1. What does the cost structure of a clothing line look like?

Your total costs consist of four components:

• Development – patterns, samples, and fittings
• Production – the unit price × MOQ
• Branding – labels, print materials, hangtags, packaging
• Marketing – photography, website, promotion

The biggest mistake we see with beginners: they focus on the unit price but forget development costs and marketing.

2. Costs for patterns and samples

The initial costs are in the sample phase. Estimate roughly on:

• Pattern development – €120 to €260 per style (depending on complexity)
• Sample making – €70 to €180 per style (hourly wage × required hours)
• Second sample (optional) – €50 to €150

At Atelier Jungles, we work with an hourly rate for sample work, transparently estimated in advance: 44.50 per hour + materials. More info at: clothing production in the Netherlands.

For a small collection of 3–5 models, you should realistically think of: €600 to €1,800 for the development phase.

3. Costs of materials & fabrics

Fabrics vary enormously in price. Global indications:

• Jersey (T shirts) – €4–€10 per meter
• Sweater fabric – €8–€16 per meter
• Woven cotton – €6–€14 per meter
• Denim – €8–€18 per meter
• Organic cotton – 20 to 40% more expensive than regular
• Recycled materials – variable, often 15–30% more expensive

Don't be fooled by “cheap fabrics.” If they shrink, pill, or fit poorly, you will lose more on returns and complaints.

4. Production costs (including low MOQ)

Production costs depend on your design, the number of pieces, and the (sustainable) material

Indications for production in the Netherlands:

• T shirt: €12–€30
• Sweater/hoodie: €22–€50
• Pants: €24–€60
• Jacket: €40–€100

The MOQ in the Netherlands is often:

• 25–50 per style for basics
• 20–40 for more complex models
• 25–100 for accessories

This means that an initial production (for example, 3 styles × 50 pieces with 3-5 size variations) often amounts to: €2,500 to €9,000 depending on material and model.

5. Costs for branding, labels, and packaging

Branding is often cheaper than starters think, but it does add up.

• Woven labels: €0.20–€0.50 each
• Care labels: €0.10–€0.30 each
• Hangtags: €0.15–€0.60 each
• Print materials: €50–€150
• Packaging (sustainable): €0.40–€1.20 per item

Together this amounts to approximately: €120–€300 per collection.

6. Costs for marketing and photography

Many brands underestimate this phase. You can create the most beautiful clothing, but without marketing, you sell nothing.

Indications

• Photoshoot (small): €200–€500
• Model + styling: €100–€400
• Website/shop (DIY): €0–€40 p/m
• Website/shop (professional): €500–€2,000
• Testing ads (Meta/Google): €150–€500

In practice, at least €300–€600 marketing budget is needed to make your collection visible at all.

7. Common mistakes in budgeting

• All focus on unit price, no budget for samples.
• Starting without a target audience → high chance of misfit collections.
• Starting too big (10 models) → getting stuck in costs.
• Buying stock too quickly → cash flow problems.
• Not taking into account photography and marketing.

8. Realistic budget scenarios

Scenario A – small budget (€1,500 –€5,000)

• White label shirts + sweaters
• Small branding costs
• Marketing mainly organic

Scenario B – average budget (€3,000–€10,000)

• 3–5 own designs
• Samples + small production
• Thoughtful photoshoot

Scenario C – ambitious (€8,000–€20,000)

• Complete own collection
• Professional photography
• Marketing budget to really build traction