How to Buy Sweatshirts in Bulk: Ultimate 2025 Guide for Wholesale Success

Introduction

Sweatshirts are no longer just cold-weather essentials — they’ve become a year-round fashion staple for brands, schools, and businesses alike. Whether you’re starting a streetwear label, outfitting a sports team, or running a retail store, buying sweatshirts in bulk can save costs, ensure consistent quality, and streamline your inventory.

But how do you buy bulk sweatshirts the right way? What should you consider before ordering hundreds of pieces — and where can you find a reliable supplier?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to buy sweatshirts in bulk, from choosing the right material to finding trusted global manufacturers like Newasia Garment Co., Ltd.(INNBLAC) in China.

Understanding Wholesale Clothing Vendors

Simply put, wholesale clothing vendors sell clothing items in bulk quantities to retailers. Although they often act as intermediaries between clothing manufacturers and retailers, some wholesalers manufacture their products in-house.

More importantly, wholesale clothing vendors play a crucial role in the fashion supply chain, providing a wide range of clothing at competitive prices. Some may specialize in specific clothing types, like casual wear, athletic apparel, or formal attire.

The main idea behind purchasing from wholesale vendors is to benefit from bulk pricing. In this regard, you can obtain high-quality clothing products at a lower cost per unit. As a result, you can mark up the items and generate profit when selling them to your end users.

Why Buy Sweatshirts in Bulk?

Buying in bulk is a strategic move for any fashion business or reseller. Here’s why:

• Lower Cost Per Unit: The more you buy, the less you pay per piece — ideal for maximizing profit margins.

• Consistent Quality: Working with one manufacturer ensures uniform fabric, fit, and stitching.

• Brand Consistency: Bulk orders support cohesive color palettes, logo placement, and sizing.

• Room for Customization: Bulk manufacturers often offer OEM/ODM services such as logo printing, embroidery, labeling, and packaging.

If you’re planning to launch a brand or scale production, bulk buying is the foundation for growth.

Factors Affecting Bulk Sweatshirt Prices

Understanding what drives sweatshirt production cost will help you negotiate smarter.

1. Fabric Type

Cotton and fleece blends are pricier than polyester but feel more premium. Organic cotton costs even more due to certification.

2. Weight & GSM

Heavier GSM fabrics (300–400gsm) are more expensive but feel thicker and last longer.

3. Customization Level

Printing, embroidery, labeling, and packaging increase costs — but also enhance your brand value.

4. Order Quantity

The higher your volume, the better your per-unit rate.

5. Country of Manufacture

Labor and logistics costs differ widely.
👉 China remains one of the most cost-efficient and quality-stable countries for apparel manufacturing.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Sweatshirts in Bulk

Here’s a clear roadmap to make sure your bulk purchase goes smoothly:

Step 1: Define Your Needs

Start by identifying:

• Fabric type (cotton, fleece, polyester blend)

• Style (crewneck, hoodie, zip-up)

• Sizes & colors

• End use (casual wear, workwear, streetwear, promotional)

Step 2: Research Reliable Suppliers

Look for manufacturers or wholesalers with:

• Proven track record

• Transparent MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

• Customization capability

• Positive client reviews or case studies

Step 3: Request Samples

Always test before investing. Order samples to inspect stitching quality, fabric weight, and fit.
A good manufacturer will send pre-production samples before mass production.

Step 4: Negotiate Price and MOQ

Bulk pricing is flexible. Negotiate based on quantity, materials, and delivery schedule.
In China, you can typically negotiate MOQ starting from 50–100 pcs.

Step 5: Approve Design and Customization

Confirm print methods (screen, heat transfer, embroidery), packaging, hang tags, and private labeling if needed.

Step 6: Confirm Production Time & Shipping

Average production time is 15–30 days after sample approval. Shipping options include air freight (faster, costlier) and sea freight (cheaper, longer).

Where to Buy Sweatshirts in Bulk

You have three main sourcing channels, depending on your needs and budget:

1. Local Wholesalers

You can find domestic wholesalers or distributors offering blank sweatshirts in bulk.
Pros: Fast delivery, easy returns.
Cons: Higher prices, limited customization.

2. Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Alibaba, Faire, and ShirtSpace connect buyers with suppliers globally.
Pros: Wide selection, easy communication.
Cons: Quality may vary — always vet suppliers carefully.

3. Direct Manufacturers

For the best value, go straight to the source — a professional apparel manufacturer.
This allows:

• Full OEM/ODM service

• Fabric sourcing control

• Better pricing

• Brand exclusivity

✅ Recommended Partner:
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd.(INNBLAC) — A trusted China-based clothing manufacturer with 39 years of industry experience, offering hoodies, sweatshirts, and streetwear with high-quality craftsmanship and global export experience.

Should You Buy Wholesale Clothing From Domestic or Overseas Suppliers?

Choosing between domestic and overseas suppliers is one of the most critical decisions you'll make as a startup clothing business. Domestic suppliers offer the obvious advantage of being in the same country, and they also provide high-quality garments, better service, and faster delivery.

