How to start a clothing brand with a low MOQ

1. Start with a tight range

Launch with two or three core products, such as a hoodie, a T-shirt and joggers, in one or two colours. A small range keeps minimums manageable and makes your brand easier to understand.

2. Understand MOQs

Factories set minimum order quantities (MOQs) because cutting, dyeing and setting up machines has a fixed cost. MOQs are usually set per design and colour. Read MOQ explained.

Ways to keep minimums low:

• use stock fabric colours instead of custom-dyed fabric;
• keep one colourway per style at first;
• use simple decoration, such as one embroidered logo;
• spread quantity across sizes, not across many designs.

3. Prepare a tech pack

A tech pack tells the factory exactly what to make: measurements, fabric, colours, trims, labels and artwork placement. See our tech pack guide and template. No tech pack? A reference garment plus notes is a good start.

4. Sample before you commit

Always approve a sample. Check fit on real people, wash it, and check the print or embroidery. Expect one or two rounds of changes.

5. Brand it properly

Your labels make it your brand: woven neck labels, care labels, hang tags and polybags. See custom labels and hang tags.

6. Order a first run you can sell

Order a quantity you can realistically sell. Selling out and reordering is better than sitting on stock.

7. Plan reorders

Ask your manufacturer to keep your patterns, fabric and labels on file so reorders match.

Private label or white label?

Private label means made to your design; white label means your label on a factory’s existing design. Read private label vs white label.

Ready to sample? Send your idea through our quote form. See private label manufacturing.