LOW MOQ GUIDE

How a 100-Piece Clothing Order Actually Works

What emerging brands should prepare before developing a 100-piece private-label order—from product decisions to sampling and bulk approval.

Metro Development Team6 min readJuly 18, 2026
How a 100-Piece Clothing Order Actually Works

A 100-piece order is large enough to use custom materials, labels and decoration, but small enough that every unnecessary variation affects cost and production efficiency. The best first order is focused and clearly specified.

Define one strong style

Begin with one product, one approved fit and a controlled color range. Adding several fabrics, washes or artwork placements can split the production run into smaller groups and increase setup work.

Prepare the essential references

You do not need a perfect tech pack to begin a conversation. Useful starting information includes:

  • Front, back and detail references
  • Artwork files or placement mockups
  • Target garment measurements
  • Preferred fabric weight and composition
  • Quantity by color and size
  • Target delivery date and destination

Sampling comes before bulk

The sample confirms fit, construction, fabric, trims, wash and decoration. Comments should be specific and consolidated into one revision list. Once approved, the sample and measurements become the bulk production standard.

Understand what affects cost

The biggest variables are fabric, garment complexity, decoration, wash treatment, trims, packaging and quantity. A simple heavyweight tee with one print has a different cost structure from a washed multi-panel hoodie with appliqué and custom hardware.

Plan the schedule backwards

Allow time for material confirmation, sampling, feedback, revisions, bulk production, final inspection and shipping. Metro sampling commonly takes 7–14 days and bulk production 15–35 days after approval, depending on the product and materials.

For a first 100-piece project, clarity is more valuable than variety. A focused style creates a reliable product standard that can be expanded into future colors and categories.

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