8 Steps to Sell Clothing Online in 2023 (Complete Guide)

Create and Sell Your Own Clothing Brand Online: 8 Detailed Steps to Success

Ready to bring your clothing brand to life? Congratulate yourself because it is one of the best business decisions. There may be many ways how you can do a garment selling business. 

In this step-by-step practical business guide, we'll walk you through 8 detailed steps to help you start and succeed in selling your own clothing brand or clothing line online.

From starting the basic idea to marketing your garments, we'll cover all steps to turn your fashion dreams into reality!

I shared an article about my sewing work journey here and I got overwhelming responses, Which inspired me to share this post with you. 

• Define your brand

To decide your brand's unique value proposition and target audience, follow these steps:

1. Identify what sets your brand apart and the value it offers.
2. Understand your target audience's needs, preferences, and pain points.
3. Align your brand's unique value with the specific needs of your target audience to create a compelling value proposition.

• Tell Your brand Story

To create a brand story and establish a strong brand identity:

1. Define your brand's values, mission, and vision.
2. Craft a compelling narrative that communicates your brand's story and resonates with customers.
3. Develop consistent visual elements, such as logo and colors, that reflect your brand's personality and values, fostering customer connection.

• Market Research

1. Engage with followers, listen to their feedback, and observe conversations relevant to your industry.
2. Analyze social media insights to gather demographic data and track customer preferences.
3. Use this information to tailor your offerings and improve customer satisfaction.

• Design your collection

1. Define Your Brand's Style: 

2. Create Mood Boards: 

Compile images of nature, vintage fashion, and bohemian lifestyle to create a mood board that represents your brand's bohemian aesthetic.

3. Refine:

• Visualize your designs

You can create sketches, technical drawings, or digital mock-ups to visualize your clothing designs by:

1. Hand Sketches:

• Use a sketchpad or plain paper and a pencil to draw rough sketches of your clothing designs. Focus on capturing the overall silhouette, key design elements, and proportions. Don't worry about perfecting the details at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas on paper. 

Example: Sketch a series of dresses, tops, or pants, paying attention to the neckline, sleeve length, waistline, and any unique design features you envision.

2. Technical Drawings:

• Once you have your initial sketches, create more detailed technical drawings that provide accurate measurements, construction details, and specifications. Use a ruler, protractor, and drafting tools if needed. Include annotations for fabric choices, fastenings, and any other important design elements.

Example: Draw a technical flat of a dress, specifying measurements for the bust, waist, hip, and length. Indicate the type of fabric, closures (like zippers or buttons), and any embellishments.

3. Digital Tools and Software:

• Utilize digital tools and software to create digital mock-ups and renderings of your clothing designs. There are various options available, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or fashion design software like Clo or C-Design Fashion. These tools allow you to refine and experiment with colors, patterns, and textures digitally.

Example: Use Adobe Illustrator to create a digital illustration of a blouse, adding color, patterns, and texture to accurately represent your design vision.

4. Fashion Design Apps:

• Explore user-friendly fashion design apps available for smartphones or tablets. These apps offer pre-drawn templates, customization options, and tools to create digital sketches or mock-ups easily. They are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more accessible and intuitive approach.

Example: Download a fashion design app like Sketchbook or Procreate on your tablet to create digital sketches and mock-ups using the app's built-in tools and features.

5. Collaboration with Designers:

• If you don't have drawing skills or prefer to focus on other aspects of your clothing brand, consider collaborating with a fashion designer or illustrator. Provide them with your concept, inspiration, and reference images, and they can bring your ideas to life through sketches or digital illustrations.

Example: Hire a freelance fashion designer or work with a local design student to create professional sketches or digital mock-ups based on your design concepts.

Remember, the goal of creating sketches, technical drawings, or digital mock-ups is to visualize and communicate your clothing designs effectively. Choose the method that works best for you and allows you to accurately convey your ideas to manufacturers, suppliers, or potential customers.

• Gather feedback

Social media is a powerful tool to give your audience a sneak peek into your latest designs and gather valuable feedback. Start by posting teaser images or short videos on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. You can show behind-the-scenes shots of your design process or highlight specific details of your upcoming collection.

