Fit Design Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Own Sportswear or Lifestyle Brand
Steps to Start a Brand
Logo Creation:
A logo has two components: word mark (the actual word) and emblem/symbol.
Don't skip this step as it's your brand's icon.
You can use free logo makers online like the one on www.fitdesign.com. For more advanced logos, consider tools like Procreate on iPad or Adobe Illustrator on Mac/Windows. Sans serif fonts are trending this year.
Product Line Determination:
Figure out the time of year to launch as fashion depends on it.
Once you know the launch time, decide on the types of products. For example, if launching in winter, you might consider fleece joggers, zip-ups, and long sleeve crewnecks.
Use www.pinterest.com to create a visual mood board for each product by searching and pinning related images.
After having ideas or designs, build a tech pack. A tech pack is a construction document for the factory. You can use www.techpacker.com to create one, including mock-ups, material specs, colorway schedules, sizing charts, etc.
Finding a Supplier:
Sort suppliers by rating, trustworthiness, and read reviews. Request samples, preferably customized ones to ensure quality.
Look for a cut and sew supplier who can supply fabrics, trims, packaging, and labels. Consider minimum order quantity (MOQ) based on style.
Communicate with the factory, request a quotation, approve it, and ask for a fit sample to make any necessary changes before placing the final order. The typical order fulfillment time is around 2-3 months.
Decide on delivery methods like shipping or air freight depending on time and cost considerations.
Setting Up an Ecommerce Store:
Use platforms like www.shopify.com or Squarespace for a simple to use ecommerce store, or work with a customized design agency.
Register with a third party label generation app for easy shipping label printing.
