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Charted: The Cost to Make 100 T-Shirts by Origin Country
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Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh is the most cost-effective country for t-shirt manufacturing, at just $8.55 per shirt including shipping.
- Manufacturing in the U.S. results in the highest total cost: $1,750 for 100 shirts, or $17.50 per unit.
How much does it cost to manufacture and ship 100 t-shirts from different global production hubs?
This visualization breaks down the combined manufacturing and shipping costs from five major textile-producing countries, with all goods destined for the U.S. market. Data is based on price quotes collected in April 2025 from 50 manufacturers, as reported by Successful Fashion Designer.
Comparing Global T-Shirt Production Costs
On average, sampling and manufacturing costs in Asian countries like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan are 2–5 times cheaper compared to the USA.
Bangladesh offers the most affordable option, with a bulk order cost of $540 and shipping at $315, totaling $855—or $8.55 per shirt. Pakistan follows closely at $11 per unit.
Alongside Pakistan and Cambodia, Bangladesh is a major producer of textile products sold to the U.S. and Europe. The textile industry generates over $9 billion annually for the Bangladeshi economy, making it the country’s top source of export revenue.
Vietnam and China are in the mid-range.
| Location | Bulk Order Fee | Shipping to U.S. | Total cost | Cost per Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey, USA | $1,650 | $100 | $1,750 | $17.50 |
| Guangdong, China | $910 | $404 | $1,314 | $13.14 |
| Dhaka, Bangladesh | $540 | $315 | $855 | $8.55 |
| Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam | $635 | $513 | $1,148 | $11.48 |
| Sialkot, Pakistan | $735 | $365 | $1,100 | $11.00 |
While Ho Chi Minh’s manufacturing fee is lower than Guangdong’s ($635 vs. $910), its higher shipping costs ($513 vs. $404) push Vietnam’s total cost to $1,148, compared to China’s $1,314. Both fall below the U.S. in overall cost but remain notably higher than Bangladesh or Pakistan.
New Jersey stands as the most expensive location. While domestic shipping is only $100, the bulk order fee of $1,650 drives the total to $1,750, or $17.50 per shirt, double the cost of producing in Bangladesh.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
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