How to Price Custom Womens Apparel for Maximum Profit

Pricing a custom apparel line is simpler than it looks once the base cost is fixed: retail price is just the base cost plus whatever the vendor wants to keep as profit. Bear Grips does not set retail prices or cap margins, so the real decision is what the market will pay for a branded tank, legging, or hoodie versus a generic one. Here is a working framework and the actual base numbers for a womens line.

The Pricing Formula

Retail price = VIP base cost + profit per item. Bear Grips recommends a default profit of about $10 per item as a starting point, but many vendors charge more on higher-cost pieces like hoodies and leggings where the perceived value is higher. There is no restriction either way; the vendor sets the number.

Base Costs and Suggested Retail by Product

Product	VIP base	+$10 retail	Common retail range
Ladies Racerback Tank	$19.88	$29.88	$26-$32
Women's Premium Cotton Tee	$23.88	$33.88	$30-$36
Ladies' Moisture Wicking Tee	$25.88	$35.88	$32-$38
Women's Skort	$34.88	$44.88	$42-$50
Padded Sports Bra	$45.88	$55.88	$52-$62
Women's Premium Cropped Hoodie	$47.88	$57.88	$55-$68
Signature Seamless Leggings	$54.88	$64.88	$62-$75

Leggings and sports bras typically carry a wider markup than tees, since buyers already expect to pay more for those categories.

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Free vs VIP: How Base Cost Changes the Margin

The free plan carries a higher base price per item (VIP saves vendors $4-$11 per item depending on the product). At the same retail price, a VIP vendor keeps $4-$11 more profit per sale than a free-plan vendor selling the identical item. On a shop moving 40-50 items a month, that difference alone can cover the $59/mo VIP subscription several times over.

Pricing by Use Case

• Member or client self-serve. Standard retail, no discount, buyer covers the full markup.
• Team or staff issued apparel. Priced at or near cost, since the business is subsidizing the purchase.
• Fundraiser or event apparel. Higher markup ($15-$20 over base) since buyers expect to pay a premium to support the cause or event.

See the product lineup breakdown for which pieces carry the strongest margin relative to cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bear Grips set the retail price for me?

No. The vendor sets every retail price. Bear Grips only sets the base cost; everything above that is the vendor's margin.

Whats the default markup Bear Grips recommends?

About $10 per item as a starting point, though many vendors charge more on hoodies, leggings, and sports bras where buyers expect a higher price.

Does VIP change how much profit I keep?

Yes. VIP base prices run $4-$11 lower per item than the free plan, which is extra margin kept at the same retail price.

Can I charge less than the $10 default markup?

Yes. There is no minimum profit requirement. Some vendors price at cost for staff or team apparel and rely on retail sales elsewhere for margin.