r/apparelstartup

Hey everyone, I’m currently in the beginning stages of starting my own clothing brand and I’d really love some advice from people who’ve already been through the process. Right now I’m brainstorming concepts, designs, marketing ideas, and trying to figure out what actually makes a brand stand out instead of feeling repetitive.

I’m leaning toward an anime-inspired/streetwear aesthetic (currently inspired by Soul Eater), but I still want it to feel original and wearable. What are some things you wish you knew before starting your brand? Biggest mistakes to avoid? Best ways to build a community and get people genuinely interested?

Also — what kind of pieces/designs do you personally like seeing from newer brands? Oversized tees, hoodies, cut & sew, accessories, etc?

Any advice, opinions, or honesty is appreciated 🙏

Hey everyone, first time posting. I know how hard it is to find legit sources whether you can visit them or not, especially when you’re just starting out.
I created a sourcing guide(75+) using sources I’ve acquired over my 15 year career in the industry.
I’ve worked for small/medium size companies in skate/streetwear (Heel Bruise, Rebel8, Stampd & Fuct), DTC denim brands, to big denim companies with private label clients like Macy’s, Wal Mart and Costco. I had my own brand for 10+ years all self funded, while producing entirely in the U.S. I’ve done it all across design, development and production.
The sourcing guide has extensive high quality fabric supplier sources, top denim and workwear factories in LA. A top hat manufacturer (Supreme, Noah, Born x Raised etc.) Larger full package factories in China and India. Also, fabric suppliers and factories specializing in swimwear, activewear and evening wear.
Each of these sources I have worked with in one capacity or another. Usually through my own brand or companies I’ve worked for. Link is below, let me know if you have any questions. 20% off right now

https://www.4rresearchcenter.com/store

I work in clothing manufacturing in Sialkot, Pakistan, a relatively small city that most people outside the industry have never heard of, despite the fact that it exports products all over the world.

A huge amount of sportswear, streetwear, gym wear, uniforms, leather goods, gloves, and even equipment for international brands gets made here every day.
One thing I constantly see hurting new clothing brand owners is the fear of MOQs (minimum order quantities).

A lot of manufacturers make it sound like you must order 300–1000 pieces just to start a brand. And while high MOQs can sometimes be legitimate, they’re often exaggerated or used as a filter against small clients.

From the manufacturing side, the real reasons usually look more like this:
•Factories prefer larger orders because margins are better
•Small orders take almost the same communication and setup effort
•Fabric mills often have dyeing minimums
•Custom Pantones increase costs
•Screen printing and embroidery have setup charges
Manufacturers don’t want production lines constantly switching
But that’s very different from “it’s impossible to make 30 pieces.”

In cities like Sialkot, many manufacturers already have:
•industrial stitching units
•printing access
•embroidery setups
•pattern makers
•sampling departments
•export infrastructure

So smaller runs are absolutely possible if the product is structured properly.
For example, startups can lower MOQs by:
•using stock fabrics instead of custom fabric production
•avoiding overly complicated cut and sew pieces initially
•keeping colorways limited
•standardizing sizing
•starting with blanks/private label modifications
•combining multiple designs into one production batch

I think a lot of young entrepreneurs get discouraged because manufacturers present the industry like you need massive capital before even testing an idea.

But living in an export city and seeing production firsthand made me realize the industry is way more flexible than people think, especially if you know how factories actually operate.

Hey everyone,

I’ve been lurking in this sub and I see the same story: A founder pays for "Premium Heavyweight Hoodies," but the fabric arrives thin and cheap.

I work in production here in Guangzhou. My office is 15 mins from the Zhongda fabric market. I spend my days looking at swatches and I want to share some "insider" info so you don't get taxed 300% by middlemen who use the word “luxury” as a trap.

1. The GSM Trap
If you want that heavy, structured "luxury" feel, stop asking for "heavyweight" and start asking for 460GSM or 500GSM Cotton Loopback Jersey. If a vendor says they can’t find it, they aren't looking. It's everywhere here.

2. Combed vs. Carded
If your fabric pilled after 3 washes, you were likely given "Carded Cotton." Always insist on 100% Combed Cotton. It’s smoother, stronger, and is what actual luxury brands use.

3. The "Vintage Wash" Shrinkage
Acid-wash/Vintage wash chemicals shrink garments by 3-5%. If your pattern isn't "upsized" before cutting, your Large will fit like a Medium. Always ask your factory: "What is your shrinkage allowance for this specific wash?"

4. Sourcing for small drops
Big mills want 1,000+ piece orders. But if your partner actually goes to the market, they can find "In-Stock" premium rolls for 50-piece drops. You just have to know which stalls have the "deadstock" from the big luxury runs.

AMA (Ask Me Anything):
I’m in the market almost every day. If you’re struggling to find a texture, or you’ve been quoted a price and want to know if it’s fair, ask me in the comments.

I’m just happy to help the community avoid the "middleman tax." (I’ll put a link to some of my technical samples in the comments if you want to see the quality I'm talking about).

Hey mates,

I have started ro take the steps to build an apparel brand in UAE. Which is having a unique character in fashion industry of the middle east marketpalce ecspessially uae.

And i have made a lot of market research and brand building theory from open sources like social medias. After i realised that, consistent content creation about the brand stand first nowadays. Even if your brand having an unique character, al ways content creation stands first. In the content, we have to start the story telling about the brand, and showing the building process, what are the motive to start this brand, why would a consumer purchase from this brand when there is a lot of another brands exist etc... And still plan and execution is more important same as content creation.

And if anyone is already in the clothing business, or if any one can suggest how to make plan and execution, that will be a best part of my entrepreneurial journey.

Hi Everyone,

Im a Filipino and previously working in UAE and due to the ongoing conflict I got laid off.
Im now back home and i have always had this idea of having like a storytelling of my country its food,culture, traditions, etc through pajamas.

I saw alot of my people reselling premade pajamas not really like a staple brand.

Its my first time actually starting a business and it feels a bit scary.

For all business owners how did you overcome the imposter syndrome and what challenges will i face and how to overcome them.
Any advice for a new entrepreneur ?

Looking for a new age social media manager preferably with some fashion experience, want fresh ideas focused on real people for my clothing brand launch, if interested comment below or email your portfolio to sixteennorth16@gmail.com thanks!!