Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about manufacturing custom clothing with White Cotton. From minimum order quantities and pricing to fabrics, decoration, and delivery — find detailed answers below.
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8 Questions
Getting Started
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our standard MOQ is 50 units per style per colour — one of the lowest MOQs among certified European manufacturers. This allows us to set up production efficiently while keeping your initial investment manageable. For sampling and development, there is no minimum — you can order a single prototype to validate your design before committing to bulk.
How do I start a clothing manufacturing project with White Cotton?
Simply reach out via our contact form or email with a brief description of your project — garment types, estimated quantities, and any references you have. We will schedule a consultation call within 24 hours and guide you through every step from concept to delivery.
Do I need a tech pack to get started?
A tech pack is helpful but not required. If you have one, it speeds up the quoting process significantly. If you do not, our design team can help you create one from sketches, reference images, or even a verbal description. Many of our clients start with just an idea.
How quickly can I get a quotation?
We aim to deliver a detailed quotation within 48 hours of receiving your project brief. For complex projects involving custom fabric development or multiple techniques, it may take up to 72 hours. Rush quotes are available upon request.
Can you help me design my collection from scratch?
Absolutely. Our collection development service covers everything from trend research and fabric selection to pattern making and technical design. We work with emerging and established brands alike to bring creative visions to life — visit our services page for more details.
What information do I need to provide for a quote?
At minimum, we need the garment type (e.g., hoodie, t-shirt), desired fabric and weight, decoration details (print, embroidery, labels), estimated quantities per size, and your target delivery date. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the quote will be.
Is there a setup fee or design fee?
There is no setup fee for standard production orders. Pattern development and tech pack creation carry a one-time fee that is credited toward your first production order. Screen printing setup fees apply per colour but are also waived on orders above 500 units.
Can I order just one sample first?
Yes. We encourage all clients to approve a sample before bulk production. Sample fees vary by complexity — a basic cut-and-sew sample typically ranges from 80 to 150 EUR. Once you approve the sample and place a production order, the sample cost is deducted from your invoice.
8 Questions
Production & Timelines
How long does sample development take?
Sample development typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity. A basic t-shirt sample can be ready in 2 weeks, while a fully custom hoodie with embroidery and woven labels may take 4 to 6 weeks. We send progress updates throughout the process.
How long does full production take?
Full production runs between 4 and 8 weeks after sample approval, depending on order size and complexity. A 500-unit order of printed t-shirts typically takes 4 weeks. Larger orders or garments with multiple decoration techniques may require 6 to 8 weeks.
What is the total timeline from first contact to delivery?
For a straightforward project, expect 8 to 14 weeks from first contact to delivery: 1 week for quoting, 2 to 4 weeks for sampling, 1 week for approval, and 4 to 8 weeks for production. We provide a detailed timeline at the quoting stage so you can plan your launch accordingly.
Can you handle rush orders?
Yes, we offer expedited production for time-sensitive projects. Rush orders can reduce lead times by 30 to 50 percent, subject to current factory capacity. A rush surcharge of 15 to 25 percent applies depending on the timeline compression required.
How does quality control work?
Every order goes through a multi-stage quality control process: fabric inspection on arrival, inline checks during production, and a final AQL 2.5 inspection before packing. We share a detailed QC report with photos for every shipment, and you are welcome to arrange third-party inspections.
What happens if I'm not happy with the sample?
We offer up to two rounds of sample revisions at no additional cost. If the sample does not meet your expectations, we work with you to adjust the pattern, fabric, or finishing until it matches your vision. Our goal is your complete satisfaction before production begins.
Do you handle packaging and labelling?
Yes, we provide full-package solutions including custom woven labels, hang tags, care labels, polybag packing, and branded shipping boxes. All labelling complies with EU textile regulations. Visit our private label service page for the full scope of what we offer.
Can you ship directly to my customers or warehouse?
We ship worldwide via DHL, FedEx, UPS, and sea freight. We can deliver to your warehouse, 3PL provider, or fulfillment centre. Drop-shipping to individual customers is available for select clients on a case-by-case basis. All shipments include full tracking.
6 Questions
Pricing & Costs
How much does custom clothing manufacturing cost?
