How to price sewing, step by step
Most tailors who struggle with money aren't short of clients. They're charging less than the job costs them. Pricing from your costs fixes that. Here's the method the calculator uses:
- Fabric. If you buy it, count every yard: a pattern that has to match (stripes, big prints, lace motifs) needs more. See the fabric yardage calculator.
- Your time. Cutting, sewing, fittings and finishing, at an hourly rate that reflects your skill.
- Running costs. Thread, lining, interfacing, zips and buttons, power or fuel for the generator, transport to the market.
- Profit. On top of all of it. This is what grows the business: it pays for slow months, a new machine, an apprentice.
Then quote a range, not one number: the bottom covers a plain job, the top covers a rush, a fussy client or heavy detail.
Starting points for common Nigerian styles
Every shop is different, but these are reasonable starting points for an adult size. Change them in the calculator to match how you work.
| Style | Fabric | Hours of work | Days to make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agbada | 8 yards | 22 | 6 |
| Senator | 3.5 yards | 5 | 2 |
| Kaftan | 3.5 yards | 5 | 2 |
| Suit | 3.5 yards | 20 | 5 |
| Iro & buba | 5 yards | 7 | 3 |
| Gown | 5 yards | 16 | 6 |
| Abaya | 3 yards | 5 | 2 |
| Ankara | 6 yards | 8 | 3 |
| 2-piece | 6 yards | 8 | 3 |
| Adire | 5 yards | 8 | 3 |
| Bou-bou | 4 yards | 5 | 2 |
| Trousers | 1.5 yards | 4 | 2 |
| Tops | 2 yards | 5 | 2 |
| Skirts | 2 yards | 4 | 2 |
A worked example: an agbada
Say the client brings 8 yards of their own fabric. An agbada takes about 22 hours of work. At ₦1,500 an hour that's ₦33,000, plus ₦2,500 of running costs: ₦35,500 of cost. With 35% profit, the price comes to about ₦54,500, and you'd quote up to ₦61,000 for a rush or heavy embroidery. Quote less and you're working for less than your hourly rate.
Questions tailors ask
How do I know what to charge for sewing?
Add up what the job costs you (fabric if you buy it, your hours at a fair hourly rate, and running costs like thread, lining and power), then add your profit on top. Price from your costs, not from the cheapest tailor nearby: a price below cost means you pay to sew.
What is a fair hourly rate for a tailor in Nigeria?
Start from what you need to earn in a month and divide by the hours you really sew. If you want ₦300,000 a month and sew about 200 hours, that's ₦1,500 an hour. Raise it as your skill, speed and reputation grow.
Should I charge more if the client brings the fabric?
You charge for your work either way. When the client brings the fabric you don't add the fabric cost, but keep your labour, running costs and profit the same, and agree in writing who replaces it if the yards are short.
How much profit should a tailor add?
Many tailors aim for 30 to 40 percent on top of costs, so there's money left for slow months, new machines and mistakes. Charge more for rush orders and heavy detail like beading or hand embroidery.
How much deposit should I collect?
Many tailors take at least half up front, and the fabric cost in full if they're buying it. Record the deposit and send a receipt, so the balance is clear to both of you at collection.