What’s the Best Clothing Manufacturer for Startups in Portugal with Low MOQ and High Quality?

Starting a clothing brand is an exciting journey, but one of the biggest challenges is finding the right manufacturer. As a startup, you need a partner who offers high-quality production without demanding massive orders upfront. The good news? AthleisureBasics provides access to a network of experienced Portuguese manufacturers, making it easier than ever to produce small-batch, premium-quality apparel.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about startup-friendly apparel production in Portugal, including:

• Why Portugal is a top destination for high-quality clothing manufacturing
• How small minimum order quantities (MOQs) help startups launch without high risks
• What to look for when choosing the right manufacturer for your brand
• The benefits of fast production times and flexible order sizes
• How to turn your clothing concept into a finished product with the right manufacturing partner

The Challenge for Startups: Quality vs. MOQ

If you’re a startup, you’ve probably faced the same problem: manufacturers requiring large MOQs, making it nearly impossible to launch a small collection. Maybe you want to test the market with just a few pieces per style, but most manufacturers are set up for large-scale production.

On the other hand, when you do find a factory that offers low MOQs, you often run into quality issues—cheap fabrics, poor stitching, and products that won’t hold up over time. Finding a balance between affordable low MOQs and premium quality is crucial, and that’s where Portugal stands out. AthleisureBasics helps bridge this gap by connecting smaller startups with experienced Portuguese manufacturers who specialize in small-batch, high-quality production.

Why Portugal Is One of the Best Places for Startup Apparel Production

Portugal has built a strong reputation in apparel manufacturing, not only in athleisure, streetwear with high-performance fabrics. The country offers top-tier craftsmanship.

Here’s why our Portugal Network is a great choice:

• Small MOQs available – Our network of over 50 Portuguese manufacturing partners ensures that each brand is matched with the right producer. Smaller brands work with smaller manufacturers that specialize in high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service. Family-run businesses that prefer to focus on smaller orders are more than happy to accommodate lower MOQs. No matter the size of your project, our network provides the best manufacturing solution tailored to your needs.Premium materials and expert craftsmanship – Portugal is known for high-quality textiles, excellent stitching, and durable construction.
• Premium materials and expert craftsmanship – Portugal is known for high-quality textiles, excellent craftsmanship and reliable production.
• Sustainable and ethical production – Almost all Portuguese manufacturers prioritize environmentally friendly processes and fair labor practices. As part of the European Union, they adhere to strict quality standards and regulations, ensuring ethical production, sustainable materials, and high-quality craftsmanship in every clothing item.
• Fast and easy worldwide shipping - with our trusted logistics partners, ensuring the lowest available shipping costs. Thanks to daily shipments and strong relationships with international carriers, we offer great rates and reliable delivery to any destination.
• A long history of textile innovation – Our network of Portuguese manufacturers brings decades of expertise in fashion and sportswear production, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This deep-rooted textile innovation ensures exceptional quality, precision, and adaptability to the latest industry trends

These factors make Portugal, and more importantly AthleisureBasics' network, one of the best solutions for startups looking to produce high-quality, small-batch clothing without unnecessary risk.

Low MOQs: The Key to Testing and Scaling Your Brand

One of the biggest advantages of working with AthleisureBasics in Portugal is that low minimum order quantities (MOQs) are available. Instead of committing to hundreds of pieces per style, you can start with as few as 40 pieces per design.

This allows you to:

1. Launch small collections without massive upfront costs
2. Test the market and adjust your designs based on customer feedback
3. Avoid overproduction and unsold inventory
4. Free up cash flow to invest in branding and marketing
5. Fast restocking 

If you need even more customization, AthleisureBasics offers you fully customizable blanks in any Pantone TCX colors with a minimum of just 40 pieces. This level of flexibility is hard to find in anywhere in the clothing production, making Portugal an ideal choice for startups and established businesses looking to make smarter decisions while minimizing risks.

High-Quality Production Without Compromise

Just because you’re ordering in small quantities doesn’t mean you should settle for low-quality production. Portugal’s textile industry is known for premium-quality fabrics and long-lasting apparel products.

Our manufacturers work with a wide range of performance and fashion fabrics, including:

• Soft, high-stretch fabrics for athleisure and sportswear
• Sustainable and organic materials for eco-conscious brands
• High-end streetwear textiles with premium finishing

We constantly worked with brands that launch with just 40 products. And usually the brand comes back to reorder again within only a few weeks.

This is why Portugal, and our network of manufacturers, is a smart choice—you get highend manufacturing without committing to massive quantities upfront.

Fast Production and Flexible Scaling

Speed is crucial when launching a new brand. Some manufacturers take months to complete production, delaying your ability to get products to market. Especially when a bigger, more important client places a larger order right before it is your turn in the production line. That happens more often then you imagine.

• In our Network, production times are fast, typically ranging between 6 - 12  weeks, allowing you to:
• Get your products to market quickly and stay ahead of trends
• Restock fast if your first collection sells out
• Avoid long delays that could slow down your business growth

Whether you need pre-made blanks or fully custom designs, working with AthleisureBasics and our trusted manufacturing partners gives you the flexibility you need to launch and scale. Because over time, your orders and requirements will become bigger and it is important to have a network that is able to grow the manufacturing requirements with the requirements of your brand.

Bringing Your Brand to Life: From Idea to Production

Every successful clothing brand starts with a vision—but turning that vision into a real product requires the right manufacturing partner.

Imagine this:

A startup founder sketches a legging design on a notepad. She has no prior experience with manufacturing, but she knows what she wants.

She uses AthleisureBasics and our network. Once we become partners - we handle the entire process. After receiving the project and the product information, we decide what partners will be the best fit for the project. We get the process started and be there all the way. Everything will be communicated transparent. We will always be available over the phone or on person if someone wants to come visit the production in Portugal. And picking the right partner for the project, allows her to start with just 40 pieces per style. She chooses her customizations like colors and printing and tags or packaging and within a few weeks, her first collection is ready to launch.

She posts about her launch on Instagram, sells out in two weeks, and places a larger reorder —all while keeping costs manageable and minimizing financial risk.

This is the power of low-MOQ, high-quality production in Portugal through AthleisureBasics—small steps, big results, and a clear path to brand growth.

If that sounds interesting to you and you want a risk free approach to get your next collection ready, get in touch our team and see for yourself what we can do for your brand. 

FAQs About Startup Apparel Production in Portugal

Why is Portugal a great choice for startup apparel production?

Portugal is known for high-quality, meticulous  craftsmanship and sustainable production practices.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for clothing manufacturers in Portugal?

MOQs vary based on customization and complexity, but AthleisureBasics' network offers production starting at just 30-40 pieces per style, making it ideal for startups launching small collections.

How long does production take in Portugal?

Production typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the order details and complexity of the desired customizations.

Can I get fully custom clothing made in Portugal?

Yes, our manufacturers offer full customization, including Pantone-matched colors, custom fabric choices, and private label branding at low MOQ’s.

How do I get started with AthleisureBasics?

Reach out to us, and we will open our network of 50+ Portuguese production partners to you.

Final Thoughts

Launching a successful clothing brand starts with the right manufacturer. AthleisureBasics provides access to Portugal’s best manufacturers, offering low MOQs, premium quality, and sustainable production.

Ready to bring your designs to life? Get in touch with AthleisureBasics, and we’ll help you to get your next collection ready in no time.