Private Label Clothing: What It Means, Benefits, And Steps To Success | Arcus Apparel Group (2024)

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With the proliferation of online marketplaces and the ease of starting an e-commerce store, private label clothing has become an attractive option for many entrepreneurs. For those unfamiliar, private label clothing is when a retailer designs and produces their line of clothing or apparel. This can be done by working with an existing manufacturer or setting up production facilities.

It allows you to control the quality of the products, the design process, and the branding. In addition, private label clothing can be sold at a higher price than generic or off-brand items.

This article will take a closer look at private label clothing, including its benefits and challenges and the steps you need to take to launch your clothing line successfully. Let’s get started.

apparel design

What Does Private Label Clothing Line Mean?

Private label clothing (or branded apparel) is clothing produced by a manufacturerandsold under another company’s brand. A typical example would be a t-shirt that is manufactured by Company A and then sold under the brand name of Company B. It is a type of OEM (original equipment manufacturing).

It allows companies to tap into another company’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities while still being able to sell their products under their brand name. This can be a particularly attractive option for small or startup companies that may not have the resources to develop and produce their clothing lines. You can find examples of successful private label brands here.

What Are The Benefits Of Private Label Clothing?

There are many advantages to private label clothing for businesses large and small.

1. Loyal Customer Base

First, with your private label brand, you completely control your image and how your customers perceive you. You decide what designs to offer, what colors and styles are available, and how often you release new collections. When you have a strong branding strategy, private label clothing manufacturers can help you build a loyal customer base that repeatedly returns to your store or website.

2. Cost Effective

Another advantage of private label clothing is that it can save you money. When you work with a private label clothing manufacturer to create your clothing line, you can get bulk order discounts that make each unit more affordable. This can be a great way to keep costs down while still offering high-quality clothing to your customers.

3. Increased Margins

In addition to being cost-effective, private label clothing can help you increase your margins. Because you are the only brand seller, you can set your retail prices and make a higher profit on each piece of clothing sold. This is one of the biggest advantages of private label clothing for businesses large and small. Also, because you are in complete control of your brand, you can use marketing and advertising strategies to drive demand and sell more products at a higher price point.

4. Improved Quality Control

When you work with a private label manufacturer, you have the opportunity to oversee every step of the production process. This means that you can ensure that each piece of clothing meets your high standards for quality and durability. In addition, because you are working with a team of experts, you can be sure that your clothing is being made using the latest technology and techniques. This ensures that your customers will always receive the best possible product when they purchase from your store.

5. Greater Flexibility

With a private label business, you have the flexibility to create exactly the products that you want. You can choose the fabrics, colors, styles, and sizes you want to offer your customers. In addition, you can decide how often you release new collections and how much inventory you carry. This allows you to respond quickly to changes in the market and always offer your customers the latest fashion trends.

6. Enhanced Customer Service

You can develop a close working relationship with private label apparel manufacturers when you work with them. This means that if there are any problems with your order, you can resolve them quickly and efficiently. In addition, the process will be much simpler if you ever need to change your order or make a return. This can lead to enhanced customer service and a better overall experience for your customers.

7. Competitive Edge

Another advantage of private labels is that they can give you a competitive edge. With your brand, you can differentiate yourself from other businesses in your industry. This can help you attract new customers and grow your business. In addition, because you will be in control of your image and branding, you will be able to build a strong reputation for quality and value. This can make it easier for you to compete against larger businesses in your industry.

8. Increased Sales

With private label apparel, you can increase your sales. This is because customers are more likely to purchase items that they feel are unique to your store. Also, with private label clothing, you can set your prices. This means you can mark up the prices of your clothing items to make a higher profit. It allows you to build a stronger brand identity for your business. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

9. Increased Efficiency

For businesses, private label clothing can increase efficiency. This is because you will not need to spend time and money on marketing and advertising campaigns. With your brand, customers will be able to find you easily. Also, because you control your inventory, you can ensure that you always have the products your customers want in stock. This can lead to fewer customer complaints and a more efficient business overall.

10. Ability to Scale

As your business grows, you can scale up your operations with a private label clothing brand. With this type of manufacturing, you can increase your production capacity without investing in new equipment or facilities. This can help you save money and grow your business faster.

    Choose your own labeling

    Steps To Create Your Own Apparel Brand With Private Label

    Starting your apparel brand with private label clothing is a great way to get your feet wet in the fashion industry without investing a lot of money upfront. There are four steps involved in the process:

    1. Deciding The Type Of Private Label Apparel

    First and foremost, you need to decide the type of apparel you want to produce. There are many different types of clothing out there, so it’s important to choose something that you’re passionate about and that fits your brand identity. Do market research to see what’s popular in the industry and start narrowing down your options.

