You don't need thousands of pieces or a warehouse to launch a clothing brand. Here's how to go from an idea to your first run of 50 hoodies, and where new brands usually lose money.
1. Start small and focused
Launch with one or two hero products (say a heavyweight hoodie and an oversized tee) in two or three colours. A tight range is cheaper to produce, easier to photograph and easier to sell. Add products once you know what sells.
2. Define the product properly
A tech pack tells the factory exactly what to make: measurements, fabric and weight, colours (Pantone codes), print or embroidery placements, labels and packaging. You don't need a designer: our free tech pack builder walks you through it and gives you a PDF. A reference garment you love the fit of helps too.
3. Choose fabric and weight
- Tees: 220–300 gsm cotton for a premium, heavyweight feel
- Hoodies: 350–500 gsm fleece; heavier feels more premium but costs more to make and ship
- Finishes: garment dye, acid wash and vintage washes add character
4. Sample before you commit
Always approve a sample. Check fit on a real person, wash it a couple of times, and check the print. Expect one or two rounds of small changes: that's normal and much cheaper than fixing a bulk order.
5. Brand the details
Woven neck labels, care labels, swing tags and printed polybags are what make a blank feel like a brand. Many have their own minimums (often 100+), so plan them for your second run if budget is tight. See our private label service.
6. Work out your real costs
Your cost per piece isn't just the garment. Add printing or embroidery, labels and packaging, shipping, and import duties. Our pricing calculator shows how each choice adds up. A good rule of thumb: aim to sell at 2.5–3× your landed cost per piece to leave room for marketing and discounts.
7. Plan your timeline
Allow about 2 weeks for samples and 4–5 weeks for production, plus shipping. Working backwards from a launch date avoids paying for rush production or air freight you didn't need.
Common mistakes
- Launching too many products at once
- Skipping the sample to save time
- Ordering too many of each size: most brands sell M and L best
- Forgetting shipping and duties in the price
Ready to start? Build your tech pack or get a quote. Minimums start at 50 pieces per design.