7 answers
Breon
Student
Maryland City, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
5046 views
How do I start my own clothing brand?
I want to start letting people wear the clothes i made
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7 answers
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
This workbook might be helpful for helping you take some specific, sequential steps to building up your business (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng).
Also maybe look at Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose and Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership.
Also maybe look at Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose and Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership.
Patti Montefusco
Sales
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Patti’s Answer
You have to be unique and offer something not currently being offered to get any traction. Take a look at your environment and find things you feel you can improve upon. For instance, I am a sewer and I was frustrated by the bobbin thread unravelling so I created a clip to hold the thread on the bobbin...success! Most inventions are made from necessity. Make sure you are using your small business association and joining clubs/organizations to network and engage with others that can help you.
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
24
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hi Breon,
If you’re making clothes that people complement and the ideas keep coming, you could open a ‘store’ online, on Etsy.com. The website is a platform for anyone who makes things with their own hands, and the algorithm takes you thru some simple steps for creating your own page.
All you need to do is to present your item on the figure ( it could be presented on a mannequin but asking a friend to model it for you would work better), and take a few flattering photos of the garment. Upload the photos on your page, come up with a brief description, and set up the price. Don’t forget to include the shipping and packaging charges in the listing, too.
You pay 20 cents per listing, and some other fees come later when your item cells. You don’t need to make multiples in every size but it would be a good idea to offer custom orders based on the photographed style or size adjustment.
If you’re active on social media, post your garment photos and links to your Etsy.com page. Let the world see your stuff. The orders will follow.
Start small, with a few pieces that I’m sure you’ve got already, and follow your sense of what sells better. Etsy.com is very helpful in collecting data of how many views your listing got, how many people hearted it, and your sales, of course, too.
Good luck! Keep it up!
https://www.etsy.com/legal/fees/
If you’re making clothes that people complement and the ideas keep coming, you could open a ‘store’ online, on Etsy.com. The website is a platform for anyone who makes things with their own hands, and the algorithm takes you thru some simple steps for creating your own page.
All you need to do is to present your item on the figure ( it could be presented on a mannequin but asking a friend to model it for you would work better), and take a few flattering photos of the garment. Upload the photos on your page, come up with a brief description, and set up the price. Don’t forget to include the shipping and packaging charges in the listing, too.
You pay 20 cents per listing, and some other fees come later when your item cells. You don’t need to make multiples in every size but it would be a good idea to offer custom orders based on the photographed style or size adjustment.
If you’re active on social media, post your garment photos and links to your Etsy.com page. Let the world see your stuff. The orders will follow.
Start small, with a few pieces that I’m sure you’ve got already, and follow your sense of what sells better. Etsy.com is very helpful in collecting data of how many views your listing got, how many people hearted it, and your sales, of course, too.
Good luck! Keep it up!
Irene recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Breon,
Launching Your Own Apparel Line
Embarking on the journey of launching your own apparel line can be thrilling and fulfilling, yet it demands meticulous planning and implementation to achieve success. Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow to launch your unique clothing line:
1. Establish Your Brand Identity: Before you delve into designing clothes, it's crucial to establish your brand's identity. This involves identifying your target market, defining the style of clothing you wish to produce, and understanding what makes your brand distinct from others in the market.
2. Develop a Business Plan: Formulate a comprehensive business plan that encapsulates your brand's mission, vision, target market, competitive analysis, marketing tactics, and financial forecasts. A well-structured business plan will act as a guiding light for your clothing line.
3. Craft Your Clothing Line: Begin crafting your clothing line in alignment with your brand identity. Take into account elements such as fabric choice, color schemes, styles, and sizes. Consider collaborating with fashion designers or manufacturers to bring your designs to fruition.
4. Procure Materials and Production: Seek trustworthy suppliers for materials and production. Whether you opt for local or overseas manufacturing, ensure the quality of your products is up to par and reflects your brand image.
5. Establish an Online Presence: In the current digital era, maintaining an online presence is essential for reaching a broader audience. Develop a professional website and incorporate e-commerce features to sell your clothing online.
6. Promote Brand Awareness: Leverage social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and various marketing tactics to promote brand awareness and draw customers to your clothing line. Engage with your audience and foster a robust brand community.
7. Legal Aspects: Make sure to fulfill all legal prerequisites for launching a clothing line, including business registration, trademarking your brand name or logo, and understanding regulations pertaining to clothing manufacturing and sales.
8. Unveil Your Brand: Once all elements are in place, unveil your clothing line with a compelling marketing campaign. Organize events, team up with influencers, and seize PR opportunities to create a buzz around your brand.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your vision, you can successfully launch your own clothing line and watch it flourish over time.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur is a trusted source for business guidance and insights. It offers valuable resources on initiating and expanding a business, including articles on launching a clothing line and success stories of entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
Forbes: Forbes is renowned for its coverage of business news and trends. It provides expert advice on entrepreneurship, branding strategies, and pointers for building a thriving fashion business.
