How to Start a Clothing Line in 13 Steps

Here are the most important factors to consider when starting a clothing line:

1. Do market research — Before you make any decisions about your clothing line, do detailed market research and see what the current trends are, considering how quickly fashion changes. 
2. Choose a niche — Choose a niche to stand out and reach your target market. You can choose from sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, vintage and retro clothes, luxury and high-end fashion, children’s and maternity clothing, etc.
3. Look into intellectual property rights — Understand the intellectual property (IP) rights involved to protect your designs and brand and avoid infringing on others’ rights. Pay close attention to trademarks, copyrights, design patents, trade dress, and labeling laws. 
4. Manufacturing and supply chain — Start by choosing manufacturers who can produce high-quality garments and meet your production needs. Consider factors such as production capacity, cost, quality control, and the manufacturer’s ethical standards. For your supply chain, focus on establishing strong relationships with suppliers of fabrics and other necessary materials.
5. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
6. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
7. Equipment — If you’re setting up an in-house production, you’ll require equipment like sewing machines, sergers for finishing edges, cutting machines for cutting fabrics efficiently, and possibly digital fabric printers if you plan on producing custom or intricate prints. Additionally, ironing and pressing equipment will be essential for giving your garments a professional finish. 
8. Online presence — Take your business online and sell your products on your official e-commerce site or popular online shops like Etsy.
9. Learn from real entrepreneurs who have started a fashion collection:

• How to Launch a Fashion Collection: Advice from Sarah Shaw
• How Natalie Created a Thriving Maternity Clothing Brand
• How a Lost Bag Inspired the Idea for Katydid Wholesale

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and Cons

Starting a clothing company has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Clothing Line Industry Trends

Industry Size and Growth

• Industry size and past growth — The global apparel market was worth $1.5 trillion in 2022.
• Growth forecast — The global apparel market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2027.((https://www.statista.com/topics/965/apparel-market-in-the-us/))

Trends and Challenges

Trends

• Consumers are seeking sustainably made clothing, particularly younger people
• Size-inclusion fashion, meaning clothing designed for all sizes, is a growing trend

Challenges

• The rising prices of raw materials for apparel are driving up the price of manufacturing for clothing lines
• Affordable international brands are heating up the competition for clothing line businesses

Demand Hotspots

• Most popular states — The most popular states for fashion designers are Washington, Rhode Island, and Utah.
• Least popular states — The least popular states for fashion designers are Kansas, Arkansas, and Iowa.((https://www.zippia.com/fashion-designer-jobs/best-states/))

What Kind of People Work in Clothing Lines?

• Gender — 82.7% of fashion designers are female, while 17.3% are male.
• Average level of education — The average fashion designer has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age — The average fashion designer in the US is 36.6 years old.((https://www.zippia.com/fashion-designer-jobs/demographics/))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Clothing Line Business?

Startup costs for a clothing line range from $3,500 to $9,000. These costs include a computer, clothing design software, and samples from the manufacturer. 

To keep your costs low, you should find a white-label manufacturer that offers drop shipping. They will produce your clothing orders on demand and ship directly to the customer, cutting your inventory costs to near zero. The manufacturer may also have tools to help you create tech packs, which are basically specifications for all your clothing products. 

If you want to hone your design skills, you can take online fashion design courses on sites like Udemy. You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your clothing line business, including: 

• Computer
• Clothing design software

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150–$200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100–$300	$200
Insurance	$100–$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200–$300	$250
Website setup	$1,000–$3,000	$2,000
Computer	$800–$1,400	$1,100
Design software	$200–$300	$250
Clothing samples from the manufacturing	$1,000–$3,000	$2,000
Total	$3,550–$8,800	$6,175

How Much Can You Earn From a Clothing Line Business?

Clothing prices have a huge range. Your prices will depend on the materials used and your brand identity — high-end, affordable, or somewhere in between. These calculations will assume an average item price of $50. Your profit margin after the cost of manufacturing should be about 40%. 

In your first year or two, you could sell 30 items a week, bringing in $78,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $31,000 in profit, assuming that 40% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 150 items a week. With an annual revenue of $390,000, you’d make a fantastic profit of $156,000.

