Every successful clothing brand placed a first order. And almost every brand made at least one costly mistake doing it. Fabric that was the wrong weight. A sample that looked nothing like the tech pack. Payment sent to the wrong account. An MOQ that was too high to test the market properly.
This guide is written by us – Manamo Fashions, a garment manufacturer based in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. We work with brands at every stage from first order to established seasonal production. We have seen what works and what does not across hundreds of first orders. This is what we would tell every brand founder before they contact their first manufacturer.
If you follow these steps in order, your first garment order will go significantly smoother than most. If you skip them, you will likely learn the same lessons – just more expensively.
How to Place Your First Garment Order in Bangladesh – Complete Checklist
Before diving into detail, here is the full process from start to finish:
| Step | Action | What You Need Ready |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define your product clearly | Fabric type, weight, colour, construction details |
| 2 | Create a tech pack | Measurements, materials, labels, print/embroidery specs |
| 3 | Research and shortlist manufacturers | BGMEA verification, certifications, product fit |
| 4 | Send RFQ (Request for Quotation) | Tech pack + target FOB price + quantity |
| 5 | Review quotes and choose manufacturer | FOB price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms |
| 6 | Order a pre-production sample | 50% sample cost deposit, courier address |
| 7 | Review and approve sample | Measurement checklist, fabric hand feel, construction review |
| 8 | Confirm bulk order and pay deposit | 30–50% deposit via T/T or L/C |
| 9 | Monitor production | Weekly updates, mid-production inspection if needed |
| 10 | Final inspection and shipment | AQL inspection, shipping documents, balance payment |
Step 1 – Define Your Product Before You Contact Anyone
The most common mistake brands make is contacting manufacturers before they know exactly what they want. Sending a message saying ‘I want to make hoodies’ is not enough information for a factory to quote you accurately — and it signals inexperience that can affect the price you are offered.
Before reaching out to any manufacturer, you need to define:
- Fabric: what fibre content, what weight in GSM, what weave or knit structure. ‘380gsm 80% cotton 20% polyester French terry’ is a specification. ‘thick cotton’ is not.
- Construction: what is the garment structure? Double hood or single hood? Ribbed cuffs or raw hem? Kangaroo pocket or side pockets?
- Fit: oversized, regular, slim? Where does the hem sit? What is the chest width at size M?
- Colours: how many colourways? Do you have Pantone references?
- Labels and branding: woven neck label, printed label, or heat transfer? Hangtag? Custom packaging?
- Quantity: how many pieces total, split across how many sizes?
The more specific you are before contacting a factory, the more accurate the quote and the lower the risk of expensive surprises later.
Step 2 – Create a Tech Pack
A tech pack is a technical document that tells your manufacturer exactly how to build your garment. It is the single most important document in your production process. Without a proper tech pack, your factory is guessing – and guessing costs money.
A complete tech pack includes:
- Technical flat sketch: front and back view, with all seams, pockets, and construction details labelled
- Bill of Materials (BOM): every component of the garment – main fabric, lining, buttons, zippers, thread, labels, packaging – with exact specifications
- Size spec sheet: measurements for every size you are producing, with tolerance ranges (how much variation is acceptable)
- Grading rules: how measurements change between sizes
- Label placement diagram: exactly where each label, hangtag, and logo goes – with measurements from seams
- Print or embroidery artwork: vector files, Pantone colours, exact placement and size
If you do not have a tech pack, manufacturers will charge you more for sampling because they have to make more iterations to get to the right result. A good tech pack reduces sample rounds from 3-4 to 1-2, saving weeks and hundreds of dollars.
You do not need to create a tech pack yourself. Freelance tech pack designers are available on Fibre2Fashion, LinkedIn, and Upwork for $50–$200 per style. It is one of the best investments you can make before your first order.
Step 3 – Research and Shortlist Manufacturers
Bangladesh has over 4,000 active garment factories. Finding the right one for your specific product and order size requires research, not just a Google search.
