Guides for Apparel Buyers

MOQ

MOQ Guide

When 1-pc MOQ applies (blank-base / POD), real minimums for custom-decorated apparel, small-batch production for startup brands, and how to plan your first order.

Read guide Hoodie

Custom Hoodies

Blank-base, private label and decorated hoodies — real MOQ, price tiers and how our 4,000-pc/day line keeps delivery fast.

Read guide Timeline

Sample Development Timeline

From artwork to bulk: tech pack, proto sample, pre-production sample and mass production — days per stage and what you approve at each step.

Read guide Process

Sampling Process

The stage-by-stage path from tech pack to bulk-ready — proto, fit, pre-production and size-set, and what you approve at each gate.

Read guide Quality

Quality Control Guide

What to expect from a real QC process — inspection points, sampling standards, common defects and how SILAMON keeps pass rate above 99%.

Read guide AQL

AQL Inspection

AQL 1.0 / 2.5 / 4.0 explained, sample-size plans and how a knitwear factory holds pass rate above 99%.

Read guide Models

OEM / ODM / White Label

The difference between OEM, ODM and white label, which fits your brand stage, and how each changes MOQ and lead time.

Read guide Vet

Verify a Manufacturer

Five due-diligence steps, a red-flag checklist and which certificates to verify before you pay a deposit.

Read guide Compare

Hoodie vs Crewneck Sweatshirt

Construction and cost differences between a hoodie and a crewneck sweatshirt…

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Fabric

Fabric Selection Guide

Cotton, polyester, blends, french terry, fleece, jersey and rib — their traits and which silhouettes each suits best.

Read guide GSM

Fabric Weight (GSM) Explained

What GSM means, recommended weight ranges per product, and how weight changes hand-feel, drape, warmth and cost.

Read guide Trims

Trims & Accessories Guide

Zippers, rib, drawcords, tapes, buttons, lining, wash labels and hangtags — how to choose them and how they affect quality and cost.

Read guide Active

Private Label Activewear

How to source an activewear line from a knitwear factory — fabrics, moisture management and MOQ for a first run.

Read guide Export

Knitwear Export Guide

Incoterms, HS codes, customs documents and how to keep a shipment compliant for EU/US buyers.

Read guide Eco

Sustainable & OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX, GRS recycled claims, low-impact fabrics and how a compliant factory meets EU/US eco rules.

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Printing

Printing Methods Compared

Screen print vs DTG vs heat transfer vs sublimation — look, cost per piece, MOQ and durability, and when to use which.

Read guide Embroidery

Embroidery Guide

Flat, 3D puff and appliqué embroidery — cost, MOQ, stitch limits, fabric suitability and artwork prep.

Read guide Artwork

Artwork Preparation Guide

File requirements for print and embroidery — vector vs raster, resolution, color mode, minimum size and bleed.

Read guide POD

POD T-shirt Printing

Print-on-demand vs screen print, DTG vs DTF, and how 1-piece custom tees actually get made.

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