Sourcing custom T-shirts for your business sounds simple—until suppliers start throwing rigid minimum order quantities (MOQs) and fixed timelines your way. Whether you’re testing a new design, running a limited drop, or scaling an established clothing brand, flexibility matters. In this blog, I’ll share how we at Sheen help brands navigate production with realistic MOQs and adaptable timelines—so you can grow at your own pace.
MOQ Too High? Here’s Why That’s a Common Roadblock
Let’s face it—most new or growing brands don’t want to print 5,000 T-shirts upfront. You might be testing demand, launching a new niche, or customizing designs for a specific event. But many manufacturers won’t even talk unless you’re placing massive orders.
We’ve worked with brands across Europe and North America, and the pain point is almost always the same:
- “We want to test a design, but the factory‘s MOQ is 1,000 units.”
- “I only need 300 shirts in five sizes, not 3,000 of one size.”
- “The turnaround time is 45 days—and I need stock for this month.”
This is where working with a factory that actually understands your growth cycle makes all the difference.
What Real Production Flexibility Looks Like
At Sheen, we believe you shouldn’t have to over-order to validate a new design or to keep your retail shelves fresh. That’s why we’ve developed production systems that support both low MOQ t-shirts and scalable custom runs.
Here’s what flexibility looks like in practice:
1. Small Batch Production (Starting at 300 Units)
We accept orders starting from just 300 pieces per design, split across sizes and colors. That means you can launch collections, test markets, or restock bestsellers without excessive inventory risk.
2. Mix & Match Styles and Printing Techniques
Need 200 cropped T-shirts and 100 classic fits with the same logo? No problem. You can mix styles as long as the core print or branding remains the same.
3. Scalable Without Compromising Quality
Once your designs gain traction, we’re ready to scale. From 500 to 50,000 units, our automated printing and cutting lines ensure consistent quality at every stage.
4. Fast Turnaround Times
Sample lead time is 7–10 days after artwork confirmation. Bulk orders take 10–20 working days, depending on volume. We also offer priority lanes for time-sensitive campaigns.
5. Transparent MOQ Packages
We don’t hide behind vague pricing tiers. You’ll get clear breakdowns like:
- 300–500 units → Best for test runs
- 500–2,000 units → Cost-effective scaling
- 2,000+ units → Bulk discounts + brand extras
Why Sheen Is the Right Partner for Flexible T-Shirt Manufacturing
We’re not a trading company or a middleman. We’re a manufacturer with our own workshop, screen printing equipment, and finishing lines. That means we control every detail—from your blank T-shirts to the final packed product.
Here’s why our clients keep coming back:
| Feature | Sheen | Typical Supplier |
| Low MOQ (300 pcs) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Fabric Customization | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Fast Sample Turnaround | ✅ 7–10 Days | ❌ 2–3 Weeks |
| Bulk Scalability | ✅ Up to 50,000 pcs/month | ⚠️ Unclear |
| Print + Label Services | ✅ In-house | ❌ Outsourced |
| MOQ Flexibility by Region | ✅ EU/US standards | ❌ Generic terms |
We understand that buyers in the US, UK, Germany, and France value fast communication, custom label options, and print-ready sampling. That’s baked into our service from day one.
Let’s Build Your Next Custom T-Shirt Project—On Your Terms
Whether you’re creating bulk T-shirts for your e-commerce drop, sourcing cropped T-shirts for summer retail, or planning next season’s merch, Sheen is ready to adapt to your production rhythm—not the other way around.
Ready to get started? Here‘s what we offer:
- Free artwork checks and print consultation
- 7-day sample service
- Fully scalable production (300–50,000+ pcs)
- Custom labels, packaging, barcodes, hang tags
- Communication in English with local market insight
[Contact us today] to discuss your MOQ and timeline—we’ll tailor a plan that fits your brand stage and goals.
FAQ: MOQ & Production Flexibility
Q1: Can I order fewer than 300 pieces?
Our MOQ is 300 per design, but you can split colors and sizes. For test cases under 300, we can do custom sampling at a small surcharge.
Q2: How fast can you ship?
Samples are 7–10 days. Production time is typically 10–20 days for wholesale orders. Rush orders available.
Q3: Do you support dropshipping?
Yes, for qualified clients. We can handle bulk shipping to warehouses or direct fulfillment under your brand.
Q4: Do MOQs apply to each color or total quantity?
The MOQ applies per design, not per color. So if your artwork is the same, we can split colorways without extra cost.
Q5: Is fabric choice flexible too?
Absolutely. Choose from 100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, organic materials, or heavier GSM options depending on your market and budget.
