Before You Start a Clothing Line, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

Let’s be honest: deciding to start a clothing line is a big step. It also means a lot of work on your part.

It takes time, money, and other valuable resources. However, if you stick with it, you can end up creating stunning works of art that customers will want.

Fashion designers are creative, passionate, and dedicated creators. They are those who need to be ready to go out of their way to put the hard work in to build a brand and clothing company. According to prominent companies and designers like Nike and Michael Kors, the garment manufacturing market is expected to experience a significant boom over the next few years. Therefore, there has never been a better time to start a clothing line.

So, where do you begin when starting a clothing line? There are several important steps once you commit to starting. Before you choose which clothing manufacturers to use, there are a few things to consider. Help yourself by asking these three questions before you submit an order to a clothing manufacturer.

1. Who is Your Customer?

When you start your own clothing line, it’s crucial to consider who your ideal customer is. What are their wants and needs? What are their goals?

Before you set out to design your garments and products, make sure to truly take a deep dive and see which people your brand will serve. This can guide the direction your brand and business take significantly.

This means doing some marketing research and creating a business plan. Be sure to browse social media like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to better understand some fashion trends for your target demographic. Going online is a great way to further hone in on who your target audience is.

Before sketching, before branding, think long and hard about who you are to serve by launching your own clothing line. Once you have your target audience in mind, it’s time to ask yourself question number two.

2. What is Your Budget?

A massive aspect of starting your own clothing line is procuring the funds to do so. Furthermore, crafting a budget that works for you and your company is crucial to your brand’s success.

Designing couture clothing can, unfortunately, be an expensive endeavor. After all, your finished product is a work of art in a multitude of different ways.

Cut and sew clothing manufacturers, pattern makers, and seamstresses pore over your fashion designs to make your unique clothing ideas a reality.

Clothing manufacturing doesn’t come free or cheap. But to compromise the future of your fashion business to save some money is a risky venture.

3. Who Should I Choose to Manufacture My Clothes?

After considering all the above, you need to choose a clothing manufacturer willing to listen to your questions, concerns, and ideas. Of course, you want to pay someone that can help start your own clothing line, but more importantly, you want someone you can trust with your creative vision.

Sharing your clothing designs with manufacturers that know what they’re doing is crucial. If there is a lack of communication, price discrepancy, or any other small or large issue, starting your own clothing line could become a massive headache.

That’s why it’s essential to choose a clothing manufacturer whom you can trust.

How to Start a Clothing Line With The Evans Group (TEG)

Led by Jennifer Evans, a veteran couture clothing manufacturer, TEG offers independent and emerging designers the opportunity to bypass many unnecessary struggles found in the infant stages of starting your own clothing line.

What’s the Process to Start a Clothing Line at TEG?

TEG has been in business for nearly 20 years. As such, the company has a tried and true fashion business model. No matter your experience in fashion, Jennifer Evans and her team meet with you and determine how best to proceed when manufacturing clothing.

TEG offers a few pricing options for independent designers. The most welcoming (and best for first-time designers on a budget) is called the ‘Test Drive.’ This plan includes all the expert advice from fashion professionals and samples of your own at a fraction of average production costs.

Fashion designers meet with Jennifer Evans and her team to discuss your needs, clothing label, and goals. Then, TEG project managers and cut and sew manufacturers will go over a comprehensive fashion business plan with you.

Next, over the course of 4 to 8 weeks, your clothing line goes through multiple quality checks, reviews, and development. You’ll also be in constant contact with the project manager to check up on your clothing order. Finally, textile samples provided by talented pattern makers and experts in fashion drafting bring an emerging designer’s clothing line to life.

By the time your samples and clothing line is finished, the pieces will be ready to sell, wear, and share online. But, of course, it depends on what your fashion business goals are. Whatever the reason you’ve started your own clothing line, TEG has a unique way of following through on promises and deadlines.

Final Thoughts on How to Start a Clothing Line

Remember these three questions to ask yourself to have the best preparation to manufacture a clothing line.

We’ve established that starting your own clothing line in the fashion industry isn’t always easy. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be a struggle. Independent designers can benefit from TEG’s international manufacturing.

• Remember to look for, listen to, and learn from your target market. These people will help you launch your clothing line and be successful. This means doing market research on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

• Keep in mind what your budget is and how to allocate funds towards your small business ventures. Plan out the costs of materials like fabric.

• And lastly, ensure you check clothing manufacturers you can trust, grow with, and develop fashion with. A company that allows your brand to develop organically alongside talented workers.

For more information about TEG’s process, explore the FAQs, and be sure to contact TEG at its Downtown Los Angeles location.

Whether you’re creating a limited series of clothing, pieces for an LA art installation, or even participating in New York Fashion Week, TEG gives everyone the tools to start a clothing line.