MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is one of the first things you will encounter when contacting a t-shirt manufacturer. This guide explains what MOQ means, why it exists, and how to work with it.
What Is MOQ?
MOQ is the minimum number of pieces a manufacturer requires per order. For t-shirts, MOQ is typically expressed per design, per color, or per style.
Typical MOQ Ranges
- Large factories: 300-1,000 pieces per design
- Medium factories: 100-300 pieces per design
- Small/beginner-friendly factories: 25-100 pieces per design
- Trading companies: 50-200 pieces (they consolidate orders)
Why Does MOQ Exist?
- Fabric mills have their own MOQs (often 300+ kg per color)
- Screen setup and machine calibration take time
- Custom dyeing requires minimum fabric quantities
- Production efficiency drops with very small runs
How to Work Within MOQ Constraints
- Start with stock fabrics (no custom dyeing = lower MOQ)
- Use screen printing instead of custom fabric development
- Order fewer colors/styles to meet per-design MOQs
- Consider blank t-shirts first, then print locally
Our MOQ Policy
We offer MOQs starting from just 25 pieces per design per color, making us ideal for startups and small brands testing the market.
Get a Quote for Your Order
This article was reviewed by our manufacturing team. OEM T-shirts is a professional t-shirt manufacturer with 10+ years of experience, serving 500+ brands worldwide. Learn more about our factory or view our quality certifications.