What is the typical amount needed to start a clothing line?

Answer 1

The fashion industry, as you can well imagine, is a very competitive one. To succeed takes knowledge, patience, talent and a bit of luck. As far as the knowledge bit goes, I found some sources that will assist you further.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have about the clothing industry as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

There's nothing quite like research – the more you know about the clothing industry, the better. There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Also, here are some book titles that may interest you:

* The Official Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Clothing Line by Jay Arrington,
* The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing by Leslie Davis Burns
* Fashion for Profit (Revised Edition with Retail Chapter) by Frances Harder
* The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business by Mary Gehlhar

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Depends on if your purchasing materials all upfront and making the clothes at once or putting up info on website or catalog and having clients pay and then you make clothes.

Charge clients upfront for materials as a down payment or deposit and the rest once job is complete. Tell them, this is so it provides best possible fit! This will keep cost low and you don't lose money on items people don't buy!