If you're starting a clothing line, one of your first questions is how much it will cost to develop your first garment. Pattern, sample, fittings, grading, tech pack: it can feel like a mystery.
One of the most common requests we get from fashion startups is: "Can you send me a written quote?" It's a fair question. When you're launching a label, every dollar counts. But here's the honest answer: we can't give you a quote. That's not because we're hiding anything. It's because every Pattern Room price is already on our website.
What we can't know upfront is how your development will go. How many rounds of samples will you want? What features will your style have? Will you be happy with the first sample, or want to tweak the fit? Those answers are different for every designer and every garment.
So instead of a quote, here's how to work out your garment development costs yourself, step by step. (New to all this? Start with our guide on how to start a clothing brand.)
Step 1: How much does a clothing pattern cost?
Start by finding the style closest to your design in the Pattern Room builder. Choose the elements you want: necklines, sleeves, lengths, closures and other features.
As you build, the price updates. What you see is what you pay for your base pattern. We've put hours of work into building our unique visual builder, so you can see your style before you purchase. It takes the mystery out of the product development process.
Step 2: How much does a clothing sample cost?
Next, choose your sample. Every sample has a base price, and additional features (extra details, trims or construction elements) are added on top. The builder shows you the price as you select them.
At this point you already know the cost of your pattern and your first sample.
Step 3: How much does a fitting cost?
Once your sample arrives, try it on your fit model and decide how you feel about it. If you'd like changes, book a fitting. Fittings are $75 and include:
- An online fitting session where we update your pattern live, as we talk through the changes with you
- Updating your spec after the session
- Resending your updated base pattern, ready for resampling if you need it
Step 4: Do you need a second sample?
After your fitting, there are three paths:
- Happy with your sample straight away? You don't need a fitting at all. Go straight to ordering your graded pattern and tech pack.
- Only minor changes? Those can go straight through to grading and your tech pack, with no second sample needed.
- Bigger changes? Order a second sample using your updated pattern, then book a second fitting ($75) to check the changes.
This is exactly why we can't quote upfront. Some designers are done after one sample. Others want two or three rounds to get it perfect. Both are completely normal.
Step 5: How much does a tech pack and graded pattern cost?
Once you're happy with the fit, order your graded pattern and tech pack from the website. Grading creates your full size range, and the tech pack gives your manufacturer everything they need for production. Both prices are listed on each style.
How to budget for your clothing line's development costs
To estimate your total garment development cost, add up:
- Your pattern (from the builder)
- Your first sample, plus any additional features
- A fitting, if you need one ($75)
- A second sample and fitting, if you need them
- Your graded pattern and tech pack
To budget safely, plan for two rounds of sampling and fittings. If you only need one, you've come in under budget.
Want help with the bigger picture, like budgeting for your whole range and understanding production prices? Our Start Your Fashion Business workshop walks you through it.
How do Pattern Room prices compare?
Pattern Room prices are on par with, or below, typical pattern-making rates around the world. And because you can see your style, every option and every price before you buy, you get more security: no surprise invoices and no guessing what a pattern maker will deliver.
We sell patterns to fashion startups all over the world, and every price is visible online, so you're in control of your budget from day one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a clothing line? It depends on how many styles you launch, your fabrics and your production quantities. Development (pattern, sample, fittings, grading and tech pack) is the first cost to budget for, and you can price it per style in the Pattern Room builder.
Can I get a quote for my garment development? We don't provide written quotes, because the number of samples and fittings varies for every designer. All our prices are on the website, so you can build your style and see your costs instantly.
How many samples will I need? Many designers need one or two rounds. If you're happy with your first sample, or the changes are minor, you can go straight to grading and your tech pack.
Can I order from outside Australia? Yes. Pattern Room sells patterns to fashion startups worldwide.
Work out your costs today
You never have to wait on a quote. Head to Pattern Room, build your style, and you'll see your numbers in minutes.