Where to Find Verified Manufacturers
- BGMEA member directory (bgmea.com.bd): The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association lists all registered factories. Any factory you consider should be verifiable here.
- Fibre2Fashion.com: Large B2B directory with Bangladesh manufacturer listings. Filter by product type and certifications.
- LinkedIn: Search ‘garment manufacturer Bangladesh’ and look at company pages. Check how long the company has been operating and whether they post real factory content.
- Direct referrals: Ask in fashion entrepreneur communities (Facebook groups, Reddit r/femalefashionadvice or r/streetwear) if anyone has a reliable Bangladesh manufacturer contact.
What to Check Before Shortlisting
- Product match: Does this factory produce your specific product category? A denim specialist may not be the best choice for activewear.
- MOQ compatibility: Does their minimum order quantity match your test order size? Most factories in Bangladesh start at 300–500 pieces per style.
- Certifications: Do they hold OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or BSCI? For EU buyers especially, at least one certification is important.
- Communication: How quickly and clearly do they respond to your first inquiry? Poor communication at the start gets worse during production.
Step 4 – Send a Proper Request for Quotation (RFQ)
Your RFQ is your first impression. A clear, professional RFQ gets a more accurate quote faster. A vague RFQ gets a rough estimate that will change multiple times and waste everyone’s time.
Your RFQ should include:
- Your tech pack or detailed product specification
- Target quantity: e.g. 500 pieces per style, 3 styles
- Colour breakdown: e.g. 200 black, 150 white, 150 navy
- Size breakdown: e.g. 50 XS / 100 S / 150 M / 100 L / 100 XL
- Target FOB price if you have one: this helps the factory know whether you are in their price range before investing time in a detailed quote
- Required certifications: OEKO-TEX, GOTS, BSCI – if any are required by your buyers or markets
- Required lead time: when do you need goods at the origin port?
- Payment terms preference: 30% deposit / 70% before shipment is standard for first orders
✓ Send your RFQ to 3–5 shortlisted manufacturers simultaneously. This gives you comparison data and shows factories you are a serious buyer who has done their homework.
Step 5 – Review Quotes and Choose Your Manufacturer
When quotes come back, do not just compare the FOB price per unit. These are the elements that matter:
| Factor | What to Look For | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| FOB price | Competitive but not suspiciously cheap | Price 30%+ below others — quality risk |
| MOQ | Matches your test quantity | Very high MOQ for a first order |
| Lead time | 75 – 90 days is standard Bangladesh | Under 30 days — rushing risk |
| Sample cost | Clear cost stated upfront | No sample charge — will overcharge later |
| Payment terms | 30–50% deposit is normal | 100% upfront demand from new supplier |
| Certifications | At least one verifiable cert | Vague claims with no documentation |
| Communication | Clear, responsive, specific | Generic replies, delayed responses |
Step 6 – Order a Pre-Production Sample
Never, under any circumstances, skip sampling. This is the step most first-time buyers regret skipping. A pre-production sample is a physical garment made to your specifications before bulk production begins. It is the only way to verify that what the factory produces matches what you designed.
Types of samples in order:
- Proto sample: first physical interpretation of your tech pack – tests silhouette and construction, not final fabric or colour
- Fit sample: correct fabric and construction, tested for measurements and grading across sizes
- Pre-production (PP) sample: final approved version that matches bulk production exactly – this is what you sign off on before bulk begins
For your first order, expect 2–3 rounds of sampling. Each round takes 10–14 days and costs $50–$200 per sample depending on complexity. Budget for this – it is not an optional expense, it is quality insurance.
If a manufacturer tells you they do not need a sample and can go straight to bulk production – walk away. This is always a mistake.
Step 7 – Review and Approve Your Sample Correctly
When your sample arrives, do not just look at it casually. Review it against your tech pack systematically. Check every single specification.
Sample Review Checklist
- Measurements: measure every spec on the size spec sheet. Any measurement outside the tolerance range must be corrected before bulk.
