7 Crucial Factors When Selecting a Clothing Supplier

When you’re diving into sourcing a clothing supplier, the first thing most people eyeball is the MOQ — minimum order quantity. It’s tempting to think, “Great, they’ll make as few as I want — let’s do this!” But here’s the thing: MOQ is the low-hanging fruit of supplier selection — and if you stop there, you’re probably setting yourself up for headaches, delays, or worse: product disasters.

At Shirt City Commercial, we’ve seen buyers fixate on MOQ and overlook the stuff that actually makes or breaks a partnership. So, if you want to avoid the rookie mistakes and make smart moves that protect your brand and your wallet, it’s time to look deeper.

This isn’t just another “checklist” article. This is your no-nonsense, brutally honest breakdown of what you really need to evaluate when comparing a clothing manufacturers — beyond just those tempting minimum order numbers.

MOQ Is a Numbers Game — But Your Brand Isn’t

Yes, MOQ matters. Especially if you’re launching a new brand or testing a niche product, committing to 5,000 units might feel impossible. But chasing the lowest MOQ like it’s a trophy is like choosing a life partner based solely on their favorite color — you’re ignoring everything that determines long-term compatibility.

Low MOQs can be a double-edged sword:

  • You might pay significantly more per unit.
  • Quality control might be inconsistent or entirely absent.
  • Lead times may stretch without warning.
  • Communication could be limited, especially if your order isn’t a priority for them.

On the flip side, clothing suppliers with higher MOQs often offer:

  • Better per-unit pricing and scalable discounts.
  • More consistent, standardized quality assurance processes.
  • Proven reliability in shipping, packaging, and customer service.

So, while MOQ is a useful filter, it should never be the deciding factor.

7 Non-Negotiables When Choosing a Clothing Supplier

1. Quality: The Hidden Currency of Brand Trust

If your shirts shrink, fade, or unravel after a few washes, you’re not just losing a customer — you’re damaging your brand’s reputation. Quality isn’t a feature; it’s the foundation of trust.

What to evaluate when assessing a clothing supplier:

  • Request physical samples. Never rely on photos or tech packs alone — touch, stretch, and wash the product yourself.
  • Get technical: Ask about fabric weight, yarn type (ring-spun vs. open-end or combed), stitch density, seam strength, and color consistency across batches.
  • Evaluate their quality control process. How many inspections are done per production run? At what stages? What is their defect rate threshold — and what do they do when a product doesn’t pass?
  • Check for batch consistency. Ask how they maintain quality across reorders. Do they document specs, or is each run variable?

Quality is your silent brand ambassador. It speaks before your logo ever does — and one poor-quality run can cost far more than a higher-quality supplier ever would.

2. Delivery: Because Timing Can Make or Break a Launch

Late deliveries cost you more than time — they can derail entire marketing campaigns, miss retail windows, and delay revenue.

Ask about:

  • Lead time transparency: Are timelines realistic or overly optimistic?
  • Peak season capacity: Can they still deliver during Chinese New Year, holidays, etc.?
  • Rush capabilities: Can they accommodate last-minute changes or urgent orders?
  • Tracking and communication: How do they notify you of production delays?

A reliable clothing supplier respects your schedule and your customer commitments.

3. Pricing: Look Beyond the Price Tag

Sure, the per-unit cost is important — but it’s only one part of the total cost equation.

Understand the full picture:

  • Are shipping and duties included?
  • What about hidden fees for hang tags, packaging, relabeling, or polybagging?
  • What are the payment terms? Are they flexible or rigid?
  • Can you scale up affordably with volume discounts?

A cheaper price upfront might cost you more in the long run.

4. Communication: The Backbone of Successful Partnerships

You’re not just buying products — you’re building a relationship. If your clothing supplier isn’t responsive or clear, you’ll be left in the dark when it matters most.

Key signals:

  • How fast do they respond to inquiries?
  • Are they proactive about updates, delays, or potential issues?
  • Do they have account managers or a dedicated support team?
  • Do they communicate in your language fluently and clearly?

Effective communication saves time, money, and a lot of stress.

5. Capabilities & Customization: Can They Meet Your Vision?

A good supplier doesn’t just produce — they help bring your ideas to life.

Capabilities to look for:

  • Printing options: DTG, screen printing, sublimation, heat transfers, embroidery, etc.
  • Custom branding: Neck tags, woven labels, private labeling, special packaging.
  • Fabric and style variety: Can they accommodate sustainable fabrics, performance materials, or custom fits?
  • Product innovation: Do they offer moisture-wicking tech, stretch blends, or recycled textiles?

Your brand isn’t generic — your supplier shouldn’t be either.

6. Ethics & Sustainability: Align With What Your Customers Value

In today’s market, your supplier’s values reflect on you. Sustainability and ethical production aren’t optional — they’re expected.

Do your due diligence:

  • Ask for certifications like GOTS, WRAP, BSCI, or OEKO-TEX.
  • Request information on working conditions, wages, and audit results.
  • Do they use eco-friendly dyes, water-saving processes, or biodegradable packaging?
  • Can they provide traceability on their supply chain?

Consumers are more informed than ever. Don’t let a supplier’s bad practices cost you trust.

7. Logistics & Location: Don’t Underestimate Geography

Location affects everything — from shipping costs to customs clearance to risk management.

Factors to assess:

  • Are they located in a region with stable political and economic conditions?
  • How do shipping timelines and tariffs affect your margins?
  • Do they offer warehouse services, dropshipping, or 3PL partnerships?
  • What’s their experience with international compliance and customs documentation?

Sometimes the “cheaper” overseas option can end up being more expensive due to hidden logistics issues.

How to Avoid the MOQ Trap: A Smart Buyer’s Playbook

  • Prioritize what matters most. Is it speed, sustainability, price, or flexibility? Know your dealbreakers.
  • Start with a sample order — see how they handle a small batch from A to Z.
  • Score your suppliers using a weighted system. Don’t just compare MOQs; compare the whole package.
  • Invest in relationships. A supplier who sees long-term potential in you will go the extra mile.
  • Be transparent about your growth plans — many will be more flexible if they know you plan to scale.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • MOQ fixation: If they push low MOQs but dodge questions on quality, run.
  • Unwillingness to send samples or poor sample quality.
  • Inconsistent or unclear pricing: If the numbers change every time you ask, that’s a problem.
  • Ghosting or vague communication.
  • Lack of ethics or transparency: If they can’t answer basic questions about labor or sustainability, reconsider.

Your Brand Deserves More

Minimum order quantity is a filter, not a foundation. Your clothing supplier should be a partner who supports your growth, shares your values, and delivers products you’re proud to sell.

At Shirt City Commercial, we help brands build more than just clothing lines — we help them build confidence, consistency, and community. So go beyond MOQ. Choose a supplier that supports your vision from thread to delivery.