Encourage your followers to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments section. Ask questions like, 'What do you think of this color?' or 'Which design is your favorite?' This interactive approach makes customers feel involved and valued.

You can use Instagram's 'Poll' feature or create surveys using tools like Google Forms or Typeform to get more structured feedback. This allows you to gather specific insights about preferences, styles, or even pricing.

By leveraging social media, you not only create excitement around your brand but also build a community of engaged followers who feel connected to your design process. Their feedback will help you refine your designs and deliver what they truly want.

• Research and source

Start by exploring different suppliers and manufacturers online or in local markets. Look for materials that align with your brand's aesthetic and values, whether it's organic cotton, recycled polyester, or sustainable alternatives.

Read customer reviews, ask for fabric samples, and compare prices to ensure you're getting the best quality within your budget. Don't be afraid to reach out to suppliers directly with any questions or concerns.

Another great way to find quality materials is by attending textile trade shows or networking events where you can meet fabric suppliers face-to-face. This allows you to see and feel the fabrics firsthand, ensuring they meet your standards.

• Establish relationships

Research and reach out to potential partners who specialize in the type of clothing you want to create. Look for manufacturers with a good reputation and positive customer reviews.

Communicate your design requirements and ask about their capabilities, production timelines, and minimum order quantities. Request samples or visit their facilities if possible to assess their quality standards and working conditions.

Once you find a suitable partner, establish clear communication channels and build a trusting relationship. Regularly communicate your expectations, provide detailed specifications, and be open to feedback and suggestions.

• Connect and showcase

Social media platforms offer a great way to connect with suppliers and manufacturers while showcasing the quality of materials used in your clothing line. Start by following and engaging with suppliers on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Comment on their posts, send direct messages, or tag them in your content to initiate conversations.

Share posts and stories highlighting the materials you use in your clothing line. Take close-up photos or short videos showcasing the texture, durability, or unique features of the fabrics. Write simple captions explaining the benefits and value of these materials.

You can also collaborate with suppliers for social media giveaways or promotions. Feature their brand and products in your posts, and in return, they may promote your clothing line to their audience.

By using social media in this way, you not only strengthen relationships with suppliers but also build trust with your customers. They'll see the quality of materials you use, enhancing your brand's reputation and attracting more potential buyers.

• Choose e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce

Get a domain name that is short and easy to remember. Make sure your online purchasing process is easy and straight forward.

Get a content writer, to write compelling description of your products.

Pick a good payment gateway and check their transaction fees.

Offer free shipping for customers who purchase above a certain amount and pick a sensible courier service.

Set Up an Online Selling and Payment Platform

The quick way of selling is to register on social networks. Create a page and receive your orders online. After that, people will see your clothes and you will have many orders..

Ideally, create your own website or use any of the growing number of sales platforms like amazon, ebay, flipcart etc.

If a service offers a free trial, make a note of how much it will cost later so you can ensure your sales justify the cost.

If you do decide to make your own website, you need to register for a payment system like Instamojo, RazorPay or PayPal so you can accept payments securely.

• Customize your store's design, layout, and branding  

• Choose a user-friendly platform: Select an e-commerce platform that offers customizable templates and an intuitive interface. This makes it easier to personalize your store without technical expertise.
• Design a clean and organized layout: Keep your store's layout simple and clutter-free. Use clear navigation menus, categorize products logically, and provide a search bar for easy browsing. Ensure that your store is mobile-friendly to accommodate shoppers on various devices.
• Use consistent branding elements: Incorporate your brand's logo, colors, and fonts into your store's design to create brand consistency. This helps customers recognize your brand and builds trust.
• Showcase high-quality product images: Invest in high-resolution product images that showcase your offerings in the best light. Use multiple images and allow zoom functionality for customers to examine the details.
• Implement intuitive checkout process: Simplify the checkout process with clear steps and minimal form fields. Offer guest checkout and multiple payment options to accommodate different preferences.

• Integrate social media plugins and sharing options

To encourage customers to share your products on their social networks, it's important to integrate social media plugins and sharing options on your website. 