Small Business Administration (SBA): The Small Business Administration is a government entity that offers resources and support for small businesses. Their website provides guides on initiating a business, including information on drafting a business plan, legal prerequisites, and funding alternatives for entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Launching Your Own Apparel Line
Embarking on the journey of launching your own apparel line can be thrilling and fulfilling, yet it demands meticulous planning and implementation to achieve success. Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow to launch your unique clothing line:
1. Establish Your Brand Identity: Before you delve into designing clothes, it's crucial to establish your brand's identity. This involves identifying your target market, defining the style of clothing you wish to produce, and understanding what makes your brand distinct from others in the market.
2. Develop a Business Plan: Formulate a comprehensive business plan that encapsulates your brand's mission, vision, target market, competitive analysis, marketing tactics, and financial forecasts. A well-structured business plan will act as a guiding light for your clothing line.
3. Craft Your Clothing Line: Begin crafting your clothing line in alignment with your brand identity. Take into account elements such as fabric choice, color schemes, styles, and sizes. Consider collaborating with fashion designers or manufacturers to bring your designs to fruition.
4. Procure Materials and Production: Seek trustworthy suppliers for materials and production. Whether you opt for local or overseas manufacturing, ensure the quality of your products is up to par and reflects your brand image.
5. Establish an Online Presence: In the current digital era, maintaining an online presence is essential for reaching a broader audience. Develop a professional website and incorporate e-commerce features to sell your clothing online.
6. Promote Brand Awareness: Leverage social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and various marketing tactics to promote brand awareness and draw customers to your clothing line. Engage with your audience and foster a robust brand community.
7. Legal Aspects: Make sure to fulfill all legal prerequisites for launching a clothing line, including business registration, trademarking your brand name or logo, and understanding regulations pertaining to clothing manufacturing and sales.
8. Unveil Your Brand: Once all elements are in place, unveil your clothing line with a compelling marketing campaign. Organize events, team up with influencers, and seize PR opportunities to create a buzz around your brand.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your vision, you can successfully launch your own clothing line and watch it flourish over time.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur is a trusted source for business guidance and insights. It offers valuable resources on initiating and expanding a business, including articles on launching a clothing line and success stories of entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
Forbes: Forbes is renowned for its coverage of business news and trends. It provides expert advice on entrepreneurship, branding strategies, and pointers for building a thriving fashion business.
Small Business Administration (SBA): The Small Business Administration is a government entity that offers resources and support for small businesses. Their website provides guides on initiating a business, including information on drafting a business plan, legal prerequisites, and funding alternatives for entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Amit Mittal
Officer at Citibank
96
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Starting your clothing brand is an exciting endeavor that requires a blend of creativity, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the fashion industry. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Develop Your Fashion Design Skills: A distinctive style can help differentiate your clothing brand in a crowded market.
Create a Clothing Business Plan: This will serve as your roadmap, detailing the specifics of your business, including your target market, unique selling proposition, marketing plan, and financial projections.
Follow Fashion Trends: While it’s important to have your unique style, being aware of fashion trends can help you cater to consumer preferences.
Build a Strong Brand: This involves creating a memorable brand name, logo, and other brand assets. Your brand should reflect your clothing style and appeal to your target market.
Design and Develop Your Clothing Brand: This involves designing your clothes and developing your range. You might want to start small with a few key pieces and expand over time.
Source Fashion Fabrics or Design Your Own: The materials you choose can greatly influence how your products look and feel.
Set Up Production and Manufacturing: You could start by sewing clothes yourself, or if you plan on a larger scale, you’ll need to consider manufacturing options.
Plan Your Collections Around Fashion Seasons: Fashion seasons can influence the demand for certain clothing items.
Pitch Your Clothing Line to Fashion Retailers: Once you have your clothing line, you can start pitching it to fashion retailers or selling it online.
Build an Online Clothing Store: An online store can help you reach a wider audience. Platforms like Shopify can make this process easier.
Open a Retail Store, Launch a Pop-up, or Sell at Markets: These are great ways to get your clothes in front of potential customers.
Learn from the Pros: Consider seeking advice from successful fashion designers and entrepreneurs. Their insights and experiences can be invaluable.
Remember, starting a clothing brand takes time and patience, but with passion and persistence, you can certainly make it happen. Good luck! 🍀
Develop Your Fashion Design Skills: A distinctive style can help differentiate your clothing brand in a crowded market.
Create a Clothing Business Plan: This will serve as your roadmap, detailing the specifics of your business, including your target market, unique selling proposition, marketing plan, and financial projections.
Follow Fashion Trends: While it’s important to have your unique style, being aware of fashion trends can help you cater to consumer preferences.
Build a Strong Brand: This involves creating a memorable brand name, logo, and other brand assets. Your brand should reflect your clothing style and appeal to your target market.
Design and Develop Your Clothing Brand: This involves designing your clothes and developing your range. You might want to start small with a few key pieces and expand over time.
Source Fashion Fabrics or Design Your Own: The materials you choose can greatly influence how your products look and feel.
Set Up Production and Manufacturing: You could start by sewing clothes yourself, or if you plan on a larger scale, you’ll need to consider manufacturing options.
