key points:
- usps first class, fedex ship manager lite and ups ground are the cheapest ways to ship clothing domestically
- it costs $11.35 to ship a 2 pound package of clothing from new york to los angeles and takes 1-5 business days for delivery
- easyship saves users up to 91% off shipping rates at over 250 carriers, so merchants in eCommerce like you can have instant access to the cheapest shipping rates
Clothes and apparel are an increasingly popular e-commerce staple. According to research firm Statista, e-commerce revenue from apparel sales is projected to grow to $153.6 billion by 2024, an increase of 67% from 2019.
Apparel shipping poses a number of challenges for e-commerce brands. this includes branded packaging, choosing delivery options, and finding the cheapest shipping option. Cost factors for shipping include box size, item weight, and more.
Use this article to learn about the cheapest way to ship clothing, both domestically and internationally. Below, you’ll find price comparisons of the leading courier services, advice on packaging materials, and tips for mailing clothing so it arrives in the best condition.
what is the cheapest way to ship clothes?
To find the cheapest shipping for clothing, start by comparing prices from different couriers. Domestic shipping companies with the cheapest way to ship clothing typically include:
- usps first class
- fedex ship manager lite
- ups ground
usps first class is a popular way to ship clothing because it’s affordable. the drawback is that the package weight limit is 15.99 ounces for serving, or less than 1 pound. USPS First Class is also relatively fast, usually taking 1-3 days to reach its destination.
fedex ship manager lite is another fast and affordable method of shipping clothing. packages must weigh less than 68 kg or 150 pounds. fedex also provides free packaging with manager lite.
ups ground® is also affordable. It costs $15.57 to ship a 2-pound package of clothing from New York to Los Angeles and takes 1-5 business days to deliver. Or, alternatively, it costs $13.36 to ship the same 2-pound package from New York to Miami.
These rates do not reflect cross-border shipping; however, only domestic routes. try our free domestic shipping rate calculator to check exact rates by destination.
The following section shows you the cheapest way to ship clothing internationally.
what is the cheapest way to ship clothes internationally?
Identifying the cheapest way to ship clothing internationally may require a little more work. your options multiply because there are more messaging services around the world.
Here’s a pro tip: USPS Priority Mail International: Flat rate is often the cheapest way to ship clothing across borders. for example, shipping a 2 pound package from connecticut to hong kong is much cheaper with usps than with fedex or ups, as seen below.
At $42.15 for a flat rate box, USPS has affordable rates. Compare that to $159.25 for FedEx International Economic, or $162.27 for UPS Worldwide Expedited®.
For exact rates by box size and weight, try our free shipping rate calculator. is the fastest way to get the lowest rates for international clothing shipments. you will see the updated rates of all global courier services, including usps.
As a rule of thumb, however, USPS is often your most affordable option. That said, USPS uses specific pricing for certain countries. If you want, check the pricing tables for yourself.
what is the difference between flat rate and standard shipping?
unlike standard shipping, usps flat rate does not factor weight into the shipping rate. this means it’s a good option when shipping heavier boxes long distances.
as seen below, shipping a small box from connecticut to hong kong is cheaper with usps flat rate – small flat rate box ($42.15) than with usps international priority mail ($76.20 ) for a 2-pound package.
once again, usps is the cheapest way to ship clothing. Using the USPS flat rate to ship clothing can also save you a ton. however, it is rarely the fastest or most reliable option. If your customers want expedited shipping, access the shipping calculator to find faster options.
what about import duties and taxes on clothing?
If you ship internationally, you should be aware of import duties and taxes.
Import duties are a type of tax applied by countries on goods entering the country. almost all shipments are subject to these additional fees, which are calculated when a shipment reaches customs. Before your package can be cleared and delivered to customers, all import duties must be paid.
Customs documentation is what allows a package to pass through customs. The commercial invoice is the most important of these documents, describing the shipment, its value, and more. second, you must include a delivery note.
Sending second-hand clothes? Please check the shipping restrictions in the destination country, as you could face bans or pay additional fees on certain items. Some countries that restrict clothing imports include:
- australia (used outdoor clothing)
- canada (resale of clothing is not allowed)
- india (used clothing)
- mexico (Chinese clothing and shoes)
- new zealand (outdoor used clothing)
how to weigh clothes for shipping
Package weight has a big impact on the cheapest way to ship clothing. Other facts that affect the cheapest shipping cost include factors such as the following:
- courier service
- delivery speed
- shipping distance
- package dimensions
couriers set the shipping price either by size or weight, whichever is more expensive. Although it’s usually cheap to ship clothing, you’ll want to avoid overpaying. this means getting the correct weight of your package, rounded to the nearest pound.
here are some ways to determine the weight of your shipment and therefore the final cost of the shipment:
- use a bathroom scale for larger items
- use a kitchen scale for smaller items
- look up the weight of items online
what if you only have a bathroom scale but the item is too light to show change? just weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again while holding the item. the difference between the first and second measurements is the weight of the item, rounded to one pound. if you’re not sure, rounding is the sure way to make sure you avoid courier marks.
how to pack clothes for shipping
packaging is a balance of factors. For retailers, effective packaging helps reduce costs and improve efficiency. however, customers pay attention to your branding, personalized notes, and thoughtful touches that enhance the unboxing experience.
