# What drives suit manufacturing cost Why two factories quote very different prices for "the same suit", and how to read a wholesale quote so you compare like with like. ## The short answer The unit price of a wholesale suit is driven mostly by fabric, construction and quantity. Lining, trims, size range, branding, packaging and the delivery term add to it. A quote is only useful if it tells you all of these, which is why we do not publish a price list and quote each order separately. This guide explains each cost driver so you can brief a factory well and compare quotes fairly. ## The main cost drivers | Driver | Lower cost | Higher cost | |---|---|---| | Fabric | Polyester-viscose blends | High wool content, premium mills | | Construction | Fully fused | Half-canvas, more handwork | | Lining | Standard polyester | Viscose / cupro, printed custom lining | | Trims | Standard plastic buttons | Horn-look, metal, engraved logo buttons | | Size range | Core sizes only | Wide range incl. big & tall, short and long | | Quantity | Larger runs per style | Small runs, many colours | | Branding | Factory or plain labels | Custom woven labels, hangtags, printed lining | | Packing | Folded, polybag | Hanging, garment bags, branded boxes | | Delivery term | EXW / FOB | Delivered to your door | ## Fabric Fabric is usually the largest single cost in a suit. Roughly three metres or more of fabric go into a 2-piece suit, depending on size and model, and a waistcoat adds more. What changes the fabric price: - **Composition:** polyester-viscose, wool blends and high wool content are priced very differently. - **Weight and finish:** lightweight summer cloth, linen blends and stretch fabrics each have their own price level. - **Special fabrics:** jacquard, velvet-look, sequin or patterned fabrics for ceremony suits and tuxedos cost more and may waste more in cutting. - **Availability:** a fabric in stock at the mill is cheaper and faster than one dyed to order. Our [fabrics page](/fabrics) explains the main options we work with. ## Construction: fused vs half-canvas The inside of the jacket matters as much as the cloth. - **Fused:** the front panels are bonded to an interlining. Efficient, consistent and the standard for most wholesale suits. - **Half-canvas:** a floating canvas in the chest and lapel gives a more natural roll and drape. More cutting and sewing steps mean a higher price. Other construction details also add time: working sleeve buttons, extra inside pockets, pick stitching, double vents, a waistcoat or a second pair of trousers. ## Lining and trims Lining, buttons, interlinings, shoulder pads, thread and zips add up. Individually small, together they are a real part of the cost. Custom items with your logo usually carry a setup cost and their own minimum quantity. ## Size range A wide size range costs more than people expect. Each extra size means more pattern grading and markers, and big & tall sizes use more fabric. If you need sizes beyond the standard EU 44-58 range, mention it in your first message. See our [size guide](/size-guide). ## Quantity and number of styles Larger quantities per style lower the unit price because setup, cutting and line changeover are spread across more pieces. Splitting 300 suits into ten colours costs more per unit than 300 suits in three colours. Our made-to-order MOQ starts at 100 units per style. Ready-stock models are sold in size-run lots, which avoids setup costs for smaller buyers. ## Branding and packaging Private label adds labels, hangtags, custom lining or buttons, and branded packaging. Packaging also affects freight: hanging garments take more space than folded suits, and space is what you pay for in air and road freight. ## Shipping and Incoterms The same suit has a different price depending on where the factory's responsibility ends. | Term | What the price includes | |---|---| | EXW | Goods ready at the factory. You arrange everything from there. | | FCA / FOB | Goods handed to your carrier or loaded at the port of export. | | CIF / CPT | Freight to your port or airport is included. | | DAP / DDP | Delivered to your address; DDP also includes import duties and taxes. | Always compare quotes on the same term. An EXW price will always look cheaper than a delivered price. We quote shipping per destination; see our [shipping page](/shipping). ## How to read and compare quotes When you have two or three quotes, line them up: 1. Is the fabric composition the same? Ask for the exact percentages. 2. Is the construction the same, fused or half-canvas? 3. Do both include lining, trims and the same number of pieces (2-piece vs 3-piece)? 4. Is branding included, or quoted separately? 5. Is packing the same, folded or hanging? 6. Which Incoterm does each use? 7. What lead time and payment terms come with the price? 8. Is the quote based on an approved sample, or on a photo? If one quote is far below the others, find out what is missing. It is often the fabric. ## Checklist: what to send for an accurate quote - Model photos or a reference garment - 2-piece or 3-piece, fit and lapel style - Fabric composition and colour, or a swatch - Size range and quantity per size - Branding requirements - Packing method - Destination and preferred shipping mode - Target delivery date ## Where buyers can save without hurting quality Some changes lower the unit price without the customer noticing. Others save money now and cost you in returns later. Sensible savings: - **Fewer colours, more depth.** Three colours at 100 units each cost less per suit than six colours at 50. - **Mill stock fabrics.** Choosing from fabrics already in stock avoids dyeing minimums and saves time. - **Folded packing for long distances.** Folded suits take less space in air and road freight. - **Standard trims with one branded item.** A custom woven label gives brand identity at a low cost; engraved buttons and printed lining can wait. Savings that usually backfire: - Switching to a much cheaper fabric after the sample is approved. - Cutting the size range so far that customers cannot find their size. - Skipping a pre-shipment check to save time. ## Quote validity and price changes Wholesale quotes are usually valid for a limited period, because fabric prices and exchange rates move. If you plan a large order a few months ahead, ask how long the quote is valid and whether fabric can be reserved. ## FAQ ### Why don't suit manufacturers publish prices? Because the price depends on fabric, construction, quantity, branding and delivery term. A single list price would be misleading for most orders. We quote every order individually. ### What is the biggest cost in a suit? Usually fabric, followed by construction labour. Choosing a different fabric changes the price more than almost anything else. ### Does a bigger order always mean a lower price? Generally yes per style, because setup costs are shared across more units. Spreading the same quantity across many colours reduces that benefit. ### Is DDP pricing available? It depends on the destination. Ask us and we will tell you which delivery terms we can offer for your country. ## Get an accurate quote Send us the details in the checklist above on WhatsApp or Telegram and we will quote price and lead time for your exact order. Start on our [contact page](/contact) or read [how to order](/how-to-order). --- Wholesale quotes: WhatsApp +90 532 171 14 94 (https://wa.me/905321711494) · Telegram @markmorentesuits (https://t.me/markmorentesuits) · Instagram @mark.morente Mark Morente, men's suit & tuxedo manufacturer, Istanbul, Turkey. Business buyers only: stock lots of 6–7 suits per model or made to order from 100 units per style. Typical production lead time 12–15 days depending on the order.