So You Want To Start A Clothing brand?
It can be life changing and will teach you a lot about yourself! While the internet does portrays clothing brands are easy and anyone can do it, this isn't entirely true. In fact, 98% of them fail we've seen first hand great brands just give up. Our brand Real Wealth Club has seen this first hand since we started in 2019 - it takes a lot of effort and dedication. It will be a lot work and you have to sacrifice your time to be successful. If you are someone who starts something and finishes it than this is something you can do and you will succeed. So let's get started starting a clothing brand is easier than you think. But it's also important to make sure you plan and prepare so you can be successful. Here's some advice on how to get started:
Specify your brand identity: Whats the story behind your brand? What will your clothes look like? Who will you sell them to? Answering these questions will help you get started. Studying some of your favorite brands you want to look like will help but, that doesn't mean to steal. You take examples from them and put your own spin on them this will help you learn fast and also help you understand what other people already like and how you can differentiate yourself from the competition. Remember take inspiration from them not copy, nobody wants a knockoff or a wannabe you need to be able to stand out from the crowd.
Identify core products: Next, you need to decide what items you are going to start off selling for your brand will it be hoodies, t-shirts, hats or something else? We usually recommend people start of selling hoodies because you can wear it year round.
Create a business plan: It's also a good idea to make a plan for your brand. This will help you set goals and figure out how to reach them. You need to figure out a marketing plan to reach potential customer because if people don't see your brand they do not know you exist. With marketing consistency is key you need to constantly be in peoples faces to remind them of presence.
Source materials and manufacturers: You'll need to find people to make your clothes and get the materials you'll need. You can go to a local print shop in your area and they will provide blanks that you can choose to print just be sure to ask them to see what blanks they carry. There is the Print on Demand method which prints and ships your design for you only after a sale goes through so there is no upfront cost. People use to bash Print on Demand for being low quality but they have really step up there quality we usually recommend people start off with this method. Some of the best Print on Demand service are Printify and Printful. You can go the cut and sew route but you must find manufacturers yourself using Alibaba and Aliexpress. We do not recommended this route for beginners because shipping times fluctuate the quality may not be up to par and you have to be extremely detailed so your pieces are correct if you go this route please look into how to create a tech pack.
And thats it don't forget to create a website and social media accounts to share your brand with the world! We alway recommend Shopify for website and no other. A social media presence is the most important piece to any business now. Use TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest to show the world your products, engage with your customers, and build your brand's identity.
When first starting out, there's no need to get a LLC since if you don't achieve the results from sales you expected, it will be money thrown away. It's recommended to wait until you start making steady profits every month or exceed $10,000 before considering one.
Good luck on your journey and remember this a marathon not a sprint. Do not get discouraged if your brand is not an instant hit your first year and do not envy brands a lot of them are lying to you.
Final tip: Do not chase perfection or think you need to spend a lot of money to make your brand grow.