Understanding MOQ in Clothing Manufacturing.

If you're new to clothing production, one of the first terms you'll hear from a supplier is "MOQ"—but what does it really mean for your business?

MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, defines the smallest number of units a manufacturer is willing to produce per order. Understanding this helps you plan better, save costs, and avoid miscommunication.

In the clothing industry, MOQ isn’t just a technical term—it’s a key factor that influences pricing, production timelines, and supplier relationships.

What is MOQ in garment industry?

MOQ is everywhere in garment sourcing, but many buyers don’t fully understand how it works or why it matters.

In the garment industry, MOQ refers to the minimum number of clothing units a supplier will produce per style, size, or color per order.

Why do garment factories¹ set MOQs²?

Apparel manufacturing involves setup costs that don't vary much with quantity—cutting fabric, preparing machines, and organizing labor all take time and effort. If a factory makes too few pieces, they may lose money or fall behind schedule for larger clients.

MOQs help factories protect their efficiency and profitability. But they also signal to buyers what scale the factory is comfortable handling.

Typical MOQs in garment manufacturing:

If you’re a new brand, working with small-batch factories or choosing simple styles can help you meet MOQs more easily.

What is MOQ in manufacturing?

MOQ isn’t exclusive to clothing—it exists across all types of manufacturing. But how does it work at a general level?

MOQ in manufacturing refers to the minimum quantity of units that must be ordered to begin production, helping suppliers manage costs and maintain workflow efficiency.

Why is MOQ important in any production setting?

Manufacturers deal with setup costs³ like machine calibration, labor organization, tooling, and quality testing. These costs remain constant whether you order 10 or 10,000 units. To avoid operating at a loss, they require a minimum number of units⁴.

Here’s how MOQ affects both parties:

Is MOQ always negotiable?

It depends on the supplier. Some factories offer flexible MOQs⁵, especially if:

• You use stock fabrics
• The design is simple
• You’re placing a repeat order
• You’re willing to pay a higher unit price

Always ask clearly: Is the MOQ fixed, or can we do a smaller order at a higher cost per piece?

What does MOQ 300 mean?

If a supplier says “MOQ 300,” what should you expect—and what options do you have?

MOQ 300 means the supplier requires you to order at least 300 pieces of a product, usually per style or color, to start production.

Is that 300 total pieces or 300 per variation?

In most cases, it’s per style per color. For example:

• 300 red T-shirts
• 300 blue T-shirts

Not 150 red + 150 blue.

However, some flexible suppliers allow:

• 100 pieces per color × 3 colors
• Or even 50 pieces per size across 6 sizes

Always confirm what their 300 MOQ⁶ refers to.

Why do factories choose 300 as a common MOQ?

This quantity strikes a balance between affordability⁷ and production efficiency⁸. At 300 units, factories can:

• Order fabric rolls at wholesale rates
• Schedule labor efficiently
• Reduce waste from leftover material

If you're launching a new brand, start with fewer color or size options to meet MOQ without overstocking.

What does 500 MOQ mean?

When you see “500 MOQ” listed in a catalog, it may sound intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.

500 MOQ means the supplier expects a minimum of 500 units per style or color to start production. This helps cover materials, labor, and production setup.

Is 500 MOQ high or low?

It depends on the industry. In fast fashion or sportswear, 500 is considered medium to low. For luxury goods or technical wear, it’s relatively low.

For startup brands, 500 pieces might be too much. But some suppliers allow:

• Split shipments⁹: 250 now, 250 later
• Tiered pricing¹⁰: Lower unit price if you go above 1,000
• MOQs by color: 500 total, not 500 per color

How to work with a 500 MOQ if you want less?

• Ask if the factory has leftover fabric or ready patterns
• Offer to pay a higher unit cost
• Combine multiple SKUs into one bulk production run
• Partner with another small brand for shared production

Once you prove that your product sells, many suppliers are willing to lower future MOQs as part of a long-term relationship.

Conclusion

MOQ plays a huge role in clothing manufacturing. Whether it’s 300 or 500, knowing how to interpret, negotiate, and plan around MOQs can give you more control over your production costs, timelines, and brand strategy.