A founder's guide to low MOQ activewear manufacturing
- Hin
- Jan 23
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you have an idea for an activewear brand, one of the first challenges you might encounter is manufacturing. You may find yourself learning new acronyms, with "MOQ" being a common one. Traditional manufacturers often require Minimum Order Quantities in the thousands. This means investing a significant part of your budget into a single design before making a single sale, which can be a considerable financial risk.
This is where activewear low MOQ manufacturing provides an alternative. It's a method for new and growing brands to enter the market without a large upfront capital investment. This guide will explain what low MOQ means, why it is beneficial for startups, and how to find a suitable manufacturing partner.
What exactly is activewear low MOQ?
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of items a factory will produce in a single production run. For years, factories set these numbers high, often requiring orders of 1,000 or more units of the same style and color.
The reason for this is related to the factory's operational efficiency. Setting up machinery, dyeing fabrics, and preparing staff for a specific design requires time and resources. It is often more profitable for factories to produce a large batch at once rather than frequently switching between smaller, different orders.
However, the industry has started to adapt to accommodate emerging brands. A "low" MOQ can vary. Some manufacturers, like Bokamoda, offer no minimums on ready-to-ship styles to which you can add your logo. For fully custom work, a partner like Labwear Studios might set their MOQ around 50 units per style.
This shift is significant. Modern manufacturers have developed more agile business models to help startups launch, learn, and grow without the risk associated with high-volume production.
Strategic advantages of a low MOQ approach
Choosing a low MOQ is a business strategy that provides the flexibility needed to build a brand. It allows for a more measured approach to growth. Here’s a visual breakdown of the key strategic advantages:
Lower financial risk
This is one of the most significant benefits. When you are not required to order thousands of units, you free up capital. Instead of having money tied up in inventory, you can allocate it to other areas of the business, such as marketing and customer acquisition. It is the difference between investing heavily in one product and building a business incrementally.
Test your designs
With a high MOQ, you have to forecast which designs will sell best. A low MOQ allows you to test the market. You can launch a small collection with several different designs or colors to see what your audience prefers to buy.
This is an area where a manufacturing partner can add value. For instance, New High Limited offers a free first sample (terms and conditions apply). This lets you hold the product, check the fit, and assess the quality before committing to a production run.
Increase product line flexibility
Instead of allocating your entire budget to 1,000 units of one style, a low MOQ allows you to diversify that order across multiple designs. You could launch with three different legging styles and two sports bras instead of just one of each. This can make your brand appear more established and give customers more choices. It also enables you to respond to new trends quickly. If a certain color becomes popular, you can place a small order without rethinking your entire inventory.
Manage inventory sustainably
One challenge for fashion startups is deadstock, which is unsold inventory that ties up space and capital. Overproducing is not only a financial drain; it also has environmental implications. Low MOQ production is inherently more sustainable because it reduces the risk of producing more than you can sell. For eco-conscious brands, this aligns with core values that can connect with modern consumers.
Comparing low MOQ manufacturer models
Once you decide a low MOQ approach is right for you, the next step is finding a partner. Different low MOQ manufacturers offer various service models. The best choice depends on your brand's needs, from design support to product uniqueness. The MOQ number is only one part of the equation.
Let's look at the main types you will find.
Manufacturer Model | Example(s) | Typical MOQ | Best For | Key Consideration |
Full-Service Partner | Low, flexible for startups | Brands needing guided, end-to-end support from concept to delivery. | A partnership model focused on quality and brand building. | |
Regional Specialist | 50+ units per style | Brands focused on specific regional quality (e.g., "Made in Portugal"). | Requires finalized designs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator files). | |
Catalog Customizer | 0 (ready styles) to 50 (templates) | Brands prioritizing speed and simplicity over unique designs. | Limited customization; you are adding a logo to existing items. | |
Marketplace Platform | Varies widely | Experienced founders who can manage vetting, communication, and QC. | Responsibility for quality and risk falls on the brand owner. |
The full-service partner: An all-in-one solution
This model offers comprehensive support for new brands. A full-service partner handles the entire manufacturing process. You can approach them with a concept or sketch, and they will guide you through design refinement, technical pack creation, fabric sourcing, sample production, and quality control.
New High Limited is an example of this model. They operate as a one-stop solution for startups, designed to manage the complexities of manufacturing. The goal of this model is to handle production details, allowing clients to focus on designing products and building their brand.
The regional specialist
Some manufacturers build their reputation on expertise within a specific region. For example, Labwear Studios provides access to a network of over 16 factories in Portugal, which is beneficial if you want a "Made in Europe" label. They offer a 50-piece MOQ, making them a viable option for startups.
The main requirement for this model is that you have your designs ready. Their platform typically requires professional design files, such as Adobe Illustrator files. This is a solid choice if you have a design background but may be less suitable if you are new to the technical side of apparel production.
