Understanding Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) in Apparel Manufacturing

(How They Work, How to Negotiate, and What Impacts Them)

If you’re launching or scaling a clothing brand, one of the first terms you’ll encounter is MOQ—Minimum Order Quantity.
MOQs can feel like a barrier for smaller brands, but understanding how they work can help you plan smarter, negotiate better, and build stronger relationships with manufacturers.

Here’s a breakdown of what MOQs really mean in apparel manufacturing.

---

What is MOQ in Apparel Manufacturing?

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a manufacturer is willing to produce per order, per style, or per color.

Manufacturers set MOQs to cover:

The cost of materials

Factory labor

Machine setup time

Profit margins

Without meeting the MOQ, it’s not financially viable for a factory to produce your items.

Types of MOQs You Might Encounter

1. Per Style MOQ – Minimum number of units required for each design

2. Per Color MOQ – Minimum units required per color variation

3. Per Size MOQ – Minimum units required per size (less common, but some factories may set size-specific minimums)

4. Total Order MOQ – The minimum across all styles, colors, or sizes combined

Knowing which type your manufacturer uses helps you plan your order quantities efficiently.

What Impacts a Manufacturer’s MOQ?

Several factors influence the MOQ your factory will require:

1. Fabric Sourcing Requirements

Some fabrics have to be ordered in large rolls, and factories may set higher MOQs to meet fabric supplier minimums.

2. Production Complexity

Simple t-shirts may have lower MOQs.

Technical garments (jackets, compression wear) often require higher minimums due to more complex machinery setups.

3. Factory Size and Capacity

Larger factories usually have higher MOQs to maximize machine efficiency.

Smaller or boutique factories may offer more flexibility for low-volume brands.

4. Customization Level

Custom labels, prints, or unique trims often come with higher MOQs because specialized materials must be ordered in bulk.

How to Negotiate MOQs

If the MOQ is higher than you can afford or need, here’s how you can try to negotiate:

Ask if the MOQ is flexible for your first order. Many factories will offer a lower MOQ for sampling or initial production to build a long-term relationship.

Group similar styles together. Some factories may let you meet the MOQ by combining multiple styles using the same fabric.

Offer a price premium. If you can’t meet the MOQ, paying a slightly higher per-unit cost may convince the factory to run a smaller batch.

Be upfront about growth plans. Factories are more likely to accommodate smaller orders if they see potential for larger repeat orders in the future.

Red Flags to Watch For

Factories that refuse to clarify how their MOQ is structured

Quotes that change significantly when negotiating lower MOQs without explanation

Factories that accept extremely low MOQs without adjusting timelines or pricing (this could signal low-quality production)

---

MOQs are not one-size-fits-all. They depend on your product, factory capabilities, and materials.
The key is to:

Understand why a MOQ is set

Be realistic about what you can order

Communicate openly with your manufacturer

At [smpl], we help brands navigate MOQ challenges and connect them with flexible, reliable manufacturing partners—whether you're producing small-batch runs or scaling into large volumes.

If you're looking for an apparel manufacturer who can meet you where you are, reach out to [smpl] today.