Starting your own clothing line with sustainable white label T-shirts

Een eigen kledinglijn beginnen met duurzame white label T-shirts

Do you dream of your own clothing line, but don't want to immediately have large stocks made abroad? With white label T-shirts, you can start quickly and relatively easily, while still choosing quality and sustainability.

In this blog, we explain what white label is, when it is smart to choose white label T-shirts, and how Atelier Jungles helps you set up a fair, sustainable clothing line.

What are white label T-shirts?

 

White label T-shirts are basic models without a brand name or brand labels, which you can then provide with your own branding: a label in the neck, embroidery, print, woven label, or special packaging.

The big advantage: the design and fit are already there. So you don't have to develop a pattern from scratch, but you can still build your own brand:

  • you start faster than with fully custom work;
  • you don't have to order huge quantities;
  • you can first test whether your design / brand resonates;
  • you can always grow into fully custom garments later.

White label, private label, or fully custom – what is the difference?

 

The terms often get mixed up. In short:

  • White label T-shirts – existing models without a brand, where your label and branding will be placed.
  • Private label – often a bit more tailored to your brand (e.g. own color or small detail adjustment), but still based on an existing base.
  • Custom / own clothing line – fully designed from scratch: fit, fabric, details, patterns, everything in your style.

White label is therefore ideal as a first step: you build a brand without immediately committing to complex production.

Why choose sustainable white label T-shirts?

 

The standard white label market is large – but not always sustainable or transparent. With Atelier Jungles, you choose a different route:

  • Sustainable materials: organic cotton, recycled cotton, or blends with responsible sourcing.
  • Local & ethical: production and finishing in our studio in The Hague or with carefully selected partners.
  • Transparency: you know who makes your clothing and under what conditions.
  • Circular options: we consider recyclability, leftover materials, and (later) upcycling or take-back programs.

This is how you build a clothing line that not only looks good but also aligns with your values.

How do you start a clothing line with white label T-shirts?

Starting your own T-shirt line doesn't have to be complicated. This is a practical step-by-step plan:

  1. 1. Define your concept
    What is the story behind your brand? Minimalistic, streetwear, sustainable basics, merch for your company or artist project? This determines color, fits, and branding.
  2. 2. Choose fit & material
    Together we look at models (unisex, fitted, oversized), grammage (thickness), and sustainable material options.
  3. 3. Design your branding
    Label in the neck, woven label in the side seam, embroidery on the chest, back print – we help with the best combination for your budget and brand.
  4. 4. Have samples made
    You will receive sample T-shirts so you can assess fit, color, and finish. Adjust everything here as needed.
  5. 5. Place your first production
    We agree on the quantities per size (MOQ), plan the production, and deliver the shirts pressed, folded, and labeled to you.
  6. 6. Test & scale up
    Sell your first drop via webshop, social, or events. Based on the responses, you can expand colors or models or take the next step towards your own designs.

 

More about the white-label process and minimum quantities can be found here

White label T-shirts at Atelier Jungles

 

Atelier Jungles is a Hague sewing studio that helps brands, organizations, and makers with sustainable clothing production in small to medium quantities. For white label T-shirts, we offer among other things:

  • Low MOQs – we think in batches that fit starting brands or small collections.
  • Own labels & packaging – so that your brand is visible in every detail.
  • Extra services – such as size labels, hangtags, set packaging or combination with hoodies / longsleeves.
  • Advice & sparring – we have experience with both small clothing brands and companies that want to create merch.

Want to know more about our white label options? Also check our page white label clothing production.

Tips for a strong clothing line with white label T-shirts

 

A clothing line is more than just a logo on a T-shirt. A few tips:

  • Focus: start with 1–2 strong models in a limited number of colors, instead of wanting everything at once.
  • Consistency: ensure that your branding, photography, and tone of voice align with each other.
  • Choose quality: a good T-shirt that lasts a long time is the best advertisement for your brand.
  • Think about size distribution: ask in advance which sizes your target audience really needs, this way you avoid surplus.
  • Tell the story: why are your T-shirts sustainable? Who makes them? This makes a difference in marketing.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about white label T-shirts

 

What is the minimum order (MOQ)?

The minimum order depends on the chosen model and type of finishing, but for many white label T-shirts, the MOQ is around 50–100 pieces divided over sizes. Contact us for current possibilities.

Can I have different designs made on the same T-shirts?

Yes, we can often use one basic T-shirt with multiple prints or embroideries, as long as the total quantity per color / model remains above the minimum order.

Do you also do the printing / embroidery?

Yes. We work with partners for screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery and coordinate that within the overall process. So you have one point of contact.

Can I switch to fully custom later?

Absolutely. Many brands start with white label and grow into their own fits and designs. We can also combine white label and custom work in one collection.

Do you also work for companies and organizations (merch / team shirts)?

Yes, we regularly make company merch, team shirts, and limited editions for organizations, events, and campaigns. The process is similar, but we tailor the design more to your house style.

Ready to start your clothing line with white label T-shirts?

 

Do you want to brainstorm about fits, materials, MOQ, or prices? In a short conversation, we will see what fits your plans and budget – whether you are a starting clothing brand or want to develop sustainable merch for your organization.

Also read our page about starting a clothing line or

Schedule a no-obligation introduction

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