How many colourways can I order at hoodie MOQ?

Short answer: Hoodie MOQs are usually set by the slowest constraint in the supply chain, and colour is often that constraint. A factory may quote a minimum per style, but each colour also needs its own fabric, rib and often matching thread, drawcords and labels. If the fabric is stock fabric in available colours, several colourways may fit inside the style minimum. If the fabric is knitted or dyed to order, the dye house and knitter have their own minimums per colour, and a cut of only a few dozen pieces per colour can leave expensive leftovers. Sizes split the quantity further, and every colour and size combination becomes a separate stock unit; GS1 guidance is that each variant in size or colour needs its own GTIN, which adds to the planning work for retailers. To plan a first order, ask the factory to quote the minimum per style, per colour and per size, and to say which colours are available from stock fabric. Then decide whether to launch fewer colours at sensible depth, use stock colours for a wider range, or accept a higher price for small dye lots. Plan size ratios per colour, because dark and light colours often sell differently.

What sets the MOQ

• Style minimum for cutting and sewing efficiency.
• Fabric minimum per colour, especially dyed to order.
• Rib, thread, drawcord and label minimums.
• Size split within each colour.

Ways to fit more colours

• Use stock fabric colours.
• Share rib and trims across colourways.
• Accept a surcharge for small dye lots.
• Launch core colours first and add others later.

Planning the split

• Ask for minimums per style, colour and size.
• Allocate more depth to proven colours.
• Plan size ratios per colour.

A worked example

As an illustration, a brand could launch three core colours at the full per-colour minimum, plus two stock-fabric colours at lower quantities, and review sell-through before ordering custom colours.

Hidden costs of many colours

Each colour adds lab dips, approvals, separate cartons and stock-keeping work. These costs can outweigh the benefit of a wide range in a first order.

Reorders by colour

A colour that sells out may need to be reordered alone. Ask in advance what the minimum is for a single-colour reorder and whether the fabric can be held in greige or stock to shorten the lead time.

Limits

Minimums depend on the factory, mill and season. Quotes change with fabric availability, so confirm them for each order.

Facts, recommendations and uncertainty

Established: colour minimums often come from fabric and trims, not sewing. Recommendation: ask for minimums by style, colour and size and plan depth before breadth. Uncertain: which colours your customers will buy.

Sources and further reading

• GS1 — How many GTINs for a product with many sizes and colours

Standards and regulations are referenced by their published scope. Test parameters, cycles and pass levels should be agreed with your laboratory for the specific product; legal requirements should be confirmed for each destination market.