Starting a Clothing Brand

[Ozzy]

Anyone on here got experience in starting an Own Brand clothing line?

Working with my daughter in this one, and we're looking specifically at the equestrian market - we have a route to market and what we feel is a sufficient six-figure marketing budget allocated. Where we're struggling now is the manufacture and production.
We have looked at the sites I've recommended to others on here before, where you upload your designs and then the provider prints and delivers the products. We don't want to do that, we want to own the customer journey, plus the quality won't last five minutes.

We've also considered buying FotL and so forth mass made products and having a printing company print them, but this isn't cost-effective, and finding products with sufficient wear quality for equestrian sport use doesn't fit here either. The same as above, your typical hoodie/t-shirt/leggings won't last five minutes.

Thoughts folks?

 

[Ozzy]

Actually, I'm tagging @MOIC so you see this as it 'may' be something you'd also have thoughts on.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Not really an answer, but if you Google 'where is Ariat made' it suggests quite a few countries, some more obvious than others!

 

[pavp]

Not personally used Pietra Studio but seen some adverts for sourcing manufacturers via there.
For my wife's ecommerce business we got very lucky with a UK manufacturer who (as our order quantity is small) adds our orders on top of our friends orders

 

[Mister B]

I started my own brand around 15 years ago, but fortunately I already had the manufacturers in place-from previous employment,

If I was starting from scratch now, instead of relying on the internet, I would head over to one of the big European shows. ISPO in Munich, which is happening this December may be a good one for you to visit. Primarily sportswear but the manufacturers over there will be able to handle equestrian wear as well.

Should add that the factories exhibiting really are world wide. So if you want smaller minimums from Poland or the like then you will find them there, as well as the usual suspects from Asia.

 

[MOIC]

Hi @Ozzy

The equestrian clothing market is very specialised (on some items), so it's essential you work with a manufacturer that sources the correct materials for your market. Quality is the way to go for an equestrian brand, It's certainly not the same route that you would go down for 'fast fashion' clothing. The 2 are polar opposites.

China can be good, albeit the factory MOQ's will be higher, but price points will be better than a European supplier. Of course the current shipping cost factor needs to be taken into account.

Is it just clothing you'll be starting with, or equestrian accessories?

Feel free, for you or your daughter, to DM me or contact via the website below.

I'll help wherever I can.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

One of the better universities who specialise in textiles and designs etc may be able to help you https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges

 

[Kozanteks]

Hello @Ozzy,

Finding an experienced manufacturer for equestrian apparel can be a real challenge, especially if you’re aiming for high-end quality. The equestrian market demands specialized fabrics that can withstand heavy use, provide comfort, and maintain their performance over time. Sourcing these materials, along with finding a manufacturer that understands the unique needs of equestrian wear, can be a complex process.

Finding a reliable manufacturer for equestrian apparel can be challenging due to the need for specialized, high-quality fabrics that can withstand rigorous use. If you're struggling to find the right partner for your equestrian clothing line, we’d be more than happy to assist. Please send us an email, and let’s discuss how we can support you. Also you can check our website, Kozanteks Textile.