Wholesale Guide
Blank apparel wholesale is one of the most cost-effective foundations for a new clothing brand. You start with high-quality, factory-made garments, add your branding and decoration, and sell them under your own label — without the capital investment of developing custom silhouettes from scratch. This guide walks through every step: from choosing the right blanks to your first bulk order.
Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity Before Sourcing
Before you request a single sample, be clear on your brand positioning: who is your customer, what price point are you targeting, and what aesthetic are you building? These answers directly determine which blank garments are right for you.
- Premium streetwear: heavyweight cotton (240–400 GSM), oversized silhouettes, enzyme-washed or garment-dyed finishes
- Sustainable basics: 100% GOTS organic cotton, clean minimalist cuts, natural colourways
- Activewear / athleisure: performance blends, moisture-wicking, stretch construction
- Affordable essentials: mid-weight ring-spun cotton (160–200 GSM), classic fit, broad colour range
Step 2: Choose the Right Blank Garments
The blank is the foundation of your product. Choose wisely — the fabric weight, construction, and fit of the blank will define your brand’s perceived quality ceiling.
Key Specs to Evaluate
- GSM (fabric weight): 160–200 GSM for lightweight basics; 240–400 GSM for premium and structured pieces
- Yarn type: ring-spun combed cotton for softness and print quality; open-end for budget basics
- Construction: tubular vs. side-seamed; set-in vs. drop-shoulder sleeves
- Shrinkage: pre-washed blanks shrink less; request guaranteed shrinkage specs (<3% is the standard)
- Colour range: more colourways mean more flexibility for seasonal collections
Most Popular Blank Styles to Start With
- Classic crew neck tee: the most universally versatile starting point for any brand
- Pullover hoodie: high perceived value, excellent for both print and embroidery
- Crew neck sweatshirt: broad market appeal, strong seasonal sell-through
- Oversized tee or hoodie: dominant in streetwear and youth markets
- Jogger pants: strong co-ord set potential, good AOV driver when paired with hoodies
Step 3: Request Samples Before Committing to Bulk
Never place a bulk order on a blank you have not physically evaluated. Request samples in the colourways you intend to stock, wash them at home as your end customer would, and assess: hand feel, shrinkage, colour fastness, and how they hold a print or embroidery after washing.
- Test with your intended decoration method — screen print, embroidery, or DTG — before placing bulk
- Wash at 30°C twice and assess colour fading and size change
- Compare against competitor products at the same price point to validate quality positioning
- Confirm the exact colourways are available at your required volume before committing
Step 4: Add Your Branding — Labels, Tags, and Packaging
A blank garment with your label is a branded product. Private label services transform factory blanks into your own line — and the quality of your branding execution determines whether your brand feels premium or generic.
- Woven label: sewn at the back neck — the primary brand touchpoint. Woven is more premium than printed; use fine text and your logo in brand colours
- Tear-away care label: replaces the factory care label with your brand’s label including fibre content, wash instructions, and country of origin (required in most markets)
- Hangtag: brand storytelling at point of sale — include brand values, product story, QR code, or sizing guidance
- Polybag or folded packaging: branded packaging with your logo and any retail or Amazon FBA barcodes required
See DRIOV’s full private label services →
Step 5: Choose a Decoration Method
Decoration turns a blank into a branded product with a graphic identity. The right method depends on your design, quantity, and price point.
| Method | Best For | MOQ | Cost per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Bold graphics, 1–6 colours, high volume | 50 pcs | Low at volume |
| Embroidery | Logos, chest branding, premium positioning | 50 pcs | Moderate |
| DTG printing | Full-colour photographic prints, small runs | 1 pc | Higher per unit |
Step 6: Calculate Your Unit Economics
Before placing your first order, build a simple cost model. Factor in: blank cost + decoration + labelling + packaging + shipping + import duty + your target margin. Most brands targeting the mid-premium market ($40–$80 retail) work well with factory-direct blank + private label from a Quanzhou manufacturer at the 100–300 pc MOQ range.
- Blank cost: $4–$12 per unit depending on style, weight, and quantity
- Screen print (one location, 2 colours): $1.5–$3 per unit at 100 pcs
- Private label pack (woven label + hangtag + polybag): $1–$2 per unit
- Sea freight (China to Europe/US): $0.5–$1.5 per unit on a typical first order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order to start a clothing brand with DRIOV blanks?
Our standard MOQ for private label blanks is 100 pcs per colourway. Custom decoration (screen printing, embroidery) starts at 50 pcs per design. For private label with custom woven labels and packaging, we recommend a minimum of 100 pcs per style to make the label setup cost economical.
Do I need to register my brand before placing an order?
No registration is required to place an order. However, before investing in branding elements (woven labels, hangtags, packaging), you should at minimum have your brand name and logo finalised. Trademark registration is recommended but not a prerequisite for your first production run.
Can I mix styles and colours within a minimum order?
MOQ applies per colourway per style. If you order 2 styles in 3 colours each, you need 100 pcs of each colour-style combination — 600 pcs total. For smaller brands testing multiple SKUs, we can discuss consolidated orders on a case-by-case basis. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
Ready to build your brand on premium blank apparel?
DRIOV offers factory-direct wholesale blank apparel with full private label services — custom woven labels, hangtags, branded packaging, and in-house decoration. MOQ from 100 pcs. CE & RoHS certified. Contact us to start your first order →
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