You've probably wondered more than once why a simple white T-shirt can cost – depending on the store – anywhere from 30 to as much as 180 PLN . It's impossible not to notice the significant difference between the prices of clothes from chain stores and those offered by Polish brands. Today, we'll explain why. Read the text below and find out what makes up the price of clothes!
Where does the price of clothes come from?
It's no secret that the lowest clothing prices often stem from violations of workers' rights and exploitation under the "made in China" label. Polish brands that sew their clothes locally, in small workshops committed to providing decent wages for their workers, pay significantly more to produce their clothing. By supporting small Polish companies, we not only fuel the local economy but also prevent the development of giant businesses that operate unfairly. It's also obvious that as buyers, we want the item we pay more for to be truly worth it – to wash well, not lose its shape, and last for years. And good quality really does require a corresponding premium. Both of these factors mean that a seemingly simple item, such as the T-shirt mentioned at the beginning, is not cheap to produce. So let's break it down.
What influences the price of clothes? Material!
One of the most important factors influencing clothing prices is the material. At ANSIN, many of our garments are made from SUPIMA cotton. This top-quality material is incredibly soft yet durable. Its secret lies in the above-average length of the cotton fibers, which makes the fabric soft to the touch and more resistant to abrasion and pilling. We also use organic cotton, which is produced using:
- no chemicals are used
- less water is used
- there is less production of greenhouse gases
Regular monitoring of the conditions under which organic materials are produced ensures they receive various certifications (e.g., GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard), which assures us that we're buying raw materials from a reputable source. These factors mean that the highest quality, eco-friendly cotton (or other materials) will always be significantly more expensive. However, it's important to remember that from an ecological perspective, it's the best possible choice. A SUPIMA cotton T-shirt will last many more washes than the cheapest chain store T-shirt and certainly won't end up in the trash after one season, unlike T-shirts priced at 20-30 PLN. This way, we not only produce less waste but also wear skin-friendly clothing whose production has a lower environmental impact.
You can read more about organic cotton in our post where we describe what organic cotton is .
What makes up the price of clothing? Construction and stitching
Another aspect that shouldn't be overlooked when analyzing clothing prices is all the work involved in creating individual garments. It's not enough to simply submit the fabric to the sewing room along with a drawing. After the design is complete, the sketch must then be sent to the designer, the person who, broadly speaking, prepares patterns for further clothing production. The next step involves sewing sample patterns, which cost more than sewing the items that will ultimately be included in the collection. Only after the prototypes have been tested and approved do the final products actually get created. In a good sewing room, which prioritizes both the working conditions of the seamstresses and the quality of the garments, sewing a single T-shirt costs not just a few zlotys, but several dozen. And what does a well-stitched T-shirt offer the end consumer? For example, it ensures that the T-shirt won't twist after a few washes – the seams will stay in place, ensuring the item will look its best for a long time!
All that marketing… and more
Reaching people interested in high-quality basic clothing requires a bit of effort. Starting with photoshoots (which involve paying for studio rentals, models, makeup artists, and photographers), through social media promotion and a host of other crucial activities that help you get the word out! But the list doesn't end with promotional activities. The price of a garment is also influenced by such basic factors as the operation of the online store and the warehouse where we store the garments while waiting for orders . And speaking of orders... The next step is the logistics involved in delivering them, including packaging and shipping costs. At ANSIN, we don't cut corners – we package your orders ecologically, which is also a more expensive, but definitely more sustainable, option.
What else influences the price of clothes and what do we forget about?
Finally, two crucial issues. The first is the employees. Someone has to pack orders, while someone else is responsible for marketing, positioning the online store online, customer service, and setting up social media ads. And each of these people, of course, must be paid for their work. On top of that, there are taxes. VAT and income tax are levied on every item. It's easy to forget that the price of every item we buy, from a blouse to a loaf of bread, includes taxes—money the business must pay back to the government. In the case of clothing, these taxes constitute a significant portion of what we actually pay for.
As you can see, many factors influence clothing prices. Some are rarely or never considered. High-quality materials, meticulous tailoring, respect for workers' rights, and attention to environmental aspects of production necessarily translate into higher prices, as they involve additional costs for businesses . However, the result is items that last a long time and are not a burden on the environment – it's worth keeping this in mind when shopping!
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