How to Start a Home-Based Clothing Line

Having a clothing line from home gives you a flexible schedule and unlimited creative freedom.

Starting a business from home is a thrilling way to stay creative, satisfied and self-sufficient all while working as your own boss. Designing your own fashion line requires time and creativity, but is ultimately rewarding when you get to share your views on style with the world. Creating your own clothing line from home is possible with determination, confidence and persistence, and has no restrictions on how successful you may become.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm on the type of clothing line you would like to create as well as the products you would like to sell upon launch. Sketching designs and browsing online fashion websites and magazines for inspiration will help to determine your brand's overall "look" and style (such as vintage, high fashion, Bohemian, gothic or casual).

2. Choose the market you would like your clothing to cater to, whether young, old or gender-specific. Figuring out your clothing line's audience will help with finding the right trends and color palettes to follow and stay updated with.

3. Find and locate wholesalers that supply the type of clothing and fashion accessories you would like to sell from home. Visit wholesale distributors locally or by browsing online supply websites such as Wholesale Fashion Square (wholesalefashionsquare.com), Top Wholesale Suppliers (topwholesalesuppliers.com) and Wholesale Dir (wholesaledir.com) for deals globally on items and accessories for a fashion start-up.

4. Order or customize the type of stock you would like to sell.

5. Register and file all of the legal forms to start your at-home fashion business (such as filing taxes as self-employed) as well as any trademarks or copyrights you may wish to file regarding your own brand (this is optional yet recommended). Register your company as "incorporated" or as an "LLC" to have an official business status added to your clothing line. Otherwise, filing as self-employed and paying quarterly taxes is required for sole proprietors.

6. Set up an online store or blog to showcase and sell your clothing line's items.

7. Promote your clothing line using social media communities and other online networks to help gain visitors and loyal customers of your brand.

References

• Home Biz Moms: Starting a Clothing Line Business
• Power Home Biz: Starting a Clothing Line or Apparel Manufacturing Business
• Style Source: How to Start a Clothing Line

Resources

• Wholesale Fashion Square: Wholesale Clothing, Apparel, Accessories, Jeans, Tops, Plus Size, Jewelry
• Top Wholesale Suppliers: Directory of Wholesale Products
• Wholesale Dir: Wholesale Directory: Wholesale Suppliers
• Master Plans: Clothing Line Business Plan