1. Add social sharing buttons: Include prominent social sharing buttons on your product pages. These buttons allow customers to easily share your products on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest with just a click. Place them near product images or descriptions for maximum visibility.
2. Enable customer reviews and ratings: Integrate a review system that allows customers to share their feedback and ratings on social media. Positive reviews can encourage others to share your products and boost your brand's credibility.
3. Offer incentives: Provide incentives for customers to share their purchases. For example, offer discounts, exclusive offers, or loyalty points for those who share your products on their social networks. This motivates them to spread the word about your brand.

• product photography

To present your clothing line in the best possible light, it's essential to invest in high-quality product photography. 

1. Set up a well-lit space: Find a spot with ample natural light or use soft, diffused artificial lighting. Avoid harsh shadows or uneven lighting that can distort the appearance of your garments.
2. Use a high-resolution camera: Capture your clothing with a camera that has good image quality. This will ensure clarity and detail in your product photos.
3. Style your garments: Prepare your clothing by steaming out any wrinkles and arranging them neatly. Use props or accessories that complement your brand's aesthetic to enhance the overall appeal.
4. Capture different angles and details: Take multiple shots from various angles to provide a comprehensive view of your clothing. Zoom in on important features or unique textures to give customers a closer look.
5. Edit and enhance: Use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance. Make sure the colors accurately represent your garments.

• product descriptions

To write compelling product descriptions that highlight unique features and benefits, follow these simple steps:

1. Know your audience. Understand their needs and preferences.
2. Focus on benefits, not just features.
3. Use descriptive language to create a vivid picture.
4. Keep it concise and easy to read.
5. Incorporate storytelling to make it engaging.

Example: 'Our cozy sweater is crafted from soft, breathable fabric for all-day comfort. With its versatile design and timeless style, it's perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Stay warm and stylish with our must-have wardrobe essential.

• visually appealing product images

To generate excitement and drive traffic to your online store, share visually appealing product images on social media platforms. Example: 'Check out our new collection! Our vibrant dresses are perfect for any occasion. Showcasing bold prints and flattering cuts, they'll make you feel confident and stylish. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe!

• Craft a marketing strategy

To identify your target market and create a marketing strategy that effectively reaches and engages with them, follow these steps:

1. Research: Gather information about your potential customers, their demographics, preferences, and behaviors.
2. Define your target market: Determine the specific group of people who are most likely to be interested in your product or service.
3. Segment your market: Divide your target market into smaller segments based on shared characteristics, such as age, location, or interests.
4. Evaluate competition: Understand your competitors' target markets and strategies to differentiate yourself.
5. Develop buyer personas: Create fictional representations of your ideal customers, including their background, goals, and challenges.
6. Tailor your marketing message: Craft compelling and clear messages that resonate with your target market's needs and desires.
7. Select marketing channels: Identify the most effective channels to reach your target market, such as social media, email marketing, or traditional advertising.
8. Set goals and metrics: Define specific goals for your marketing efforts and establish metrics to measure your success.
9. Implement and test: Execute your marketing strategy and continually analyze and adjust based on the results.
10. Monitor and adapt: Regularly monitor market trends, consumer feedback, and the effectiveness of your marketing activities. Adapt your strategy accordingly to stay relevant and maximize engagement.

• Promote your brand

Promote your brand and products effectively: use social media platforms, collaborate with influencers, leverage email marketing, and create engaging content. Share content, interact with followers, run ads, partner with influencers, send newsletters, provide value, and create compelling content to increase awareness and sales.

• Expand your reach 

To expand your reach and drive targeted traffic to your online store, you can leverage social media advertising. Here's how:

1. Choose the right platform: Select social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram that align with your target audience.
2. Set clear goals: Define specific objectives for your ads, such as increasing website visits or generating sales.
3. Understand your audience: Use platform insights and analytics to identify your target audience's demographics, interests, and behaviors.
4. Craft compelling ads: Create eye-catching visuals, write persuasive ad copy, and include a clear call-to-action to drive engagement.
5. Set a budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on social media ads and allocate your budget accordingly.
6. Target your audience: Use targeting options provided by the platform to reach the most relevant audience based on demographics, interests, and location.
7. Monitor and optimize: Regularly monitor the performance of your ads, analyze the data, and make adjustments to optimize their effectiveness.
8. Test: Experiment with different ad formats, audience targeting, and messaging to find what works best for your brand.
9. Track conversions: Install conversion tracking on your online store to measure the success of your social media ads in generating sales or leads.
10. Learn from results: Analyze the data from your campaigns to gain insights into what resonates with your audience and refine your future advertising strategies.

