How MOQ works for custom sportswear orders
Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is the smallest order a factory will make of one design. Understanding where it comes from makes it much easier to plan around.
Why there is a minimum
Custom production has setup work that is the same whether you order twenty pieces or two thousand: making or adjusting the pattern, preparing artwork, dyeing or sourcing fabric in your color, setting up printing or embroidery, and scheduling a production line.
The minimum is the point at which that setup can be spread over enough pieces to make the order workable for both sides.
What raises or lowers it
MOQ is not one fixed number. It depends on what you are ordering:
- Fabric: a stock fabric in a standard color allows a lower minimum than fabric dyed to a custom shade, because dye houses have their own minimums.
- Decoration: sublimation and DTF have little setup per design; screen printing needs a screen per color; custom woven labels and trims have their own minimums.
- Number of styles and colors: minimums usually apply per style and per color, not to the order as a whole.
- Sizes: a wide size range is fine, but each design still needs to reach the minimum in total.
Why unit price falls as quantity rises
The same fixed costs are divided over more pieces, fabric is bought more efficiently, and the line runs longer without changeover. That is why quotes are usually given in quantity tiers, and why adding a few more pieces can sometimes move an order into a cheaper tier.
Planning a first order
Keep the first order focused: fewer designs, in the colors that matter most, with a realistic size breakdown. It is better to meet the minimum comfortably on two designs than to fall short on five.
Order a sample first. It costs more per piece than bulk, but it confirms fit, fabric, color and branding before you commit to the full quantity.
For teams, count every player and staff member, then add spares for new signings and replacements — reordering one or two pieces later is rarely possible at the same price.
Getting your minimum confirmed
We confirm the minimum for your specific order with the quote, because it depends on the product, fabric and customization. Send your design and target quantity and we will tell you exactly where the minimum and the price breaks fall.
Ready to price your own kit?
Build it in the kit designer and send it to us with your quantities.