How 500 pcs per style actually works — and where it stops working
Low MOQ outerwear manufacturing in China usually means 1,000–3,000 pcs per style per colour. Ours means 500 — and this article explains how that is possible, what it includes, and where the real limits are, because “low MOQ” without context is just a marketing word.
For a new brand, a test-market launch, or a DTC label adding a winter category, a 1,000-piece minimum is the whole problem: it ties up cash in inventory you have not sold yet, and it forces you to guess your size curve before you have data.
Why most factories cannot go below 1,000 pcs
Three constraints set the floor:
1. Fabric minimums. Custom-dyed fabric usually starts at 800–1,500 m per colour. A jacket needs 1.5–2.2 m of shell, so a 1,000 m dye lot supports roughly 500–650 garments — which is exactly why 500 pcs works and 200 pcs usually does not, unless you accept stock fabric.
2. Line changeover. Cutting, sewing and finishing a new style means resetting the whole line. Factories with rigid planning blocks only want long runs.
3. Component minimums. Zippers, linings, fill, trims and labels all carry their own minimums from suppliers.
We run five production lines with 150 skilled workers, which gives us the flexibility to slot a 500-piece style in without breaking a bigger run. That flexibility is the product. It is not a discount.
What 500 pcs/style includes
- Pattern making and grading across your full size range
- Sampling: 3–7 days for existing styles, 10–14 days for new development
- Fabric and trim sourcing, including nominated suppliers
- Cutting, sewing, finishing, QC and packing
- Export documentation and FOB Shanghai shipment
If you need to spread your buy across two colourways of the same style, that is fine as long as the shell fabric can be dyed in one lot. Each of these steps has been run at 500 pcs on our padded jacket and PU jacket lines — the process does not change with order size, only the run length does.
How to make a small order economically sensible
- Consolidate colourways. Two colourways of one style usually beat two styles of one colourway on fabric efficiency.
- Use stock fabric for the first drop. No fabric minimum, shorter development; move to custom dyeing once the style is proven.
- Share components. Using the same zipper, lining and label across styles reduces trim minimums.
- Plan the reorder before the first order ships. Reorders run 45–60 days because patterns and fabric supply are already set. The first order is 60–90 days.
Where low MOQ is the wrong tool
Be honest about the trade-offs: a 500-piece order cannot absorb the same fabric pricing as a 5,000-piece order, and every colourway below the dye minimum moves you to stock fabric. Low MOQ buys you market learning and cash-flow breathing room — not the lowest unit cost. Most of our buyers start at 500 pcs, validate the style, and place 2,000-piece reorders within two seasons.
If your category is genuinely high-risk on fabric — wool coats, for instance — read the fabric section before you commit to a small first order.
Compliance and process you can rely on
Our facility completed a full amfori BSCI social compliance audit in August 2026, valid until August 2027 (Monitoring ID 26-0424870). Recycled-material options with GRS chain-of-custody documentation are available on request. Our factory has passed third-party social compliance audits for ZARA and ASOS, with past audit history for MANGO, ALDI and PIMKIE (2018–2022).
FAQ
Is 500 pcs the MOQ for every style?
Yes — 500 pcs/style is our standard MOQ for woven outerwear. Sizes can be mixed within the style, and colourways can share one fabric dye lot.
Can you go below 500 pieces?
For existing patterns and stock fabric we can sometimes run 300–400 pcs as a trial. It is evaluated case by case.
Does a small order mean a long lead time?
No. First orders run 60–90 days from sample approval and deposit; reorders run 45–60 days.
Do you work with first-time buyers?
Yes. We regularly take brands from tech pack to first shipment, including help with construction choices and fabric selection to hit a target FOB.
What are the payment terms?
30% T/T deposit with the order, 70% before shipment. FOB Shanghai is our default term.
What if my style needs three or more colourways?
Each colourway below the fabric dye minimum moves to stock fabric. If your colourways share a base fabric, we can often consolidate them into one dye lot — send the colour references and we will confirm which can be combined.
Can you hold stock fabric for a reorder?
For stock-fabric styles, yes — we can reserve greige or finished stock for an agreed reorder window. Custom-dyed lots are usually consumed by the first order, so plan the reorder at the time of the first booking if continuity matters.
Get a quote
Tell us your target price, style and size curve — jackie.li@xinhua-apparel.com — and we will confirm feasibility and quote within one business day.
Related reading: Parka Manufacturing in China breaks down shell, insulation and hardware decisions. Cotton Padded Jacket Manufacturing covers fill and quilting specs at 500 pcs.
This article includes AI-assisted content. Specifications are subject to confirmation with our sales team.
