How to Start Your Own Clothing Company
If you've become interested in clothing design, no doubt you've considered the possibility of starting your own clothing company. Fortunately, starting your own clothing company is easier than you might think! In this article, I will discuss the steps you should take in starting your own company.
Find a Niche
The first step in starting your own clothing company is to find an appropriate niche. There are a lot of types of clothing that don't necessarily have anyone filling them. For instance, there are surprisingly few people designing clothing for slender, smaller-chested women (I say it's surprising, since this is the standard for models). Another example is to create comfortable business jackets for women. Think of the kinds of clothing that you've found it difficult to find. Just because it isn't out there doesn't mean there isn't demand; no one has filled it yet!
Design the Clothes
You don't need to design many clothes to get started. In fact, it's usually better to start with a few or even one item that you think fills the niche that you've selected. Purchase some design software and create professional patterns that can be produced relatively easily. Since you're just starting out, make your patterns fairly simple to cut down on production costs.
Find Stores
Many stores will happily stock clothes from independent manufacturers if they believe that they can sell. You'll want to look at two things: chains and distribution companies. Chains often buy directly from manufacturers, and they purchase large amounts of the clothing that you'd like to sell. Distribution companies serve the smaller stores that it usually isn't worth targeting directly, at least not at first. Contact those companies and find out their rates.
Raise Capital
Once you've found stores that would be interested in your products, it's time to raise some capital. Because you've approached the stores first, it will be a lot easier to get a loan. Put together a business plan and take that plan to a bank. Be prepared to invest some of your own capital, as the more money you invest, the easier it is to get a loan.
Produce the Clothing
First, get an order from one or more stores or production companies. Then, find a clothing manufacturing company willing to make the clothing. The difference between the price the stores will pay for your clothing and your manufacturing costs will be your profit!
Find a Niche
The first step in starting your own clothing company is to find an appropriate niche. There are a lot of types of clothing that don't necessarily have anyone filling them. For instance, there are surprisingly few people designing clothing for slender, smaller-chested women (I say it's surprising, since this is the standard for models). Another example is to create comfortable business jackets for women. Think of the kinds of clothing that you've found it difficult to find. Just because it isn't out there doesn't mean there isn't demand; no one has filled it yet!
Design the Clothes
You don't need to design many clothes to get started. In fact, it's usually better to start with a few or even one item that you think fills the niche that you've selected. Purchase some design software and create professional patterns that can be produced relatively easily. Since you're just starting out, make your patterns fairly simple to cut down on production costs.
Find Stores
Many stores will happily stock clothes from independent manufacturers if they believe that they can sell. You'll want to look at two things: chains and distribution companies. Chains often buy directly from manufacturers, and they purchase large amounts of the clothing that you'd like to sell. Distribution companies serve the smaller stores that it usually isn't worth targeting directly, at least not at first. Contact those companies and find out their rates.
Raise Capital
Once you've found stores that would be interested in your products, it's time to raise some capital. Because you've approached the stores first, it will be a lot easier to get a loan. Put together a business plan and take that plan to a bank. Be prepared to invest some of your own capital, as the more money you invest, the easier it is to get a loan.
Produce the Clothing
First, get an order from one or more stores or production companies. Then, find a clothing manufacturing company willing to make the clothing. The difference between the price the stores will pay for your clothing and your manufacturing costs will be your profit!
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