24 August 2026 · 2 min read
What MOQ Should You Expect for Custom Clothing Labels in 2026?
Minimum order quantities explained — why they exist, what's realistic for each label type, and how small brands can order smart without overbuying.
MOQ — minimum order quantity — is the first question every new brand asks us. Here is exactly how label MOQs work and how to order without wasting money.
Why do MOQs exist at all?
Every custom label run has a fixed setup: the weave file or print plate, machine threading, color matching and quality sampling. That setup costs the same whether you order 50 labels or 5,000 — which is why suppliers set a floor where the order makes sense for both sides.
Realistic MOQs by product in 2026
| Product | Typical MOQ | Sweet spot for pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Woven labels | 100 units | 500–1,000 |
| Satin labels | 500 units | 1,000 |
| Hang tags | 500 units | 1,000–2,500 |
| Custom stickers | 500 units | 1,000 |
| Woven patches | 100 units | 500 |
| Steel logo tags | 500 units | 1,000+ |
The per-unit price curve
The most important thing to understand: the jump from MOQ to 5x MOQ usually cuts your per-unit cost dramatically, because the setup cost spreads across more units. Going from 5x to 50x saves more, but the curve flattens.
- 01Order the MOQ when you are testing a new design or a first collection
- 02Order the 5x tier once a design is proven — this is the value sweet spot
- 03Order bulk (10x+) only for evergreen designs you will use for a year or more
Three mistakes small brands make
- ✦Overbuying a first design. Logos evolve. Order 100–500 first, refine, then scale.
- ✦Ordering each item separately. Combining labels + hang tags + seals into one shipment saves real freight money.
- ✦Chasing the lowest MOQ anywhere. A 25-unit "deal" with poor weave density damages the brand it was meant to build.
How we handle MOQs
Our woven labels start at 100 units, most other products at 500. Every quote shows tier pricing so you can see the curve yourself, and a free digital proof arrives within 24 hours before anything goes to production.
Ready to put this into practice?
Send your design and quantity — a tailored quote lands in your inbox within 24 hours, with a free digital proof before production.