The Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes & Apparel

Shipping clothes poses a number of challenges for eCommerce brands. This includes brand packaging, picking delivery options, and finding the cheapest shipping option. Cost factors for shipping include box size, item weight, and more.

Use this article to learn the cheapest way to ship clothes, both domestically and internationally. Below you'll find price comparisons for leading couriers, tips on packing materials, and tips for mailing clothes so they arrive in top condition.

What's the Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes?

 The cheapest way to ship clothes and apparel is easier than many sellers think and the savings can be significant. Domestically, services like USPS Ground Advantage and UPS Ground offer some of the lowest rates, with a 2-pound package costing as little as $8.03–$9.90 and delivery in 2–5 business days. 

For international shipments, flat-rate solutions such as Easyship Flat Export can cost as little as $20.21 to ship a 2-pound package from the US to Hong Kong, making them far cheaper than express couriers. By comparing 550+ courier options and using discounted rates of up to 91%, apparel brands can consistently find the cheapest way to ship clothes—both within the US and worldwide.

How much does it cost to ship clothes?

To find the cheapest shipping for clothes, it is crucial that you compare different courier services and get price options that suit your budget. Think, a multi-carrier comparison software that gives you multiple options to choose from.

Typically, the domestic shipping companies with the cheapest way to ship clothes include:

• USPS - Ground Advantage
• UPS Ground
• USPS Ground Saver

USPS - Ground Advantage is a popular method to ship clothes domestically, because it's affordable and relatively fast. Ship packages weighing up to 70lbs and expect them to reach your customer's destination within 2-5 business days.

UPS Ground® is affordable as well. It costs $9.24 to ship a 2-pound package of clothes from New York to Los Angeles and takes 4 business days for delivery. 

These rates don't reflect cross-border shipping, however, only domestic routes. Try our Free Domestic Shipping Rate Calculator to check exact rates by destination.

The next section shows you the cheapest way to ship clothes internationally.

Cheapest USPS Service To Ship Clothes

USPS offers both premium speed and budget-friendly domestic services:

• USPS Worldwide Saver® — Time-definite express delivery (end-of-day delivery in 1-3 days to many regions).
• USPS Worldwide Economy — Cost-oriented international service (slower, typically 6–12 days).

*Price ranges are typical estimates based on international parcel shipping patterns and Easyship rate insights for UPS services — actual quotes vary by origin/destination and account pricing.

What's The Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes Internationally?

Easyship's Flat Export rates are typically one of the cheapest ways to ship clothes across borders. For example, sending a 2-pound package from New York to Hong Kong is way cheaper with Aramex, as seen in the examples below.

At $20.21 for Aramex Global Priority (Paid Pickup) has affordable rates, while UPS Worldwide Saver® costs $47.47.

To get exact rates by box size and weight, try our Free Shipping Rate Calculator. It's the fastest way to get the cheapest rates for international clothing shipments. You'll see up-to-the-minute rates from all global couriers services, including USPS.

What's the Difference Between Flat Rate and Standard Shipping?

Unlike standard shipping, Easyship Flat Export doesn't factor weight into the shipping rate. This means it's a good option when shipping heavier boxes over greater distances.

As seen in the examples below, shipping a small-sized box from New York to Hong Kong is cheaper with  Easyship Flat Export ($21.66 ) than with USPS Priority Mail Express ($69.55) for a 2-pound package.

Yet again, Easyship is the cheapest way to ship clothing. Using Flat Export to ship clothes can also save you a bundle. However, it's rarely the fastest or most reliable option. If your customers want expedited shipping, pop into the shipping calculator to find speedier options.

How to Ship a Wedding Dress

A wedding dress deserves special attention when it's shipped. Here are a few tips:

• Wrap the dress in acid-free tissue paper. Encase in a clear plastic garment bag. Place in a sturdy box.
• Write "Wedding Dress" on the exterior of the box. Secure 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 package tracking. The average wedding dress weighs about 7lbs. Use our free shipping rates tool for exact rates on the cheapest way to ship a wedding dress.

The Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes with Easyship

Shipping clothes affordably comes down to choosing the right service for your package size, weight, and destination. Domestic options like USPS Ground Advantage and UPS Ground are often the cheapest for US shipments, while economy international services and flat-rate options can significantly reduce costs for cross-border apparel deliveries.

Using a multi-carrier platform like Easyship makes it easier to compare hundreds of courier options in seconds, helping you find the most cost-effective way to ship clothing anywhere in the world.

Create a free account to discover the cheapest ways to ship clothes, anywhere.

Shipping Clothes FAQ

What are the cheapest shipping options for sending clothes in the US?

Within US, you can ship via UPS® Ground Saver which will cost you around $9.24. 

What are the Tax and Import duties for shipping clothes to the US?

All regular clothing products incur a duty tax up to 30%, depending upon the fabric. Duty 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 1-2 lbs., Flat Rate Export is cheapest at around $21.66 if you’re shipping from the United States to the rest of the world. In the case of the US to Canada, it is $17.77 $5. Within the US, it will cost around $9.24 via UPS® Ground Saver

How do I ship clothes via FedEx?

Pack and ship at a FedEx Office location, or arrange for free pickup with Easyship.

First, create a shipment with your shipping information and payment method. You'll need to hang the clothes on a metal rod or pack them in the wardrobe box before shipping.

How can I ship clothes cheaply using flat-rate boxes?

Flat-rate shipping (like Easyship Flat Export or USPS flat-rate options) lets you ship clothes for a fixed price regardless of weight, as long as everything fits in the box. This is ideal for heavier apparel or long-distance shipments. Use the smallest flat-rate box possible, fold items tightly, and avoid unnecessary packaging to keep costs low.

‍

How do I compare prices of major couriers for shipping clothing parcels?

The easiest way is to use a multi-carrier shipping rate calculator like Easyship. By entering your package weight, dimensions, origin, and destination, you can instantly compare real-time rates from major couriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more) and choose the cheapest or fastest option based on your needs.

‍