Shipping clothes affordably and efficiently is vital for e-commerce businesses looking to keep their operational costs low while maintaining customer satisfaction. Whether you’re shipping a single t-shirt or a large box of clothes, finding the cheapest way to ship clothes can directly impact your business’s bottom line. This guide compares major carriers, provides actionable tips, and offers cost breakdowns for shipping clothes domestically and internationally.
How to Ship Clothes for E-Commerce Businesses
Shipping clothes successfully requires attention to packaging, weight, and carrier selection. Here’s how to ensure your shipments are cost-effective and secure.
How to Package Clothes for Shipping
- Poly Mailers: Ideal for lighter items like t-shirts, dresses, or leggings. They’re durable, waterproof, and help reduce shipping costs.
- Boxes: Necessary for heavier items, accessories, shoes, or bulk shipments. Use sturdy, appropriately sized boxes to prevent unnecessary space.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These compress clothing to reduce bulk and save on shipping costs. Particularly useful for bulkier items like winter jackets.
- USPS Shipping Bags for Clothes: USPS offers cost-effective poly mailers and envelopes designed specifically for clothing.
Tip: Proper folding and padding reduce the chance of wrinkles and damage, ensuring a professional delivery to customers.
Clothes Weight Calculator: Why It Matters
Understanding your shipment’s weight is critical since shipping costs are heavily influenced by weight and dimensions. Here’s a quick reference for common clothing items:
| Clothing Item | Average Weight |
| T-Shirt | 0.5 lbs |
| Pair of Jeans | 2 lbs |
| Hoodie | 2.5 lbs |
| Winter Coat | 4 lbs |
| Pair of Shoes | 3 lbs |
Why This Matters:
- Lightweight packages (under 1 lb) qualify for more affordable shipping options, such as USPS Ground Advantage.
- Heavier packages (over 5 lbs) often benefit from flat-rate or regional-rate boxes.
Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes: USPS vs UPS vs FedEx
Choosing the right carrier depends on your package’s size, weight, dimensions and destination. Below is a detailed comparison of USPS, UPS, and FedEx services for shipping clothes.
USPS Clothes Shipping Options
- Ground Advantage: Ideal for lightweight shipments. One of the most affordable options for e-commerce apparel sellers. Delivery Time: 2-5 business days.
- Priority Mail Flat Rate: Better for medium-to-heavy shipments with predictable pricing. Offers fast delivery and includes tracking and insurance. Delivery Time: 1-3 business days.
- Regional Rate Boxes: Great for sending packages within the same state or region—less expensive than national rates for nearby destinations. Delivery Time: 1-3 business days.
UPS Clothes Shipping Options
- UPS Ground: A solid choice for large boxes, bulk clothing orders, or long-distance shipping within the U.S. Delivery Time: 2-5 business days.
- UPS 3 Day Select®: Offers faster delivery without the premium of overnight services—great for mid-priority orders. Delivery Time: 3 business days.
- UPS Simple Rate: A flat-rate solution for boxes of different sizes, useful when weight varies but dimensions stay consistent. Delivery Time: 1-5 business days.
FedEx Clothes Shipping Options
- FedEx Ground Economy: A budget-friendly solution for non-urgent, long-distance clothing deliveries. Delivery Time: 2-7 business days.
- FedEx Ground: The standard reliable option for domestic clothing shipments with predictable delivery times. Delivery Time: 1-5 business days (based on distance).
- FedEx Express Saver: Offers faster shipping for customers expecting premium delivery speed—ideal for high-value or urgent clothing orders. Delivery Time: 3 business days.
Cost Breakdown: Shipping Clothes with USPS, UPS, and FedEx
When shipping clothes, package weight (whether actual or dimensional weight) and delivery distance are two of the most important factors influencing cost. The tables below offer a relative comparison of shipping costs (using $ for the lowest-cost options and $$$$$ for premium services) for packages under and over 1 pound.
These comparisons are based on a typical cross-country shipping route—from Los Angeles, CA to New York (NY)—to highlight how delivery speed and service level affect overall affordability. Delivery time estimates are included to help you choose the best value for your business needs.
