printed poly bags, woven labels, cardboard backing, and branded hang tags increases costs to $0.30-$0.60 per unit. Eco-friendly packaging using recycled materials or biodegradable bags adds $0.10-$0.20 extra. Individual boxes or gift packaging can push costs to $0.80-$1.50 per piece, depending on specifications.

Export carton costs average $0.80-$1.50 per carton containing 50-80 pieces, adding approximately $0.01-$0.02 per shirt. Size stickers, care labels, and barcoding contribute another $0.03-$0.05 per garment. Total packaging for export-ready products typically accounts for 8-12% of manufacturing costs.

Factory Overhead and Operational Cost

Factory overhead includes electricity, machinery depreciation, maintenance, quality control, supervision, and administrative expenses, accounting for 20-30% of total manufacturing costs. Electricity bills average 75,000 BDT ($685) per month for a medium-sized embroidery unit, translating to approximately $0.08-$0.15 per garment depending on production volume.

Machinery maintenance and depreciation add $0.10- $0.20 per unit to standard production. Quality control inspection costs approximately $0.05-$0.08 per garment, including fabric inspection, inline checking, and final audit. Administrative expenses, such as factory management, merchandising, sampling, and buyer communication, amount to $0.12-$0.18 per piece.

Transportation costs for raw materials and finished goods add $0.08-$0.15 per shirt. Insurance, compliance audits, and certification fees contribute another $0.05-$0.10. Total factory overhead for a well-managed operation ranges from $0.60 to $0.90 per T-shirt, or approximately 20-30% of the final FOB price.

Bulk T-shirt manufacturing price in Bangladesh for Wholesale Buyers

Bulk T-shirt manufacturing price in Bangladesh offers exceptional value, with prices dropping 30-50% when order volumes exceed 3,000 pieces per style. Wholesale buyers sourcing 10,000+ units access the most competitive rates, often $2.30-$2.80 for basic styles and $3.50-$4.50 for premium options. This pricing advantage stems from reduced setup costs, efficient production runs, and better raw material procurement at scale.

Bulk suppliers like Texasia specialize in large-volume orders, offering consistent quality, reliable delivery schedules, and flexible payment terms for established buyers. The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) significantly influences pricing—factories preferring 3,000-5,000 piece MOQs deliver the best per-unit costs.

Bulk Pricing Advantages and MOQ Influence

MOQ requirements vary by factory size and specialization. Large export-oriented manufacturers typically set 3,000-5,000 pieces per style as minimum orders, while small-order specialists accept 300-500 pieces at slightly higher rates. Knit garment MOQs average 3,000 pieces; woven bottoms require 1,000 pieces; and specialized items like caps require 20,000 pieces.

Bulk ordering reduces per-unit costs through fabric roll optimization (5-8% savings), longer production runs (15-20% efficiency gain), and reduced setup frequency (saving $200-400 per style). A 10,000-piece order might cost $2.50/piece, while a 50,000-piece order drops to $2.20/piece, representing 12% savings through volume efficiency.

Price breaks typically occur at: 500 pieces (baseline), 1,000 pieces (5-8% reduction), 3,000 pieces (12-18% reduction), 5,000 pieces (20-25% reduction), and 10,000+ pieces (30-40% reduction). Texasia provides transparent tiered pricing, allowing buyers to calculate optimal order quantities within their budgets.

Wholesale Pricing Table for Bulk Orders 2026

These prices represent FOB Bangladesh pricing, excluding shipping and import duties. Wholesale buyers benefit from volume discounts, seasonal promotions, and long-term partnership rates that can reduce costs by 3-7% in addition to other discounts.

Cost Saving Tips for Bulk T-shirt Manufacturing

Consolidate orders by combining multiple styles into single shipments to save 8-12% on logistics costs. Plan production schedules 60-90 days in advance to avoid rush fees that add 15-25% to standard pricing. Choose in-stock fabrics rather than custom-dyed materials to save $0.20-$0.40 per shirt and reduce lead times by 15-20 days.

Simplify designs by limiting print colours and avoiding complex embroidery to reduce customization costs by $0.40-$0.80 per piece. Select standard sizing templates instead of custom fit patterns to eliminate $150-300 in pattern development fees. Work with vertically integrated factories that produce their own fabric to save 10-15% through eliminated intermediary markups.

