Starting a clothing business is just like any other business: you need to have the resources to jumpstart your vision, skills and know-how in managing the business, and marketing savvy to promote the business. You must also have a business plan that will serve as your detailed guide that will walk you through your first couple of years in business. Having gone through the process of thinking through a plan for your business will enable you to always know what steps to take next.
However, there are a number of unique factors that a would-be apparel manufacturer needs to know about the clothing business. Small businesses face an increasing competition from big firms given their marketing muscles and economies of scale. In the United States, at least, the industry is reeling from a shrinking availability and high cost of skilled labor (hence, big companies can outsource the manufacturing of their apparel to contractors in developing countries).
There are also a growing number of small manufacturers that significantly tightens the competition. Plus, small companies need to have the resources to cope with the rapid changes in apparel trends and styles.
Despite these problems, a number of small businesses are able to overcome these difficulties, and even grow to become powerhouses in their segments.
You can design clothes for a specific niche market. You can venture to create apparel for sports enthusiasts and athletes. Even then, you still have to decide whether you will design golfing apparel, tennis outfits or swimwear. With the increasing popularity of yoga, yoga clothes are very hip nowadays.
The scope of your product line also needs to be considered. Are you planning on designing a full product line, separates or coordinates?
The type of distribution will also dictate the kinds of clothes you will offer. Note that where you sell your products will depend largely on who your customers are. Will you sell your clothes exclusively or will you use other distribution methods? Are you planning to sell your products exclusively in pricey boutiques or will you sell it in discount stores? Are you aiming for the middle-income market and mass-producing low-cost apparel? Your pricing will be an important factor that will dictate your marketing strategy.
You also need to consider your capacity and supplier deals that you can get. If you will offer clothes of limited quantity, will you be able to find sewing contractors who are willing to deal with small production orders? Or will the costs be too prohibitive for your operations? Also, will the fabric suppliers be willing to give you small cuts of the textiles you need?
You can read more about the steps here.