What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for apparel OEM?
Why MOQs exist — three floors
Factories do not invent the threshold. Three fixed costs, independent of quantity, create it.
- Fabric — fabric is ordered by the roll, and a custom color adds a dye-lot minimum on top. Even for 10 pieces, the fabric still arrives as a roll. This is the biggest floor under any MOQ.
- Cutting — cutting is efficient when many plies are stacked and cut at once. With few pieces, fabric loss rises and the per-piece cost climbs steeply.
- Line setup — every style change means re-arranging processes, machines and work orders. That changeover cost is the same whether you make 10 pieces or 1,000.
Five variables that move the MOQ
| Variable | Effect on MOQ |
|---|---|
| Item complexity | T-shirts and basics sit low; outerwear and jackets with more processes sit higher |
| Fabric sourcing | Stock fabric lowers it; custom orders and dyeing raise it |
| Color and size breakdown | More colors means fewer pieces per color — the same total can still miss per-color minimums |
| Finishing | Printing, embroidery and washing each carry their own minimum run |
| Season | In peak season, line availability tightens and small orders lose priority |
If you want to start small
For a new brand, it is safer to stage the journey than to force a full production quantity on day one.
- Sample — lock the design and verify sewing specs. Priced separately from bulk.
- Small test run — items that can use stock fabric can often run at relatively low quantities to test the market.
- Bulk production — load quantity onto proven styles to bring the per-piece cost down.
Korean Friends' smart factory manages process history as data through an RFID-based hanger system, designed to reduce the losses that come with style changeovers. Whether a small lot is feasible — and the baseline quantity per item — depends on fabric and process conditions, so we advise per inquiry.
What to prepare before asking for a quote
- Design assets — a flat sketch or tech pack (reference photos work as a start)
- Preferred fabric — a swatch or a similar product example
- Quantity with color/size breakdown
- Target delivery date
- Target price range
- Delivery format (bulk, individual packing, parcel)
With these six items ready, quoting and MOQ discussion move much faster.
Frequently asked questions
Do basics like T-shirts have lower MOQs?
Generally yes. Simpler processes and the chance to use stock fabric mean they can often start at lower quantities than outerwear.
Can I order below the MOQ?
Sometimes, depending on conditions — stock fabric, price adjustment or a test-order format. Ask before giving up on a small quantity.
How do I check Korean Friends' MOQ?
Tell us the item and fabric conditions and we will quote a per-style baseline. Contact kf@koreanfriends.co.kr or +82-70-4452-5942.