If you’re new to OEM activewear manufacturing, you’ll see MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) everywhere. Here’s what it actually means for your brand, your budget, and your timeline.
Why Factories Have MOQ
Fabric mills sell by the roll (typically 50–100 kg). Below a certain quantity, the fabric waste and setup cost per unit becomes unsustainable for the factory. MOQ isn’t arbitrary — it’s the break-even point where production makes economic sense.
Typical MOQ Tiers in Activewear OEM
| Factory Size | Typical MOQ | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Large-scale factory | 1,000–3,000 pcs/style | Established brands with proven demand |
| Mid-size factory | 300–500 pcs/style | Growing brands, seasonal launches |
| Small-batch factory (like us) | 100 pcs/style | New brands, market testing, capsule collections |
What 100 Pieces Really Costs
At 100 pcs, your per-unit cost is higher than ordering 1,000. But the total investment is much lower — and you’re not stuck with unsold inventory. For a new brand, 100 pcs lets you:
- Test market response before committing big budget
- Sell through initial stock and gather customer feedback
- Iterate on fit, fabric, or design for your next order
- Keep total risk under $1,500–$2,000 (including sampling)
MOQ vs. Total Order
MOQ is per style per color. You can mix sizes within that 100 pcs (e.g., S×20, M×30, L×30, XL×20). Some factories require the same MOQ for each colorway — we allow mixing across colors within a style.
When to Order More
Once you’ve validated demand, ordering 300–500 pcs drops your per-unit FOB cost by 15–25%. At 1,000+ pcs, you’re at the best price point. The key is: start small, prove demand, then scale.
Questions about MOQ for your specific project? Reach out — we’re flexible and happy to work with your budget.