Sampling and Minimum Order Quantities
Professional sample development and transparent MOQ policies for private label clothing manufacturing. Understand our sampling process and order minimums before production begins.
Sampling is the critical first step in clothing manufacturing that validates your design, verifies construction methods, confirms fabric choices, and establishes quality expectations before bulk production. At Brosan Textile, we follow a systematic sampling process that transforms your tech pack into physical prototypes, ensuring that bulk production accurately reflects your vision.
Our standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 150 pieces per color per style. This MOQ balances production efficiency with accessibility for growing brands. While some manufacturers require 500 or 1,000 piece minimums, our 150-piece MOQ allows smaller brands to launch collections without excessive inventory risk while maintaining manufacturing efficiency that keeps costs reasonable.
Understanding both sampling and MOQ early in your planning process helps you budget accurately, plan inventory levels appropriately, and set realistic timeline expectations. This transparency prevents surprises and establishes a strong foundation for successful manufacturing partnership.
Our Four-Stage Sampling Process
From initial design review to pre-production approval sample, we follow a structured development process that refines your product before bulk manufacturing.
Tech Pack Review and Costing
1-2 daysWhen you submit your tech pack, our technical team conducts a comprehensive review to assess design feasibility, construction complexity, fabric requirements, and production requirements. We verify that all specifications are clear and manufacturable, identifying any technical concerns or areas needing clarification.
During this review, we prepare a detailed cost estimate covering fabric, trims, labor, printing or embroidery, washing effects, and any special processes. You receive a quotation with per-unit pricing at your estimated quantity levels, along with sampling cost if applicable. Once you approve pricing and confirm sample development, we proceed to prototype creation.
Prototype Sample Development
5-7 daysOur pattern makers create the first physical prototype based on your tech pack specifications. This initial sample tests construction methods, fit, and overall design execution. Prototype samples typically use similar (but not necessarily identical) fabrics to your final production fabric, focusing on weight and hand feel similarity.
The prototype stage allows us to identify construction challenges, pattern adjustments needed, or design modifications before investing in your exact production fabrics. You receive photos or the physical sample for review, providing feedback on fit, styling details, proportions, and any changes required.
Common prototype revisions include fit adjustments, length modifications, pocket positioning, collar shaping, or construction method changes. We incorporate your feedback into revised patterns for the pre-production sample stage.
Pre-Production Sample Creation
7-10 daysAfter prototype approval and pattern refinement, we create pre-production samples using your exact production fabrics, trims, labels, and all final specifications. These samples represent what bulk production will produce, serving as the "golden sample" or approval standard for manufacturing.
Pre-production samples undergo complete processing including any washing effects, printing, embroidery, and finishing treatments specified for bulk production. We produce samples in all sizes you plan to manufacture (typically 2-3 size samples), allowing you to verify fit across your size range.
You receive detailed measurement sheets showing actual sample measurements compared to tech pack specifications. We include photos showing construction details, finishing quality, label placement, and overall appearance. This documentation ensures both parties agree on quality standards before bulk production authorization.
Sample Approval and Production Authorization
Client timelineYou review pre-production samples thoroughly, testing fit, evaluating quality, checking measurements, and verifying all specifications. Most brands test samples on fit models, review them with your design team, and assess salability before approval. This review period typically takes 3-7 days depending on your internal processes.
Once you approve samples, you provide written confirmation authorizing bulk production. Approved samples remain with our production team as reference standards throughout manufacturing. If further revisions are needed, we make corrections and produce revised samples for your approval, repeating this cycle until samples meet your requirements.
After sample approval, we confirm final order quantity breakdown by size and color, verify delivery timeline, and arrange deposit payment before beginning bulk fabric procurement and cutting. The approved sample becomes our quality benchmark for all production checkpoints.
Understanding Minimum Order Quantities
Our MOQ structure balances manufacturing efficiency with accessibility for brands at various growth stages.
Standard MOQ: 150 Pieces Per Color Per Style
Our base minimum order quantity is 150 pieces per color per style. This means if you want a t-shirt design in three colors (black, white, and gray), the minimum order would be 450 pieces total (150 per color). Each color must reach 150 pieces, distributed across whatever size range you choose.
This MOQ applies to most product categories including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, sweatpants, shorts, and polo shirts. Some product categories have higher minimums due to fabric minimums or complexity: denim jeans typically require 200 pieces per color, jackets and outerwear require 200-300 pieces per style due to fabric cutting minimums, and knitwear requires 300 pieces per style due to yarn purchasing and machine setup requirements.
The 150-piece MOQ exists because fabric suppliers have minimum purchase requirements, cutting room efficiency requires minimum quantities to justify pattern setup, production line setup costs need to be distributed across sufficient units, and quality control sampling becomes statistically meaningful at these volumes.
MOQ Calculation Examples
Example 1: Single Color T-Shirt
Product: Basic t-shirt
Colors: Black only
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Total MOQ: 150 pieces
Possible breakdown: S(20) M(40) L(50) XL(30) XXL(10) = 150
Example 2: Multi-Color Hoodie
Product: Pullover hoodie
Colors: Black, Navy, Heather Gray
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Total MOQ: 450 pieces (150 per color)
Each color: S(30) M(45) L(50) XL(25) = 150 per color
Example 3: Denim Jeans
Product: Slim fit denim jeans
Colors: Indigo blue wash
Sizes: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36
Total MOQ: 200 pieces (higher denim minimum)
Possible: 28(25) 30(50) 32(60) 34(45) 36(20) = 200
Size and Color Flexibility
Size Range Breakdown
You control how the 150 pieces per color are distributed across sizes. We don't require minimum quantities per size. If you want 100 mediums and 50 larges only, that works. Most brands distribute quantities based on their sales data or market research, with typical patterns showing more mediums and larges than smalls or extra-larges.
