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May 28, 2024
Comparative Cost and Quality Analysis of Turkey’s Ready-to-Wear Sector: Focus on Denim, Knitwear, and Jersey Products
1. Introduction
The Turkish ready-to-wear industry is one of the pillars of the country’s exports. With its proximity to Europe, advanced production capabilities, and a skilled labor force, Turkey maintains a strong position—especially in denim, knitwear, and jersey categories. However, it faces fierce price competition from countries like Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan, where labor costs are significantly lower.
This report presents a detailed comparison of Turkey’s costs and product quality in the aforementioned categories and highlights its strategic advantages.
2. Denim Products
2.1 Cost Comparison
| Country | Avg. Labor Cost (USD/hour) | Denim Production Cost (USD/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 4.5 – 6 | 7 – 10 |
| Bangladesh | 0.5 – 0.7 | 4 – 5 |
| Pakistan | 0.7 – 1.2 | 4.5 – 6 |
| China | 2.5 – 3.5 | 6 – 8 |
2.2 Quality Assessment
Turkish manufacturers such as ORTA Anadolu, ISKO, and Bossa utilize cutting-edge sustainable techniques like laser washing, ozone treatment, and zero water processes. Their facilities are certified with OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and other global sustainability standards. This places Turkish denim among the top in terms of eco-friendliness and durability.
3. Knitwear Products
3.1 Cost Comparison
| Country | Avg. Labor Cost (USD/hour) | Knitwear Production Cost (USD/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 4 – 5.5 | 6 – 8 |
| Bangladesh | 0.4 – 0.6 | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| Pakistan | 0.6 – 1 | 4 – 5.5 |
| China | 2.5 – 3.2 | 5.5 – 7 |
3.2 Quality Assessment
Turkey is a hub for advanced Shima Seiki and Stoll flat knitting machines, ensuring precision and product consistency. The return rate for Turkish knitwear products exported to the EU is under 2%, compared to 7% in Bangladesh, indicating higher customer satisfaction and quality reliability.
4. Jersey Products (T-shirts, Sweatshirts, etc.)
4.1 Cost Comparison
| Country | Avg. Labor Cost (USD/hour) | Jersey Production Cost (USD/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 4 – 5 | 3.5 – 5 |
| Bangladesh | 0.4 – 0.6 | 2 – 3 |
| Pakistan | 0.6 – 1 | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| China | 2 – 3 | 3.5 – 4.5 |
4.2 Quality Assessment
Turkey’s access to high-grade Aegean cotton and widespread use of compact and organic yarns ensures softness, durability, and color fastness. Most Turkish manufacturers are certified under BSCI, SEDEX, and ISO 9001, reflecting high standards in social compliance and quality assurance.
5. Logistics and Lead Time Advantage
Thanks to its geographical proximity, Turkey can deliver goods to Europe within 3–7 days, far outpacing its Asian competitors. This is critical for fast fashion brands requiring flexible, short-cycle production. Additionally, Turkey excels in fulfilling low-MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) orders with high speed and adaptability.
6. Conclusion
While Turkey cannot match the ultra-low labor costs of Bangladesh, Pakistan, or China, it distinguishes itself through:
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Superior product quality
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Certified sustainable production
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Faster delivery times
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Flexibility in MOQ and design customization
As global consumers and brands increasingly value sustainability and speed over cost alone, Turkey is poised to gain even more prominence in the global ready-to-wear market.
