Starting Your Streetwear Brand: A DIY Cost Breakdown

Launching a streetwear brand can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to budgeting. Understanding the costs involved is crucial for ensuring your brand’s success. This guide provides a breakdown of DIY costs associated with Direct-to-Garment (DTG) transfer printing, screen printing, using pre-printed transfers, and other overhead expenses, including the value of your time.

1. Cost of Materials

A. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Transfer Printing

DTG printing is a popular method for its vibrant colors and ability to handle intricate designs. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

• DTG Printer: Prices range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the brand and capabilities. A decent entry-level printer will cost around $5,000.
• Ink Costs: DTG inks can range from $100 to $300 per liter. Expect to use about 0.1 liters per shirt, bringing the ink cost to approximately $10–$30 per shirt.
• Garment Costs: Quality blank shirts can range from $3 to $15 each, depending on the brand and fabric quality.
• Pretreatment Solution: Necessary for optimal print quality, this can cost around $100 for a gallon, which typically pretreats about 100 shirts, making the cost about $1 per shirt.

Estimated Total for DTG per Shirt: $14–$56

B. Screen Printing

Screen printing is ideal for larger orders and can be more cost-effective at scale. Here’s how the costs break down:

• Screen Setup Costs: Expect to pay $50 to $150 per screen (each color requires a separate screen). For a three-color design, setup would cost about $150 to $450.
• Ink Costs: Screen printing inks range from $20 to $50 per quart. You’ll need about 0.1 quart per shirt, costing approximately $2–$5 per shirt.
• Garment Costs: Similar to DTG, blank shirts range from $3 to $15 each.
• Emulsion and Chemicals: Around $50 for materials needed to create screens, which can be amortized over multiple runs.

Estimated Total for Screen Printing per Shirt: $10–$40 (not including initial setup costs)

C. Pre-Printed Transfers

Using pre-printed transfers is a great option for those who want to avoid the investment in a printer while still creating high-quality designs. This method requires a heat press to apply the transfers onto the garments.

• Pre-Printed Transfer Costs: Depending on the size and complexity, pre-printed transfers can range from $1 to $5 per piece. Bulk orders may offer discounts, bringing costs down.
• Heat Press: A good heat press machine can cost between $200 and $1,000. If you plan to produce shirts regularly, this is a worthwhile investment.
• Garment Costs: As with other methods, blank shirts range from $3 to $15 each.

Estimated Total for Pre-Printed Transfers per Shirt: $5–$20 (not including heat press costs)

2. Overhead Costs

A. Your Time

Your time is a valuable asset in the DIY process, and accounting for it is essential.

• Hourly Rate: Determine your desired hourly rate (e.g., $15–$50/hour). Factor in the hours spent on design, production, and fulfillment.
• Production Time: For example, if you spend 2 hours printing and packaging 10 shirts, that’s 20 hours of work, costing you anywhere from $300 to $1,000.

B. Additional Overhead

• Workspace Costs: Whether you’re using a home studio or renting a space, calculate your monthly rent or utility costs.
• Supplies: Additional materials such as packaging, labels, and shipping costs can add up. Budget approximately $1–$3 per shirt for these expenses.
• Marketing and Website Costs: Consider expenses for setting up an online store, which can range from $29/month for platforms like Shopify to several hundred for custom sites.

3. Setting Up Your Website

A. Domain Name Registration

Selecting a memorable domain name is essential for your brand’s identity. Services like Namecheap offer affordable options for domain registration.

• Cost: $10–$20/year, with first-year discounts often available.

B. Website Themes and Customization

• Shopify Free Themes: There are many free themes available that give your site a professional look at no extra cost.
• Paid Themes: Advanced themes range from $100–$350 as a one-time fee, providing additional customization options.

C. E-commerce Platform

• Shopify Basic Plan: At $39/month, this plan allows you to set up your online store and manage product listings.
• Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction if using external payment gateways, like PayPal or Stripe.

4. Branding and Design

A. Logo and Graphic Design

• Fiverr: Freelancers offer affordable logo design services starting at $20, making it easy to create a professional look for your brand.
• Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop: DIY tools for those who prefer creating designs themselves, with subscription costs of around $20.99/month. Check out Adobe for options.
• Canva Pro: At $12.99/month, Canva is a versatile tool for creating mockups, social media graphics, and more, making it a popular choice for brand-building.

5. Marketing and Growth

A. Paid Advertising

Social media ads are highly effective for reaching your target audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

• Budget: Starting at $200/month, which allows for reasonable reach, especially when targeting specific interests and demographics.

B. Organic Marketing Strategies

Growing an audience through organic social media engagement is free and essential for building brand loyalty. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are ideal for streetwear brands, allowing you to showcase your style and connect with followers.

• Email Marketing: Klaviyo offers a free plan for up to 250 contacts, allowing you to build a mailing list and engage with customers through personalized emails.

C. Social Media Management Tools

• SocialBee: This tool provides a free plan for basic scheduling needs or a Pro plan at $19/month, making it easy to maintain a consistent posting schedule and boost engagement.

6. Cost Breakdown Summary

Cost Component	DTG	Screen Printing	Pre-Printed Transfers
Printer/Setup Costs	$5,000	$150–$450 (initial setup)	$200–$1,000 (heat press)
Ink Costs	$10–$30/shirt	$2–$5/shirt	$1–$5/transfer
Garment Costs	$3–$15/shirt	$3–$15/shirt	$3–$15/shirt
Pretreatment/Emulsion Costs	$1/shirt	$50 (amortized)	N/A
Overhead (Your Time)	$300–$1,000	$300–$1,000	$300–$1,000
Additional Overhead	$1–$3/shirt	$1–$3/shirt	$1–$3/shirt

 

By understanding these costs, you can make informed decisions as you start your streetwear brand. Whether you opt for DTG, screen printing, or pre-printed transfers, each method has its advantages and potential savings. With careful planning and a DIY approach, you can create a unique streetwear line while staying within budget. Remember, the key to success is not just in the design, but in managing your resources effectively!