The Factory Fabric Consumption Formula
In garment merchandising, estimating fabric requirements accurately dictates your gross profit. The standard formula used by Tirupur knitwear merchandisers for a basic crew neck t-shirt is:
Fabric Consumption (Grams) = [ (Length + Allowance) × (1/2 Chest + Allowance) × 2 × GSM ] / 10,000 + Wastage (10%)
Why Add a 10% Cutting & Rib Allowance?
- Neck Rib Addition: 1x1 cotton-spandex collar ribs consume about 15–20 grams per t-shirt.
- Marker Cutting Waste: Even with modern CAD markers, fabric ends and curve cutouts waste 7% to 9% of fabric area.
- Shrinkage Cushion: Pre-shrunk bio-washed cotton needs 2% margin to ensure final customer measurements match after post-sew washing.
Sourcing Fabric Rolls Direct
Source Tirupur Combed Cotton Knits at Mill Rates
Cut out intermediaries. Buy 20kg to 500kg fabric rolls directly from audited Tirupur mills with guaranteed GSM and zero edge curling.