Clothing Line Help?

Question

(Q.1) I am interested in starting my own clothing line. I would like to know where I can get my own graphic tees, jeans and hoodies produced. (Q.2) I would like to see if someone could set me up a website where I can sell them online. I have about 7k and I would like my clothing line to have an American Eagle, Hollister, A&F type of feel. THX in advance. Only serious answers please.

Answer 1

First can you draw, do you have a specific design on the tees that you want? Once you get that, you take your design to Kinko's and have a transfer made, then go to a shirt making store and for really cheap you can have some tees made up, same for hoodies, just to sort of get your pieces out there, the basic ones. Go to a seamstress and tell them the general look of the denim you want, or purchase a pattern and take that with you. Start small, find the smaller independent stores and show them your pieces, also draw up more detailed pieces you intend to start producing. Be persistent, research silk-screening and learn how to multi-layer the ink to print your own tees with more in dept designs. Also watch the demographic that shops at Hollister, AE, A&F, make sure the small stores you advertise to also follow the same age demographic that you are selling to. After you get a loyal group of customers, take the design if you have added to it, to the next level up. Continue till you really start to make a name for yourself. Another idea is to get a few good friends together to "model" your outfits, and send a portfolio into magazines like Seventeen, YM, Teen Vogue, all the magazines that appeal to teens and young adults. keep sending them this, maybe even a tee or two featuring your designs printed on them, they generally support the up and coming designers out there. Eventually we will be seeing your designs around! Just don't give up!! Good luck!

Answer 2

Starting a clothing line is so much more complicated than it may seem. This day and age its all about who you know, not what you can do. Try to make friends with even the smallest clothing company and build your way up.