When brands source denim for the first time — or even after several seasons — many questions repeat.
They are not trend questions. They are risk questions.
Below are the most common questions we receive from brand owners, designers, and sourcing teams during real denim projects. The answers are based on production reality, not sales promises.
General Denim Manufacturing Questions
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom denim jeans?
MOQ depends on fabric choice, wash complexity, and size range.
For most custom denim projects:
- Fabric MOQ usually starts from 300–600 meters per fabric
- Garment MOQ often ranges from 100–300 pcs per style, per color
Lower MOQs are possible, but they often mean:
- Limited fabric options
- Higher unit cost
- Fewer wash choices
MOQ is not a fixed number. It is a balance between development cost and production stability.
Can I start with sampling before confirming bulk MOQ?
Yes. Sampling is always done before bulk production.
Most brands start with:
- Fit samples
- Wash samples
- Size set samples (optional but recommended)
Sampling allows issues to appear early, when changes are still affordable.
How long does custom denim production usually take?
A typical timeline looks like this:
- Sampling: 2–4 weeks
- Fabric booking & approval: 1–2 weeks
- Bulk production: 4–6 weeks
- Final inspection & packing: 1 week
Total lead time is usually 8–12 weeks, depending on fabric and wash.
Fabric & Material Questions
What denim fabric weight should I choose?
Fabric weight depends on the final use and market.
Common ranges:
- 10–11 oz: lightweight, fashion-focused
- 12–13 oz: balanced, most common for retail
- 14 oz and above: rigid, workwear or heritage styles
Heavier fabric does not automatically mean better quality.
It changes drape, comfort, and wash behavior.
Is stretch denim always better for comfort?
Not always.
Stretch denim improves ease of movement, but poor recovery can cause:
- Baggy knees
- Sagging seat
- Faster shape loss
Low-stretch or well-controlled stretch often performs better than high stretch.
Can I switch fabric after sampling?
Yes, but pattern adjustment is required.
Switching from:
- Stretch → non-stretch
- Lightweight → heavy denim
will change fit behavior. Ignoring this is a common cause of bulk fit problems.
Fit & Pattern Questions
Why does my sample fit well, but bulk production feels different?
This is one of the most common issues in denim.
Possible reasons include:
- Fabric batch variation
- Wash temperature differences
- Stretch recovery inconsistency
- Sewing tension changes
Good factories control these risks, but fabric choice and wash design still matter.
Do men’s and women’s jeans need different pattern logic?
Yes.
Differences include:
- Hip-to-waist ratio
- Rise length
- Back yoke angle
- Grading rules
Using the same base logic for both usually leads to fit complaints.
How should plus-size denim patterns be developed?
Plus-size denim is not simply scaled-up sizing.
It requires:
- Different grading rules
- Better stress distribution
- Fabric recovery control
- Waist and hip balance adjustments
Stretch percentage alone does not solve plus-size fit issues.
Washing & Finishing Questions
Which denim washes are the safest for first-time brands?
Cleaner washes are usually safer:
- Rinse wash
- Light enzyme wash
- Simple stone wash
Heavy vintage effects increase risk and cost, especially for stretch denim.
Can stretch denim handle heavy washing?
Stretch denim is sensitive to:
- High temperature
- Long wash time
- Aggressive abrasion
Overwashing can damage elastane and permanently change fit.
Will washing change the final garment size?
Yes.
- Shrinkage
- Fabric recovery
- Rise and inseam length
This is why size testing after washing is critical.
Quality Control & Risk Questions
What quality checks are done before shipment?
Typical quality control includes:
- Measurement checks
- Wash consistency review
- Appearance inspection
- Fabric defects check
Final inspection helps catch issues before shipping, not after customers complain.
What are the most common mistakes brands make in denim production?
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing fabric without recovery testing
- Approving samples without wash testing
- Underestimating size grading impact
- Changing fabric too late in development
Most problems start early, not during sewing.
Pricing & Cost Questions
Why do denim prices vary so much between factories?
Price differences usually come from:
- Fabric quality and source
- Wash complexity
- Quality control level
- Production scale
Lower price often means higher hidden risk.
Is denim production cheaper at higher quantities?
Generally yes.
Higher quantities help reduce:
- Fabric cost per meter
- Wash cost per unit
- Labor inefficiency
But over-ordering creates inventory risk. Balance matters.
Working With a Denim Factory
What should I prepare before contacting a denim manufacturer?
Helpful information includes:
- Target market
- Reference images
- Estimated quantity
- Fabric preference (if known)
- Expected retail price range
Clear input leads to clearer costing and faster development.
Can a factory help with fabric selection and development?
Yes.
Experienced factories often support:
- Fabric recommendation
- Wash feasibility review
- Pattern risk assessment
- Cost optimization suggestions
Good collaboration reduces trial-and-error.
Is communication more important than factory size?
In many cases, yes.
Clear communication prevents:
- Misunderstood approvals
- Wrong wash execution
- Fit expectation gaps
Small problems grow fast when communication is unclear.
Final Notes From Production Reality
Denim manufacturing is not only about sewing.
It is about:
- Fabric behavior
- Pattern logic
- Wash control
- Process discipline
The brands that succeed are not the ones who ask fewer questions, but the ones who ask better ones — early.
