Buyers lose money when they agree to a quote without understanding the language inside it. In blank apparel, one misunderstood term can change the true cost of a shipment, the minimum quantity per color, or the inspection standard used to judge defects.
This guide focuses on the terms that appear most often in wholesale apparel sourcing and that have the biggest impact on B2B buying decisions.
MOQ is the smallest quantity a supplier will accept for production or supply. In blank apparel, MOQ may apply per style, per color, or per decoration setup.
| Product type | Typical MOQ range | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| Blank T-shirts | 50-200 pcs per color | Lower MOQ is sometimes available for stock goods. |
| Polos | 50-300 pcs per color | Pique and dyed programs often raise MOQ. |
| Hoodies | 100-300 pcs per color | Heavyweight or fleece styles usually need more volume. |
| Custom labels or packaging | Often adds its own MOQ | Ask whether it applies per style or per order. |
Some wholesalers still quote by the dozen. If a blank is priced at $84/DZ, the real per-piece price is $7. Always convert dozen pricing to unit pricing before comparing suppliers.
PR means pair. This term matters mostly in socks, gloves, and paired textile accessories. It is less common for core blank T-shirts or polos.
GSM measures fabric weight. Higher GSM usually means a thicker, denser fabric, but it does not automatically mean better quality. Buyer intent matters.
| GSM range | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 120-140 GSM | Lightweight tees, warm-climate basics |
| 150-180 GSM | Standard blank tees, balanced print surface |
| 200-280 GSM | Heavy tees, premium blanks, structured streetwear fits |
| 300-450 GSM | Fleece, hoodies, heavyweight sweat programs |
AQL is the inspection threshold used in bulk quality control. It helps define how many defects are acceptable in a sample inspection. Buyers do not need to memorize the math, but they do need to know whether the supplier uses an AQL standard at all.
EXW means the buyer handles pickup and export-side logistics from the supplier's location. FOB usually means the seller delivers goods to the export port under the agreed terms. Landed cost is the total real cost after freight, duties, fees, and local delivery.
Comparing factory prices without landed cost is one of the most common sourcing mistakes.
A sample order is a low-volume evaluation order used to confirm quality, fit, color, and decoration behavior. A production order is the volume order that meets MOQ and follows approved specs.
Lead time is the period from confirmed order to shipment readiness. In-stock blanks may ship in a few days. Custom dyeing, labels, packaging, or special trims extend lead time materially.
Transit time is separate from lead time. A supplier can finish production on time and still deliver late if the buyer underestimates port congestion or routing changes.
Consolidation combines multiple purchase lots into one outbound shipment. It can reduce freight cost per unit, but it adds coordination risk if one supplier runs late.
Need blank apparel quotes with clear specs instead of vague trade language?
Review our custom workflowUse terminology as a decision tool, not as decoration in an email thread. Good sourcing gets easier when every quote, sample, and PO uses the same definitions.