• Personalized support

Ensure customer satisfaction with prompt and tailored support to meet their needs and enhance their overall experience.

• Implement efficiency

Streamline your order processing, shipping, and returns/exchange procedures to ensure efficient and hassle-free transactions for your customers.

• Build Community

Engage with customers, address inquiries, and foster brand loyalty by utilizing social media platforms to connect and build a supportive community.

• Track and assess important metrics using analytics tools from your e-commerce and social media platforms to gain valuable insights.
• Utilize gained insights to enhance marketing strategies, elevate customer experience, and fine-tune product offerings for better results and satisfaction.

1) Defining Your Limitations 

Initially, some of you may be unsure about your capabilities hence it could be difficult to set limitations.

You may find it hard to focus on the kind of brand that you want to create. You have to choose between being a creator or a re-seller.

To be a creator means you need to develop your creative side and it could be hard at times.

A re-seller means that you need to curate products from other creators (brands). This path is easier to operate but it is hard to create a brand upon it and sustain that image.

Initially, you can choose this as you learn about the industry and then begin to create your own clothes.

2) To Negotiate And Leverage Well Is Important

To sell clothes requires smooth flow of cash. You need to take care of labors, suppliers and other high fixed costs even if you have a bad cash flow from customers.

Selling is important but a bad buying strategy is more likely to kill your business. 

Master how to buy your products.

You will also need to learn how to build your brand. Most of the time, people buy the brand, not the cloth. 

3) Developing Distribution And Marketing Network Is Important

This is the hard part after the early beginning. You must develop your selling channels.

Wholesale is VERY hard as a new brand, so expect to do mainly low volume direct-to-consumer sales at first.

It could be through e-commerce, re-seller partners (works only if you are a creator), physical stores (need money) etc.

4) Managing Growth Has Many Roadblocks

If you choose to sell online, you will need to use many tools to make your site visible to your targeted customers. 

5) Sourcing The Clothes 

Not all manufacturers work with startups.  Most of them have a minimum order quantity, which will be a tough sell when you're getting started.

So, find a manufacturer that can do smaller quantities and is used to working with startups. You can source clothes from India, China, Turkey, or Thailand to get started.

If you know how to design patterns and sew a prototype then it will help you.

You will find it easier to hire a master tailor to create the patterns and prototype you want to sell.

• Stay active on social media platforms, track customer feedback, and adapt your strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the competition.

Spend a lot of time on social media promoting your clothing lines. 

Get your brand out there via organic search and social media without spending on any ads until you’re making profits.

Take photos and post them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, and encourage your happy customers to do the same.

When people visit your website, give them reasons to give you their email addresses so you can follow up with new products and sales.

Visit your competitors' websites for ideas and to learn about their clothing lines and how they sell them.

Always REMEMBER people will go where there is attraction.

You are not worried about the quality, because you know that you can give the best quality to your customers.

But, you are afraid and scared of the SALES.

Conclusion: By following these 8 detailed steps, you're well-equipped to start and succeed in selling your own clothing brand online. From establishing your brand identity to marketing and analyzing your progress, each step is crucial to your brand's growth and success.

Embrace the digital landscape, leverage the power of social media, and watch your clothing brand flourish in the online world. Get ready to make your mark in the fashion industry and create a lasting impression with your unique clothing line!

1. Start small

Define the products that you'll be starting with and focus on that.

To start small or launch big depends on your risk and investment appetite. If you want to play it safe, you can take a softer route of starting small.

Besides, if you are a first time seller or not willing to invest big; it is advisable to start selling clothes of a particular category only.

You can start with a simple clothing like T-shirts to get an idea of how the business works.

