1. What Is MOQ?
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a factory is willing to produce per product, style, or color.
Factories set MOQs to cover:
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Setup time and labor
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Fabric and trim sourcing
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Machine calibration and waste
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Efficient use of production lines
At HEM APPAREL, our standard MOQ for Customized T-shirts is 100-300 pcs per style, with flexible splits by size and color.
2. Why MOQs Exist
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Efficiency | Factories need batch volume to stay profitable |
| Material purchasing | Suppliers often sell fabric in rolls (e.g. 100m/roll) |
| Setup cost per run | Same effort to set up for 100 or 1000 pcs |
| Inventory risk | Factories don’t want to be stuck with unused fabric |
3. How to Work Around MOQ as a Small Brand
✅ Focus on fewer styles
→ Launch 1–2 strong products instead of 5
✅ Split colors/sizes smartly
→ 300 pcs total = 150 black + 150 white, or 4 sizes x 75 pcs
✅ Use stock fabrics
→ Skip custom dyeing; go with available options
✅ Batch pre-orders
→ Collect customer orders first to justify volume
✅ Partner with a hybrid factory
→ Choose a factory like HEM that offers MOQ flexibility for startups
4. The Cost of Going Below MOQ
Some factories may accept low-MOQ orders, but:
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You’ll pay higher cost per piece
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May have limited fabric/trim options
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Lead time could be longer due to scheduling gaps
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Risk of lower priority if you're not a regular client
HEM APPAREL accepts lower MOQ for sampling or special cases — but we’re always transparent about trade-offs.
🔚 Conclusion
MOQ is not your enemy — it's a reflection of how production works. With the right approach, you can build your brand while respecting factory efficiency. Focus on quality over quantity, and partner with manufacturers who grow with you.
HEM APPAREL – Your trusted manufacturing partner for high-quality custom apparel, made in Vietnam
