Minimum Order Quantities for Custom Apparel: What to Expect in 2026

One of the most common questions we hear is "how many do I have to order?" Minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary based on the decoration method, the type of product, and the complexity of your design. Here is what you can realistically expect in 2026.

What Is a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

An MOQ is the smallest number of units a manufacturer or decorator will produce in a single order. MOQs exist because of setup costs. Screen printing requires creating physical screens, embroidery requires digitizing your design, and cut-and-sew production requires sourcing materials and setting up production lines. These setup costs need to be spread across enough units to keep the per-piece price reasonable.

MOQs by Decoration Method

Screen Printing

Most screen printers require a minimum of 24 pieces per design, per color. Some vendors go as low as 12, but the per-unit cost at that level is significantly higher. The sweet spot for pricing is usually 72 to 144 pieces, where per-unit costs drop noticeably.

Embroidery

Embroidery minimums are typically 12 to 24 pieces. Since embroidery pricing is based on stitch count rather than color count, the main cost factor is the size and complexity of your logo. Small left-chest logos are the most affordable option.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

DTG printing has the lowest minimums, often as low as one piece. DTG works like an inkjet printer for fabric, making it a great option for short runs, samples, or designs with many colors. The tradeoff is a higher per-unit cost compared to screen printing at larger quantities.

Custom Cut-and-Sew

Full custom cut-and-sew production typically requires a minimum of 50 to 100 pieces per style, per colorway. Some factories set minimums at 200 or more. The higher MOQs reflect the additional work involved in pattern making, material sourcing, and production line setup.

How to Lower Your Effective MOQ

If the standard minimums feel too high for your project, there are a few strategies that can help:

• Split across sizes: A 24-piece minimum does not mean 24 of the same size. You can spread that across S, M, L, XL, and XXL.
• Consolidate designs: Run the same logo on multiple product types in a single order to hit minimums more easily.
• Start with DTG: Use DTG for your initial run to test demand, then move to screen printing when you are ready to scale.
• Choose a production partner with flexible minimums: Not every vendor has the same requirements. Ask upfront.

What About Pricing at Different Quantities?

Custom apparel pricing follows a simple rule: the more you order, the less you pay per piece. A 24-piece screen print order might cost $12 to $18 per shirt, while the same design at 144 pieces could drop to $7 to $10 per shirt. At 500 or more, pricing gets even more competitive.

This is why it pays to plan ahead. If you know you will need merch for multiple events throughout the year, ordering everything in one batch saves money compared to placing several small orders.