Criterion Sourcing Index
What MOQ means in clothing manufacturing
How to read a minimum order quantity by style, color, size, fabric, and total order—before a small number becomes a large commitment.
How to use this shortlist
Begin with the production question, not the promise.
MOQ means minimum order quantity, but the number is incomplete until its unit is clear. It may apply to an entire order, one style, one color, one fabric, one size, or a material run.
The same “100-unit MOQ” can describe very different cash and inventory commitments. Always ask the factory to work through your proposed assortment in units.
The denominator changes the deal
A 100-unit total-order minimum is not the same as 100 units per style and color. With two styles and three colors, the latter becomes 600 units before the size curve is decided.
Ask the factory to return a written assortment table. If the quote cannot show units by style, color, size, and material, the minimum is not yet clear enough for a deposit.
Material minimums can be larger than garment minimums
A cut-and-sew factory may accept a small garment run while the mill requires a full roll, the dye house requires a color batch, or the trim supplier requires thousands of units. Excess material may be paid now and held for later, or charged into the first run.
Confirm ownership, storage conditions, expiration or shade risk, and what happens to unused material. “We can keep it for your reorder” is a commercial term that belongs in writing.
Low MOQ is not automatically low risk
Very low minimums may come with stock fabrics, limited customization, high development charges, simplified quality control, or a higher unit price. That may still be the correct choice. The point is to compare the complete offer.
The best minimum fits the brand’s demand evidence, cash, product complexity, and ability to inspect the order—not a generic idea of startup friendliness.
Negotiate the assortment, not only the number
A factory may be able to combine colors, use a stock fabric, repeat a base block, or stage deliveries without changing the production logic. Ask what operational change makes a smaller commitment possible.
Do not pressure a supplier into a minimum it cannot execute well. If the economics only work by removing testing, rushing samples, or hiding subcontracting, the apparent saving is expensive.
Questions for the first call
What to confirm before paying a deposit.
- Does the minimum apply per order, style, color, fabric, or size?
- Can sizes be mixed inside a style and color minimum?
- Are fabric, dye, print, trim, and packaging minimums separate?
- Does a reorder have the same minimum?
- What changes trigger a new setup or minimum?
328 source-backed records
TAC records a stated MOQ only with its published wording where available. The buyer still needs a written order-specific interpretation.
Portugal
White Cotton
From 75 units
Portugal
Create Fashion Brand
From 50 units
Portugal
Campelo Sá
From 100 units
Portugal
ASBX
From 100 units
Portugal
J. Rodrigues & J.
From 50 units
Portugal
Trend Trading
From 250 units
Los Angeles, United States
The Evans Group
From 1 units
New York, United States
Cloth Portico
From 50 units
New York, United States
Dream Fashion
From 20 units
St. Louis, United States
The Collective Thread
From 10 units
New York, United States
Stateless Factory
From 300 units
Los Angeles, United States
Essentials Made
From 72 units
California, United States
Nature USA
From 250 units
London, United Kingdom
EcoKnitware
From 1 units
United Kingdom
Paul Brown England
From 30 units
London, United Kingdom
Clothing Manufacturers UK
From 50 units
United Kingdom
Hawthorn
From 50 units
United Kingdom
CanvasWhisper
From 1 units
India
Go Organnic
From 300 units
India
Eco Organic Clothing
From 50 units
Turkey
Apparel Manufacturer Turkey
From 100 units
Turkey
TEZ
From 10 units
Vietnam
H.A. Fashion
From 300 units
Bangladesh
QKLOTHING
From 100 units
Pakistan
Mughal Apparel
From 50 units
Pakistan
TextileWays
From 50 units
China
Collective Studio
From 100 units
China
OMJ Apparel
From 50 units
New York, United States
21 Production
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
3Crowns Manufacturing
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
5001 FLAVORS
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
A V inc.
50-100 Prod
New York, United States
ABSOLUTE QUALITY PATTERNS
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
Accessory Lab
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Adrian Jules
10-50 Prod
United States
AIRCAPTURE®
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Albrizio New York
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
Alissas Fashions
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
ALYYO Clothing Company
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
AMELOTTE INTERNATIONAL CORP
50-100 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
American Brands & Co.
100-300 Prod
New York, United States
AmericanSpandex.Com
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Antex Group Corp.
50-100 Prod
New York, United States
Apparel Production Inc.
100-300 Prod
New York, United States
ApparelKit
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Apple Pattern Design Outlet Inc.
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
arena Embroidery Incorporated
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
ARGYLE Haus of Apparel
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
ARI JOGIEL
100-300 Prod
New York, United States
Artist Gallery
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Artsline Studio
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
Arzee International
+500 Prod
New York, United States
Atelier Amelia Corp
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Bansuk Studios
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Beads of Paradise NYC
50-100 Prod
New York, United States
Ben-Amun
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
Best Made Apparel Inc.
10-50 Prod
New York, United States
BK Studio Inc.
10-50 Prod
Los Angeles, United States
Black & White Apparel Services
100-300 Prod
New York, United States
Blank Canvas
10-50 Prod
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