Domestic suppliers are particularly beneficial when time-sensitivity and meeting specific legal requirements are necessary. However, they have a significant disadvantage: higher prices. Domestic suppliers often charge more than their overseas counterparts. So you'll need higher sales volumes to make profits.

On the other hand, overseas suppliers are attractive due to their cost advantages, ability to create customized designs, and willingness to accept small-batch orders. They are cost-effective options for small businesses and startups looking to minimize upfront expenses and access extensive inventories.

However, overseas suppliers may have potential delays in product delivery due to shipping logistics and may show poor quality control sometimes.

Finding a Partner: Manufacturer vs. Wholesaler

One of the first big choices you’ll make is the type of partner to work with. Choosing between a wholesaler and a manufacturer will shape your business. This choice affects your costs, product control, and how you order bulk clothing.

What is a Wholesale Distributor?

A wholesale distributor, or supplier, sells ready-made clothing. They stock items from many different brands and manufacturers. These are often blank items like t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. They are ready for you to print on.

• Pros: They have lower MOQs, so you can start small. Shipping is fast, often taking just days or weeks. You can choose from a wide variety of existing styles and brands.
• Cons: You have limited options for customization. You cannot change the cut or fabric of the garment. The cost per item may be higher than going directly to a factory.

For example, platforms like Innblac are great for boutiques looking for trendy, ready-to-ship fashion pieces.

What is a Clothing Manufacturer?

A clothing manufacturer makes clothes from scratch. They take raw materials, like fabric, and create garments based on your exact designs. This process is often called “cut-and-sew.”

• Pros: You get full control over every detail, from the fabric to the stitching. This allows you to create a truly unique product. On large orders, the cost per item can be much lower.
• Cons: The MOQs are much higher, often hundreds or thousands of pieces per style. Production and shipping take much longer, usually several months. The process is more complex and requires more of your attention.

Working directly with a partner like Manufacturing Clothes gives you complete control to build your vision from the ground up.

Partner with Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. (INNBLAC) Today

Newasia Garment is the strategic manufacturing partner for brands that demand quality, scale, and sustainability. With over 39 years of industry expertise, we provide end-to-end apparel solutions—from concept and design to precision production and global delivery.

We leverage vertically integrated facilities, advanced manufacturing technologies, and ethical production practices to ensure every garment meets international standards. Our dedicated R&D team and fabric lab enable innovative material development and custom finishes—including laser washing, ozone treatment, and eco-friendly dyeing—while maintaining competitive pricing and reliable lead times.

Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an established brand, Newasia Garment supports your growth with flexible MOQs starting at 100 pieces per style. We help minimize inventory risk while delivering consistent quality that reflects your brand’s vision.

Trusted by global brands such as Levi’s, Lee, and American Eagle Outfitters, we don’t just manufacture clothing—we build lasting partnerships rooted in excellence, transparency, and shared success.

FAQ — Buying Sweatshirts in Bulk

Q1: What is a good Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for a first-time order?
This varies a lot between suppliers. Wholesale distributors might have MOQs as low as 12 or 24 pieces. Custom manufacturers often start much higher, around 100 to 500 pieces for each style and color. For a first order, we recommend finding a supplier with the lowest MOQ possible. This lets you test your product in the market without a huge investment.

Q2: Can I customize colors and logos?
Yes! You can print, embroider, or add woven labels. OEM/ODM services let you create your own private label brand.

Q3: How much cheaper is it to buy clothing in bulk?
The savings are significant when you buy in bulk. You can expect to pay 30% to 60% less than retail prices. The discount gets bigger as your order quantity increases. The goal is to get a wholesale price that allows you to mark it up for retail. This is usually 2 to 3 times your cost.

Q4: Should I source my bulk clothing domestically or overseas?
Each has its pros and cons. Domestic sourcing (in your own country) offers faster shipping, easier communication, and often simpler quality control. However, it can be more expensive. Sourcing overseas can be cheaper per item. But it comes with longer shipping times, potential language barriers, and the complexities of importing goods.

Q5: How do I ensure the quality of a bulk clothing order?
The most important step is to always order a physical sample before you place the full order. You must approve this sample for its fabric, stitching, color, and fit. Second, make sure all details are in a formal contract or purchase order. Finally, perform your own quality check on a portion of the inventory as soon as it arrives.

Conclusion: Partner with the Right Bulk Sweatshirt Manufacturer

Buying sweatshirts in bulk can transform your clothing business — but success depends on choosing the right manufacturing partner.
From cost efficiency and customization to reliability and export experience, China remains the best destination for bulk apparel production.

👉 Partner with Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. (INNBLAC)
With 39 years of manufacturing excellence, Newasia provides OEM & ODM solutions for sweatshirts, hoodies, and all kinds of casualwear — tailored to your brand’s identity and market needs.

Let’s make your next sweatshirt collection simple, profitable, and stylish — from design to delivery.