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry for a clothing line. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The clothing design skills needed to create appealing styles
• The massive competition you’ll face from other clothing lines

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a clothing line, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Design Your Clothing Brand

Starting a clothing line begins with a burst of creativity and a clear vision. Think about what makes your brand unique. Is it the bold patterns, eco-friendly materials, or innovative designs? Whatever it is, your brand should reflect your personal style and ethos. Remember, your brand is more than just clothes; it’s a story you’re telling through fabric and thread.

You can design a variety of products to sell, for men or women or both. You can specialize in a certain item of clothing or design a variety of items.

Consider your target audience and what appeals to them. Are you designing for the vibrant youth, the sophisticated professional, or the casual, comfort-seeking individual? Your designs should resonate with the lifestyle and values of your intended customers.

Also, don’t forget about the practical aspects, like size inclusivity and comfort. Once you have a clear idea, sketch your designs, play around with colors and textures, and create a portfolio that showcases the essence of your brand.

Source Fashion Fabrics

The heart of your clothing line lies in the quality of the fabrics you choose. Sourcing fabrics is not just about finding materials that look good; it’s about finding fabrics that align with your brand’s values and aesthetic. Are you going for luxurious silks, organic cotton, or durable denim?

Attend trade shows, visit fabric mills, and connect with suppliers to explore your options. Consider the sustainability of your fabrics, as eco-friendly materials are increasingly important to consumers. Test the fabrics for durability, comfort, and how well they take on dyes or prints.

Building a good relationship with reliable suppliers is crucial as it ensures a steady supply of quality materials for your line.

Set up Production for Your Clothing Line

Once your designs are ready and fabrics sourced, it’s time to bring your clothing line to life. Setting up production involves choosing between manufacturing locally or overseas. Each has its benefits and challenges. Local production might be more expensive, but it offers better control over quality and easier communication. Overseas production can reduce costs but requires navigating language barriers and longer lead times.

Decide on the scale of production based on your budget and demand forecasts. It’s wise to start small and scale up as your brand grows. Ensure you have a quality control system in place, as consistent quality is key to building a loyal customer base.

How Much Should You Charge for Clothing?

As we mentioned, your prices will depend on your brand identity and the materials you use. They will also depend on your costs from the manufacturer. After your costs, you should aim for a profit margin of about 40%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Clothing Line Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “clothing” or “fashion,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “EnVogue Apparel Co.” over “Bohemian Chic Clothing”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO, but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the US Patent and Trademark Office website to make sure they are available for registration. Check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Clothing Line Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A brief summary outlining the core elements and objectives of the clothing line business plan
• Business overview — An overview providing key details about the clothing line business, including its mission, vision, and the problem it aims to solve in the market
• Product and services — Clear descriptions of the clothing products and additional services offered, emphasizing unique selling points
• Market analysis — In-depth research and evaluation of the target market, including demographics, trends, and potential opportunities for the clothing line
• Competitive analysis — Examination of competitors in the clothing industry, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and positioning strategies to gain a competitive edge
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting and selling the clothing line, encompassing advertising, branding, and sales tactics
• Management team — Introduction and background of key individuals responsible for managing and driving the clothing line business
• Operations plan — Detailed insights into the day-to-day operations of the business, covering manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics for the clothing line
• Financial plan — A comprehensive outline of the financial aspects, including startup costs, revenue projections, and profit margins for the clothing line
• Appendix — Additional supplementary materials such as charts, graphs, and supporting documents to provide more depth and context to the clothing line business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to clothing lines. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your clothing line will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity, and the owner or owners are not personally liable for business debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. Either a corporation or an LLC can elect to be an S Corp for tax status. Here, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step, and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer increasingly popular low-risk options in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a clothing line business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Clothing Line Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a clothing line business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your clothing line business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from clients who say they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use clothing design software, such as Adobe, tailornova, or CLO, to organize your designs, track orders, handle inventory, and more. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, FreshBooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop Your Website

