Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) in Clothing Manufacturing, Explained

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest order a manufacturer can produce efficiently for a given style. Low minimums make it easier for new and growing brands to test products, but the headline number is always a starting point — the real minimum depends on the specification.

Why minimums exist

Every production run has fixed effort: preparing patterns and markers, setting up machines, sourcing fabric and trims, and preparing decoration screens or embroidery files. Fabric mills and trim suppliers also have their own minimums. Spreading these costs across too few pieces makes each garment expensive or impractical.

What changes the minimum for your project

• Fabric: stock fabrics are easier at low quantities than custom-dyed or custom-knitted fabric
• Colours: each additional colourway adds fabric and setup requirements
• Sizes: a wide size split spreads a small quantity thinly
• Decoration: each print colour, embroidery file or placement adds setup
• Trims and labels: custom-branded trims often carry supplier minimums

Per style, per colour or per order?

Always ask how a minimum is counted. Some manufacturers apply it per style, others per colour or per design. Clarifying this early avoids surprises when you plan a range.

How to make a low-quantity order work

1. Start with fewer colourways and add more on reorder
2. Use available fabrics rather than custom development for a first run
3. Keep decoration simple for the first batch
4. Share realistic repeat-order plans — they help a manufacturer plan materials

At Khairay Group the minimum order quantity starts at 20 pieces; final feasibility depends on product type, fabric, colour split and customisation, and is confirmed after we review your brief.