Negotiate payment terms offering 30% deposit and 70% before shipment rather than LC (Letter of Credit) terms to receive 3-5% better pricing. Build long-term relationships with manufacturers like Texasia to secure repeat-order discounts of 5-8% and priority production slots during peak seasons. Order during off-peak months (April-June) when factories offer 5-10% promotional discounts to maintain production flow. Texasia is one of the best T-shirt suppliers in Bangladesh for cost-effective bulk manufacturing.

Clothing factory pricing in Bangladesh per piece: Factory-Level Cost Structure

Clothing factory pricing in Bangladesh per piece varies between direct manufacturer sourcing at $2.50-$6.50 and buying agent channels at $3.20-$8.00, due to commission markups of 8-15%. Understanding factory-level economics helps buyers negotiate effectively and identify the best sourcing strategies. Export-quality manufacturers maintain stricter quality standards, certified processes, and compliance documentation, typically pricing 5-10% higher than domestic-focused factories but delivering superior reliability.

Production volume dramatically impacts pricing structure—a factory producing 50,000+ units monthly achieves 15-20% lower per-unit costs than smaller operations due to better raw material rates, efficient production lines, and optimized overhead distribution. Texasia operates as a direct manufacturer with export compliance, offering competitive pricing without intermediary markups.

Direct Factory vs Buying Agent Cost Comparison

Direct factory sourcing saves 12-16% on per-unit costs while enabling faster communication, stronger quality control, and more flexible negotiation. Buying agents offer value to small buyers lacking experience in Bangladesh sourcing, providing language support, supplier verification, and quality inspection services, all worth the 8-12% commission.

Working directly with established factories eliminates agent fees and ensures transparent pricing. Buyers ordering 3,000+ pieces benefit most from direct relationships, while smaller orders of 300-1,000 pieces may find agents helpful for supplier identification and logistics coordination.

Manufacturer Pricing Based on Order Volume

Small-batch manufacturers specializing in 300-1,000-piece orders charge $3.80-$5.50 per basic T-shirt due to frequent changeovers, smaller fabric purchases, and higher per-unit overhead. Mid-volume factories handling 1,000-5,000 pieces offer $3.00-$4.20 through better efficiency and moderate-scale economies.

Large export manufacturers processing 5,000-50,000+ pieces deliver the lowest rates of $2.30-$3.50 through optimised production lines, bulk raw-material contracts, and minimal setup frequency. These factories invest in automated cutting equipment, high-speed sewing lines, and integrated quality systems that reduce labour time by 25-35% compared to smaller operations.

Production capacity determines pricing flexibility—a 500-machine factory producing 200,000 garments monthly negotiates fabric at 8-12% below market rates, passes 5-7% savings to buyers, and maintains buffer capacity for rush orders. Small-order specialists like Texasia balance competitive pricing with flexible MOQs, making them ideal for emerging brands testing markets.

Texasia Pricing Advantage as Trusted Supplier

Texasia combines direct factory pricing with small MOQ flexibility, offering 300-piece minimum orders at rates typically requiring 1,000+ pieces from competitors. Their vertical integration includes in-house fabric sourcing, reducing costs by 8-12% compared to factories reliant on external suppliers. Buyers save $0.25- $0.40 per piece by eliminating middleman markups.

The factory provides transparent cost breakdowns, allowing clients to understand exactly how prices are calculated—fabric, labour, overhead, and profit margins clearly itemized. Long-term clients receive 5-8% preferential pricing after three successful orders, with priority production scheduling during peak seasons. Their export compliance certifications (BSCI, WRAP, Oeko-Tex) ensure products meet international standards without premium pricing typical of certified suppliers.

Quality control systems include pre-production sampling, inline inspection, and final audit at no additional cost, saving buyers $0.08-$0.15 per piece versus factories charging separate QC fees. Texasia maintains 95%+ on-time delivery rates and offers flexible payment terms, including 30-70 splits and LC acceptance for established buyers. This combination of competitive pricing, quality assurance, and reliability makes Texasia one of the best T-shirt suppliers in Bangladesh for brands seeking dependable manufacturing partners.

Apparel manufacturing cost Bangladesh suppliers: Supplier Comparison Guide.

