A T-shirt manufacturer in India makes private label T-shirts from your fabric choice, fit and labels. The minimum order for T-shirts depends on the factory, the fabric and the number of colours, and is set per style and colour. A knit factory using its stock fabric will take a smaller minimum than one dyeing a custom colour.
Buyers searching for a T-shirt manufacturer in India or the minimum order for T-shirts in India will find that the answer depends on what you ask for. T-shirts look simple. The details that decide quality are the fabric, the fit and the finish, and each should be written into the order.
Choosing the fabric
The fabric is jersey knit, usually cotton or a cotton blend. Its weight, in grams per square metre, decides the feel, drape and opacity. The T-shirt GSM guide explains the common ranges. Yarn type matters too: combed ring-spun yarn gives a softer, smoother surface than carded or open-end.
Gujarat has a good knitwear base, described in Gujarat knitwear: T-shirts and polos. Many factories also source fabric from nearby knitters and dyers, so ask where yours will come from.
Agreeing the fit
Fit is set by the pattern and the size chart. Send a measured spec sheet for the base size and a grading rule for the other sizes. The method is in garment size set and grading. If you do not have a pattern, send a T-shirt you like and ask the factory to copy its measurements, then adjust.
Ask about pre-shrinking and the shrinkage you can expect, since this is the most common complaint on knitwear. Knits shrink more than wovens, particularly in length, so the pattern should allow for it. Set a limit in the order, and test it, as in fabric shrinkage tests.
How do minimum orders work?
Factories set minimums because a dye lot, a print run and a cutting setup all have fixed costs. Typical points to confirm are:
- The minimum per style and per colour, and whether sizes are fixed in a ratio.
- Whether a lower minimum applies if you use the factory's stock fabric and colours.
- Whether a custom dye needs a larger minimum, and how many metres of fabric that means.
- Extra charges for a small run, such as a set-up or sampling fee.
- Whether the factory will accept a mixed order across several styles to reach its total.
Printing, labels and packing
Decoration affects both minimum and lead time. Screen print, digital print and embroidery each have a setup and a size limit. Neck labels, care labels, hang tags and polybags are part of your private label and should be specified at the start. See factory woven labels, hang tags and polybags.
A final point is delivery. Knit fabric needs to be dyed and relaxed before cutting, and that is where time is lost. Ask the factory for a calendar that shows fabric, cutting, sewing, finishing and packing dates, and compare it with your launch date. Plan inspection before you ship. Garment AQL levels explained shows how to set an acceptable defect level.
Next step
We find knit factories that fit your style and volume, check the samples and fit, and supervise production and loading. Book a free sourcing review with your first T-shirt design.