MOQ means minimum order quantity: the smallest number of pieces a factory will produce per style. Low MOQ manufacturing lets new brands start small.
Why MOQs exist
Cutting, setup and decoration take time, so factories set minimums to make production efficient.
How small can you start?
It depends on the garment, fabric and decoration. Simple styles and standard fabrics allow the lowest minimums. Custom fabrics, dyeing and complex decoration usually need more pieces.
Tips to keep MOQ low
- Use stock fabrics and standard colors
- Keep to one or two colorways per style
- Limit decoration to one or two methods
- Start with fewer styles in smaller runs