    Also, consider the type of customer you want to attract. What kind of apparel do they usually wear? What colors are they drawn to? What style do they prefer? Once you understand your target market, finding the right private label clothing manufacturer will be much easier.

    2. Designing And Developing Your Branding

    The next step is to design and develop your branding. This includes creating a logo, slogan, and other visuals that will represent your brand. If you’re not a designer, you can hire one to help create a professional and unique branding identity.

    Your branding should be consistent across all of your marketing materials, from your website to your social media accounts to the packaging of your products. This will help customers recognize and remember your brand more easily. Also, ensure your branding reflects the type of clothing you’re selling.

    3. Finding A Clothing Manufacturer

    Once you’ve decided on the type of apparel you want to sell and have developed your branding, it’s time to find a clothing manufacturer. There are many different options, so take your time to find one that’s a good fit for your business.

    Some things to consider when choosing a clothing manufacturer include:

    • Experience in the industry
    • Types of clothing they specialize in
    • Minimum order requirements
    • Quality of their products
    • Turnaround time
    • The pricing

    Arcus Apparel Group is a great option for those looking for exceptional craftsmanship and quality. With years of experience, we are sure to meet your every need. You can learn more about our private label clothing manufacturing services.

    4. Pricing Your First Production Work Order

    After you’ve found a supplier, it’s time to price your first production work order. This includes how many styles, color choices, and minimum order quantity you need to be produced to meet the manufacturer’s order requirements. By pricing your work order upfront, you can avoid any hidden costs or surprises down the road.

    Following these four steps, you can create a unique apparel brand that reflects your style. With the help of a reputable manufacturing service, you can bring your vision to life.

      Private label care instruction tags

      Private Labeling Vs. White Label Clothing

      The apparel industry is fragmented, with many small and large businesses competing for market share. Private label clothing companies manufacture garments for other companies that then sell the clothes under their brand name. White label clothing companies sell unbranded garments to retailers, adding branding labels and logos.

      The main difference between private and white label clothing is who owns the brand. When a private label company manufactures clothing for another company, that company owns the brand. The private label company is simply a supplier. When a white label company sells unbranded clothing, the retailer who buys the garments can add their branding and become the brand owner.

      There are pros and cons to both private label and white label clothing. Private label clothing has the advantage of being less expensive to produce because the private label company already has existing manufacturing relationships and economies of scale. White label clothing gives retailers more control over their brand and allows them to differentiate their products from competitors.

      The best option for your business will depend on your specific needs and goals. If you want to save money on manufacturing costs, private label clothing may be the way. If you are more concerned with controlling your brand and differentiating your products, white label clothing may be a better option.

      FAQs

      1. What Is A Private Label Strategy?

      A private label strategy is a type of branding where a company manufactures products but allows another company to put its brand on the product. The manufacturing company becomes a “white label” provider, while the other company can sell the product under its brand name.

      2. Is A Private Label The Same Thing As Store Branding?

      A private label is different from store branding, in which a retailer simply puts its name on products that it sources from other manufacturers. With a private label strategy, the manufacturer and retailer work together to create a product that meets the retailer’s specifications.

      3. Do All Private Label Brands Offer The Same Quality?

      No, private label brands can offer a wide range of quality levels. Some private label brands are known for their high quality, while others are more budget-friendly.

      4. Why Would A Company Want To Use A Private Label Strategy?

      There are several reasons why a company might want to use a private label strategy. It can be a way to create unique products that stand out from the competition. Also, it can help companies save money on marketing and advertising expenses. You can build brand loyalty among customers who appreciate that they can get a quality product at a lower price.

      5. Are There Any Risks Associated With Private Label Brands?

      Yes, there are some risks associated with private label brands. One risk is that the quality of the product may not be up to the standards of the company’s other products. Also, the company may not have complete control over its supply chain, which could lead to shortages or delays in production. But, these risks are relatively small compared to the potential benefits of using a private label strategy.

      Conclusion

      Take your fashion business to the next level with private label clothing. You can better control your inventory, margins, and overall branding by creating your brand and designs. Plus, private label clothing can help you build a more sustainable and eco-friendly business.

      We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of private label clothing and how it can benefit your business. For more information on starting or growing your fashion business, check out our other resources.

