How to plan sizes and colors in a wholesale clothing order

Build a size curve from your customers

Use sales and returns from comparable garments to estimate the share of each size. Consider fit, customer group and season. If the style is new, use a limited trial and record the assumption rather than copying an unrelated retailer's size mix.

Compare the supplier's garment measurements with your own reference sample. Labels such as S, M or L do not establish equivalent fit between suppliers. Record the measurement method and agreed tolerances.

Separate style, color and size availability

Create a row for each sellable variant with its SKU, color, size, planned units, available quantity and stock confirmation date. Ask how bundled assortments are represented in the catalog and whether individual variants can be selected.

Some offers use fixed ratio packs. Confirm the units per size in each pack and whether MOQ applies to the style, color, size or total order. Do not multiply a style-level stock number across every variant.

Calculate the leftover risk before ordering

For illustration, a 12-piece pack containing two S, four M, four L and two XL units cannot supply only the four M units you need unless splitting is explicitly offered. Buying three packs gives 36 units and preserves that ratio, including the less-needed sizes.

Compare the proposed pack with your expected sales mix and storage capacity. A lower unit price can create higher markdown exposure if the unwanted variants remain after the popular sizes sell out.

Confirm labeling and review the first delivery

Ask for composition, care labeling, origin information and other documentation required for your market. Verify any brand or customization permission separately; a supplier-recorded brand is not proof of a right to relabel the goods.

At receipt, count by variant and compare measurements with the approved reference. Track sales and returns by the same variant identifiers, then adjust the next order using observed demand.

Go deeper with a buyer guide