MOQ means minimum order quantity, but the number alone does not explain a clothing manufacturer’s requirement. A quotation may use a minimum per order, product, style, color, fabric, print design or custom trim. Before comparing suppliers, ask what the MOQ applies to and which components have separate minimums.
Boxiang’s starting garment MOQ
Boxiang’s published minimum starts at 50 pieces per style per color. Sizes can be mixed within the 50 pieces of one color.
Example: one black oversized hoodie can be divided into S, M, L and XL, as long as the total for black is at least 50 pieces. If the same hoodie is also ordered in grey, grey is another color minimum of 50 pieces.
What counts as a different style?
A different pattern or construction is normally a different style. A pullover hoodie and full-zip hoodie are separate styles. Significant changes to fit, panels, pockets, sleeve construction or product category may also create a second style even when the same artwork is used.
Why color often has its own minimum
Each color affects material ordering, cutting bundles, sewing organization, decoration setup, labels and packing. Custom-dyed fabric may have a mill minimum that is larger than the factory garment minimum. Stock or supplier-available colors can sometimes be more flexible, but availability must be checked for the selected material.
Why sizes can usually be mixed
Once one style and color reaches the garment minimum, a size breakdown can be planned within that production group. The buyer should still provide a realistic ratio. Extreme sizes or a single piece in many sizes can affect marker efficiency, grading, consumption and cost.
Separate minimums hidden inside a custom garment
The garment MOQ is not automatically the MOQ for every component. Ask about:
- Custom-dyed or specially knitted fabric
- Custom rib colors or stripe layouts
- Molded zipper pullers, snaps and metal plates
- Chenille patches and embroidery setup
- Woven labels, care labels and hangtags
- Printed bags or custom packaging
- Special washes or process setup
A component supplier may require more pieces than the garment order. The remaining labels or trims can sometimes be stored for a repeat order, but ownership, storage time and future compatibility should be written down.
How MOQ affects price
Small orders divide development, pattern, cutting, artwork setup, machine adjustment and administration across fewer garments. Unit price usually improves with quantity, but buyers should compare the same confirmed specification. A lower price based on a lighter fabric, standard trim or simpler print is not the same product.
How startup brands can plan around MOQ
- Launch fewer styles and give each one a meaningful quantity.
- Use one or two strong colorways instead of many small colors.
- Coordinate fabrics across products where construction allows.
- Use standard supplier trims first, then customize components as volume grows.
- Approve the fit and graphic carefully before creating many variants.
- Plan size ratios from customer or market data, not an even guess.
Questions to ask about a quoted MOQ
- Is the minimum per style, color or total order?
- Can sizes be mixed?
- Do fabric colors have their own minimum?
- Which labels, trims or processes have separate minimums?
- Does the unit price change at 100, 300 or 500 pieces?
- Can unused custom components be retained for repeat production?
- What happens if a material becomes unavailable?
MOQ is only one part of feasibility
A project that meets 50 pieces may still need review for fabric availability, special hardware, decoration, test requirements and schedule. Send the complete product direction so the factory can identify these conditions before sampling.
To check a Boxiang project, send the style, quantity per color, sizes, material direction, artwork and destination through the manufacturing inquiry form. You can also review the full sample and production process.