Overview: steps for starting a clothing line

These are the main themes if you want to start a clothing line or launch your own clothing brand. Each block has a short summary and a link to a detailed page.

1. Defining concept and target audience
2. Branding, mood boards, and collection development
3. Legal requirements and care labels
4. Materials, quality, and sustainability
5. Have patterns and samples made
6. Production options and low MOQ in the Netherlands
7. White label or own design
8. Costs and budget for a clothing line
9. Common mistakes made by starting brands
10. Checklist: are you ready for production
11. Frequently asked questions about starting a clothing line

1. Determine concept and target audience

A strong clothing line starts with a clear concept and a defined target audience. For whom are you making the clothes, what problems are you solving, and what makes your brand different from the rest?

• Define your customer: age, style, budget, values.
• Define your brand story: why does your label exist.
• Critically assess competitors and positioning.

Read more: Determining your target audience for your clothing line and Brand story and concept for a new clothing brand.

2. Branding, mood boards, and collection development

With a good concept, you can visually develop your brand. Think of logo, colors, photography, and the structure of your first collection.

• Create a mood board with silhouettes, fabrics, and colors.
• Determine how many styles you want to launch in your first drop.
• Take seasons, purchasing moments, and margins into account.

In-depth: Branding and mood boards for your clothing line and How to logically build a collection.

3. Legal requirements and care labels

Selling clothing also means complying with legal requirements. Think of the information on care labels, material listing, origin, and any claims about sustainability.

• What information must be on a care label.
• How to deal with sizing and composition.
• What to pay attention to regarding sustainability claims.

For more details: Care labels and legal requirements for clothing and UPV legislation for textiles.

4. Materials, quality, and sustainability

The choice of your materials determines the look, quality, price, and sustainability of your clothing line. You can work with organic cotton, recycled yarn, deadstock, or conventional qualities.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different fabrics.
• How to choose materials that fit your brand values.
• How to align with UPV and circular goals.

Read more: Materials for a sustainable clothing line and Upcycling and working with existing textiles.

5. Getting patterns and samples made

Before you go into production, you need good patterns and samples. Here you can see if the fit, details, and finishing are correct and what the final cost will approximately be.

• Pattern development based on sketches or existing clothing.
• Schedule fitting and try-on moments.
• Process feedback in a second sample if necessary.

How we work with that can be read at: clothing production and starting a clothing line in the Netherlands and in the blog Getting samples made for your clothing line.

6. Production options and low MOQ in the Netherlands

You can produce abroad, but more and more brands are choosing clothing production in the Netherlands with low MOQ. This provides more control, less risk, and shorter lines.

• Production in the Netherlands with small batches for testing.
• Clear visibility on quality and communication with the workshop.
• Better match with sustainable and circular goals.

More about our approach: clothing production in the Netherlands at Atelier Jungles.

7. White label or own design

Are you unsure about designing yourself or starting with existing models? White label is a quick way to test your brand without having to develop everything from scratch.

• White label: existing basic styles, own branding.
• Own design: fully customized in fit and details.
• Hybrid: a mix of existing and own styles.

In-depth: White label clothing production in the Netherlands and Starting your own clothing line with white label T-shirts.

8. Costs and budget for a clothing line

A realistic budget prevents disappointment. You have to deal with development costs, samples, production, labels, packaging, photography, and marketing. The table below provides an indicative cost structure for a starting clothing line in the Netherlands.

*These are rough indications to frame your budget. During a production consultation, we create a tailored quote for your clothing line.

• Difference between development costs and production costs.
• What minimum quantities do to your price per piece.
• How to keep room for margin and marketing.

More about this: What does it cost to start a clothing line.

9. Common mistakes of starting brands

Because we work with starting brands daily, we see the same mistakes repeatedly. By avoiding them, you save money and frustration.

• Producing large quantities too quickly without testing.
• No clear target audience or pricing strategy.
• Thinking too late about care labels and legislation.
• Wrong material choices in relation to the price.

More examples and tips: Common mistakes when starting a clothing line.

10. Checklist: are you ready for production

Use this checklist to determine if you are ready to partner with a studio like Atelier Jungles and have your clothing line produced in the Netherlands.

• Your concept and target audience are clear.
• You know how many styles and quantities you want to start with.
• You have a basic mood board and/or sketches.
• You have a general understanding of budget and selling price.
• You are open to advice on materials and finishing.

Handy as a pdf or detailed checklist: Checklist: ready for clothing production.

Frequently asked questions about starting a clothing line

How much money do I need to start a clothing line?

That depends on the number of models, the chosen fabrics, and whether you want to build up large stocks immediately. Many starting brands begin with one to three models and a limited quantity. Expect a few thousand euros if you want to approach it professionally with patterns, samples, and an initial production.

What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

For clothing, the minimum order quantity is usually between 25 and 50 pieces per style. For accessories, the minimum is often between 25 and 100 pieces. In some cases, custom orders from 10 to 25 pieces are possible after a production consultation.

Can I have only samples made without immediately taking production?

Yes, that is possible. Many brands start with a sample process to test fit, quality, and price. After that, you decide whether you want to proceed to production in our studio.

How long does the process take from idea to first delivery?

If you still need to start with patterns and samples, you should consider a few weeks to a few months, depending on the number of models and the speed of feedback. The production phase itself usually takes a few weeks after everything is approved.

Which other services from Atelier Jungles can I combine this with?

In addition to clothing lines, we also assist with sustainable corporate clothing and textile upcycling & circular merchandise. Handy if you want to set up merchandise, corporate clothing, or upcycling projects alongside your clothing line.