MOQ in Clothing Manufacturing: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Work With It

If you’re starting a fashion brand or scaling your production, you’ve likely run into the term MOQ — Minimum Order Quantity. It sounds technical, but it can make or break your product launch.

In this guide, we’ll break down what MOQ means in clothing manufacturing, why it’s not just a “factory rule,” and how you can still succeed even if you don’t have the budget for large production runs.

What Is MOQ in Clothing Manufacturing?

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. It refers to the smallest number of units a manufacturer is willing to produce per style, per fabric, or per order.

For example:

• A factory might require 300 t-shirts per style, or

• 100 jackets per color, or

• A total MOQ of 800 units per order across styles.

If you’re a new brand hoping to test the market with just 50–100 pieces, this might sound overwhelming. But don’t worry — MOQs are flexible in many cases, and you do have options

Why Do Manufacturers Set MOQs?

1. Production Setup Takes Time and Cost

   Each new product requires setup: cutting patterns, preparing machines, sourcing fabrics. Whether you’re making 50 or 500 units, that setup time is mostly the same. To stay efficient and profitable, factories need to spread those fixed costs across enough units.

2. Fabric and Material Suppliers Have MOQs Too

   Your factory often needs to purchase fabric in bulk — sometimes 300+ meters per color. If your order only uses 40 meters, they’re left with unusable stock unless someone else uses the same material.

3. Small Orders Can Disrupt the Workflow

   Factories are built to run long production lines. Stopping frequently for small batches reduces efficiency and adds cost. MOQs ensure smoother scheduling.

Common Types of MOQ

Not all MOQs are equal — they vary by product and process. Here are the main types you should know:

Type of MOQ	What It Means
Per Style	E.g. 200 pieces of a specific dress design
Per Color	E.g. 100 pieces in black, 100 in beige
Per Size Curve	E.g. 300 units total, divided among sizes XS–XL
Per Fabric or Trim	E.g. Minimum 200 meters of fabric or 500 zippers per order

Always ask what type of MOQ a factory is referring to — it’s not always the total order quantity.

Typical MOQ Ranges by Garment Type

Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Product Type	MOQ Range
T-Shirts, Basics	100–300 units per style
Dresses, Skirts	150–300 units per style
Jackets, Outerwear	200–500 units per style
Custom Materials/Trims	500+ units or high fabric MOQ

👋 Not sure how your product fits into MOQ requirements or how many pieces you’ll need? Contact our team. We’ll advise you based on your design, fabric type, construction methods, and target budget — so you can plan your production with clarity and confidence.

How to Work With MOQs (Even on a Small Budget)

Here’s how to make MOQs work for you, not against you:

1. Combine Sizes and Colors

   Instead of ordering 100 pieces per size or color, ask if the MOQ can be split across variants. For example: 300 dresses total — 100 in each color.

2. Simplify Your Collection

   It’s tempting to launch with 10 designs, but fewer styles = better focus and lower risk. Start with 2–3 pieces you can confidently promote and scale.

3. Use Stock Fabrics

   Avoid custom-dyed or exclusive fabrics for your first run. Factories often have existing stock materials with no fabric MOQ, which lowers your total cost.

4. Ask About Test Runs or Sample Production

   Some factories offer pilot programs, small-batch production, or paid sampling beyond prototyping — these can help test before committing to a full MOQ.

5. Work With a Low MOQ Manufacturer

   Many European and boutique factories specialize in small production runs. If you're launching sustainably, locally, or direct-to-consumer, these are ideal partners.

👋 SEWANO Group supports low MOQ clothing production and flexible scheduling for growing brands. See how it works →

Why Understanding MOQ Matters for Your Brand

Whether you’re a startup or scaling your label, MOQs affect:

• Pricing: The more you produce, the lower your cost per piece.

• Inventory: Higher MOQs = more storage space and capital investment.

• Sustainability: Overordering just to meet MOQ can lead to waste.

MOQ Is a Starting Point, Not a Barrier

Yes, MOQ can feel like a hurdle when you’re just starting out. But once you understand why it exists and how to plan around it, it becomes a valuable part of your business toolkit.

And remember: MOQs are negotiable in many cases. If you have a clear tech pack, a focused vision, and are serious about growing, many manufacturers will work with you — even if your order is small.

Looking for a Reliable Low-MOQ Clothing Manufacturer?

We’re a European-based clothing manufacturer that specializes in small to medium batch production, built specifically for:

• Fashion startups

• Independent designers

• Sustainable and made-to-order brands

Whether you're developing samples or preparing for launch, we provide full-service production with realistic 50 MOQs, transparent communication, and personal support.

👉 Visit our Services Page to explore how SEWANO Group can help your brand grow.