Q&A for How to Start a Clothing Line

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I want to start a clothing line from home. I have no experience whatsoever. Can I draw the design of the clothes I want to produce and send the pictures to a company to help me produce and market it?

Community Answer

Yes, but you need to be careful before sending any of your designs to a company, because some companies may steal your work and say it's them that came up with everything, and you end up getting nothing for your work. So, do proper research on the company you intend to send your designs to.

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Question

Will manufacturers do custom designs like adding zippers to the side of a T-shirt?

Community Answer

It all depends on your agreement with the manufacturers, and of course you will need to pay more.

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Question

How many clothing items do I have to make for a complete line?

Community Answer

There's no set amount. I've seen some brands set up and start selling in stores with 3 different t-shirts and 3 different hoodies. Having a few quality pieces is better than having a ton of mediocre products.

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Question

Do I have to go to a fashion school to get my degree?

Community Answer

No, there are many designers who never went to fashion school, but having that knowledge may help your career and help you start a successful clothing line.

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Question

How do I obtain fabrics to start a clothing line?

Community Answer

Designers don’t go to fabric stores to get their fabrics; they buy from manufacturers, wholesalers or agents.

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Question

How old do I have to be to start a clothing line?

Community Answer

You can be any age, as long as you are passionate about it. You might want to get help from an adult with the financial part if you are young.

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Question

How can I get a loan for a clothing line?

Community Answer

Contact a bank or investors in your area with a detailed business plan that outlines your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

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Question

Can I start my business from home?

Community Answer

Yes! Although if you intend to sell clothes, starting a business from home could prove troublesome as many people like to try on clothes before they purchase them, especially if they're buying from an unknown/little known source.

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Question

How do I get money to start a clothing line?

Community Answer

Get a bank loan, or team up with family members and friends.

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Question

What do I do when I can't draw or design clothing?

Community Answer

You can describe your idea to a good artist and ask her to draw it for you, or you can browse for designs that are similar to your idea and edit them to suit your requirements.

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Question

Do I have to be a certain age to get a business card?

Community Answer

No, anyone can get a business card made. However, a business card isn't what makes your business official. To be a business owner, you have to be 18 or older. If you're younger than that, a parent or other adult could play that role in your name until you come of age.

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Question

How much money do I need to start a clothing line?

Community Answer

It depends on if you already have all the sewing equipment, on how many pieces you plan to make, and the fabrics you plan to use.

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Question

How do I get a business license?

Community Answer

Go to your local city hall. They'll have the paperwork you need and will let you know what you need to get done.

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Question

Where can I make a free website?

Community Answer

If you have no web design experience, WIX is great. Shopify is fantastic if you need an ecommerce store.

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Question

Can I get someone to make my designs, and someone else to make them while I direct them?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but you'll have to pay those people. Most designers start off drawing and making their designs, but it doesn't mean you have to.

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Question

How much do I sell my clothing for?

Community Answer

It depends on what type of items you're selling, what kind of materials are used, etc. A regular cotton shirt, for example, could be $20-$30.

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Question

Should I open my own store to sell clothing?

Community Answer

It is not necessary to open your own store. You can start by using online websites to sell clothing.

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Question

Where can I find fabric ideas for traditional wear for women?

Community Answer

Look at other designers' traditional wear, and see what fabrics they have used. Or, go to a boutique and ask for suggestions.

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Question

What if I can't sew or afford to hire employees, but I can draw and create fashion design?

Community Answer

Find someone who loves sewing and can volunteer to help you until you can afford to pay them.

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Question

How do I come up with a company name for a clothing line?

Community Answer

You could try your name. For example: If your name is Sandra Smith, that could be your company name. Ralph Lauren as well as Calvin Klein did that. You could also do a word that defines you. Just be creative.

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Question

Can I start a clothing line while continuing my job?

Community Answer

Yes, you can start a clothing line while continuing your job. It will be harder, but still possible. In all of your spare time, focus on making clothes!

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Question

How do I copyright my designs?

Community Answer

If you're in the US, check out wikiHow to [[Copyright Material (US)]].

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Question

What do I do if there are no production companies in my country and it is very expensive to send things abroad?

Community Answer

You could try to find a manufacturer that is able to produce in lot size one. This means they start the production after you have sold a shirt, so you can reduce the cost to a minimum.

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Question

Can I hire tailors to sew for me and explain my ideas to them?

Community Answer

Yes, but any additional people you hire will cut seriously into your profit margin.

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