Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re planning to order custom apparel, you’ve probably come across the term MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). Understanding what MOQ is and how it affects your custom apparel orders is crucial to managing costs, production, and scalability.
In this guide, we’ll break down MOQ in apparel manufacturing, why it exists, and how businesses can work around it to find the best production solutions.
What is MOQ?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity—the smallest number of units a manufacturer requires for a single order.
For example:
- A supplier might have an MOQ of 50 pieces per design for custom T-shirts.
- Some manufacturers set higher MOQs (500-1000 units), while others offer low or no MOQ options.
MOQs vary based on factors like fabric type, customization, and production capacity.
Why Do Clothing Manufacturers Set an MOQ?
✅ Cost Efficiency
Producing bulk orders lowers manufacturing costs per unit.
✅ Material Sourcing
Factories need to order fabric, dyes, and accessories in bulk to reduce waste.
✅ Production Optimization
Setting an MOQ ensures efficient use of machinery, labor, and production time.
For brands, this means higher MOQs often result in lower costs per piece, making bulk orders more affordable in the long run.
Factors That Affect MOQ in Custom Apparel
1. Type of Fabric
Some fabrics require bulk purchasing, leading to higher MOQs. For example:
- Cotton basics may have an MOQ of 50-100 pieces
- Specialty fabrics (organic, recycled, or blends) might require 500+ pieces
2. Customization Level
- Screen Printing & Embroidery → Higher MOQ due to setup costs.
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing → Lower MOQ, ideal for small orders.
3. Order Complexity
- A simple T-shirt with a logo print may have a low MOQ (25-50 pcs).
- A fully custom cut-and-sew hoodie might require a higher MOQ (100-500 pcs).
How MOQ Impacts Your Custom Apparel Orders
🚀 Small Businesses & Startups
✅ Lower MOQ options help test designs without a huge investment.
❌ Higher MOQ requirements can be a barrier for new brands.
📦 Bulk Buyers & Retailers
✅ High MOQ means lower per-unit cost → More profit per item.
❌ More inventory storage required.
💡 Example: If a manufacturer’s MOQ is 300 pieces, a startup might struggle to meet that demand. However, if the MOQ is 50 pieces, it allows for small-batch production and market testing.
Strategies to Manage MOQ Requirements
1. Work with Flexible Manufacturers
Some suppliers, like The Madtop, offer low MOQ options for startups and small businesses.
2. Start with Blank Apparel + Customization
Ordering pre-made blank apparel and adding custom prints or embroidery reduces MOQ while maintaining brand uniqueness.
3. Pool Orders with Other Businesses
If MOQ is high, group orders with other brands to split costs.
4. Choose Print-on-Demand (POD) for Small Orders
For designs that don’t require bulk production, print-on-demand allows for single-item orders without worrying about MOQ.
The Madtop: Flexible MOQ Solutions for Custom Apparel
At The Madtop, we provide:
✅ Low MOQ custom apparel options for startups
✅ Premium blank apparel with on-demand printing
✅ Scalable production for growing brands
📩 Need custom apparel but worried about MOQ? Contact The Madtop today!
Conclusion
Understanding what MOQ is and how it affects your custom apparel orders can help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a startup testing new designs or a brand scaling up production, choosing the right manufacturer with a flexible MOQ policy is key.
💡 Looking for a low MOQ clothing supplier? The Madtop has you covered! 🚀