MOQ—it’s the one acronym that makes or breaks a deal. I’ve had buyers reach out excited about our linen collections, only to hesitate when we start talking numbers. Whether you're running a fashion label or supplying boutique hotels, knowing the real minimum order quantity for wholesale linen is the first step in a smooth transaction.
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) for wholesale linen vary by type, finish, color, and whether you’re buying ready stock or custom dyed fabrics. In general, expect MOQs to range from 100 to 1000 meters per color or item.
In this guide, I’ll break down what affects linen MOQs, what to expect from fabric mills, and how flexible manufacturers like us can help small and large buyers alike secure the right MOQ for their needs.
What Affects the MOQ for Wholesale Linen?
MOQ isn’t just a number we pull out of a hat. It’s based on real production logic. Linen, made from flax, is more process-sensitive than synthetic fabrics. The dyeing, weaving, and even packaging choices all affect MOQ requirements.
MOQ for wholesale linen depends on the type of linen (bleached, dyed, printed), machinery setup, fabric width, and whether it’s made-to-order or from stock.
Does Color Affect MOQ?
Yes. For dyed linen, every color needs a separate dye bath. Most dyeing machines require a minimum bath size—typically 100 to 300 meters per color. That’s why MOQs are often per-color, not per-style.
What About Fabric Width or GSM?
Heavier weight linens or wider widths (above 58") often require more material for machine calibration, raising the MOQ slightly. For lightweight linens (e.g. 120 GSM), we can offer MOQs starting as low as 100 meters.
| Linen Type | Typical MOQ (Per Color) |
|---|---|
| Greige / Raw Linen | 50–100 meters |
| Bleached Linen | 100–200 meters |
| Solid Dyed Linen | 200–500 meters |
| Printed Linen | 300–800 meters |
| Yarn Dyed Linen | 500–1000 meters |
Can You Order Small-Batch Linen for Sampling?
Yes—and you should! No serious buyer should commit to 1000 meters without seeing, touching, and testing. Sampling is the bridge between interest and purchase.
Most linen mills, including ours, offer small sampling cuts (1–5 meters) or even low-MOQ bulk orders under 100 meters for development, testing, and pre-production.
How Do Sampling MOQs Work?
We typically allow sample yardage cuts from stock fabrics, which you can receive within 3–5 days. For dyed linen, we can do lab dips or short-run dye trials with minimum 30–50 meters—ideal for early-stage design testing.
Is There a Charge for Sampling?
Usually, we charge only for courier fees. Bulk buyers with confirmed PO potential can access free swatches or even pre-production yardage (e.g., 20m) for testing shrinkage, wash fastness, and color consistency.
| Sampling Type | MOQ | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Swatch Card | 1 unit | 1–2 days |
| Cut Yardage (Greige) | 3–5 meters | 2–4 days |
| Custom Lab Dip Trial | 30–50 meters | 5–7 days |
What Is the MOQ for Custom Dyed or Printed Linen?
Customization always changes the game. When it comes to solid dyeing or printing your unique color or design on linen, the MOQ will rise—but with it, so does the brand value of your final product.
For custom dyed or printed linen, MOQs generally start at 300 meters per color or print, due to dye bath and screen/plate setup costs.
What Are the MOQ Thresholds by Method?
- Solid Dyeing: Minimum 200–300m/color depending on weight.
- Rotary Screen Printing: 500–800m/design.
- Digital Printing: From 100m/design with fewer setup costs.
Can MOQs Be Negotiated?
Yes, especially during off-season production or when combining your order with existing dye runs. If a buyer accepts a longer lead time, we can often combine small orders into shared production slots, reducing MOQ pressure.
| Customization Method | MOQ Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Dye | 200–500 meters | MOQ per color |
| Digital Print | 100–300 meters | Flexible, low setup cost |
| Rotary Screen Print | 500–1000 meters | Higher setup, better unit cost |
Are There Linen Suppliers with No MOQ?
It’s a question I get from boutique buyers all the time: Can I buy just 10 meters? The short answer: yes, but you’re not getting mill-direct pricing.
Some online wholesalers offer ready-stock linen in cuts as low as 1 meter, but prices are retail-grade. For trade pricing, low MOQ mills like ours typically require 50–100 meters minimum.
What’s the Tradeoff with No-MOQ Suppliers?
They hold stock, so they charge more. These vendors are perfect for prototypes or ultra-small production runs. But if you’re scaling up, you’ll save 20%–40% by working with a real mill that can handle 100m+ MOQs.
Can Fumao Fabric Offer Low MOQ Linen?
Yes. We offer 100+ ready-stock linen SKUs starting at 50m per roll. These include bleached, dyed, and printed options. For custom bulk, our MOQ per color starts at 200m—but we can do smaller test runs if you’re planning future orders.
| Supplier Type | MOQ Range | Price per Meter | Ideal Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Stock Seller | 1–10 meters | High | DIY, sampling |
| Local Trader | 30–100 meters | Mid–High | Boutique brands |
| Direct Mill (Fumao) | 100–300 meters | Trade pricing | Brands, wholesalers |
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all MOQ in linen sourcing—but there is a right MOQ for every buyer. Whether you’re prototyping or placing a bulk order, the key is to match your project scale with the right supplier model. At Fumao, we offer low MOQ solutions for startups, and scale seamlessly to container loads for global brands. Our ready-stock linen starts at just 50 meters, and we’ll walk with you through sampling, dye trials, and production. When MOQ is flexible and service is stable, linen sourcing becomes far simpler than most expect.