- Fabric: does the hand feel match the GSM and fibre content specified? Does it feel like it will shrink? Ask for a wash test if unsure.
- Construction: check seam allowances, stitch density, and finishing. Are the seams flat? Is the hem even?
- Colour: compare against your Pantone reference or colour standard in natural daylight, not artificial lighting.
- Label placement: are all labels in exactly the right position as specified?
- Hardware: zippers, buttons, rivets – do they function correctly and match specifications?
- Overall impression: would you be proud to sell this product under your brand name?
✓ Write your feedback in a clear document with photos showing exactly what needs to change. ‘The shoulder seam is 1.5cm too wide on the right side’ is actionable feedback. ‘The fit looks off’ is not.
Step 8 – Confirm Your Bulk Order and Pay Deposit
Once the PP sample is approved and signed off, your bulk order begins. At this point you will:
- Sign or exchange a purchase order (PO) – a formal document confirming product specifications, quantity, price, delivery date, and payment terms
- Pay your deposit: typically 30–50% of the total order value. Standard international wire transfer (T/T) to the manufacturer’s verified bank account. Never pay via informal channels or personal accounts.
- Confirm your delivery date and milestone schedule – fabric sourcing confirmation, cut date, sew date, and ex-factory date
- Provide final artwork files: if your garment has printing, embroidery, or labelling, provide final vector files and colour references now – not mid-production
⚠ Verify the bank account details on every payment by calling your manufacturer directly. Supplier email account fraud – where criminals intercept emails and change bank details – is a real and growing risk in international B2B transactions.
Step 9 – Monitor Production
You do not need to be at the factory, but you do need to stay in contact. For a first order, ask for weekly production updates with photos at key milestones:
- Fabric received and inspected at factory
- Cutting completed
- Sewing in progress – first 100 pieces quality check
- Finishing and packing in progress
- Ready for final inspection
For orders above $10,000, consider hiring a third-party quality inspection company to do a mid-production check. Companies like Bureau Veritas, SGS, and Intertek operate in Bangladesh and will inspect your order for $200–$400. It is cheap insurance against receiving a full bulk order with systematic defects.
Step 10 – Final Inspection and Shipment
Before you pay your balance and release the shipment, a final inspection should take place. The industry standard is AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) 2.5 inspection – a statistical sampling method where a random sample of finished garments is inspected against your specifications.
What a final inspection checks:
- Measurements against approved size spec sheet
- Visual defects – stains, pulls, broken stitching, uneven hems
- Label and branding placement
- Packing – correct carton marking, correct pieces per carton, correct assortment
Once inspection passes, you pay your balance, receive your shipping documents, and your goods are loaded onto the vessel at Chittagong port. Your freight forwarder takes over from that point.
Realistic Timeline for a First Order From Bangladesh
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Tech pack preparation | 1–2 weeks | You create or commission your tech pack |
| Manufacturer research | 1 week | Shortlist, RFQ, compare quotes |
| Sampling (2–3 rounds) | 3–5 weeks | Proto → fit → PP sample, revisions |
| Bulk production | 4–6 weeks | Fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, finishing |
| Inspection & shipment prep | 3–5 days | Final inspection, packing, export documents |
| Ocean freight to EU | 20–30 days | Chittagong → European destination port |
| Ocean freight to USA | 18–25 days | Chittagong → US East or West Coast |
| Total (sample to warehouse) | 12–18 weeks | Realistic for a first order |
The 6 Most Expensive Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
1. Skipping Sampling to Save Time or Money
Sampling costs $100–$400. A bulk order with systematic defects costs 100× that in lost goods, airfreight for replacements, and missed sell-through windows. Never skip it.
2. Ordering Too Much for a First Run
If you have never sold this product before, you do not know how it will perform. Order a test quantity — 300–500 pieces — to validate the market before committing to 3,000 pieces.
3. Choosing a Manufacturer on Price Alone
The cheapest quote is almost never the best decision. Quality, communication, reliability, and certification matter more than saving $0.50 per unit on your first order.
