Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is one of the most common questions new apparel founders ask—and one of the least understood. MOQ is not a single number; it is the sum of constraints across fabric mills, dye houses, printing tables, and sewing lines.
What drives MOQ up or down?
- Fabric type: Custom-dyed nylon/spandex programs typically require higher minimums than stock black fabric programs.
- Decoration: Screen print setups and sublimation panels each carry their own batch minimums.
- Size range: More sizes mean more cutting markers and grading work in early runs.
- Trim customization: Woven labels and custom drawcords often have supplier MOQs separate from garment MOQ.
Low MOQ sampling vs. bulk production
Sampling MOQs (often from 50 pieces per style) let you validate fit and fabric hand-feel before committing to wholesale volumes. Bulk MOQs reflect efficiency on the production floor—where setup time is amortized across hundreds or thousands of units.
At RAS Sportswear, we help brands map a phased plan: sample → fit approval → pilot bulk → scale reorder—so capital is deployed at the right stage.