The catalog-based supplier: Speed over customization
This is often the quickest way to get a product to market. These suppliers offer a large catalog of pre-made, "blank" activewear. You select the styles and colors you like and add your logo.
Providers like Bokamoda are well-suited for this, offering no minimums on more than 2,000 ready-to-ship styles. Hingto also allows customization of their templates with a 50-piece MOQ. The primary benefit is speed and simplicity. The trade-off is less design originality, as products are based on existing templates that other brands may also be using.
The marketplace platform: High variety and responsibility
Platforms like Made-in-China.com are large directories where you can find thousands of factories. Others, like Pietra, are more curated, offering a network of vetted suppliers. While these platforms offer many options, they require more hands-on management from the brand owner.
You are responsible for vetting suppliers, managing all communication (often across different time zones and languages), negotiating terms, and overseeing quality control. Even with some platform-level verification, the ultimate responsibility for product quality and timelines rests with you. This model differs from the guided process of a dedicated manufacturing partner.
How low MOQ manufacturing costs are calculated
One of the first questions founders ask is about cost. In custom apparel manufacturing, there is no standard price list. Each project is unique, so every quote is customized for a specific design.
Key factors that determine unit price
While there is no universal price, you can understand the main factors that will affect your cost per item.
Fabric Choice: This is a major cost driver. High-performance fabrics with features like moisture-wicking or compression will cost more than basic materials. Sustainable or recycled fabrics may also have a higher price point.
Order Quantity: Even with a low MOQ partner, volume affects pricing. The price per unit typically decreases as the order quantity increases. Ordering 100 units will usually be cheaper per piece than ordering 50.
Design Complexity: A simple sports bra with few seams is quicker and less expensive to produce than a complex pair of leggings with multiple panels, mesh cutouts, and pockets. More labor and materials increase the cost.
Customizations: Additional features add to the price. This includes items like custom-dyed zippers, branded waistbands, or using several colors in one garment.
Branding Applications: The method used to apply your logo matters. Screen printing, embroidery, and heat transfer all have different costs, which can also vary based on the size and number of colors in your logo.
The importance of a tech pack for an accurate quote
To get an accurate quote from a manufacturer, you need a tech pack. A tech pack is the blueprint for your product. It is a detailed document that includes technical sketches, measurements, fabric types, color codes, and branding placement. Without one, a factory must estimate costs, and their quote may not be accurate.
This is another area where a full-service partner can be valuable. If you do not know how to create a tech pack, you are not alone. Some partners, like New High Limited, can help clients develop their tech packs. This process helps ensure you get an accurate price and that the final product matches your vision.
For those looking to learn more from industry experts, watching videos from established figures in fashion manufacturing can provide valuable insights into finding the right partners and navigating the production process.
Find the right partner to launch your brand
Launching an activewear brand is an exciting journey, and activewear low MOQ manufacturing has made it more accessible than ever. It is an effective way for new brands to enter the market, test ideas, and grow without taking on significant financial risk.
However, the goal is not just to find a factory with a low number. It's about finding a partner who understands your vision, offers expertise, and is committed to quality. The right partner can guide you through the production process, freeing you up to focus on building your brand.
Ready to bring your activewear vision to life? New High Limited offers low MOQ flexibility, expert support, and premium quality for startups. Contact us today to discuss your design and get started with your free first sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical MOQ for custom activewear, and how does low MOQ activewear differ?
Traditional manufacturers often require MOQs of 1,000 units or more per style. An activewear low MOQ approach is designed for startups, with minimums that can be as low as 50 units. This significantly lowers the financial barrier to entry and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.
Can I still get high-quality materials with an activewear low MOQ manufacturer?
Yes. Reputable low MOQ partners specialize in sourcing premium, high-performance, and sustainable fabrics for their clients, regardless of the order size. Quality remains a top priority.
How does using an activewear low MOQ strategy affect my cost per item?
The cost per item might be slightly higher with a smaller order compared to a large bulk run. However, your total upfront investment is drastically lower. This approach can save money in the long run by preventing overproduction and freeing up capital for marketing and other growth activities.
What's the biggest benefit of choosing activewear low MOQ for a new brand?
The biggest benefit is flexibility. Activewear low MOQ allows you to test different designs and colors with real customers before committing to a large inventory. It's a smart way to validate your ideas, manage your cash flow, and grow your brand based on market demand.
Do I need a completed design or tech pack to work with an activewear low MOQ partner?
It depends on the manufacturer model. Some specialists require finalized tech packs. However, a full-service partner can often work with you from a simple sketch or idea, helping you develop the professional tech pack needed for production.
Is activewear low MOQ a more sustainable option for manufacturing?
Yes, it is often a more sustainable approach. By producing smaller, demand-driven quantities, you dramatically reduce the risk of overproduction, which is a major source of waste in the fashion industry. This allows you to build a more environmentally conscious brand from the start.
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