How much does it cost to start a clothing brand?

Are you thinking about starting your own clothing brand? If so, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. Someone may tell you you need at least US$5,000 while someone says even US$50,000 is not enough.

US$50,000 sounds crazy. The truth is we have helped a chief get her brand started with only $912. 

This blog post will break down the expenses associated with launching a clothing line, from designing your collection to getting it in stores.

So whether you’re just starting to do your research or are ready to take the plunge, read on for all the details!

How much does it cost to start a clothing brand?

When it comes to starting a clothing brand, there are many things to take into account – from designing your collection to getting it in stores.

But before you can worry about any of that, you need to figure out how much it will cost.

• Designing your collection:

The first step in starting your own clothing brand is designing your collection.

If you’re not a designer yourself, you’ll need to hire someone to create your vision.

Prices will vary depending on the complexity of the designs and the designer’s experience, but you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

• Creating prototypes:

Once you have your designs, you’ll need to create prototypes to see how they look and feel in real life.

Prototypes can be made using various methods, but the most common is to sew them by hand.

If you’re not a seamstress yourself, you’ll need to hire someone to do this for you. The cost of creating prototypes will depend on the number and complexity of the designs, but you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars if you do it local. Placing the sample order with a Chinese manufacturer will cost you around US$100 per piece including express shipping to your address.

• Testing and making changes:

Once you have your prototypes, it’s time to put them to the test!

You’ll need to wear them yourself and get feedback from friends and family.

Based on this feedback, you may need to make some changes to the designs.

Making changes to prototypes can be done by hand or by machine, and the costs will vary depending on the number and complexity of the changes.

• Production:

Once your prototypes are finalized, it’s time to start production! You’ll need to find a custom clothing manufacturer who can produce your clothing line according to your specifications.

The cost of production will depend on several factors, including the number of pieces you’re ordering, the complexity of the designs, and the materials you’re using.

Depending on your exact needs, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on production. I list some estimated prices based on blank clothing for your reference:

1. 100pcs of cotton blank t-shirt cost around US$900
2. 100pcs of cotton hoodie cost around US$2300
3. 100pcs of jogger pants cost around US$1900
4. 100pcs of sweat shorts cost around US$1600

• Marketing and advertising:

Once your clothing line is ready to go, you’ll need to start marketing and advertising to get the word out.

There are various ways to do this, from online ads to print ads to participating in fashion shows.

The cost of marketing and advertising will depend on your strategies and the amount of exposure you’re looking for.

Depending on your budget, you can expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on marketing and advertising.

Now that you know the basics of starting a clothing brand, you can begin to research and plan for your own business!

Keep in mind that the costs will vary depending on your specific needs, but this should give you a good idea.

What factors affect the cost of starting a clothing brand

Many factors can affect the cost of starting a clothing brand.

• Perhaps the most critical factor is the cost of manufacturing your clothing. To find a good custom clothing manufacturer, you’ll need to research. You’ll want to find a manufacturer who can produce high-quality clothing at a reasonable price. I recommend getting an inquiry from at least 3-5 different clothing suppliers before placing sample orders. After that, you can get a rough idea of how much to pay for bulk orders. Please remember, never choose the one who offers you well below market prices or you might lose some sample fees or struggle with poor-quality bulk orders.
• Another vital factor to consider is the cost of marketing and promoting your brand. You’ll need to create a strong marketing campaign to reach your target audience. This can be a costly endeavour, but getting your brand noticed is necessary.
• Finally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of shipping and handling. Once you’ve manufactured your clothing, you’ll need to ship it to your customers. This can add a significant amount of money to your overall costs. It is also necessary to inquire with a local logistics company before you start.

It would help if you considered all of these variables to understand better the cost of creating a fashion brand. You may keep your expenses in line and make your ambition of starting a clothing company a reality by doing your homework and preparing ahead.

How can you keep costs down when starting a clothing brand?

One of the most important things to consider when starting a clothing brand is costs. Here are a few ways to keep costs down:

1. Work with a custom clothing manufacturer. Customize the most suitable design and size for your target group. This will allow you to attract a certain group of people who will be your loyal customers. For example, plus size clothing, and breastfeeding clothing are good choices in subcategories.
2. Choose versatile clothing styles that can be worn in multiple ways. This will allow your customers to get more use out of each piece, saving you money in the long run. Such as, t-shirt, hoodie, sweat pants and jacket.
3. Offer a mix of high-quality and low-cost clothing items. This will give your customers options and allow you to keep your overall costs down.
4. Use creative marketing techniques to promote your brand. This will help you reach your target market without spending a lot of money on advertising.
5. Keep your overhead costs low. This includes things like rent, utilities, and employee salaries.

In addition, here are a few more tips for keeping costs down:

• Choose simple designs that are easy to produce.
• Shop around for the best deals on fabric and other materials.
• Start small by selling your clothes online or at local markets.
• Get creative with marketing and promoting your brand.
• Use social media to reach a wider audience.

How to find a clothing manufacturer for your brand

When you’re starting a clothing brand, finding a clothing manufacturer is one of the most important steps. There are many custom clothing manufacturers to choose from, so how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few tips:

1. Do your research. Start by reading online reviews and checking out the manufacturer’s website. Make sure you understand their processes and policies.
2. Ask for recommendations. Talk to other clothing brand owners and see who they use for manufacturing. They may have great insights that you didn’t consider.
3. Consider your budget. Get quotes from several different manufacturers so you can compare prices. Don’t forget to factor in things like shipping and minimum order quantities.
4. Know your timeline. Some manufacturers have longer lead times than others, so planning ahead is essential. If you need your clothing quickly, make sure the manufacturer can accommodate your timeline.
5. Ask about quality control. Find out how the manufacturer ensures that the clothing is made to your standards. This is especially important if you’re selling high-end clothing.

You can discover the proper custom apparel manufacturer for your business by following these suggestions.

However, like any other product, manufacturing clothing involves a careful selection of materials and skilled labour to create your garments.

You want to work with a company with a good reputation that can provide you with the necessary resources, whether for a small batch or large order.

A misshapen garment or poor-quality print can quickly ruin your brand’s reputation, so it’s crucial to partner with a reliable custom clothing manufacturer.

Lezhou Garment Co., Ltd is a professional custom clothes manufacturer with over 10 years of experience.

We can provide you with custom-made clothing of the highest quality and best price.

Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Conclusion

So, what does it cost to start a clothing brand? I will say US$2000 is enough to start with a t-shirt order if you don’t have much budget.

In short, you’ll need some cash and a lot of hard work.

But don’t let that discourage you; your new business can thrive with careful planning and execution.

For more advice on starting a clothing line or any other type of business, be sure to check out our other blog posts.

And good luck!