I want to start a clothing line, but I can't sketch or sew?

Question

But I do I have ideas. Any advice on what I can do? How do i find someone who can sketch? How do I get someone to distribute my project?

Answer 1

You do not need to know how to sketch.  I don't and I'm doing fine.

if you can draw a box, you can draw a shirt.  You can also find shirts you like on the internet that match your type or style and alter it on paint shop or photo shop and add your designs. There are also softwares you can buy to design your apparel.

Kay has a great advise.  Score helped us with some of the questions we had when we first started.

O.K. Here is goes. My .02 cents. Just a few things to keep in mind.

First you need to know how much is the cost per unit.

$3.00-$5.00 a unit??? or less depending on manufacturer,quality and minimum order. (what typepoly bagton, jersey, pique, combed, etc..100% cotton...50/50....80/20...etc) does it include hang tags, company label, price tags, bar code and poly bag.

Will it be shipped all together or will it be boxed by style, size or combination of both.

Then you need to add your shipping cost.

the cost manufacturing company will charge to ship items to you.

Freight or airway?? (FOB) airway is more expensive but you will get your items quicker.

Then there is customs duty.

Depends on the fabric and customs code.

Usually $16.5% of the invoice. but can go up to 19% depending on the country you are importing from.

If you are ordering more than $2,000 you will also, need a broker as customs will not release your items without an entry on invoices more than $2000 and a broker will provide the customs entry forms as well as making sure your order is released from customs.

So, you will need to add $150-$200 for brokers fees.

See http://www.cbp.gov for details.

Then you will have to add expenses....

Cost of internet service if you are selling on line.

Cost of electricity, etc...etc... (Cost of running your company)

Cost of storage if any.

Payroll (paying employees if any or paying yourself)

You get the picture.

I hope that this has helped.

If you have any questions we are happy to help as we were exactly were you are now several years ago and now we have our own brand in several stores. We also, do custom apparel for businesses and anyone who is trying to start their own clothing line.

President & CEO

Mr. Soba

SOBAWEAR, LLC

http://www.sobawear.com

Answer 2

Maybe get someone who can sketch like a close friend or a family member. You may even be able to find a website or computer designing program to help express your ideas?

good luck : )

Answer 3

First, get in a sewing class and a fashion design class. Then get some friends who are also interested in that kind of stuff. It will all move foward from there.

Answer 4

You start off by reading at http://www.fashion-incubator.com -- a site for design-entrepreneurs. And you at least borrow Fasanella's book Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing from the library before you start firming up any plans.  There are about a gazillion ways to get skinned in the rag trade, and you might as well go in with a little bit of knowledge.

Then go talk to the folks at SBA and SCORE and whatever business incubator groups you can find.

Answer 5

well, start off with some ideas and put them onto paper as best you can

find someone to make your ideas better and sew them for you.

Answer 6

If you are having problems sketching, maybe use a paper doll sort of outline to help with proportions and work on it from there. Gather materials. Get someone to teach you to sew, or maybe just get them to do it for you.

I think until you have a bunch of things in your portfolio you can't really realistically find some one to distribute your clothing line.

If you have a market near where you live, you might want to open up a small stall. Just to get noticed a bit.

Answer 7

My suggestion is practice practice practice. You'll get better if you practice a lot. You don't have to be like Van Gogh, you just need to sketch. That goes for sewing as well.