Apparel manufacturing costs for Bangladesh suppliers range from small domestic factories at $2.80-$4.50 per piece to premium export manufacturers at $3.50-$6.50, depending on specialization, capacity, and compliance levels. Evaluating suppliers requires analysing quality consistency, production capacity, communication efficiency, compliance certifications, and financial stability beyond quoted prices. A factory offering $2.50 per shirt but delivering 8-12% defect rates costs more than a $2.90 supplier maintaining 2-3% defect levels due to rejection and rework expenses.

Export-quality manufacturers invest in modern equipment, trained supervisors, and systematic quality control, justifying 10-15% price premiums through reliable delivery and fewer production issues. Buyers should request factory audits, client references, and sample production before committing to large orders. Trusted suppliers like Texasia demonstrate consistent performance through verified client testimonials and repeat business relationships.

Factors Affecting Supplier Pricing

Factory location influences costs—Dhaka-based manufacturers charge 5-8% more than facilities in secondary cities like Gazipur or Narayanganj due to higher land and utility costs, but offer better port proximity and faster shipping. Compliance certifications (BSCI, WRAP, SA8000, GOTS) add $0.15-$0.35 per garment through audit costs, improved worker conditions, and documentation requirements, but ensure ethical production standards.

Production technology affects efficiency—factories with computerized cutting systems reduce fabric waste by 3-5%, passing savings of $0.08-$0.15 per shirt to buyers. In-house facilities for printing, embroidery, and washing save 12-18% versus outsourcing these processes. Workforce skill level matters—experienced operators produce 15-20% more units daily with fewer quality defects, reducing per-unit labour costs.

Payment terms impact pricing—suppliers offering 60-day credit charge 4-6% more than factories requiring 50% upfront deposits. Order consistency allows manufacturers to plan better—buyers placing quarterly orders of 5,000+ pieces receive 5-10% better rates than one-time purchasers. Design complexity influences production speed—simple single-colour tees cost $0.40-$0.70 less than multi-colour all-over prints, requiring slower handling.

Export-Quality Manufacturer vs Small Factory Cost

Export-quality manufacturers justify 12-18% higher prices through significantly lower defect rates, reliable delivery, and compliance documentation required by major international brands. A $3.50 export supplier with 2% defects delivers better value than a $2.90 small factory with 10% defects when accounting for rejection costs, shipment delays, and brand reputation risks.

Small factories suit buyers with flexible timelines, tight budgets, and a domestic market focus, while export manufacturers serve brands that need consistent quality, proof of ethical production, and scalable capacity. Export-focused suppliers like Texasia maintain international standards while offering competitive pricing through operational efficiency.

Why Texasia is One of the Best T-shirt Suppliers in Bangladesh

Texasia combines world-class quality control with Bangladesh cost advantages, maintaining 95%+ client satisfaction rates through systematic production management. Their 4-point inspection system catches defects at the raw material, cutting, sewing, and final stages, achieving rejection rates of less than 2%  compared to industry averages of 5-8%.

Quality control protocols include pre-production sampling (ensuring buyer approval before bulk production), inline inspection (checking every 50th piece during sewing), and final audit (100% measurement and visual inspection before packing). This comprehensive approach ensures consistent sizing accuracy within ±2% tolerance, colour matching above 95%, and stitching quality meeting international standards.

Competitive pricing stems from vertical integration—in-house fabric procurement, printing facilities, and embroidery units—reducing costs by 12-15% compared to factories outsourcing these services. Buyers save $0.30- $0.50 per piece by eliminating intermediary markups. Bulk fabric purchasing secures 8-10% below-market rates, passing 4-6% savings directly to clients.

Export experience spanning 15+ years includes successful partnerships with European and North American brands demanding strict quality standards. Texasia maintains BSCI and WRAP certifications, ensuring ethical labour practices and environmental compliance without the 15-25% price premiums charged by some certified competitors. Their English-speaking merchandising team provides clear communication, technical support, and proactive problem-solving throughout production cycles. This combination of quality assurance, cost efficiency, and reliability positions Texasia as one of the best T-shirt suppliers in Bangladesh for international buyers.

Factors That Affect

Multiple variables influence the Cost of T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh, with fabric selection, design complexity, order volume, and logistics accounting for 30-60% of the price difference between basic and premium products. Understanding these factors helps buyers optimise specifications to meet budget targets without compromising essential quality standards. A well-informed buyer can reduce costs by 15-25% through strategic choices in fabric GSM, printing techniques, and order timing while maintaining product integrity.

