Breakdown of Core Costs
In the cost structure of outdoor sportswear, fabrics account for 60%–70% of the total cost, making them the largest expense item. Labor costs represent 10%–30%, and manufacturing overheads account for 3%–25%. In 2026, rising raw material prices have led to a significant increase in overall cost pressure.
Reference Costs by Category
Basic sportswear: Basic items made from standard polyester have a production cost of approximately 50–80 RMB per unit.
Standard outdoor jackets: Finished basic models from domestic source factories have a comprehensive cost (covering the entire process) of approximately 110–120 RMB.
Mid-to-high-end functional gear: Models featuring professional waterproof membranes and specialized manufacturing techniques incur material and processing costs of 150–200 RMB; costs for some high-end outdoor garments are even higher.
Cost Changes in 2026
Driven by rising crude oil prices, the costs of core raw materials such as polyester and nylon have increased by over 20%. For a mass-market outdoor garment priced at 500 RMB, raw material costs have risen by nearly 40 RMB, while mid-to-high-end models have seen raw material cost increases of 60–100 RMB. When combined with rising logistics and energy expenses, the industry faces significant overall cost pressure.
