How to Start a Clothing Line

Even the biggest clothing brands and designers started small. And while household names like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren had to set up brick-and-mortar stores to get their designs out to the masses, today, the internet and a vast array of online marketing tools makes it possible to start a clothing brand without a physical store. 

‍That’s not to say that starting a clothing business – like any worthwhile dream or goal – isn’t without its challenges. Understanding the various moving pieces of how to start a clothing business are essential to your success. We’ll cover the basics you’ll need to launch, including sourcing and selling materials, legal and financial considerations, as well as marketing and distribution. 

The first step toward setting up a successful clothing brand is to define the vision for your brand. Who are you and who is your customer?

Identifying your target audience and where you fit into the vast landscape of clothing shops can help you better define your brand identity and set you apart. 

‍For instance, do you focus on trendy apparel, or timeless classics? If you lean towards trendy, think about who your clothing designs will appeal to. Do you want to target potential customers on TikTok with new designs? Keep in mind that trends change and you’ll want to keep up with new trends. Your designs will need to reflect that and change over time. On the flipside, If you’re more interested in offering your customers classic looks that never go out of style, think about how your audience may differ from those who are constantly in pursuit of hot new trends. 

Your branding – including your logo, colors, and messaging – can also signal to your audience what your brand stands for and helps you attract customers. 

• Color: Bright colors that jump out at your customers can let them know you’re up on the latest trends. More muted earth tones or classic blues or reds can let your audience know you’re less trendy and more timeless. 
• Logo: Your logo can be a carefully-crafted graphic that encompasses who you are, or as simple as just your brand name. If your logo will be your name, think about what font you’ll use, as the font style you choose can convey a lot about your brand. Swirling, cursive script might indicate a more feminine style of clothing, while a bold, sans-serif font can feel more active and athletic. Similarly, a graffiti-style font can give a more exciting streetwise feel. 
• Messaging: You know the brands when you hear the tagline: “Just do it.” “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” “Because I’m worth it.” What is a phrase you’d want your audience to associate with your brand? Even if your business doesn’t have a tagline, think about who your audience is and what language resonates with them. Even if your designs may speak for themselves, you’ll still need to cobble together some words to spread the message about your brand and reel in customers.