Common size distributions: Fashion/streetwear brands often see 20% small, 35% medium, 30% large, 15% extra-large. Workwear or industrial brands typically need broader distributions including XXL and XXXL sizes.
Color Options per Style
You can order as many colors as you want per style, with each color requiring 150 pieces minimum. Many brands start with 2-3 colors for initial launches, then expand color offerings in subsequent orders based on sales performance.
Popular color strategies: Core basics (black, white, gray) first, seasonal colors added later. Testing new colors at minimum quantity before committing to larger volumes. Limiting colors initially to reduce inventory complexity.
Sampling Costs
Sample costs vary based on product complexity, fabric type, and customization requirements. Basic items like t-shirts or sweatshirts typically cost $30-50 per sample. Complex items with multiple components, special fabrics, or extensive embellishment cost more.
Sampling fees cover pattern development, fabric sourcing, sample production labor, and any printing or embroidery setup. These costs are separate from bulk production pricing. Many brands request 2-3 size samples to verify fit across their size range.
For orders exceeding 1,000 pieces, we often credit sampling costs against production costs. This policy varies by product category and order value. Discuss sampling cost structure during your initial inquiry to understand total development investment.
Timeline Expectations
Prototype samples: 5-7 business days after tech pack approval and sampling fee payment. Timeline depends on fabric availability and current sample workload.
Pre-production samples: 7-10 business days after prototype approval and fabric procurement. Longer if special fabrics need ordering or custom dyeing is required.
Sample revisions: 5-7 days per revision round. Multiple revision rounds extend overall sampling timeline accordingly.
Rush sampling: Available in some cases with additional fees. Contact us with your deadline to determine if rush service is possible for your specific product.
Sampling and MOQ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reduce the MOQ below 150 pieces for my first order?
We evaluate lower MOQ requests individually based on product complexity, fabric availability, and current production schedule. Some simple items with readily available fabrics might accommodate 100-piece minimums in specific circumstances. However, lower quantities significantly increase per-unit costs due to setup inefficiency. Contact us with your specific requirements and we'll assess feasibility, providing accurate pricing at various quantity levels so you can make an informed decision about order size versus unit cost.
How many samples should I order before bulk production?
Most brands order 2-3 samples representing their size range, typically one medium and one large, or small/medium/large if they offer wider sizing. This allows fit testing on different body types. If your product has complex sizing or you need samples for multiple stakeholders (designers, sales team, investors), consider ordering 3-5 samples. Sampling costs scale with quantity, so balance your testing needs against budget constraints. One fully approved sample is sufficient for production authorization if you're confident in fit.
What if I want to test the market with a smaller quantity first?
If you want market testing quantities below our standard MOQ, consider starting with one color only at 150 pieces, which reduces total investment while meeting minimum requirements. Alternatively, some brands order 150 pieces in their best-selling size range only (for example, just M, L, XL), then reorder additional sizes if initial sales validate demand. We can also discuss sampling larger quantity of samples (10-20 pieces) if you need test inventory before committing to full MOQ, though per-piece cost on sample quantities is significantly higher than bulk production pricing.
Do different product categories have different MOQs?
Yes, MOQ varies by product complexity and fabric requirements. Standard categories like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, and shorts typically require 150 pieces per color per style. Denim jeans require 200 pieces minimum per wash/color due to denim fabric roll sizes and washing facility minimums. Jackets and outerwear usually require 200-300 pieces due to shell fabric and lining minimums. Knitwear requires 300 pieces minimum because of yarn purchasing quantities and knitting machine setup. Technical or specialized items may have higher minimums. Request specific MOQ information when inquiring about particular products.
Can I split my MOQ across multiple styles?
No, the 150-piece minimum applies per color per individual style. Each distinct design requires its own pattern development, cutting, and production setup, so MOQ applies separately to each style. However, if you have multiple colorways of the same design, you can order 150 pieces in one color and 150 in another, for 300 total across two colors of one style. If you want to launch multiple styles simultaneously, each style needs to reach minimum quantity independently. This prevents setup costs from being distributed too thinly across multiple short production runs.
What happens during sample approval if I need changes?
If pre-production samples need modifications, we discuss required changes, assess whether they're minor adjustments or significant revisions, and provide timeline for corrected samples. Minor changes like small measurement tweaks, label repositioning, or thread color changes can often be incorporated quickly without full sample reproduction. Major changes requiring pattern modifications, construction method changes, or different materials need new sample production. We make reasonable revisions to achieve your approval, though extensive revision rounds may incur additional sampling fees if beyond normal development scope.
Do you keep my samples on file for future reorders?
Yes, we maintain approved samples, patterns, and production specifications for all clients to facilitate efficient reordering. Your approved samples serve as reference standards for future production runs, ensuring consistency across orders. We store samples for at least 2 years, along with digital records of measurements, construction details, and fabric specifications. This archived information allows faster turnaround on reorders since sample development stage is eliminated. When reordering existing styles, you can proceed directly to production after confirming quantities and any specification updates.
Can I visit the factory during sample development?
Yes, we welcome factory visits during sample development, especially during pre-production sample stage when you can review samples in person, discuss any concerns with our technical team, observe production capabilities, and approve samples on-site. Many international brands visit during sample approval stage to expedite the approval process and build relationship with our production team. If you plan to visit, coordinate timing with our team so we can schedule sample completion to coincide with your visit and arrange appropriate meetings with pattern makers, sample room supervisors, and production managers.