How to create a clothing cost table (2023)

An ideal cost sheet should be simple but comprehensive enough to include all the necessary information about the garment you are producing. Techpacker helps you create a clear, organized expense list that keeps track of all expenses and you can also save it for your records.

First, let's discuss -

Why Excel spreadsheets aren't ideal for apparel costing

Many companies still rely on Excel spreadsheets for their cost accounting.They are confusing, difficult to read and more prone to miscalculations. For example, take this spreadsheet created in Excel:

At first glance, it makes a clean and tidy impression. On closer inspection, however, it gets tricky:

1. In Excel, all the details for the BOM must be manually entered one at a time. It is necessary to format the table and introduce the correct formula for calculating the cost.
2. Usually these formulas and formats are copied to other tech packs to have a consistent template. It doesn't take much thought to see why this method can easily go wrong!
3. All of this is especially impractical when product prices are updated during product development. As you know, these are constantly changing and it takes a lot of time to manually re-enter everything, not to mention the risk of making mistakes.

Spreadsheet examples

Each product type has different specifics and therefore a different spreadsheet. Each has essential items that you don't want to miss. We've prepared some visual examples to help you create a detailed and easy-to-read cost table in Techpacker for your specific product.

The number of details always depends on the complexity of the garments. In order to calculate the final cost of the garment, you must detail each piece that will be made. For example: main fabric, lining, interlinings, trimmings, buttons, zippers, embellishments, appliqués, etc. All these details must be included in the cost table. The quantities of each item must be listed, ideally in a different column for ease of visualization and calculation.

There are parts that are commonly used for all types of products. Things like tags, labels, sewing thread, and packaging materials will be part of every spreadsheet no matter what type of product you are creating. So make sure to add those as well.

Top:Add the supplier's name to each material that goes into your spreadsheet, saving you time in the future if you run out of one of the parts and need to order more. It's also useful to track the status of each order - whether it's in stock or needs to be put on backorder.

tops

Let's start with an example spreadsheet for a shirt. In our example it is a men's shirt with a button closure. As with any other type of shirt, the essential element is the main fabric, the interlining for the collar, collar stand and cuffs, the yarn and of course the buttons for the placket, pockets and cuffs. As you can see, all of these items are added to our cost table.

bottoms

There are different types of bottoms that can be made, such as tailored pants, elastic waist pants, leggings, denim pants, etc. The number of details depends on the complexity. Our example is a pair of jeans. Apart from essential elements such as the main fabric, thread, zippers, buttons, do not forget to include the metal rivets and the contrasting orange thread that distinguishes a pair of jeans from a classic pair of trousers.

Dresses

Whether you are creating a casual dress or a dress for a special occasion, the amount of detail depends on your style. Our next example is a casual jersey knit wrap dress. This style features a tie belt at the waist, so there are no buttons or other types of closures. For this dress, the essential elements that we include in the spreadsheet are the main fabric, the thread, the fusible interfacing and the packaging material. You can calculate the amount of main fabric needed at the sample making stage of your product development.

Overalls

Complex styles like jumpsuits usually have more pieces like extra zippers, buttons, and other fasteners. Our example here also has a decorative detail - white crochet lace.

outerwear

Outerwear is technically the most time-consuming garment to manufacture. It is often fully lined and requires a specific type of padding to hold its shape. For example, if you want a tailored, more textured look, you might want to go for a woven fusible hair canvas. If you're looking for a softer look, you can choose a woven, non-fusible, mid-weight pad.

swimwear

Although swimwear doesn't appear to have as many pieces as other types of clothing, it does have certain distinctive features that are different. Swimwear and activewear fabrics are mostly made from a special type of fabric that is stretchy and non-water absorbing, typically nylon containing a significant amount of lycra or spandex. Please note that women's swimsuits often have bra cups. If your style has these, don't forget to add them to your spreadsheet.

handbags

Spreadsheets for handbags and other accessories are slightly different than those for clothing, they also require different types of machines to make them. The leather used for a handbag is often heavier than that used for clothing, the lining is more durable and the hardware is specific to this type of product. It may include sliders, metal rivets, internal wire frames to create a specific shape, rings, metal tags, locks, screws, chains, clips, or snaps.

sportswear

The main difference between sportswear and casual wear is the type of fabric used. Make sure it has plenty of stretch to allow for easy movement. The thread is also different. Most sports tops contain the bra cups for a comfortable fit. If you plan to add lining, make sure the cost is added to your table.

In Techpacker you can calculate the total price per piece as well as the total price for the whole order. In our leggings spreadsheet, we calculate the total cost for a pair.

underwear

Usually, lingerie consists of many small details such as elastic bands, underwires, hooks and eyes, knit interlinings, ribbons and laces for decorations, hardware for adjusting straps, and stretchable main fabric. Your final cost will depend on how many pieces you add. So be sure to add the correct quantity and final cost for each part.

children's clothing

The spreadsheet for the children's clothing will be very similar to the adult's clothing. However, some brands would set themselves apart by making a quality children's product, for example by making it out of flame retardant fabric or using snaps over buttons to reduce the risk of choking.

housewares

Do you dream of creating your own bedding? No problem! Include the type and cost of the main fabric (the most common for bedding are cotton, linen or silk), lining (optional) and fasteners such as zippers or buttons. And don't forget the labels and packaging.

How to create spreadsheets on Techpacker

Benefits of using Techpacker to create spreadsheets

1. FAST:Techpacker simplifies the costing process by providing the templates to calculate your material costs. At the same time, you still have the option to create onecustom table.
2. CLEVER:Techpacker's template extracts the names of your existing material information in the BOM table and lists them all in that table along with formula presets to calculate the cost. This saves you the hassle of compiling spreadsheets in Excel and going back and forth between spreadsheets.
3. COLLABORATIVE:In Techpacker, you can make changes at any time and keep your entire team updated with real-time information.
4. EFFICIENT:In Techpacker you can share spreadsheets with vendors and brands and generate multiple PDF versions directly from the platform. This makes it super easy to compare and analyze them and make the necessary adjustments before sending them to production.

Step-by-step instructions

On Techpacker, all style-related information such as sketches, materials, dimensions, etc. are combined in a single viewTechpack-Board.

Step 1:On your techpack board, list all your materials in it and don't forget to name them. Learn more about how to track your costs through the bill of materialsHere.

Step 2:Add a new section at the bottom of your techpack board and select itcalculationPresentation.

Step 3:A spreadsheet will be created with all your product materials automatically listed in the description column. Just enter yoursconsumption unitsAndCost per unit. The formulas are preset like thisin totalwill be automatically calculated for you.

Step 6:Enter your consumption units and cost per unit. The grand total will be automatically calculated for you.

Check out our full guidehow to create a spreadsheet here.

Wondering what exactly goes into the cost of the garment and how to set the right price for your specific product? Cash -