Questions to ask t-shirt and tops manufacturers

MOQ and fabric

• What is your minimum order quantity per style and per colour? — Jersey MOQs in Europe often start at 50–200 pieces per style. Listen for per-colour vs. total minimums; some factories allow mixed colours to hit one minimum.
• Do you source fabric, and what weights and compositions do you stock? — In-house fabric can mean faster lead times. Ask what they stock (e.g. 160–220 gsm cotton jersey, organic, blends) and whether you can supply your own.
• Can I get organic or sustainable fabric options at similar MOQ? — Organic and GOTS jersey may have higher minimums or longer lead times. Ask what’s available and at what MOQ.
• Do you offer sample or development runs before bulk? — Sample runs (e.g. 20–50 pieces) help test fit and print. Ask minimum for sampling and whether the same factory does bulk.

Print and decoration

• Do you do screen print, DTG, or embroidery in-house? — In-house decoration simplifies logistics. Ask what they offer and minimums per placement (e.g. 50 pieces per print).
• What file formats and colour specs do you need for print? — Get their art specs (e.g. CMYK, DTF-ready) and lead time for print setup. Misalignment here can delay production.
• What is your policy on reprints if print quality is off? — Clarify who bears the cost of reprints and whether they do pre-production print approval.

Lead times and quality

• What is your typical lead time from order confirmation to delivery? — Basic jersey often runs 4–8 weeks; add time for custom fabric or print. Get a breakdown: fabric, cut, sew, print, pack.
• What quality checks do you do (e.g. measurements, stitch quality)? — Listen for measurement reports, stitch checks, and whether they do inline or final inspection.
• How do you handle size grading? — Ask if they grade in-house and whether you need to provide grade rules. Consistency across sizes matters for tops.

Frequently asked questions