Plan Your Collections Around Fashion Seasons: Fashion seasons can influence the demand for certain clothing items.
Pitch Your Clothing Line to Fashion Retailers: Once you have your clothing line, you can start pitching it to fashion retailers or selling it online.
Build an Online Clothing Store: An online store can help you reach a wider audience. Platforms like Shopify can make this process easier.
Open a Retail Store, Launch a Pop-up, or Sell at Markets: These are great ways to get your clothes in front of potential customers.
Learn from the Pros: Consider seeking advice from successful fashion designers and entrepreneurs. Their insights and experiences can be invaluable.
Remember, starting a clothing brand takes time and patience, but with passion and persistence, you can certainly make it happen. Good luck! 🍀
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1915
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Breon !
If you want to start having people wear your clothing line, by all means start now ! I am glad that you've reached out and mentioned that you are still a student so I would like to give you advice for the phase you are at now.
The fashion world is a step by step venture, so since you are a student and your budget may be limited, let's talk about the best ways to do it. Have a portfolio of your line and all of your creations, both an online portfolio as well as a hard copy book portfolio of photos of your clothing. Start out with having friends and family where your styles. People will see your clothing and that is a good start and perhaps possible word of mouth . You can also sell your clothing on a website, but make sure you have a variety of sizes and lots of merchandise. For a website you may have to pay various fees as well as shipping expenses.
Whether you are in high school or college, go to the school departments that do shows and ask if you can do costumes for their shows. Theatre departments would mostly be thrilled for extra help and audiences will see your costumes which is a plus for your resume and portfolio. You can also try flea markets, fairs and bazaars to sell your styles with other vendors. I have left a link below of flea markets.
One of the most important things you can do is wear your own styles. You will get feedback from people, compliments and when you tell them you made it, they may want to put in a custom order for one from you. There are a lot of ways to get your styles seen.
Make an inquiry at school about holding a fashion show and also reach out with this to all faith based and social service agencies that are around. Put on a fashion event and invite some designers you know to also participate. Fashion shows can be held in both the daytime or evening. Work it around your schedule.
You are on the right track with wanting people to see your creations because as with all the creative careers, familiarity is a great asset. You can also get your work seen through networking. I left a link below for information about fashion networking in your area.
Do not forget to takes photos of all the things you make, even accessories. If you want to start letting people wear your creations, you can, it will just take initiative and social interaction which I know you will enjoy doing. Start out slow and decide if you'd ever like to relocate to a larger fashion market location eventually. Stay original, unique and fun !
I hope that this can start you on the way for more people knowing about your skill for creating fashion. I wish you all the best !
FLEA MARKETS IN MARYLAND https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-flea-markets-maryland/
FASHION NETWORKING IN MARYLAND https://www.eventbrite.com/d/md--baltimore/fashion--networking/
If you want to start having people wear your clothing line, by all means start now ! I am glad that you've reached out and mentioned that you are still a student so I would like to give you advice for the phase you are at now.
The fashion world is a step by step venture, so since you are a student and your budget may be limited, let's talk about the best ways to do it. Have a portfolio of your line and all of your creations, both an online portfolio as well as a hard copy book portfolio of photos of your clothing. Start out with having friends and family where your styles. People will see your clothing and that is a good start and perhaps possible word of mouth . You can also sell your clothing on a website, but make sure you have a variety of sizes and lots of merchandise. For a website you may have to pay various fees as well as shipping expenses.
Whether you are in high school or college, go to the school departments that do shows and ask if you can do costumes for their shows. Theatre departments would mostly be thrilled for extra help and audiences will see your costumes which is a plus for your resume and portfolio. You can also try flea markets, fairs and bazaars to sell your styles with other vendors. I have left a link below of flea markets.
One of the most important things you can do is wear your own styles. You will get feedback from people, compliments and when you tell them you made it, they may want to put in a custom order for one from you. There are a lot of ways to get your styles seen.
Make an inquiry at school about holding a fashion show and also reach out with this to all faith based and social service agencies that are around. Put on a fashion event and invite some designers you know to also participate. Fashion shows can be held in both the daytime or evening. Work it around your schedule.
You are on the right track with wanting people to see your creations because as with all the creative careers, familiarity is a great asset. You can also get your work seen through networking. I left a link below for information about fashion networking in your area.
Do not forget to takes photos of all the things you make, even accessories. If you want to start letting people wear your creations, you can, it will just take initiative and social interaction which I know you will enjoy doing. Start out slow and decide if you'd ever like to relocate to a larger fashion market location eventually. Stay original, unique and fun !
I hope that this can start you on the way for more people knowing about your skill for creating fashion. I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Kefin Bryan
Graphic designer and illustrator
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kefin’s Answer
It's all about creativity and adaptability in what you do. You got to try your best to be unique. I know understand age could be tough but maybe you can take inspiration from other clothing brands. I suggest for the first step to find a tagline and what kind of story you're telling with the clothes that you produced. Then, you going to have to find a logo as well as try your best to produce as much clothes as possible. It's all about the supply and demand as well