Apparel Costing

Newcomers to the fashion industry often base costings on the sum of a style’s fabric, trims and labor—and to that they simply add their markup. However, every other activity of the business erodes that markup, and they find themselves with an unsustainable profit—or a loss. This guide will help you avoid these pitfalls to guarantee a sustainable profit.

Apparel Costing details traditional and current costing methods for the fast-paced and e-commerce-focused fashion marketplace. You will learn industry-specific product/style costing that can be applied to garments produced both locally and globally. You'll also learn how to calculate line item percentages on indirect cost factors, such as factory sourcing, overhead, administration and product development.

Key topics include: Target Market Pricing; Variable vs Fixed Costs; Direct vs Indirect Cost Factors; Cost-Based vs Value-Based Costing; Domestic vs International Production Costing; Effect of Sourcing on Costing; Sustainability in Costing; Fast Fashion vs. Slow Fashion

Andrea Kennedy is founder of Fashiondex.com and an Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising at LIM College. As a designer, she has worked with many labels, including Bob Mackie, Sunny Leigh, Calvin Klein, and Ann Taylor.

Andrea Reyes is an Adjunct Professor at LIM College, The Fashion Institute of Technology, Baruch College, USA. She is also the Chair of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition a network of ethical business owners and advocates as well as co-founder of A. Bernadette, a sustainable lifestyle brand which hosts educational sustainable travel retreats.

Francesco Venezia is an Adjunct Professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology, Baruch College of Continuing and Professional Studies and LIM College in New York City. He has worked in the fashion industry merchandising at Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein Underwear and Luxottica Eyewear. Francesco is also the founder of his own jewelry brand, VITA E LIBERTA.