The price of labor clothes (workwear or uniforms) in China varies tremendously based on quality, material, quantity, and specific requirements.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to give you a comprehensive understanding:
1. Price Ranges by Garment Type (Estimated)
These are approximate prices for standard items, primarily for bulk orders (e.g., 100+ sets). Single-unit prices will be higher.
Garment Type | Low-End (USD) | Mid-Range (USD) | High-End (USD) | Key Features & Common Use |
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Work Shirt (夏季工装衬衫) | $3 – $5 | $6 – $10 | $11 – $20+ | Poly-cotton blend, basic durability. For general labor. |
Work Trousers/Pants (工装裤) | $4 – $6 | $7 – $12 | $13 – $25+ | Durable fabric, often with reinforced knees. |
Coveralls (连体工作服) | $8 – $12 | $13 – $20 | $21 – $40+ | For mechanics, technicians, factory workers. |
Safety Vest (反光背心) | $1.5 – $3 | $4 – $7 | $8 – $15+ | Hi-visibility, reflective tape. For construction, road work. |
Winter Jacket (冬季棉服) | $15 – $25 | $26 – $40 | $41 – $70+ | Filled with cotton or synthetic insulation. |
FR (Flame-Resistant) Suit (防火服) | N/A | $50 – $90 | $100 – $200+ | Specialized material for oil & gas, electrical, welding. |
Safety Shoes (安全鞋) | $10 – $15 | $16 – $25 | $26 – $50+ | Steel toe, anti-puncture, anti-slip soles. |
Note: Prices are in U.S. Dollars for easier reference. Actual factory prices are usually quoted in Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). The conversion used here is roughly 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY.
2. Key Factors Affecting Price
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Order Quantity (MOQ – Minimum Order Quantity): This is the most significant factor. Factories offer much lower unit prices for large orders (1,000+ pieces) than for small batches (100 pieces).
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Material Quality:
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Polyester/Cotton Blends (e.g., TC 65/35): Most common and affordable. Good durability and breathability.
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100% Cotton: More comfortable and breathable but often more expensive and less durable than strong blends.
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Specialty Fabrics: FR (Flame Resistant) cotton, high-density polyester, or waterproof membranes significantly increase the cost.
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Customization:
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Logos/Embroidery: Adding a company logo is cheap for large orders (can be $0.20 – $1.00 per piece depending on complexity) but adds cost.
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Custom Design: Modifying an existing pattern or creating a completely new design from scratch will incur sample costs (can be $50 – $200 per sample) and higher production prices.
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Labor Standards & Certification: Clothing certified to international safety standards (e.g., CE, ANSI, ISO) will be more expensive due to stricter material sourcing and manufacturing processes.
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Supplier Type:
3. Where to Source/Buy
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Online B2B Platforms (Best for Bulk Orders):
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1688.com: Alibaba’s domestic Chinese site. Prices are the lowest but it’s almost entirely in Chinese, and communication can be challenging. Best for buyers who have local agents or are fluent.
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Alibaba.com: The international version. Easier to communicate with English-speaking sales staff. Prices are slightly higher than 1688 but still very competitive for bulk.
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Made-in-China.com & GlobalSources.com: Other reputable B2B platforms where you can find verified suppliers.
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Local Wholesale Markets (e.g., Guangzhou, Yiwu):
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Cities like Guangzhou and Yiwu have massive wholesale markets dedicated to clothing.
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Advantage: You can see and touch the product quality in person.
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Disadvantage: Requires travel to China. MOQs can vary.
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E-commerce Platforms (For Small Quantities/Samples):
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Taobao / Tmall: Ideal for buying a few sample pieces to check quality before placing a large order. Prices will be retail, not wholesale.
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4. Important Tips for Buyers
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Request Samples Always: Never place a large order without first approving a production sample. This checks the size, fabric quality, stitching, and logo printing.
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Clarify Incoterms: Understand who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, and import duties. FOB (Free On Board) is very common, where the supplier gets the goods to the port, and the buyer handles the sea freight and beyond.
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Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed tech packs (design specifications, measurements, fabric type, color codes) to avoid misunderstandings.
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Consider a Sourcing Agent: If you are not familiar with the process, a reliable sourcing agent in China can help you find qualified suppliers, negotiate prices, conduct quality control, and manage logistics.
Summary
For standard bulk orders, you can expect to pay:
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A basic summer uniform set (shirt + pants): $7 – $18 per set.
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A basic winter jacket: $20 – $45 per piece.
Always remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. Investing in better quality fabric and construction often leads to more durable clothing and better value in the long run.
Dive Deeper Into Our Resources
Looking for more diverse product options? Browse through our handpicked selections:
- Workwear Jacket
- Work Pants
- Work Vest
- Work Uniform Suits
- Coveralls & Overalls
- High-Visibility Safety Clothing
- High Visibility Safety Polo/T Shirts
- Anti-static safety clothing
- Outdoor Workwear Jacket
- Flame Retardant Protective Clothing
- Acid Alkali Resistance protective clothing
- Acid And Alkali Resistant Antistatic Protective Clothing
- T-Shirts | Work T-Shirts | Uniform Work Shirts
For some insightful reads, we’ve curated a list of recommended articles just for you:
- How do I find a product manufacturer in China?
- How to find cheap manufacturers in China? A guide to avoid pitfalls
- How to complete your first purchase of workwear in China safely and efficiently
- Custom uniforms for Small business
- Choosing the Best Industrial Work Suit
- Ultimate Guide: Best Wholesale Work Clothes in China
- Cut & Sew Customization
- Logo Customize Clonthing Manufacturer
- Readymade Garments Manufacturers
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us. We’re here to help 24/7.