4. Not Verifying Bank Details Before Transferring Money
Supplier fraud is real. Always verify bank account details by phone call before any wire transfer. Never send money based only on email instructions.
5. Sending Incomplete or Unclear Tech Packs
A factory can only produce what you specify. Vague specifications produce vague results. Invest in a proper tech pack before production begins.
6. Ignoring Lead Times in Your Business Planning
A Bangladesh first order realistically takes 12–18 weeks from tech pack to warehouse. Plan your inventory, marketing, and launch timeline accordingly. Rushing production to meet an artificial deadline creates quality problems.
Ready to Place Your First Order? Talk to Manamo Fashions.
We are a B2B garment manufacturer based in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. We work with fashion brands at every stage — from first 300-piece test orders to established seasonal production. Knitwear, denim, activewear, woven shirts, and outerwear. OEKO-TEX certified. 75-90 day lead times. We respond to every RFQ within 24 hours.
sales@manamofashion.com · +880 1911305618 · manamofashions.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I place my first garment order with a Bangladesh manufacturer?
To place your first garment order with a Bangladesh manufacturer: 1) Create a detailed tech pack with fabric specifications, measurements, and construction details. 2) Research and shortlist 3–5 BGMEA-registered manufacturers that produce your product category. 3) Send a Request for Quotation (RFQ) with your tech pack, target quantity, and required certifications. 4) Compare quotes on FOB price, MOQ, lead time, and payment terms. 5) Order a pre-production sample before committing to bulk. 6) Approve the sample, sign a purchase order, and pay a 30–50% deposit. 7) Monitor production with weekly updates. 8) Conduct a final AQL inspection before paying the balance and releasing shipment.
What is the minimum order quantity for garment manufacturing in Bangladesh?
Most garment manufacturers in Bangladesh have a standard MOQ of 300–500 pieces per style for knitwear, casualwear, and activewear, and 500–1,000 pieces for denim and woven garments. Manamo Fashions works with fashion brands from a minimum of 300 pieces per style. Some factories require higher MOQs of 1,000–3,000 pieces, while specialised small-batch manufacturers may accept 100–200 pieces at higher unit prices.
How long does it take to manufacture garments in Bangladesh?
A first garment order from Bangladesh typically takes 12–18 weeks from tech pack to warehouse including sampling. The production phase alone takes 45–75 days. Sampling takes 3–5 weeks across 2–3 rounds. Ocean freight from Chittagong adds 18–30 days depending on your destination. Experienced buyers with approved fabrics and repeat orders can achieve 30–45 day production lead times.
What is a tech pack and do I need one to order from Bangladesh?
A tech pack is a technical document containing your garment’s flat sketch, bill of materials, size specifications, label placement, and construction details. Yes, you need one before contacting any manufacturer – it is the primary document factories use to produce accurate quotes and samples. Without a tech pack, factories cannot quote accurately and sampling will take more rounds and cost more. A freelance tech pack designer typically charges $50–$200 per style.
What certifications should a Bangladesh garment manufacturer have?
The key certifications to look for when sourcing from Bangladesh are: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (confirms textiles are free from harmful chemicals — essential for EU and US market brands), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard — required if you are making organic cotton claims), BSCI or SEDEX (social compliance audits confirming labour standards — required by most major European retailers), and LEED (green building certification for the factory facility). Manamo Fashions holds OEKO-TEX certification and can produce GOTS-certified organic garments on request.
How much does it cost to manufacture clothing in Bangladesh?
Garment manufacturing costs in Bangladesh vary significantly by product type. Indicative FOB price ranges for 2026: basic cotton t-shirts $2.50–$5.00, hoodies and sweatshirts $8–$14, denim jeans $10–$18, activewear leggings $6–$12, woven shirts $7–$13, puffer jackets $18–$35. Prices decrease with higher order volumes and increase with fabric weight, construction complexity, and certifications required. Add 15–25% to FOB price to calculate your total landed cost at a European warehouse.