Follow these tips to ship clothing as quickly and cheaply as possible:
- avoid extra cushioning
- ship items together, when possible
- weigh packages as you pack them to ensure accuracy
- ship in the smallest package available
- use inexpensive bubble mailers for ultralight shipments
- look for volume discounts on large shipments
Here are some tips to help you create a delightful experience for shoppers:
- use rigid packaging to protect delicate items
- fold clothing before packing
- include a handwritten thank you note
- use branded packaging
packaging material options
The cheapest way to ship involves the right choice of packaging. Additionally, using the correct packaging materials helps ensure that your items arrive intact and well presented.
Your outer packaging material options include:
- cardboard boxes for large clothing shipments
- tyvek envelopes for small single item shipments
- bubble envelopes or clipboards for delicate items with trinkets or buttons attached </li
- corrugated cardboard boxes for long distance shipments
how to pack casual clothes for shipping
Whether you’re shipping shirts, jeans, or pants, it’s important to make sure your clothes arrive in the best condition. For starters, it’s best to allocate a clean, open space to double as a table or counter.
to pack a single shirt:
- fold carefully. make sure no wrinkles are visible. shirts must be face down with sleeves folded back.
- after folding, place in a plastic bag. seal the plastic with tape, and then place it in a polythene envelope. add the shipping label.
to pack multiple shirts:
- stacked shirts. Ship in a box slightly larger than the shirts volume to prevent bending and wrinkling during transit.
- pack a cardboard box with packing material such as brown kraft paper or peanuts for larger shipments. this prevents slippage and wrinkling.
- add shipping label with all relevant information.
to pack loose pants or jeans:
- fold one pant leg over the other. then fold it once from the knees to the pockets, then fold it in half one more time.
- slip into a plastic bag or sleeve. seal, then place in a polythene envelope.
to pack several pants or jeans:
- Place each one in a plastic bag, then stack them in a box. to prevent wrinkling during shipping, add plastic wrap or bubble wrap to fill in the extra space.
- tape the outside of the box. if you are using a bubble envelope, seal the envelope.
- add the shipping label with all relevant information.
related post: what is the cheapest way to ship books?
how to send a wedding dress
A wedding dress deserves special attention when it is shipped. here are some tips:
- Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper. Store in a clear plastic clothing bag. place in a sturdy box.
- write “wedding dress” on the outside of the box. secure it on the outside with tape.
- Most bridal shops will ship a wedding dress on your behalf if possible.
how much does it cost to ship a wedding dress?
This depends on the destination and weight, plus any insurance and tracking of the package. the average wedding dress weighs about 7 pounds. use our free shipping rate tool to find out the exact rates for the most economical way to ship a wedding dress.
the cheapest way to send clothes with easyship
Clothes and apparel are an “it” item for global e-commerce. For online merchants, knowing how to ship customers profitably is critical. This means considering your options for cost-effective courier services, which can often be USPS. however, with delivery speed and reliability becoming more important to shoppers, you may need to expand your option set to give customers the shipping options they want.
Using easyship gives you direct access to over 250 global courier services, plus savings of up to 91% on shipping rates. With easyship, you get access to features and benefits like the following:
- Free shipping rate calculator: access high-volume discounts from major messengers. plus, get instant access to delivery times from premium shipping couriers.
- easyship branded packaging: easyship provides a consistent delivery experience with your brand. add your logo and collateral to your packing slips, landing pages, and follow-up emails
- shipping policy generator : our shipping policy generator helps merchants and crowdfunding campaigns generate their shipping policy by providing tracking and insurance options, as well as other information vital to your shipping process
Create a free account to discover the cheapest ways to ship clothing anywhere.
frequently asked questions about shipping clothing
What are the import taxes and duties to send clothes to the usa? uu.?
apparel imports to usa. uu. valued at less than $200 do not incur customs duties. All regular clothing over $200 incurs a 16.5% duty tax, although this may be higher for clothing made from animal products such as fur, leather, and wool.
how much does it cost to ship a hoodie usps?
assuming the hoodies weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, usps first class mail is cheaper and costs about $5. using a slightly larger usps envelope or a small box costs about $8.
How do I send clothes through fedex?
Pack and ship at a FedEx location, or arrange a free pickup with EasyShip. First, create a shipment with your shipping information and payment method. You will need to hang the clothes on a metal rod or pack them in the wardrobe box before shipping.