When 1-Piece MOQ Applies (and When It Doesn't)

As an apparel manufacturer with in-house production…

Three MOQ Models at a Glance

MOQ by Product Type & Decoration Method

The table below shows…

Category / Process Starting MOQ Price Tier Note Best For
In-Stock Blank T-Shirts (solid) 1 pc Sample price; 100+ better Fit testing, POD, launch
Custom Blank-Base Garments ~100–200 pcs per color Tiered by qty First production run
In-Stock Blank Hoodies 1 pc sample; 100 pc bulk Same tiered structure Brand line, uniforms
In-Stock Blank Joggers 1 pc Sample; 100+ discount Coordinate sets, samples
DTG / DTF Digital Print 1 pc Testing; 50+ for margin Full-color on-demand
Screen Print ~100 pcs per color Drops at 300+ pcs Brand launches, teams
Embroidery ~100 pcs Amortize at 200+ pcs Logo, premium
Heat Transfer / DTF 1 pc Screen cheaper at 200+ Photo-realistic, dark fab
Sublimation ~100 pcs Economy at 300+ pcs All-over, sportswear

Sample vs Bulk: How a Clothing Manufacturer Scales

How to Start Your Clothing Brand with Low MOQ

  1. Pick base garments (1 pc each for evaluation)…
  2. Send artwork + spec…
  3. Quote + sampling plan…
  4. Approve sample + confirm quantity…
  5. Production + delivery…

Low MOQ vs Bulk Pricing: A Clothing Manufacturer's Perspective

Common MOQ Questions from Apparel Buyers

  • 1 pc custom printed tee? Yes, with distinction…
  • Smallest embroidery batch? ~100 pcs min…
  • Mixed-size runs? Yes…
  • Reorder same price? Within 3 months yes…