In the toddler apparel business, knowing the minimum order quantity (MOQ) is a game-changer. Whether you’re launching a boutique brand or adding private label styles to your assortment, understanding how MOQs work can help you save money, avoid inventory headaches, and partner with the right factory from the start.
Minimum order quantities for custom toddler apparel typically range from 300 to 1,000 pieces per style per color, depending on fabric, design complexity, and factory capacity. But with the right manufacturer, you may have more flexibility than you think.
For buyers like Ron—owners sourcing from Asia and reselling at a premium in the U.S.—MOQ directly impacts profit margins, cash flow, and time-to-market. In this article, I’ll show you what factors influence MOQ, how to reduce it strategically, and what’s realistic in today’s toddler wear supply chain.
Why Do Factories Set Minimum Order Quantities?
Many buyers ask, "Why can’t I just start with 100 pieces?" The answer lies in the production economics of apparel manufacturing—especially for custom styles.
Factories set MOQs based on fabric sourcing, machine setup, labor allocation, and cost-efficiency of running bulk production across sizes.
How do fabric minimums affect toddlerwear MOQs?
The biggest MOQ driver is often fabric minimums from mills. Most mills require a minimum of 300–500 meters per fabric/color, which often translates into 300–500 pieces of toddler clothing per style. This is especially true for knitted cotton, fleece, or jersey used in toddler sets.
Custom prints or specialty fabrics require rotary screen setup or digital printing, adding to MOQ. For instance, custom printed French terry for toddler joggers may need a 500-meter commitment.
Why does cut-and-sew efficiency matter?
Garment production involves cutting layers of fabric, setting up sewing lines, and managing trims. The setup costs—whether for 100 units or 1,000—are largely fixed. Factories need a threshold volume to spread out these costs. Sewing line efficiency increases as orders scale, which means factories prefer batches that maximize machine and labor efficiency.
That’s why many factories like ours offer a flexible MOQ starting from 300–500 pieces per style/color—but we still encourage buyers to consolidate sizes and trims to improve pricing.
What MOQ Is Standard for Custom Toddler Styles?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but I can share the general MOQ benchmarks we use in our toddler clothing production lines at Fumao.
For custom toddler apparel, MOQ typically ranges from 300 to 1,000 pieces per style/color, depending on design details and order combinations.
What are common MOQ tiers by product type?
Here’s a breakdown of realistic MOQ levels:
| Product Type | Typical MOQ (per color/style) |
|---|---|
| Basic T-Shirts | 300–500 pcs |
| Toddler Rompers | 500 pcs |
| Jogger Sets | 600–800 pcs |
| Hoodies/Sweatshirts | 800–1,000 pcs |
| Dresses with Layers | 1,000 pcs |
A simple toddler T-shirt with standard rib cuffs may only require 300–400 units. But a fully customized smocked dress with embroidery and lining may push the MOQ to 1,000 due to its complexity and labor time.
Can you mix sizes to meet the MOQ?
Yes. Most factories (including ours) accept mixed sizing within MOQ—for example, 300 pieces spread over sizes 2T to 5T. However, MOQs are usually per color per style. So if you want a jogger set in 3 colors, and each color has 5 sizes, you’ll need 300 per color, totaling 900 units.
For smaller brands, we often recommend launching in 1–2 colorways and 3 size bands first (like 2T–4T) to manage inventory while staying within MOQ.
How Can You Reduce MOQ Without Raising Costs?
Not every brand is ready for a 3,000-piece order. And we get that. The good news is, with planning and smart design choices, you can reduce MOQ without blowing up your unit costs.
To lower MOQs, simplify trims, use common fabrics, reduce colorways, and combine production with other SKUs or collections.
What strategies actually work to reduce MOQ?
- Use available stock fabrics: Ask your factory what in-stock fabric options they have in toddler-safe materials. These don’t require MOQ from mills.
- Limit color options: Stick to 1–2 colors per style instead of 3–4.
- Avoid complex trims: Zippers, embroidery, and appliqués raise the threshold.
- Group styles: For instance, make a top and bottom set using the same fabric roll.
We often support brands by running multi-style programs using one base fabric to reduce MOQ per style. For example, Ron once sourced a toddler romper and T-shirt set using the same bamboo cotton—resulting in lower fabric MOQ and better pricing.
Are there factory programs for small batches?
Yes, some manufacturers (like us) offer small batch manufacturing programs or trial runs starting at 200–300 units if you’re testing a new market. These come with fewer customization options but are perfect for limited drops or DTC brands.
Keep in mind that small batches may carry slightly higher unit costs, but they’re still cheaper than dead stock. Focus on volume growth over time to unlock better pricing.
What Should You Confirm Before Placing a Low-MOQ Order?
Lower MOQs sound great, but they come with trade-offs if you’re not careful. You need to confirm production terms clearly to avoid surprises.
Before confirming a small MOQ order, clarify lead times, pricing tiers, available customization, and whether your factory offers QC and compliance certifications.
What factory terms should you double-check?
Always clarify:
- Price tiers (does 300 pcs cost more per unit than 600?)
- Lead time differences for small vs. bulk orders
- Fabric sourcing method (is it in-stock or custom milled?)
- Labeling options—some MOQ applies to custom woven labels too
- Certifications like CPSIA—especially important for U.S. baby and toddler wear
Also ask about sample policy. Some factories provide one free pre-production sample with confirmed orders, while others charge extra for prototypes under MOQ.
What quality assurance can you still expect?
At Shanghai Fumao, even our 300-piece orders go through full QC, following AQL 2.5 standards. For toddler clothes, safety and durability come first—no matter the volume. We also provide compliance documentation, including CPSIA, OEKO-TEX®, and testing reports if required.
We always recommend clients get top-size samples approved before bulk production, even in small batches, to avoid sizing issues and returns.
Conclusion
Understanding the MOQ landscape is key to launching or scaling a toddler apparel line profitably. From fabric constraints to labor setup, each step influences how low your order quantity can go—and how to negotiate wisely. With smart planning, strategic consolidation, and the right factory, you can bring your custom designs to life without overcommitting your inventory.
At Shanghai Fumao, we’ve helped dozens of global toddlerwear brands launch with minimums that make sense for their business model. Whether you’re starting with 300 pieces or scaling to 10,000, we tailor our support to your volume, timeline, and brand needs. To explore MOQ options for your next toddler collection, contact our Business Director Elaine at elaine@fumaoclothing.com—we’re ready to build with you.