Seasonal demand fluctuations create 8-15% price variations—peak production months (September-November for spring shipments) see 10-15% higher rates than off-peak periods (April-June) when factories offer promotional pricing to maintain capacity utilization. Buyers with flexible timelines save significantly by scheduling production during slower months.

Fabric Type and GSM Impact on Cost

GSM (grams per square meter) directly determines fabric cost and garment weight. Standard 160 GSM single jersey costs approximately $0.50-$0.70 per shirt, while 180 GSM medium weight increases to $0.65-$0.85, and 200 GSM premium weight reaches $0.80-$1.10. Each 20 GSM increase adds roughly $0.15-$0.20 to fabric costs.

Fabric construction affects pricing—single jersey knit represents the most economical option, while pique, rib, and interlock constructions cost 15-30% more due to complex knitting requirements. Combed cotton adds $0.20-$0.35 per shirt versus carded cotton through extra processing steps that remove short fibres. Ring-spun cotton increases costs by $0.30-$0.50 through specialised spinning techniques that create superior softness.

Blended fabrics offer cost flexibility—65/35 poly-cotton blends cost $0.45-$0.65 per shirt, saving $0.15-$0.25 versus 100% cotton while providing better durability and wrinkle resistance. Tri-blends (cotton-polyester-rayon) increase costs to $0.80-$1.20 but deliver a premium hand feel and drape. Organic and sustainable materials add $0.60-$1.00 per garment through certification costs and limited supply.

Printing Technique and Design Complexity

Screen printing remains the most economical method for bulk orders, costing $0.30-$0.50 for single-colour designs and $0.15-$0.25 per additional colour. Setup costs of $40-$80 per screen spread across order quantities—1,000 pieces add $0.04-$0.08 per shirt, while 5,000 pieces reduce this to $0.008-$0.016.

Digital printing (DTG) costs $0.80-$1.50 per full-colour print, with minimal setup fees, making it ideal for small batches of 200 or fewer pieces or designs with 8+ colours. Heat transfer ranges from $0.20-$0.40 for simple designs to $0.60-$1.20 for complex multi-colour transfers. Vinyl printing costs $0.35-$0.60 per placement with excellent durability for text and simple graphics.

Embroidery pricing at 0.50-0.80 BDT per 1,000 stitches means a 10,000-stitch logo costs $0.40-$0.65, while 25,000-stitch designs reach $1.00-$1.60. Design complexity dramatically affects production speed—simple left-chest logos process at 120-150 pieces per hour, while all-over prints slow to 30-50 pieces per hour, increasing labour costs by $0.30-$0.60.

Order Quantity and Production Volume

Economy of scale creates substantial savings—500-piece orders cost 35-45% more per unit than 5,000-piece orders due to setup inefficiencies. Fixed costs like pattern making ($100-250), sample development ($50-150), and production setup ($150-300) are distributed and spread across quantities—at 500 pieces, these add $0.60-$1.40 per shirt, dropping to $0.06-$0.14 at 5,000 pieces.

Fabric purchasing benefits from volume—rolls under 500 kg pay market rates, while 2,000+ kg orders secure 5-8% discounts, and 10,000+ kg contracts achieve 10-15% reductions. These savings of $0.12- $0.35 per garment significantly reduce total costs. Production efficiency improves with longer runs—first 200 pieces average 12-15 minutes each, including setup, while pieces 201-5,000 drop to 6-8 minutes as operators optimize workflow.

Repeat orders from the same buyer reduce costs by $0.15-$0.30 per piece through retained patterns, approved samples, and established quality standards, eliminating re-sampling expenses. Buyers placing quarterly orders build relationships, enabling 5-10% preferential pricing and priority scheduling during peak seasons.

Shipping, Export, and Logistics Cost

Shipping costs vary dramatically by method—sea freight averages $0.15-$0.35 per piece for standard 30-45 day transit to major ports, while air freight reaches $1.50-$3.00 for 5-7 day delivery. A 20-foot container holds approximately 15,000-20,000 T-shirts with freight costs of $2,000-$3,500 to US/EU ports, translating to $0.10-$0.23 per garment.

Export documentation, including customs clearance, certificates of origin, and quality inspection reports, adds $0.03-$0.08 per piece. Import duties vary by destination—EU zero-duty under GSP status for Bangladesh, USA 16.5% on T-shirt value, Canada preferential rates, and Australia 5%. These duties significantly impact landed costs for buyers.

