Lace trimming, such as on this model from India's Cottons Comfort, is one of the key trends for the next six months. The tank top is in 95:5 cotton-spandex jersey and priced at $3.25.

The trend for individuality has spurred development of models with bold prints and feminine trims, made for orders as low as 500 pieces.

Suppliers of women's tank tops in China and India are meeting demand for personalized, one-of-a-kind fashion items by releasing models decorated with large graphic prints, lace, beadwork and embroidery.

Patterns are transferred onto the tank tops mainly through silk-screening, although plastic and foam printing are also employed. Plastisol, pigment, glitter, non-PVC, flock, high-density and even sticker prints are used.

Designs come as large graphics on the front of the tank or as allover printed patterns. The neckline, straps and hem are trimmed with lace. They may also feature beadwork, particularly along the neckline, and embroidery in certain areas of the shirt. In addition, some tank tops have applique, sequins or crocheted trimmings.

Cuts are more casual, with some veering to the sporty side. Even such designs, however, are being trimmed with beads, crystals and acrylic accessories for a personalized look.

Textures are not being ignored either. Some styles feature wrinkled finishes on the straps or front part of the tank. Interlock and 1x1rib knits are also employed, although the majority of designs still come in single jersey.

Cotton, pure or blended with spandex or Lycra, is the commonly used material. Nylon is also incorporated, usually with cotton-spandex or viscose.

Blended versions, regardless of the fiber mix, are more popular because they enhance the comfort, breathability and fit of tank tops.

In an effort to move upmarket, however, companies are also adding silk into the mix of fiber blends. The material is combined with cotton and spandex or Lycra to give a softer hand and a smoother look.

Apart from this, some suppliers are using renewable natural fiber, including bamboo, or reconstituted man-made cellulosic versions such as modal. More expensive design details such as handembroidery and gemstone trimmings are incorporated as well.

	The RF0502 model from Ruifeng of China is in 95:5 cotton-spandex. The tank top has a racerback and printed patterns in front.

At present, MOQs fall between 1,000 and 2,000 pieces. This is about the number of tank tops that can be made from a single minimum order of fabric in the same color and print. Some textile mills, particularly those that tank top companies have been cooperating with for a long time, will accept smaller quantities at a higher cost. The additional expense, however, would be passed on to buyers.

How much the buyers would have to shoulder depends on the size of the manufacturer. Larger companies usually require high-volume orders to maximize efficiency, and would typically pass on more of the additional expense to customers.

Smaller manufacturers, on the other hand, cannot really purchase fabric in large quantities. In addition, many of them do not have the capability to produce in high volumes. For this reason, they are more likely to implement minimal price adjustments.

All of the suppliers interviewed for this report said they can accept a 500-piece order, but the tops would cost up to 40 percent more.

In China, Ruifeng Trading Co. Ltd's MOQ is 1,000 to 2,000 pieces. Orders less than that would result in a 20 percent increase in product prices.

Depending on fabric and trimmings, the company's tank tops currently are between $5 and $10 each.

C.C. Fashion Ltd usually requires 1,000 shirts per order, but accepts 500-piece MOQs if the buyer agrees to pay at least 5 percent more.

At present, prices range from $3 to $10 per shirt.

Tank tops would cost at least 20 percent higher at Suzhou Feiyan Clothing Fty if orders are below 1,000 pieces. The shirts presently are between $6 and $12.

Wenzhou Tengxu Garments Co. Ltd accepts small runs, but product prices are 5 to 40 percent more expensive than those for large-volume orders, which top out at $6.

Among India companies interviewed, V Knits requires a minimum of 500 shirts per order. The tank tops are currently priced from $1.50 to $8.

Cottons Comfort can also accept a 500-piece run, but prices would be up to 40 percent higher than regular quotes, which start at $2. The company's MOQ is between 5,000 and 10,000 tank tops.

The minimum order at Agni Exports is 5,000 pieces per design or color, with at least four colors in the batch. The minimum per color can be reduced to 500, but prices would be 5 to 10 percent higher. At present, quotes are as low as $0.80.

Both Koral International and Jhoshika Clothings said smaller MOQs are not a problem as long as buyers are willing to shoulder the additional cost.

Jhoshika requires a minimum of 1,000 to 1,500 pieces per order. Tank tops are priced at $2 to $6.

Koral accepts orders as low as 200 tank tops, which currently go for $2.50 to $5, but charges at least 3 percent more.

China's Zhejiang Springair Garment Co. Ltd, meanwhile, will not increase prices for orders of less than 1,000 pieces as long as the buyer supplies the fabric. The tops are currently at $2.50 to $10.

Shenzhen Global Weiye Clothing Co. Ltd requires a minimum of 1,500 tank tops, which are offered for $1 to $6.