Knitwear Wholesale 101: Pricing, Ethical Sourcing, Organic Trends, and Starting Your Brand

The knitwear industry is thriving, fueled by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and stylish apparel. Whether you’re a boutique owner, an aspiring brand, or a B2B buyer, understanding the factors influencing knitwear wholesale pricing, the importance of ethical sourcing, the growing demand for organic cotton, and how to work with wholesale suppliers is crucial.

Factors That Affect Knitwear Wholesale Pricing

1. Material and Yarn Quality

One of the primary determinants of knitwear pricing is the type of yarn used. Premium materials like cashmere, merino wool, and organic cotton command higher prices compared to synthetic blends.

Yarn Type	Average Price Impact	Durability	Eco-Friendliness
Organic Cotton	Moderate-High	High	Very High
Merino Wool	High	Very High	Moderate
Acrylic Blends	Low	Moderate	Low

2. Manufacturing Complexity

Intricate designs, hand knitting, printing and embroidery, and customized color palettes all increase production time and labor costs, leading to higher wholesale prices. Real-world example: A sweater with complex cable knitting and embroidery can cost 30-50% more than a simple jersey-knit sweater.

3. Order Volume (Economies of Scale)

Bulk orders allow manufacturers to optimize production lines, which usually results in discounts. However, sampling services and low-volume custom runs are typically more expensive per piece.

4. Logistics and Shipping

Shipping delays, global supply chain issues, and customs tariffs can directly impact final pricing. Knitwear sourced internationally may be subject to import duties that increase costs.

5. Sustainable and Ethical Practices

Brands committed to sustainable and ethical practices often absorb higher material and production costs, which reflects in wholesale pricing. But today’s consumers increasingly value this commitment.

Why Ethical Sourcing Matters in the Knitwear Wholesale Industry

1. Rising Consumer Awareness

According to Nielsen, 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Ethical sourcing is no longer optional — it’s a brand expectation.

2. Worker Welfare and Transparency

Choosing wholesalers that comply with fair labor laws ensures that workers are paid fairly and operate in safe conditions. Always ask your suppliers about:

• Third-party certifications (e.g., GOTS, Fair Trade)
• Factory audits
• Transparent supply chains

3. Brand Reputation

A scandal involving unethical labor can severely damage a brand. Ethical sourcing strengthens your brand’s credibility and supports long-term loyalty. Example: Brands like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher have built global reputations largely because of their commitment to ethical practices.

4. Environmental Impact

Ethical knitwear wholesalers typically engage in sustainable practices such as:

• Water-saving production methods
• Biodegradable packaging
• Eco-friendly dyeing processes

How to Start Your Own Knitwear Brand with Wholesale Suppliers

Launching your own knitwear brand may seem daunting, but with the right wholesale partners, it’s absolutely achievable.

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Are you aiming for luxury knitwear, sustainable streetwear, or customized private label production? A clear niche helps you find the right suppliers and customers.

Step 2: Partner with the Right Wholesale Supplier

Look for suppliers offering:

• Custom apparel manufacturing
• Sampling services
• Flexible MOQs
• Printing and embroidery capabilities

Tip: Use trusted B2B platforms like Alibaba, Faire, or industry-specific directories to vet suppliers.

Step 3: Focus on Product Development

Work with your supplier on:

• Sampling different yarns and fits
• Developing brand-specific designs
• Testing embroidery and prints

This stage is critical for setting the quality benchmark.

Step 4: Launch Your Brand

Once sampling and quality are finalized:

• Create a website with e-commerce capability
• Use social media marketing
• Offer exclusive pre-orders to build early buzz

Internal Link: Check out our guide to “Building a Successful Clothing Brand” here.

The Rise of Organic Cotton in Knitwear Wholesale Markets

1. What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without toxic chemicals or GMOs. It uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and promotes healthier farming communities.

2. Why It’s Dominating Knitwear Markets

Consumer demand for eco-conscious fashion has skyrocketed. Organic cotton knitwear offers:

• Softer texture
• Hypoallergenic properties
• Environmental stewardship

3. Challenges in Organic Cotton Sourcing

While organic cotton offers massive environmental benefits, it typically costs 20–30% more than conventional cotton. Supply chain transparency is crucial. Real-world insight: Brands like PACT and People Tree have successfully built entire product lines around organic cotton knitwear.

Knitwear Wholesale MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): What Retailers Should Expect

1. Understanding MOQ

MOQ refers to the minimum number of units a supplier is willing to produce per style, color, or size. Typical knitwear MOQs:

Product Type	Average MOQ
Simple Sweaters	100-200 units
Embroidered Knitwear	200-500 units
Private Label Knitwear	300+ units

2. Why MOQs Exist

MOQs protect wholesalers from losses by ensuring that the cost of setting up production is covered. It allows them to manage:

• Labor costs
• Yarn procurement
• Machine calibration

3. Negotiating MOQs

New brands can often negotiate lower MOQs by:

• Offering longer production lead times
• Accepting limited customization options
• Building long-term relationships with suppliers

FAQs

Q1: Can I start a knitwear brand with low MOQs? A: Yes, some suppliers offer low-MOQ private label production options, especially for startups. Q2: Is organic cotton better for knitwear durability? A: Organic cotton is equally durable but softer and more breathable, ideal for eco-friendly knitwear. Q3: How long does custom knitwear production take? A: On average, 6–12 weeks depending on complexity and sampling rounds.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of knitwear wholesalers involves understanding critical elements like pricing factors, ethical sourcing, organic trends, and supplier relationships. By prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices, leveraging custom apparel manufacturing options, and managing MOQs smartly, you can launch a successful and responsible knitwear brand.