50 Linen Manufacturing & Sourcing FAQs: Direct Answers for Fashion Brands

MOQ and order rules

What is LinenTailor's minimum order quantity for linen apparel?

The apparel MOQ is 30 pieces per colour per style.

Can I mix sizes within the 30-piece MOQ?

Yes. Sizes can be mixed freely within each colour, so 30 pieces can be split across XS to XL in any ratio you need.

What is the minimum order for linen home textiles?

Home textiles such as bedding, sheets, pillowcases, table linen, cushions and curtains can be ordered from 1 piece.

Does the MOQ apply per colour or per order?

For apparel the MOQ applies per colour of each style. Two colours of the same shirt therefore need 30 pieces each.

Can I order a single garment before committing to 30 pieces?

Yes. Selected styles in our shop offer a Buy 1 For Sample option, and custom designs go through a paid sampling round before bulk.

Who is a 30-piece MOQ suitable for?

It suits independent designers, boutique brands, startup labels and private-label projects that want to test a style without holding large stock.

Can I reorder the same style later in another small batch?

Yes. Approved patterns and specifications are kept, so a repeat order of 30 pieces per colour follows the same approved standard.

Do you make private-label and OEM linen clothing?

Yes. We produce private-label and OEM linen garments under your brand, including your own labels, hang tags and packaging. Read more: private-label linen shirts.

Sampling and development

What should I send before sampling starts?

Send a tech pack or clear sketch, a base-size measurement chart, your fabric choice or reference swatch, trims, colour references and the intended fit.

Do I need a professional tech pack?

A full tech pack gives the most accurate result, but a clear sketch with measurements and reference photos is enough to start a conversation.

Is the sample fee included in the bulk price?

No. Sampling is quoted separately because it covers pattern making and one-off sewing. The sample fee is refunded as a credit once bulk orders for that style reach 150 pieces in total.

Why do first samples fail?

Most first samples fail because the brand and factory approved different assumptions about fabric, fit, measurements or construction. A complete written brief prevents most of these gaps. Read more: how to avoid failed samples.

Should the fabric be locked before the fit sample?

Yes. Fit should be judged in the actual production fabric, because linen weight and finish change drape and measurements.

How many sample revisions are normal?

Simple styles often need one revision round and more complex styles may need more. One consolidated, measurable comment list per round keeps revisions under control.

What is a PPS and why does bulk wait for it?

A pre-production sample (PPS) is made in the approved fabric, trims and specifications. Bulk starts only after the brand approves it, so everyone works to the same reference.

Can you work from a photo or an AI-generated design?

Yes, as a starting reference. AI renders often show fabric behaviour that real linen cannot reproduce, so we confirm fabric, measurements and construction before sampling. Read more: why AI renders differ from real samples.

Can I match my design to a fabric automatically?

Yes. Our AI fabric match tool suggests fabrics from our library based on an uploaded style image, which you can then confirm with real swatches. Read more: AI fabric match.

Fabrics, shrinkage and finishing

Which linen fabrics can I choose from?

We offer pure linen, cotton-linen, linen-Tencel, linen-silk and linen-wool blends in plain, twill and herringbone weaves and several weights. Read more: fabric collection.

Do you have your own fabric mill?

Yes. LinenTailor runs its own mill and cut-and-sew workshop in Dongguan, China.

How can I get fabric swatches?

Free swatch cards can be requested through our sister site SwatchFree, so you can check handfeel and colour before sampling.

What GSM is best for linen shirts and dresses?

Light to medium weights are usual for shirts and summer dresses, while heavier weights suit trousers, jackets and structured pieces. Read more: linen GSM chart.

How much does linen shrink?

Untreated linen typically shrinks about 3-7%, while pre-shrunk linen is usually around 1-3%, depending on weave and finish. Read more: linen shrinkage guide.

How do you control shrinkage in production?

We use pre-shrunk fabric, garment washing where specified, and shrinkage allowances in the pattern, then check measurements after washing.