Pricing depends on fabric choice, garment complexity, decoration, and order volume. As a reference, basic cotton t-shirts start from around 6 to 8 EUR per unit at 200+ pieces, and premium hoodies from 18 to 28 EUR. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific requirements.
How does pricing change with order volume?
Volume discounts are significant in garment manufacturing. Prices typically drop 10 to 20 percent between a 50-unit order and a 500-unit order, with further reductions at 1,000+ units. We provide tiered pricing in every quotation so you can plan your budget across different quantities.
Are there hidden costs I should know about?
We believe in transparent pricing. Your quote includes fabric, cut-and-sew, decoration, labels, packaging, and QC. The only potential extras are sample development fees, screen printing setup charges for new designs, and shipping costs — all of which are clearly communicated upfront.
Do you offer payment plans?
Our standard terms are 50 percent deposit upon order confirmation and 50 percent balance before shipment. For repeat clients with a proven track record, we offer Net 30 payment terms. Custom payment structures can be discussed for large-volume partnerships.
What is included in the unit price?
The unit price covers raw materials (fabric, thread, trims), cutting, sewing, decoration (printing or embroidery), labelling, quality control, and standard polybag packaging. Shipping and any custom packaging upgrades are quoted separately so you have full cost visibility.
How do I pay — what payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers (SEPA and international wire), which is the preferred method for production orders. For samples and smaller amounts, we can accommodate PayPal. All invoices are issued in EUR with full company details for your accounting records.
8 Questions
Fabrics & Materials
What fabrics do you work with?
We work with a wide range of knit and woven fabrics including organic cotton, combed cotton, cotton-polyester blends, French terry, fleece, jersey, pique, poplin, twill, and more. Browse our full fabric library for detailed specifications on every material we offer.
Do you offer organic and sustainable fabric options?
Yes, sustainability is central to our operations. We offer GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled polyester (rPET), BCI cotton, and Tencel/Lyocell. Visit our sustainability page for full details on our certified materials and environmental commitments.
Can I supply my own fabric?
Absolutely. We accept CMT (Cut-Make-Trim) orders where you supply your own fabric. We will need to inspect the fabric upon arrival to ensure it meets production requirements. Please note that we cannot guarantee production timelines if there are issues with client-supplied materials.
What fabric weights do you offer for hoodies?
Our hoodie fabrics range from 280 GSM for lightweight options to 500+ GSM for heavyweight premium hoodies. The most popular weights are 320 GSM for a standard fit and 380 to 420 GSM for a premium, structured feel. We can source custom weights upon request.
What is GSM and why does it matter?
GSM stands for grams per square metre and measures fabric weight or density. A higher GSM means a thicker, heavier fabric — for example, 160 GSM is a standard t-shirt weight while 400 GSM is a heavyweight hoodie. GSM directly affects the garment's drape, durability, and perceived quality.
Can you develop custom fabrics?
Yes, we can develop bespoke fabrics to your specifications including custom blends, weights, textures, and colours. Custom fabric development requires a minimum of 300 metres and typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the first lot. This service is ideal for brands seeking a truly unique product.
What is the difference between French terry and fleece?
French terry has a flat face with exposed loops on the back, making it lighter and more breathable — ideal for spring/summer sweatshirts. Fleece has a brushed, fuzzy interior that provides superior warmth and softness, making it the go-to for winter hoodies. Both are available in our fabric library.
Are your fabrics certified?
Yes. Our fabric partners hold GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), and BCI certifications. We can provide certification documentation for any fabric used in your order, which is essential for brands making sustainability claims to their customers.
6 Questions
Decoration & Finishing
What decoration techniques do you offer?
We offer screen printing, DTG (direct-to-garment) printing, embroidery, heat transfer, sublimation, puff print, flock, foil stamping, and garment dyeing. Each technique has specific advantages — explore our techniques page for a complete comparison with recommended use cases.
What is the difference between DTG and screen printing?
DTG prints directly onto fabric using inkjet technology, making it ideal for photographic or highly detailed designs with unlimited colours at low quantities. Screen printing uses stencils and is more cost-effective at higher volumes but works best with simpler designs of 1 to 6 colours. We recommend DTG for orders under 200 units and screen printing above that threshold.
Can you do embroidery on lightweight fabrics?
