How to Split Sizes for Your First Activewear Order
Once you know your styles and colors, the next question is how many of each size to order. Get it wrong and you sell out of M in a week while XL sits in the warehouse. This guide explains how size splits work with our MOQ and how to plan a sensible first curve.
- No minimum per size: split each color's quantity across sizes freely.
- Weight the middle: most first orders lean toward S, M and L.
- Use your own data whenever you have it: sales, returns and pre-orders.
- Fewer colors, full sizes: cut colors before you cut sizes.
- Plan each piece separately, including tops and bottoms of a set.
What is a size split?
A size split, also called a size curve or size ratio, is how the quantity of one style in one color is divided across sizes. It is part of every purchase order: for each style and color, you tell the factory how many pieces to make in each size. A good split matches the sizes your customers actually buy.
How size splits work with our MOQ
Our MOQ is counted per style, per color: 200 pieces for Cut & Sew and 500 for seamless. Within each color there is no minimum per size, so you can split 200 leggings across sizes however you like. Cut & Sew styles are made in XXS–XL with plus sizes up to 3XL, split from the same quantity; seamless styles are made in XS–XL. See our MOQ guide for how styles and colors are counted.
Example starting curves for 200 pieces
These are examples to start a conversation, not rules. Your audience, market and product all change the right answer.
| Size | Core curve | Smaller-leaning | Extended to 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | – | 10 | – |
| XS | 20 | 30 | 15 |
| S | 45 | 60 | 30 |
| M | 60 | 55 | 40 |
| L | 45 | 30 | 40 |
| XL | 30 | 15 | 30 |
| 2XL | – | – | 25 |
| 3XL | – | – | 20 |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 200 |
- Core curve: a balanced start for a broad audience, weighted to S, M and L.
- Smaller-leaning: for brands whose customers skew petite or younger.
- Extended: for brands that offer an inclusive size range from launch.
Where to get your numbers
- Your own sales: if you already sell activewear or other apparel, your sales by size are the best guide.
- Returns by size: high returns in one size can point to a fit issue rather than low demand.
- Pre-orders and waitlists: ask for size at sign-up to see demand before you order.
- Your audience: community polls, customer surveys and your followers' feedback.
- Your size chart: check how your measurements compare with the brands your customers already wear.
Different products, different splits
- Leggings and shorts: fit is driven by waist and hip, so follow your bottoms data.
- Sports bras: fit is driven by the underband and chest, and many customers size differently on top. See our sports bra tech pack guide for the measurements behind each size.
- Matching sets: plan the top and bottom separately and sell them as separates; see our matching sets guide.
- Seamless styles: made in XS–XL, so the curve covers fewer sizes.
Colors and sizes: cut colors first
Each extra color adds another full MOQ. If your budget is tight, it is usually better to offer one or two colors in a full size range than four colors with thin sizes. A common approach is to give your core color, such as black, the full curve, and narrow the range in fashion colors, as long as each color still meets its MOQ.
Plus sizes
Cut & Sew styles can include 2XL and 3XL from the same 200 pieces per color. If you are testing demand for plus sizes, you can add them in your core color first and expand once you see sell-through.
Check fit before you commit
A size split only works if each size fits as intended. Agree on the measurements and grading chart before bulk, and check the sample carefully. Samples take 12–15 days and cost US$10–15 per style, refunded on bulk orders. If you are unsure about the grading, ask about sampling an extra size before bulk production. See our sampling process guide.
Reorders: let sell-through decide
Your first order is a forecast; your reorder is data. Track sell-through by size: increase the sizes that sold out first and reduce the ones with stock left. Reorders have the same MOQ of 200 pieces per style per color for Cut & Sew, and bulk production takes about 35 days after you confirm.
Common size split mistakes
- Ordering the same number of every size.
- Spreading the budget across too many colors, so every size is thin.
- Ignoring returns, which can hide a fit problem.
- Using another brand's size split without checking your own audience.
- Forgetting that tops and bottoms of a set sell in different sizes.
How to send us your size split
For each style and color, send the quantity per size, for example: high-waist legging, black: XS 20 / S 45 / M 60 / L 45 / XL 30. We check the numbers against the MOQ and reply with a quote within 24 hours. Explore our custom leggings and sports bras, or start with our guide to starting a private label activewear brand.
Frequently asked questions
How should I split sizes for my first activewear order?
Start from your own sales or pre-order data if you have it. If you are launching, a curve weighted toward S, M and L is a common starting point, with fewer pieces in the smallest and largest sizes. Adjust it for your audience and product.
Is there a minimum quantity per size?
Not at MIDYOGA. The MOQ is counted per style per color, 200 pieces for Cut & Sew and 500 for seamless, and you can split each color across sizes however you like.
Can I include plus sizes in my first order?
Yes. Cut & Sew styles can be made in plus sizes up to 3XL, split from the same quantity per color. Seamless styles are made in XS–XL.
Should I order the same number of each size?
Usually not. Demand is rarely even across sizes, so an equal split tends to leave you short of the middle sizes and with extra stock at the ends of the range.
Should sports bras and leggings have the same size split?
Not necessarily. Many customers wear a different size on top and bottom, so plan each piece by its own size curve and sell sets as separates.
How do I adjust the size split for reorders?
Use sell-through by size from your first order. Increase sizes that sold out first and reduce sizes with stock left. Reorders have the same MOQ of 200 pieces per style per color for Cut & Sew.
Ready to plan your first order?
Send your styles, colors and size split. We check the numbers against our MOQ and reply with a quote within 24 hours. Only your work email is required.
- A tech packShare technical drawings, measurements and material requirements.
- A reference productShare a photo, product link or sample, with the details you want to develop.
- An early ideaDescribe the category, intended activity and wearing experience.