Packaging for export costs $0.15-$0.30 per garment, including poly bags, cartons, and strapping. Insurance adds 0.3-0.5% of shipment value, typically $0.01-$0.03 per shirt—inland transportation from factory to port averages $0.02-$0.05 per piece. Total logistics costs range from $0.35 to $0.75 for sea freight shipments and $1.70 to $3.50 for air freight, representing 12-25% of the FOB price, depending on the shipping method.

Cost Comparison: Bangladesh vs Other Countries T-shirt Manufacturing Cost

Bangladesh maintains the lowest global T-shirt manufacturing costs, with complete production at $5.40-$8.55 per unit, including shipping, compared to $9.10-$13.14 in China, $11.50-$14.80 in Vietnam, $10.20-$13.50 in India, and $15.50-$17.50 in the USA. This 30-55% cost advantage stems from significantly lower labour rates, preferential trade access, and concentrated textile infrastructure. For brands sourcing 10,000+ pieces annually, choosing Bangladesh over alternatives saves $40,000-$90,000 on identical specifications.

Lead time considerations balance cost advantages—Bangladesh requires 60-90 days, versus China’s 30-60 days and the USA’s 7-21 days, making planning essential for seasonal collections. Buyers prioritizing maximum cost savings over speed find Bangladesh unbeatable, while those needing rapid turnaround may accept higher China or domestic costs.

Bangladesh vs China Manufacturing Cost Comparison

China’s advantages include faster production, lower MOQs, more sophisticated customization capabilities, and established supply chain agility. Chinese factories excel at complex designs, rapid prototyping, and flexible small-batch production that Bangladesh factories typically avoid. Tech-enabled processes like seamless knitting, digital printing, and automated finishing are more common in China.

Bangladesh’s advantages centre on unbeatable pricing for standard products, massive capacity for large orders, and zero-duty access to the EU  through GSP status. For basic cotton T-shirts in volumes of 3,000+ pieces, Bangladesh delivers 35-45% lower costs, making it the optimal choice for price-sensitive markets. Competitive suppliers bridge the quality gap by implementing systematic controls matching Chinese standards.

Bangladesh vs Vietnam and India Pricing Comparison

Vietnam is positioned between Bangladesh and China, offering production costs of $3.20-$4.50, with better flexibility than Bangladesh but 15-25% higher prices. Vietnam benefits from multiple Free Trade Agreements that provide preferential access to the USA, the EU, and Asian markets. Lead times of 45-75 days fall between Bangladesh and China, while quality standards typically exceed those of Bangladesh through Japanese and Korean technical partnerships.

India costs $3.50-$4.80 for comparable T-shirts, with strong cotton production, a large domestic market, and vertical integration creating cost advantages. India excels in organic and sustainable textiles, complex embroidery, and rapid sampling. Labour costs are 30-50% higher than in Bangladesh, but domestic cotton sourcing saves 10-15% on raw materials.

Bangladesh maintains a 20-35% cost advantage over Vietnam and India for standard products, though competitors offer superior flexibility, faster sampling, and better tech capabilities. Buyers choosing Vietnam or India typically prioritize trade agreement benefits, quality consistency, or specialized processes over pure cost savings. For volume buyers focused on price, Bangladesh remains unbeatable.

Why Bangladesh is the Most Cost-Effective Manufacturing Hub

Bangladesh combines the lowest global labour costs, zero-duty access to EU markets, and massive specialized infrastructure, creating unmatched cost advantages. The 4 million skilled garment workers and 3,500+ factories provide enormous capacity handling orders from 500 to 500,000 pieces. Government support through export subsidies, tax incentives, and infrastructure investment maintains competitive positioning.

Vertical integration in Bangladesh’s textile clusters means that fibre spinning, fabric knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment assembly occur within a 10-30 km radius, eliminating transportation costs and enabling rapid coordination. This concentrated supply chain reduces lead times by 10-15 days and costs by 8-12% compared to countries that require multi-region material sourcing.

Price transparency and a competitive factory environment prevent monopolistic pricing, keeping margins reasonable at 8-15% compared to 20-30% in some alternative markets. Buyers consistently save 30-50% on comparable specifications. Texasia exemplifies competitive suppliers delivering international quality at Bangladesh’s unbeatable price points.

