MOQ guide for t-shirt and tops manufacturers

Typical MOQ ranges for t-shirts and tops

• Basic jersey tees — 50–150 pieces per style is common for plain or simple jersey tees. European factories often compete well on low MOQ for basics.
• Tops with trims and details — Buttons, zippers, or multiple panels can push minimums to 100–200. Custom trims may have their own order minimums.
• Printed and decorated tees — Screen print, DTG, or embroidery add per-placement minimums (often 50–100). Garment MOQ and print minimum both apply.
• Organic and sustainable jersey — GOTS or organic cotton can mean 100–300 piece minimums depending on fabric source and factory.

What affects MOQ for t-shirts and tops

• Fabric source — Factory-sourced jersey has fabric minimums; your own fabric can sometimes lower cut-and-sew MOQ but not always.
• Number of colours — Each colourway can count toward MOQ. Fewer colours usually mean lower total minimum.
• Print and decoration — Each print design or placement can have a run minimum. Align garment MOQ with print minimum to avoid overordering.
• Factory size and focus — Factories that target startups and small brands often offer 50–100 piece minimums; larger units may start at 200+.

Pro tips

1. Ask if MOQ is per style or per colour. Some factories allow mixing colours under one style minimum.
2. Get print or embroidery minimums upfront if you’re adding graphics; they often dictate the real floor.
3. Sample first: confirm fit and fabric before committing to bulk MOQ.
4. Combine several styles in one order to meet the factory’s total minimum while keeping per-style volume low.
5. Organic and recycled jersey may need longer lead times; plan MOQ and delivery together.

Frequently asked questions