MOQ guide for dress manufacturers

Typical MOQ ranges for dresses

• Jersey and knit dresses — Simple jersey or knit dresses often start at 100–200 pieces per style. Similar to other knitwear and jersey categories.
• Woven and tailored dresses — Woven fabrics and more structured dresses typically have 150–300 piece minimums. Pattern and make complexity add to the floor.
• Formal and occasion wear — Evening and occasion dresses (e.g. lace, embellishment) often start at 200–400. Embellishment and special fabrics drive minimums up.
• Printed and dyed dresses — Garment dye or print can add process minimums (e.g. 100–200 per colour or print). Plain fabric keeps MOQ lower.

What affects MOQ for dresses

• Fabric type — Jersey and simple knits are easiest at low MOQ. Woven, lace, and speciality fabrics often have higher minimums.
• Construction and fit — Fitted, lined, or multi-panel dresses require more pattern and make work; minimums tend to be higher than for simple shapes.
• Embellishment and trim — Beading, embroidery, or custom trim have run minimums. Plain or standard trim keeps MOQ predictable.
• Number of sizes — Full size runs (e.g. XS–XL) are standard; some factories quote per style across sizes, others per size. Clarify up front.

Pro tips

1. Start with simple jersey or woven styles if you need low MOQ; embellishment and special fabrics push minimums up.
2. Confirm whether MOQ is per style (all sizes/colours) or per colour. It varies by factory and affects how you plan your line.
3. Sample fit and fabric early; dress fit is critical and changes can affect MOQ and lead time.
4. Combine several dress styles in one order to meet the factory’s total minimum while spreading risk.
5. Ask about “first order” or development minimums; some factories offer lower minimums for new styles or first production.

Frequently asked questions