How to Reduce the Cost of T-shirt Manufacturing in Bangladesh for Your Brand

Strategic approaches can reduce T-shirt manufacturing costs by 15-30% without compromising quality standards. Brands optimize expenses through smart fabric selection, order consolidation, design simplification, and long-term supplier relationships that unlock preferential pricing. A $3.50 baseline product can drop to $2.70-$3.00 through systematic cost management while maintaining acceptable quality levels.

Planning provides negotiating leverage—orders placed 90+ days before required delivery avoid rush fees of 15-25% and access better production slots. Buyers who work proactively with manufacturers achieve superior pricing and reliability compared to those who place last-minute orders and compete for limited capacity.

Choose the right fabric and Manufacturing Partner

Fabric selection offers the highest cost impact—reducing GSM from 180 to 160 saves $0.15-$0.25 per shirt without significant quality loss for basic applications. Choosing carded cotton over combed cuts $0.20-$0.35 per piece while maintaining acceptable softness for budget lines. Poly-cotton blends reduce costs by $0.20-$0.40 compared to 100% cotton, with added durability benefits.

Standard colours (white, black, heather grey) cost $0.10-$0.20 less than custom dye colours, requiring a minimum 1,000 kg fabric order and 15-20 day longer lead times. In-stock fabric programs from suppliers save $0.15-$0.30 by eliminating custom procurement cycles. Fabric waste optimization through efficient pattern design reduces consumption by 3-5%, saving $0.08-$0.15 per garment.

Manufacturing partner selection determines long-term success—vertically integrated factories save 10-15% through in-house fabric and printing. Small MOQ specialists like Texasia allow 300-500-piece test orders before committing to large volumes, reducing inventory risk. Compliance-certified suppliers prevent costly production delays or cancellations from buyer audits.

Optimise Order Quantity

Consolidating styles into larger single-design orders reduces per-unit costs by 20-35%—instead of four designs × 1,000 pieces at $3.50, order one design × 4,000 pieces at $2.80. Colour consolidation offers similar savings—three colors × 2,000 pieces costs more than one colour × 6,000 pieces due to setup efficiencies.

Seasonal ordering during off-peak months (April-June) secures 8-12% promotional discounts as factories maintain capacity. Annual contracts committing to quarterly shipments unlock 5-10% volume discounts and guaranteed capacity during peak seasons. Inventory management, balancing larger production runs against holding costs, optimizes total expenditure.

MOQ negotiation becomes easier with order history—new buyers face 3,000-5,000-piece minimums, while established clients negotiate 1,000-2,000-piece orders at similar rates. Pre-ordering fabric during price dips and scheduling production later locks in material cost savings of 5-10% during volatile periods.

Work with a trusted supplier like Texasia

Partnering with Texasia reduces costs through transparent pricing and detailed breakdowns that show exactly where money goes, enabling informed optimization decisions. Repeat client discounts of 5-8% reward loyalty after three successful orders, while priority production scheduling prevents costly delays during peak seasons.

Technical expertise helps buyers specify cost-effective alternatives—Texasia merchandisers suggest fabric substitutions that save $0.20-$0.40 without visible quality loss, printing methods that reduce costs by $0.30-$0.60, and packaging options that cut $0.15-$0.25. This consultative approach saves $0.80-$1.50 per garment through accumulated optimizations.

Quality consistency eliminates rejection costs—Texasia’s sub-2% defect rate, compared to the industry average of 5-8%, prevents $0.15-$0.30 in rework expenses and maintains delivery schedules. Flexible payment terms, including 30-70 splits, improve cash flow versus 50-50 or full LC requirements from many factories. Long-term partnership benefits compound savings to 15-25% over multi-year relationships through preferential rates, priority service, and collaborative process improvements. Texasia is one of the best T-shirt suppliers in Bangladesh for brands seeking sustainable cost reduction with reliable quality.

Why Bangladesh is the Best Choice for Low-Cost T-Shirt Manufacturing

Bangladesh ranks as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, with $39.35 billion in annual apparel shipments, representing 16% of national GDP and demonstrating unmatched industry scale. This massive infrastructure dedicated to textile production creates unbeatable economies of scale, specialized expertise, and price competition that benefit international buyers. The 30-55% cost advantage over alternative manufacturing locations translates directly to higher profit margins or more competitive retail pricing for brands.