The key is to create clothing that sells. There’s nothing worse than putting in a year’s worth of effort with no sales.

If you’re looking for a great beginner’s route, try Amazon. They take care of the printing, shipping, inventory, and sourcing. All you have to do is upload t-shirt designs.

2. Start with one type of garment

one mistake most people make is trying to start with an entire line of clothing and a big room full of stock. 

It may work fine but starting small is critical, especially when you're dealing with physical merchandise to sell clothing online. Which may go out of fashion, get spoiled and costs money. 

Invest in a few garments that everyone buys like shirts, dresses, swim suits and athletic or Yoga wear where there is stretch in the fabric and less complexity of inventory sizes.

In other words,  avoid complex patterns with many sizes and shapes like Jackets and Jeans until you have a production flow.

Determine who your target market is and what particular garment would be the most interesting to them.

For instance if you're targeting lawyers, you know they wear dress shirts frequently so you stock more of dress shirts.

3. Test or prototype

Make samples and test on more than just friends and family - you might feel the need to launch your website as quickly as possible.

Skipping the "testing" phase is a huge mistake as there will most likely be issues to sort-out with the first garments that you make.

Start with friends and family and then reach-out a bit further and try to get clothes into the hands of people who might not know you very well and are thus more likely to give you their honest opinion.

This is where you'll find out if people will generally be happy with what you're making or if there are some tweaks you'll have to make on your site to really get your garments ready for prime time.

4. Supply Fast Moving Items

Hold a certain amount of  clothing stock to test the market as compared to having a lot of stuff manufactured.  

Offer limited quantity first and if response is good, you can further notify the buyers about new stock.

Go with 80:20 rule. Your 20 percent clothing items will bring you 80 percent sale and profits. 

And you must identify that 20 percent.

5. Check Competitors In The Market 

Find out your competitors. This will give you an idea on the amount of work and effort you’ll need to put in to sell your own brand of clothing.

Depending on the country you operate, level of competition could be different.

However, one thing is for sure that competition is severe not only from marketplaces such as Amazon but also from established Brands.

6. Be Trustworthy To Your Vendors And Team

Keep good relations and clear rules set with your vendors. Keep your credit worthiness intact. 

Be a person who can be trusted. A business is done on trust. Your vendors and your team members are as important as your customers.

7. Keep Record Of All Your Costs, Profits And Transactions

Keep all your transactions recorded. 

Document all the agreements, paper work, bills, costs, revenue etc. These will benefit at the time of filing tax returns.

If you enter into any partnership, first get a partnership deed done. Most people enter into partnership with friends and later burn their savings, relationship and business with many misunderstandings.

you need to understand the various ways to sell clothing online. Some of these are -

Wholesale

You can buy clothes in bulk from the manufacturer. But it requires more money and research to identify the right suppliers and order your first batch.

Once you have identified your target customers well, this is a really good clothing business. Because you’ve tested your product and the market wants it. 

Where to Buy Wholesale Clothes for Your Business

Dropshipping

In this clothing business, you work with a drop-shipping company to list clothes in your online store.

When your customers buy the clothe(s) on your online store, you receive the money and place the order for items with the supplier.

This way, you won’t get to handle the shipping etc. You can set your own margins, provided you charge your customers a reasonable amount of money and fulfill your dream to sell your choice of clothing online.

Drop shipping websites, which are good for profit making

Affiliate Marketing

This is where you sell clothing online from other stores and get a percentage of the item each time a person buys the item through your referenced link online.

It’s very cost effective and ideal for students and professionals who aren’t looking for working full time as an entrepreneur and want to sell clothing online.

How to Sell Your clothing brand on amazon

You can try these steps to brand your clothes online

Selling clothes online is more than just selling clothes. It also means building a brand.

That means you'll want to get in as many publications as you can. 

Reach-out to writers, tell them what you are doing, see if you can peak their interest and get a story out of it. 

Keep hustling, if you have the budget for it, hire an independent PR person to help with the push.

For most brands this process takes years so don't expect it to happen overnight.

1: Attract customers with different strategies

2: Highlight the benefits

Never say that you have this or you have that, rather explain them how it will suit to their body (an apple shaped body or a circular body etc.).

