1. Start with a Clear Product Strategy
Before placing any order, answer these:
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What’s your core product? (T-shirt, hoodie, jacket...)
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Who is your target customer?
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How many designs/styles are you launching?
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Will you offer multiple colorways?
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What’s your budget per SKU?
Start small. Focus on 1–2 hero products with strong sales potential.
2. Understand MOQ & Cost Structure
MOQ = Minimum Order Quantity. This affects:
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Your per-unit cost
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Whether a factory will accept your project
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How many sizes/colors you can afford to offer
At HEM APPAREL, our MOQ for T-shirts is 300 pcs/style, but we allow flexible splits across colors and sizes.
3. Size Breakdown Planning
Don’t just order evenly across sizes. Use a size curve.
Example starting point:
| Size | % Split | Qty for 300 pcs |
|---|---|---|
| S | 15% | 45 pcs |
| M | 35% | 105 pcs |
| L | 30% | 90 pcs |
| XL | 15% | 45 pcs |
| XXL | 5% | 15 pcs |
This can be adjusted based on your market (e.g., oversize trend = more L & XL)
4. Buffer for Sample & QC Loss
Always account for:
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Sampling and fitting rounds
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Shrinkage and cutting loss
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QC rejections or defects
👉 A good rule: Add 3–5% extra to your calculated order total.
5. Coordinate Fabric and Trim Quantities
Production planning includes:
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Bulk fabric order (based on yield per piece + buffer)
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Labels, hangtags, packaging
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Screen print or embroidery artwork approval
At HEM APPAREL, we help calculate fabric yield based on your final sample, not just estimation.
6. Timeline and Seasonality
Factor in:
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Sample development (2–4 weeks)
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Bulk production (4–8 weeks)
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Shipping and customs (1–3 weeks)
Launch your collection ahead of the season — not during it.
🔚 Conclusion
Planning your first production run is about being precise — not just ambitious. With a clear product focus, size breakdown, and realistic MOQ plan, you can launch with confidence and minimize financial risk.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
