The lowest fabric price is not always the lowest garment cost. GSM, usable width, shrinkage and cutting efficiency can change real consumption even when the quoted unit price looks attractive. For knitted fabrics, buyers should compare the full sourcing picture: fabric weight, width after finishing, expected shrinkage, pattern layout and quality tolerance. A cheaper fabric can become more expensive if it wastes width or shrinks beyond the garment allowance.
The lowest fabric price is not always the lowest garment cost. GSM, usable width, shrinkage and cutting efficiency can change real consumption even when the quoted unit price looks attractive.
For knitted fabrics, buyers should compare the full sourcing picture: fabric weight, width after finishing, expected shrinkage, pattern layout and quality tolerance. A cheaper fabric can become more expensive if it wastes width or shrinks beyond the garment allowance.
Why does GSM affect fabric cost?
GSM affects how much yarn is used in one square meter of fabric. Higher GSM usually means more material and higher fabric weight, which can increase dyeing, finishing, packing and shipping cost.
But a lower GSM is not automatically cheaper in real garment use. If the fabric becomes too transparent, unstable or weak, the buyer may need a lining, a denser structure or a second sample round.
How does fabric width change real consumption?
Fabric width affects how many garment pieces can be placed across the fabric during cutting. A wider usable width may reduce waste, while a narrow width may increase consumption per garment.
The important number is usable finished width, not only greige width or nominal width. Edges, curling, setting, finishing and shrinkage can reduce the width that the cutting room can actually use.
How does shrinkage affect the final cost?
Shrinkage affects cost because buyers may need to allow extra fabric or adjust patterns after washing tests. If shrinkage is not controlled, the garment may fail measurements even if the fabric price was acceptable.
For stretch mesh, tricot, jersey and interlock fabrics, length and width shrinkage should be checked separately. The risk is higher when the garment has tight measurement tolerance or mixed-material panels.
| Cost Factor | What Buyers Often Compare | What Should Also Be Checked | Possible Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit price | Price per kg or yard | GSM, width and usable cutting width | Low price may hide high consumption. |
| GSM | Target weight | Opacity, handfeel, stretch and durability | Too light may cause quality complaints. |
| Width | Nominal finished width | Edge quality and cutting usable width | Waste increases if width cannot be used. |
| Shrinkage | Test percentage | Direction, test method and garment tolerance | Measurements fail after washing. |
| Finishing | Softening, wicking, brushing or coating | Effect on width, weight and shrinkage | Approved handfeel may change performance. |
What information should buyers send for a more accurate cost check?
Buyers should send garment use, fabric composition, target GSM, required width, shrinkage tolerance, colour, finishing, order quantity and any reference fabric. If a pattern marker or garment consumption estimate is available, it should also be shared.
When the buyer cannot provide all details, the factory can still suggest a starting construction. But the quotation should be treated as a sampling estimate until the physical fabric and final width are confirmed.
Why price per kilogram can be misleading
Some buyers compare fabric only by price per kilogram. This can be misleading because garments are usually cut by area and pattern layout, not only by weight.
A heavier fabric with a lower price per kilogram may still cost more per garment if the GSM is too high. A lighter fabric with a higher price per kilogram may sometimes reduce consumption if it meets the required performance and width.
Factory checklist for cost-sensitive fabric sourcing
- Compare price together with GSM, finished width and usable cutting width.
- Ask whether the quoted width is before or after finishing.
- Confirm shrinkage tolerance in both length and width directions.
- Check whether finishing changes weight, handfeel or recovery.
- Use a reference sample when the buyer wants a specific drape or opacity.
- Review consumption after the fabric sample is approved, not only from the first quotation.
FAQ
Is price per kg enough to compare fabric suppliers?
No. Price per kg should be checked together with GSM, width, shrinkage and garment consumption. Otherwise the comparison may be incomplete.
Does wider fabric always reduce cost?
Not always. Wider fabric can reduce waste if the cutting layout uses the width efficiently, but edge quality and usable width still matter.
Can shrinkage be controlled in knitted fabrics?
Yes, shrinkage can often be improved through structure, heat setting and finishing control, but it should be tested against the buyer’s required method.
Why does finishing affect fabric cost?
Finishing can change handfeel, width, weight, shrinkage and performance. It may also add processing cost and testing requirements.
What is the best way to compare real fabric cost?
Compare cost per finished garment or cost per usable area after checking GSM, width, shrinkage and cutting efficiency.
Send Fabric Enquiry
Send your fabric application, target specification, reference sample and quantity so the factory can recommend a practical development route.