3: Give something FREE

Drive them to your FREE webinar and show them the tons and tons of value with 3 times guarantee.

4: Give irresistible offer to CLOSE the sale

Don’t believe on a single platform.

5: Go for multiple social media advertising and marketing

One of the best ways to super-charge your marketing efforts is to get influential people try your clothes.

All it takes is one influencer to post a photo with a mention of your brand on Instagram and you could get a flood of traffic.

While you'll want to follow all the traditional website marketing techniques, influencer marketing will give you the biggest head-start.

A business is a long term entity and it can claim many income tax deductions / exemptions if you get it registered.

In fact, you'll be surprised that you have to pay very low tax as a business owner rather than as a salaried person.

Therefore, get your clothing business registered, enjoy the benefits that it can draw upon and work with lower liability as a business owner.

In order to get your clothing business registered in India as a sole proprietorship, you need to fulfill the following criterion :

Decide name of your firm and brand

Before setting up your online shop, choose a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company.

To get your brand name and website name to be the same, search for available names using a service like Whois Lookup & IP.

Apply for PAN card,

Get your firm registered (optional),

Open a current account.

You can operate as a firm or as an individual. 

You don't need to register your logo, however you may get a trademark by contacting a Chartered Accountant (CA).

Then, your CA will also help you with Tax Information Network (TIN), that is an initiative by Income Tax Department of India (ITD) for the modernization of the current system for collection, processing, monitoring and accounting of direct taxes using information technology. 

You now know who will make your clothes, picked an eCommerce platform, and have some great photos.

Putting all this together means you can now have a website where people can buy your clothes.

Just remember, after getting to this step you haven't done all the work you have to, instead you've just paid the price to be in the game.

Your selling clothes online starts now!

Mistakes People make while selling clothes online

1. Target customer is not identified

Tendency is to target everyone. But it is an expensive affair in apparel industry as there is a big issue of MOQ (minimum order quantity).

It is better to choose one in the beginning and keep adding other lines later.

2. Product offering is confusing

Don’t offer everything under the sun. Identify one of two product categories and launch.

Choose something where you can identify an opportunity.

Go for core colour styles. Say for example every men has several white shirts or black pants in their wardrobe.

Focus on your products' features and benefits.

3. Wrong pricing your brand

Be careful, do not over-price your product, otherwise you will not be able to sell at all.

Some entrepreneur set too low a price to gain market share too quickly. 

Do not under-price but to deploy more investment in marketing and promotion of the products you are selling.

4. Not sure about selling platforms

This is another question you must consider. Do you want to be an independent business online and want to start your own eCommerce store or you want to sell on marketplaces like amazon.

If you decide to sell on your own eCommerce store, you need a good understanding of digital marketing to launch your business online.

Or if you decide to sell on Amazon or any other marketplace, you need to create an account with them and follow their practices.

Whatever you choose, don't get overwhelmed. You learn while you work.

5. You are Hidden from your customers

It is easier to go online but difficult to be visible to your prospective customers. I have seen businesses with good websites with absolutely zero traffic or sales online.

If you have a business online you have to promote it in a big way. Most people spend a ton of time and money and then expect that the sales will just start coming in after that.

Most of the time your beautiful website will just sit there with very little traffic and no orders. In the beginning usually you pay money to get people to your site.

6. Expecting results too soon

When you’re trying to build a new brand and create a business from nothing, you’ll have limited time, money and people.

But you’ll be impatient to get big results and fast.

In this hurry you fall pray to buying followers or trying to get fast but superficial results.

Rather you should focus on getting the fundamentals of your business in place. 

With the basic structure set up, you can build on this and see some great results in both the short and long term.

7. Giving up too soon

Many people give up too soon because they do not set realistic expectations.

This isn't an easy business to but if you can stick with it and focus on small wins, over time your business will grow.

If you want to make it money, you'll need to be prepared to either invest your own money, get investors, or get a bank loan.

Surely,  you'll need to commit your full time attention to nurture your business because online does not mean automated.

To set the systems automated, you have to work initially so that you can relax later on.