What You Need To Know About Minimum Order Quantities In Fashion

As a budding apparel brand one of the most important concepts to understand is MOQ. MOQ defines the entry point for manufacturing your designs. It is not just a number on a contract—it is a key factor that shapes your business strategy inventory planning and financial health.



Factories establish these thresholds for sound business logic. Small runs are economically unsustainable for most producers. There are fixed costs involved like setting up machines cutting patterns and preparing materials. Each unit carries a fraction of the initial setup burden. When quantities are too small, margins collapse under fixed cost pressure. MOQs support both efficiency and quality assurance in manufacturing.



For new designers or Women's sweater small brands seeing a high MOQ can be discouraging. Certain manufacturers demand minimums ranging from 50 to 500 units per design. Without clear market validation, such volumes can feel excessive. You can adapt your approach to meet these realities. Focus on a tight capsule collection that fulfills each MOQ. Replace a wide range with three premium, market-ready designs.



Another option is to look for manufacturers who specialize in small batch production. They offer flexible thresholds, typically 20–50 units per style. They may charge a bit more per garment. The lower barrier to entry allows you to test the market with less financial risk.



Fabric and trim sourcing directly impact your MOQ. Custom color runs and prints typically need bulk commitments. Your manufacturer may align their MOQ with your fabric provider’s requirement. Communication between all partners avoids production delays.



Understanding MOQ also means learning how to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask if the MOQ can be adjusted especially if you plan to place repeat orders. Some factories offer tiered pricing where the price per unit decreases as the order quantity increases. Secure a reduced first run in exchange for a guaranteed second order.



Always assess the full cost of production beyond the unit price. You’ll need to cover the full cost before delivery and secure inventory storage. Validate demand before you authorize production. Launch pilot campaigns to measure real customer interest.



This is a gateway to disciplined growth, not a limitation. Properly managed, MOQ becomes your ally in growth. Prioritize alignment over convenience—find manufacturers who match your stage. As sales rise, your production minimums can evolve accordingly. Let validation drive scale—not pressure or guesswork.