To reduce shipping costs, especially for clothing, OrderCup offers e-commerce businesses access to deeply discounted carrier rates—without requiring any shipping volume commitments. Through OrderCup, you can save up to 88% on USPS, 80% on UPS, 75% on FedEx, and 75% on DHL. These discounts apply to both domestic and international shipments, making OrderCup an essential tool for clothing brands that want to stay competitive while maintaining fast and affordable delivery.
Table 1: Cost Comparison for Packages Up to 1 Pound
This table compares rates for small, lightweight clothing items such as a t-shirt, leggings, or a baby outfit. These packages are compact and perfect for poly mailers.
| Carrier/Service | Description | Cost | Delivery Time |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Affordable for lightweight items under 1 lb | $ | 2-5 Business Days |
| USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | Best for secure shipping of lightweight items | $$ | 1-3 Business Days |
| UPS Ground | Reliable and cost-effective ground shipping | $$ | 2-5 Business Days |
| FedEx Ground | Standard ground service for domestic shipments | $$ | 1-5 Business Days |
| USPS Priority Mail | Reliable mid-tier shipping with tracking | $$ | 2-3 Business Days |
| FedEx Ground Economy | Budget option for non-urgent deliveries | $$ | 2-7 Business Days |
| FedEx Express Saver | Faster delivery for premium shipments | $$$$ | 3 Business Days |
Table 2: Cost Comparison for Packages Over 1 Pound
This table focuses on larger shipments, such as a pair of jeans, a hoodie, or a dress.
| Carrier/Service | Description | Cost) | Delivery Time |
| USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Box | Best for medium-sized packages up to 70 lbs | $$$ | 1-3 Business Days |
| USPS Regional Rate Box A | Cost-effective for nearby regional shipments | $$ | 1-3 Business Days |
| UPS Ground | Ideal for heavy packages with long-distance shipping | $$ | 2-5 Business Days |
| FedEx Ground Economy | Affordable shipping for bulkier items | $$ | 2-7 Business Days |
| FedEx Express Saver | Faster delivery for medium-weight packages | $$$$ | 3 Business Days |
International Shipping: Cheapest Way to Mail Clothes Abroad
Shipping clothes internationally requires balancing cost and delivery speed. Below is a comparison of services for sending clothes abroad.
| Carrier/Service | Weight | Cost (NY to London) | Delivery Time |
| USPS Priority Mail International | 10 lbs | $$ | 6-10 business days |
| FedEx International Economy | 10 lbs | $$$ | 4-6 business days |
| UPS Worldwide Saver® | 10 lbs | $$$$ | 1-3 business days |
Key Takeaways:
- USPS is more affordable for lightweight or non-urgent international packages.
- UPS and FedEx offer faster delivery and superior tracking for high-value shipments.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
- Use Flat-Rate and Regional Rate Boxes: These options reduce variability in shipping costs for heavier packages.
- Optimize Packaging: Use poly mailers or vacuum-sealed bags to save space and reduce weight.
- Leverage Discounts: Many carriers offer business discounts or loyalty programs.
- Compare Carriers: Use online calculators, such as the Rate Calculator in OrderCup, to compare prices across USPS, UPS, and FedEx based on package specifications and destination.
Conclusion: Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes
Finding the cheapest way to ship clothes depends on the size, weight, and urgency of your shipment. USPS remains the most economical option for lightweight domestic or international shipping, while UPS and FedEx excel in handling bulkier or time-sensitive packages.
By optimizing packaging, comparing services, and using platforms like OrderCup—which offers up to 88% off USPS, 80% off UPS, 75% on FedEx, and 75% on DHL—e-commerce businesses can reduce costs and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.
FAQ About Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Clothes?
Costs vary by weight, distance, and carrier. Generally, a 1-lb package shipped domestically with USPS Ground Advantage Service is the most affordable.
What’s the Best Way to Ship Clothes?
For lightweight packages, USPS Ground Advantage is the most affordable. For bulkier shipments, UPS Ground or FedEx Ground is recommended.
How do you mail clothes safely?
Use poly mailers for lightweight items and padded boxes for fragile or valuable clothes. Properly label and track every shipment.