What is the difference between pure linen and cotton-linen?

Pure linen is cooler, crisper and more textured. Cotton-linen is softer, wrinkles less and usually costs less. Read more: pure linen vs blends.

What washing finishes are available?

Common finishes include enzyme washing, stone washing, garment dyeing and brushing for a softer, lived-in handfeel.

Can linen be custom dyed for a small batch?

Choosing an available fabric colour is the most efficient route for small batches. Special colours can be discussed case by case.

Can you add embroidery or printing?

Yes. Embroidery and printing can be added to linen garments and are specified at the sampling stage.

Costs, quotes and payment

How fast will I receive a quote?

LinenTailor sends a quote within 24 hours after receiving usable inputs: design, fabric choice, quantity per colour and size breakdown.

What is included in a linen apparel quote?

A clear quote covers fabric consumption, pattern and cutting, sewing, washing and finishing, trims and packaging, and pressing and quality control. Read more: linen apparel cost breakdown.

Why is the unit price higher for 30 pieces than for bulk?

Setup work such as grading, marker making, machine preparation and washing batches costs about the same at any quantity, so a small run shares it across fewer pieces.

How can I lower my quote without lowering quality?

Use an available fabric colour, simplify hidden construction, run one style in several colours, finalise measurements early and send complete inputs once.

Is the shop price the same as a custom order price?

Shop prices are reference retail prices for listed styles. Custom orders are quoted individually based on your design, fabric and quantity.

Are sample costs refundable?

Yes, as a credit. The sample fee is refunded once bulk orders for that style reach 150 pieces in total.

Can I supply my own trims and labels?

Yes. You can supply your own trims, or we can source them and list them as their own line on the quote.

Do you offer discounts on fabric by the roll?

Yes. Fabric bought by the full roll is priced lower than cut lengths; ask for roll pricing when you request a quote.

Production and quality control

Where are LinenTailor products made?

In our own mill and cut-and-sew workshop in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, operated by Dongguan Jianmai Supply Chain Co., Ltd.

How do you check quality during production?

Fabric is inspected before cutting, garments are checked during sewing, and finished pieces are measured against your size chart and visually inspected before packing.

Can I visit the factory?

Yes. Brands are welcome to visit our Dongguan workshop by appointment.

Can I approve production before shipping?

Yes. We can share photos and measurements of finished goods for your approval before dispatch.

What happens if bulk does not match the approved sample?

The approved PPS and written specifications are the reference. Pieces outside the agreed tolerances are corrected before shipping.

Is LinenTailor an ethical manufacturer?

We are a small-batch production partner for independent designers and boutique brands, producing to order in our own workshop to avoid overproduction. Read more: ethical linen manufacturer.

Is a small-batch factory better than a big export mill for a new brand?

For a new brand, a small-batch factory usually fits better: lower MOQ, direct communication and patience with development. Big mills suit very large repeat volumes. Read more: small-batch linen clothing manufacturer in China.

Do you make custom linen bedding for hotels and guesthouses?

Yes. We make custom linen bedding, sheets and table linen for hotels, guesthouses and boutique stores, starting from 1 piece. Read more: custom linen home textiles.

Packaging, shipping and delivery

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Orders ship with worldwide express shipping.

How fast are shop orders dispatched?

Most shop orders are dispatched within 3 business days.

Can I use custom packaging and labels?

Yes. Main labels, care labels, hang tags and branded packaging can be added to your order.

What is your return policy for shop orders?

Shop orders can be returned within 14 days of delivery.

Which currency are prices shown in?

Prices in our shop are shown in US dollars.

How do I start an order?

Send your design through the inquiry form or message us on WhatsApp, and we will reply with a quote within 24 hours.

Who is LinenTailor?

LinenTailor is a Dongguan-based linen manufacturer for small-batch apparel from 30 pieces per colour and home textiles from 1 piece.