Opening an online store allows you to reach a broader audience with lower overhead costs. Use high-quality images, provide detailed product descriptions, and ensure your website is easy to navigate.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, your customers are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Pitch Your Clothing Line to Fashion Retailers

Getting your clothing line into fashion retailers is a significant step towards success. Create a compelling pitch that showcases the uniqueness of your brand. Include high-quality images of your collection, details about your brand story, and why it would appeal to the retailer’s customers. Be prepared to discuss pricing, production capacity, and delivery timelines. Tailor your pitch to each retailer, highlighting aspects of your line that align with their current offerings. Remember, rejection is part of the process, so don’t get discouraged. Keep refining your pitch and approach different retailers until you find the right fit.

Open Retail Store

When it comes to opening a physical retail store, location is key. Choose a spot that aligns with your brand identity and where your target audience shops. Design the store to reflect your brand’s aesthetic and create an enjoyable shopping experience for your customers. Remember, your physical and online stores should complement each other, offering a seamless experience to your customers.

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• SEO optimization — Enhance your e-commerce website with high-quality images and detailed descriptions of your collections, optimizing it for fashion and style-related search terms to increase visibility and attract more shoppers.
• Professional branding — Ensure your branding accurately reflects the style and values of your clothing line, including everything from your logo to packaging and taglines.
• Direct outreach — Network with fashion influencers, stylists, and bloggers who align with your brand’s aesthetic to help promote your products and expand your reach.
• Social media engagement — Leverage platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to share your designs, offer fashion tips, and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into your brand.
• Fashion and lifestyle blog — Publish blog posts about the latest fashion trends, your design inspirations, and practical style guides featuring your clothing.
• Pop-up shops and fashion events — Organize pop-up shops or participate in fashion events to give customers a hands-on experience with your brand.
• Influencer and designer collaborations — Partner with well-known influencers or designers to create limited-edition collections or gain endorsements, enhancing your brand’s appeal.
• Community engagement — Participate in or sponsor local fashion-related events and collaborate with charities that resonate with your brand values to strengthen community ties.
• Exclusive previews for loyal customers — Provide loyal customers with early access to new collections or special discounts to foster brand loyalty.
• Referral programs — Implement a program that rewards customers for introducing new clients to your brand, enhancing word-of-mouth marketing.
• Targeted digital advertising — Use targeted digital advertising on fashion and lifestyle platforms, as well as social media, to attract potential customers.
• Email marketing — Engage your audience with regular newsletters that feature new collections, fashion tips, and exclusive offers, keeping your brand top-of-mind.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today’s customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they can quickly grasp how your clothing line meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your clothing line business could be: 

• Bohemian fashions for the urban lifestyle 
• Make them green with envy with our bold cocktail dresses
• The next big thing in fashion — luxury clothing for all sizes

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. However, networking is crucial in the fashion industry, so attend industry events, fashion shows, and trade fairs to build connections. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a clothing line business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in clothing lines for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in clothing lines. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a clothing line business include:

• Pattern makers — creating patterns for clothing
• Seamstresses — sewing sample clothing to test designs
• General manager — scheduling, accounting
• Marketing lead — SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Clothing Line — Start Making Money!

The apparel industry is worth $1.5 trillion and growing fast, which means now is a great time to follow your dream and get in on the action. If you have an eye for style, you could start your own clothing line from home and build a global fashion empire!  

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a business, it’s time to start designing your future as a fashion mogul.

Common Questions

Can I start a clothing line from home?

Yes, you can start a clothing line from your home. You’ll need a computer and some clothing design software, and then find a white-label manufacturer to produce your clothing.

How many clothes do I need to start a clothing line?

To keep your costs low, you should find a white label manufacturer that offers dropshipping. They will produce your clothing orders on-demand and ship directly to the customer, cutting your inventory costs near to zero. 

How to start a fashion brand with no money?

You can’t start a fashion brand with no money, but you can keep your costs to a minimum by finding a white label manufacturer that offers dropshipping.

What type of clothing line is the most profitable?

Luxury women’s brands are the most profitable. Dresses in particular are very popular and profitable.