MOQ for Custom T-Shirts: 2026 Guide for Clothing Brands
Use this guide to plan a custom T-shirt order by style, color and size. STX Garment is a B2B custom apparel manufacturer in Humen, Dongguan, China. This article addresses T-shirt order planning; the general clothing MOQ guide explains MOQ across garment types.
Calculate T-Shirt MOQ by Style and Color
Do not treat the total collection quantity as the MOQ for every product. A different silhouette, pattern or specification may be a separate style. A custom color may need its own material preparation. Confirm the definition of a style and color before requesting a quote.
| Illustrative collection | Quantity at the standard starting MOQ | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| One style, one color | 100 pieces total | Size split and specification |
| One style, two colors | 100 per color; 200 total | Each color’s material and decoration requirements |
| Two styles, two colors each | 100 per style/color; 400 total | Separate patterns, quantities and sourcing for each combination |
These examples explain the calculation; they are not project quotations. Separate fabric, print, trim or packaging minimums can change the practical order quantity.
Plan the Size Breakdown Within Each Color
Submit a size-by-color matrix rather than a single total. For example, a proposed 100-piece order in one color could be split into S: 20, M: 30, L: 30 and XL: 20. This is an illustrative allocation, not a required ratio. Confirm measurements, grading and the intended size range before production.
What Determines Custom T-Shirt MOQ?
- Fabric: composition, knit structure, target GSM, hand feel, color and finishing. Review fabric sourcing and development and confirm available materials.
- Pattern and construction: silhouette, neck rib, sleeves, hem and seam details. Review product development.
- Decoration: original artwork, color count, placement, coverage and the proposed method. Compare feasibility and sample results through printing and craftsmanship.
- Components: labels, hangtags, accessories and packing. Check any separate supplier minimums through trims and labels and packaging.
MOQ, Samples and Unit Cost Are Different Decisions
A sample checks fit, construction, material and decoration before bulk approval. Agree on the sample scope, revisions and charges through sample support. Do not assume a one-piece sample is available at a bulk unit price or that sampling establishes the final bulk schedule.
Higher quantities can distribute setup costs across more garments, but material and construction changes also affect price. Compare quotes with the same fabric, GSM, measurements, artwork, labels, packing and delivery terms. Review MOQ and bulk pricing and the production lead-time guide.
Reduce First-Order Complexity
Consider fewer initial styles and colors, clearly defined size requirements and available material options. Ask which changes affect MOQ, cost and lead time. Approve the sample before bulk release. Choosing a printing method alone does not guarantee a lower MOQ because fabric, sewing and component requirements still apply.
Turn Your T-Shirt Reference into a Quote
- Review the service: Start with custom T-shirt manufacturing or OEM/ODM cut-and-sew manufacturing.
- Compare product examples: Review the graphic crewneck T-shirt reference and washed raglan sleeve crop T-shirt reference. Specify your own fit, fabric and decoration rather than assuming the pictured reference has a fixed price or stock quantity.
- Send the brief: Provide a tech pack or drawings, measurement chart, fabric and GSM targets, artwork, quantity by style/color/size, labels, packing and destination through Request a Quote.
Ask for MOQ per style/color, material minimums, sample scope, quotation inclusions and the agreed production schedule. Browse the manufacturing reference library and factory information before finalizing your brief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STX Garment’s MOQ for custom T-shirts?
The standard starting MOQ is 100 pieces per style and color, subject to the fabric, decoration, trims and overall specification. Confirm the final quantity and any separate material minimums in the project quotation.
Can I combine different sizes within one color?
Provide the quantity for every size within each style and color. Confirm the size range, grading and production requirements with STX Garment before approving the order.
Does a sample count toward the bulk MOQ?
Sampling and bulk production are separate scopes. Confirm sample quantities, charges and any applicable credit terms in the quotation; do not assume samples count toward the bulk order.
Does DTG automatically lower the MOQ?
No. Printing setup is only one consideration. Fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, colors, trims and packaging can still determine the minimum production quantity.
Is a higher quantity always cheaper?
Quantity can spread setup costs across more units, but the price also depends on material, construction, artwork, finishing, labels, packaging and quality requirements. Compare quotations using the same specification.
Existing Manufacturing Reference Images
The images below provide context for development and production discussions. Confirm the capabilities and specifications required for your own order.