Yes, with proper backing and stabiliser materials. Lightweight fabrics like jersey or single-knit cotton require a tear-away or cut-away backing to prevent puckering. Our embroidery team adjusts thread tension, stitch density, and backing type to ensure clean results on any fabric weight.
How many colours can you print or embroider?
For screen printing, we can accommodate up to 8 colours per design. DTG and sublimation support unlimited colours at no extra cost. Embroidery supports up to 15 thread colours per design. Complex multi-colour embroideries may require a digitisation fee for optimal stitch quality.
Can I combine multiple techniques on one garment?
Absolutely — many of our most popular orders combine techniques. For example, screen-printed front graphic with embroidered logo on the chest, or sublimated panels with woven label detailing. Our production team ensures technique compatibility and recommends the optimal sequence for lasting results.
Do you offer garment dyeing and wash treatments?
Yes, we offer garment dyeing, acid wash, stone wash, enzyme wash, and vintage treatments. These are applied after construction to achieve unique textures and colour effects. Garment-dyed pieces have a distinctive soft hand feel that cannot be replicated with pre-dyed fabric. Minimum quantities apply for dye lots.
6 Questions
Services
What is the difference between private label and white label?
Private label means we manufacture garments to your exact specifications — custom patterns, fabrics, and finishing — under your brand name. White label means you select from our existing blank garment catalogue and add your branding (labels, tags, prints). Private label offers maximum customisation while white label is faster and has lower MOQs. Learn more on our private label page.
What does full-package manufacturing mean?
Full-package (FPP) means we handle everything from fabric sourcing and pattern making through cutting, sewing, decoration, labelling, quality control, and shipping. You provide the design vision and we deliver finished, retail-ready garments. This is our most popular service and eliminates the need to coordinate multiple suppliers.
Do you offer collection development for new brands?
Yes, collection development is one of our core services. We help new brands define their product range, select fabrics and fits, create tech packs, develop samples, and produce their first collections. We have launched over 100 brands from concept to market and understand the unique challenges startups face.
Can you produce both knit and woven garments?
Yes. Our facility handles knit garments (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, joggers, polos) and woven garments (shirts, jackets, trousers, shorts). We have dedicated production lines for each category with specialised machinery and trained operators to ensure the highest quality across both.
Do you work with startups or only established brands?
We actively welcome startups and emerging brands. Our 50-unit MOQ is specifically designed to be accessible for new businesses testing the market. We provide extra guidance on sizing, fabric selection, and production planning to help first-time clients navigate the manufacturing process confidently.
What garment categories do you manufacture?
We manufacture across all major garment categories: t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, crewnecks, joggers, shorts, jackets, shirts, dresses, and accessories. Browse our full product catalogue for specifications and starting prices on each category.
6 Questions
About White Cotton
Where is your factory located?
Our factory is located at Rua Industrial do Corujo 10, 4750-784 Lijo, Barcelos, Portugal — in the heart of Portugal's historic textile region. Barcelos has been a centre of European textile manufacturing for over a century, and our location gives us access to the region's skilled workforce and established supply chains. Visit our factory page for more details.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes, we welcome factory visits and strongly encourage them. Seeing our production floor, meeting the team, and inspecting quality standards in person builds trust and strengthens partnerships. We can arrange a guided tour any weekday — simply contact us to schedule a visit.
What certifications do you hold?
We work with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified materials and processes. We are committed to ethical manufacturing practices including fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility across our entire supply chain.
Why should I manufacture in Portugal instead of Asia?
Portugal offers a compelling combination of quality, proximity, and ethical standards. Lead times are 50 to 70 percent shorter than Asia, there are no language or timezone barriers for European clients, MOQs are lower, intellectual property protection is stronger, and EU manufacturing allows duty-free trade within Europe. Quality and craftsmanship are on par with Italy at a more competitive price point.
How long has White Cotton been manufacturing?
White Cotton operates in the Barcelos textile cluster which has over 100 years of garment manufacturing heritage. Our team combines decades of industry experience with modern production technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results for brands worldwide.
Do you have a product catalog I can browse?
Yes, you can explore our full product range on our products page, which includes detailed specifications, fabric options, and starting prices for every garment category. For a curated selection of blank garments ready for your branding, visit genuineblanks.com — our B2B wholesale platform.