Export leadership continues growing—13.28% year-over-year increase in H1 FY 2024-25 shows expanding capacity and improving efficiency. Knitwear exports of $21.16 billion grew 9.73%, specifically benefiting T-shirt buyers. US imports from Bangladesh surged 45.9% in January 2025, reflecting growing confidence in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector.

Skilled workforce expertise, particularly in knit garment production, makes Bangladesh a global specialist in T-shirts, offering superior quality-to-price ratios unavailable elsewhere. Government stability, supporting the textile sector through policies, infrastructure investment, and trade negotiations, ensures the long-term viability of sourcing partnerships.

Supplier ecosystem maturity means buyers have access to hundreds of qualified factories, preventing dependence on a single supplier and maintaining competitive pricing pressure. Texasia’s reliability exemplifies the professional manufacturing capability available throughout Bangladesh’s textile sector, combining international standards with local cost advantages for optimal buyer value.

Real Case Study: Texasia Delivers Success for European Fashion Brand

A mid-sized European streetwear brand approached Texasia seeking to reduce T-shirt manufacturing costs by 30% while maintaining quality standards required for their 18-25 year-old customer base. Previously sourcing from Portugal at €6.50 per piece (approximately $7.00), they needed lower costs without compromising brand reputation.

Texasia provided a comprehensive cost analysis showing potential savings from 180 GSM combed cotton instead of the previous 200 GSM premium fabric, reducing costs to $4.20 per unit while maintaining acceptable hand feel. Screen printing instead of DTG for their 3-colour chest designs saved an additional $0.80 per piece—order consolidation from 8 styles to 4 core designs, with higher volumes unlocking bulk pricing advantages.

The final 3,000-piece order was delivered at $3.80 per unit FOB Bangladesh—representing 46% savings versus the previous supplier. Quality inspection showed a 1.8% defect rate, versus 3.2% at the Portuguese factory, improving sell-through rates. The 75-day lead time required better planning but proved manageable with proper inventory management.

After three successful seasonal orders, the brand now receives preferred client pricing of $3.55 and guaranteed production slots during peak months. Annual savings of €45,000 ($48,000) enabled the company to invest in marketing and expand product lines while maintaining competitive retail pricing. This partnership demonstrates that Texasia is the best T-shirt manufacturer for Europe from Bangladesh, delivering measurable cost reductions with consistent quality and reliable service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of manufacturing a T-shirt in Bangladesh?

The average Cost of T-shirt producing in Bangladesh ranges from $2.50 to $5.50 per unit, depending on fabric quality, order quantity, and customization requirements.

What is the minimum order quantity for T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh?

Minimum order quantities vary by factory—large exporters require 3,000-5,000 pieces while small-order specialists accept 300-500 pieces per style.

How long does T-shirt production take in Bangladesh?

Standard lead times range from 60-90 days, including fabric sourcing, production, and quality control, with rush orders available at a 15-25% premium.

Is Bangladesh cheaper than China for T-shirt manufacturing

Yes, Bangladesh offers 35-40% lower costs than China for comparable T-shirts—$5.40-$8.55 versus $9.10-$13.14, including shipping.

What fabric types are available for T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh

Bangladesh factories produce T-shirts in basic cotton, combed cotton, ring-spun cotton, organic cotton, poly-blends, and speciality fabrics across 160-220 GSM weight ranges.

Can I get samples before placing bulk orders?

Yes, most manufacturers provide pre-production samples for $15-30 per piece to confirm quality, sizing, and specifications before bulk production begins.

What certifications do Bangladesh T-shirt manufacturers have

Export-quality factories hold BSCI, WRAP, GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and other international compliance certifications, ensuring ethical production and adherence to quality standards.

How much does printing and embroidery cost in Bangladesh

Screen printing costs $0.30-$0.50 per placement, while embroidery ranges from $0.30-$1.50 per placement, depending on stitch count and design complexity.

Conclusion

The Cost of T-shirt manufacturing in Bangladesh offers unmatched global competitiveness, with prices 30-55% lower than those in alternative manufacturing locations while maintaining acceptable quality standards. Strategic supplier selection, order optimization, and fabric choices enable brands to maximize profit margins or offer competitive retail pricing. Partnering with trusted manufacturers like Texasia ensures reliable production, transparent pricing, and consistent quality for long-term sourcing success in the world’s most cost-effective garment manufacturing hub.