When you’re launching or scaling a clothing brand, you’ll quickly encounter the term MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity. This concept is particularly relevant when it comes to custom garment branding — including labels, tags and trims. In this article we’ll walk you through what MOQs mean for clothing labels, why they matter, what typical numbers look like, and how you can manage your label order strategy effectively.
If you’re interested in exploring bespoke label options you can check out [Our Products] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/our-products/) on our site, request a [Sample] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/sample/), browse our [Blog] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/blog/) for more insights, learn about us on the [About Us] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/about-us/) page, or reach out via [Contact] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/contact/).
What does MOQ mean for clothing labels?
MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest quantity a supplier will accept for production in one run. Prototype | Integrated Fashion Solutions+1 When it comes to custom textile labels (woven labels, printed labels, care labels, hang tags etc.), the supplier will typically set an MOQ based on factors such as the machine set-up, material rolls, weaving loom time, and the cost of creating a custom design.
Why do MOQs exist? Because producing custom labels involves fixed costs: the set-up of looms (for woven), plates/screens (for printed), the purchasing of material rolls in bulk, and the administration of small orders. Spreading these fixed costs across a small quantity makes it expensive per piece. FittDesign+1
Why MOQs matter for your label strategy
Cost per unit
The larger your order, the lower your unit cost commonly becomes — because the fixed set-up cost is distributed across more labels. Dutch Label Shop+1 If you order too few, your unit cost might be disproportionately high and may erode your brand margin.
Inventory & cash-flow risk
Ordering large volumes of labels means you commit upfront cost and then need to use those labels in production. If your garment production plan changes (colourways, sizes) you might have leftover labels. Better to plan MOQs in line with realistic production runs.
Brand presentation & consistency
Labels are part of your brand identity — the woven label, the hang tag, the care label. Choosing too cheap or too small a batch might compromise quality. Visiting [Our Products] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/our-products/) will show you the range of label types available (woven, printed, cotton, leather, etc.) and help you pick the right style for your brand.
Flexibility for small brands
If you’re a start-up or smaller label, you may not have big production runs yet. High MOQs may force you to over-order or delay launch. Understanding how MOQ works means you can negotiate or plan accordingly.
Typical MOQ ranges for labels
While every supplier is different, here are some rough benchmarks you may expect when ordering custom labels:
- Low complexity label (simple printed composition label, standard size) — MOQ could be as low as 50-100 units.
- Mid complexity (woven label with many colours, size chips, or hang tags) — MOQs might range from 100-300 units or more.
For garments manufacturing (not just labels) MOQs might start at 50–200 units for simple items, and much higher for complex items. argusapparel.com+1 - Large scale production/complex customization — MOQs can be 500 units or more, especially when you include elaborate labels, leather tags, special finishes. This is because the materials and machinery set-up costs are higher.
When ordering labels you also need to consider how the MOQ is applied: Some suppliers apply the MOQ per design/colour. So if you want your label in three colourways, each might hit the MOQ separately. HOOK AND EYE UK+1
What influences the MOQ for your labels?
Here are the key factors that drive the minimum quantity a label supplier will require:
- Material type: Woven vs printed labels. Woven labels need Jacquard looms and yarns, which tend to drive higher minimums. On [Our Products] page, you’ll see woven labels described as “the best-known” label production method.
%sitename% - Number of colours/design complexity: More colours = more weaving threading or more screens for printing = higher cost and higher MOQ.
- Size of label / shape / speciality finish: If you want custom shaped labels, leather labels, PVC labels, etc., these often need special tooling or moulds, which raises the MOQ.
%sitename%+1 - Material roll size / supplier minimums: The label manufacturer may source the base material (satin, cotton, leather) in certain roll sizes. If your order doesn’t make use of the roll efficiently, they may set higher MOQ to justify the run.
Prototype | Integrated Fashion Solutions - Supplier capacity / set-up cost: Every order involves set-up: programming the loom, preparing the design files, approving a sample. Suppliers set MOQs to ensure these fixed costs are amortised across enough units.
FittDesign+1
How a smaller brand can manage MOQs wisely
Here are strategic tips for brands who may be working with limited budgets or smaller production runs but still want high-quality labels.
Use sample or small-batch options
If you’re in the early phase, request a sample run and test your label design. Many label companies will offer a lower MOQ sample run (or even single piece) at premium price, so you can prototype your label before committing to full batch.
You can check out the [Sample] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/sample/) page for exploring this kind of option.
Choose standard materials and colours
Using standard materials (rather than special leather/specialty finishes) and limiting the number of colours in your design helps keep MOQ manageable and cost lower.
Also, using the same label across several garments helps you meet MOQ without dividing orders across too many SKUs.
Consolidate label usage
If you can use the same label across multiple garments or capsule collections, you can order a larger run and amortise the cost across the line.
For example, use the same woven brand label for multiple styles — you only order one label mould/run.
Negotiate with your supplier
Talk to your label supplier and explain your brand size and goals. Some will offer lower MOQs for first orders or suggest smart ways to split colourways later. Transparency helps build long-term relationships.
The [About Us] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/about-us/) page can help you understand our approach and ethos.
Plan inventory and size split carefully
When placing your label order, plan how many of each size/colour you’ll need so you use the labels efficiently. Avoid having excess labels for sizes/colours which you may not end up producing.
When you should raise your MOQ
As your brand grows, you’ll want to revisit your label order strategy.
- If your garments are selling well and you’re producing more units, ordering labels at larger volumes will reduce your cost per unit and improve margin.
- If you’re expanding colourways or introducing specialty label types (e.g., leather tags, embroidered badges) then raising your label MOQ makes sense since the cost per piece goes down at higher volume.
- As you scale, you’ll benefit from consistent label quality, fewer change-over runs, and stronger supplier relationships. Many producers of custom labels include a loyalty or repeat-order benefit (see [Our Products] page for opportunities).
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering too many labels before you validate sales — leading to excess unused inventory.
- Choosing a highly complex label design when you’re doing a small run — the MOQ and cost will bite your margins.
- Forgetting that MOQ might apply per colourway — so if you order 100 units per colour × 3 colours, you’ve committed to 300 labels.
- Not aligning label order timing with garment production — delays in one affect the other.
Summary
Understanding MOQs for clothing labels is a vital part of your brand’s production and cost strategy. While the idea may seem technical, thinking about MOQ early will help you choose the right label type, manage your cost per piece, align production volumes, and reduce risk of excess stock. To recap:
- MOQ = Minimum Order Quantity: the smallest batch you must order in one production run.
- It matters because it affects cost, inventory risk, and production flexibility.
- Typical label MOQs vary widely based on material, complexity, and supplier — for many smaller brands, orders in the 50-300 unit range may be realistic.
- You can manage by choosing standard materials, consolidating label usage, negotiating, and aligning your label run with your garment production.
- As your brand scales, higher MOQs can actually reduce unit cost and improve margin.
If you’d like to explore what label options are available right now, check out our full range on [Our Products] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/our-products/) — from woven to printed to leather and PVC labels. You can also request a [Sample] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/sample/) run to prototype your label design. And for more brand production and manufacturing insights, visit our [Blog] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/blog/) or drop us a line via [Contact] (https://clothing-labels.co.uk/contact/).