Why is Tie-Dye So Expensive?

We get asked all the time why tie-dye shirts by artisans are "so expensive" when they can get a "tie-dye" shirt for $7.50 from the online corporate sites. The simple answer is this: hand-crafted items cost more. Most tie-dye shops are a one-person show.

Whenever possible (about 90% of the time), I aim to use blanks (white pieces) made exclusively from sustainably sourced cotton. Although it costs a bit more, it significantly enhances the feel on your skin and is gentle on the ecosystem I cherish. I utilize professional Procion powder dyes; the industry standard for tie-dye, which greatly differ in chemical composition from commonly used Tulip and RIT dyes. These dyes are pricier, require an extensive process to convert into dye, and result in a finished product of unparalleled quality. This ensures a superior product for my customers and dye designs that seldom fade. I make the chemical water (that is mixed with the powder to make liquid dye) from organic sources whenever possible, including urea nitrogen for dye absorption and brilliance, Dharma's soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) essential for dye adherence to natural fibers, Synthropol soap, vinegar, non-iodized salt, and hypoallergenic fabric softener, each of which work in conjunction to create the brilliance that is hand-dyed wearable art. This ensures that every product I offer is of the utmost quality and is truly unique. When you buy a Be You Always item, you're acquiring a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else in the world possesses.

Conversely, the cheaper tie-dye designs found in stores and major online platforms are of computer generated prints (usually made of polyester) and are mass- produced in large quantities. As a result, anyone visiting that site can purchase the identical product you buy. Thus, even though the product is cheaper, it misses the unique quality that resonates personally with YOU. So, if you've ever questioned why tie-dye artisans' works appear to be "so expensive", it's because every piece is crafted just for you and made to endure a lifetime. Have you ever bought a piece of clothing you really loved from a major corporate website, only to have it fall apart after the first wash? That won't occur when you buy a tie-dye piece crafted by an artisan. It just won't.

I hope this helps with your decision-making and provides insight into artisan-made versus mass-produced products. Thank you once more for visiting, and I encourage you to (not just) embrace it, but also celebrate your uniqueness at every opportunity. Be you. Always!

Enjoy a fantastic day,

-Susi