      Private Label Clothing: What It Means, Benefits, And Steps To Success | Arcus Apparel Group (2024)

      FAQs

      What is private labeling clothing? ›

      For those unfamiliar, private label clothing is when a retailer designs and produces their line of clothing or apparel. This can be done by working with an existing manufacturer or setting up production facilities. It allows you to control the quality of the products, the design process, and the branding.

      What is private labeling and provide its advantages? ›

      Private label refers to a product manufactured by one company and sold under another company's brand name. Retailers often use private-labeling to offer exclusive items, expand their catalogs, and undercut competitor pricing.

      Why clothing labels are so important in the apparel industry? ›

      A label establishes your clothing and brand identity, but it also provides instructions on how to best care for the garment long after it has been purchased. Clothing labelling is so important that consumer protection agencies have strict requirements for care labelling.

      What is the key to success of clothing business? ›

      Customer service

      Like in any other business, providing excellent customer service is also crucial for the apparel business. Brands must manufacture products that are in trend and high in demand. Brands should be able to meet the customers' requirements to increase sales.

      How does private labelling work? ›

      A private label is a branding arrangement where one company manufactures a product and a different company brands, markets, and sells that product. The private-label seller designs, markets, and prices the product, but it's the manufacturer who produces it and ensures quality control.

      What are 3 of the rules for labeling clothing? ›

      Federal law requires that most textile and wool products have a label that lists the fiber content, the country of origin, and the identity of the manufacturer or another business responsible for marketing or handling the product.

      Why are private labels so successful? ›

      Consumer cost savings.

      Additionally, private label products are often made by the same manufacturers and with similar ingredients as national brands. And since they're subject to the same quality standards, consumers enjoy high-quality products at lower costs.

      What are the benefits of labeling? ›

      5 Benefits Of Product Labelling
      • Legal Compliance. Legal compliance is a massive benefit of product labelling and an essential aspect for businesses to consider. ...
      • Better Efficiency. Improved efficiency is another significant advantage that comes with labelling. ...
      • Less Waste. ...
      • Branding Benefits. ...
      • Providing More Information.
      Jan 21, 2024

      How might a private label benefit the retailer? ›

      Increased Revenue. Last but not the least, private label products offer higher profit margins compared to reselling existing brands. Because you will be purchasing products directly from the manufacturer, you can take advantage of cutting out the costs incurred from extra links in supply chains.

      What is the difference between a clothing brand and a clothing label? ›

      Private labels allow you to create exclusive and unique products that reflect your brand identity and vision. Brands are products that are developed and manufactured by well-known and reputable companies, and sold under their own brand names.

      What is the purpose of the apparel group? ›

      Apparel Group focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world's best plan to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030. The SDGs are designed to bring the world to several life-changing 'zeros', including zero poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.

      What is the most important thing about a clothing brand? ›

      Here are some points of consideration:
      • Target Customers. Every piece in every collection by a designer is created for a customer. ...
      • Brand Identity. Developing a brand identity is closely related to identifying the target customers. ...
      • Business Model. ...
      • Sales Channels. ...
      • Supply Chain. ...
      • Price Points.

      How do clothing brands succeed? ›

      In order to set your brand apart from your competitors, you need to find its unique features. No two products are similar. Find and communicate your brand's unique selling point. For example, if your products are environmentally-friendly, focus on this unique aspect to build your brand over time.

      How do you measure success in a clothing business? ›

      Financial Performance KPIs
      1. Revenue per Square Foot. ...
      2. Inventory Turnover. ...
      3. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) ...
      4. Conversion Rate. ...
      5. Return on Investment (ROI) in Marketing Campaigns. ...
      6. Average Order Value (AOV) ...
      7. Employee Productivity and Efficiency. ...
      8. Supply Chain Cycle Time.
      Nov 22, 2023

      What makes a clothing brand valuable? ›

      Creating a positive customer experience is essential for any business, and especially important for a clothing brand startup. This means not only providing high-quality products, but also offering excellent customer service and making the buying process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

      How much does it cost to private label clothing? ›

      Startup costs can vary greatly across different clothing lines, but in general, a small-sized clothing line will need a minimum of $500 to get started, a medium-sized line should have between $1,000 to $5,000 for startup costs and a large line will need approximately $25,000 to $50,000 upfront.

      What are examples of private label brands? ›

      Some examples of private label brands are Up and Up from Target, Great Value from Walmart, Insignia branded electronics from Best Buy and Trader Joes brand.

      Is it illegal to put your own label on clothes? ›

      One cannot just go on picking clothes and relabeling them. There are rules and limitations to be adhered to. To avoid any trademark issues, one must, at all times, only relabel products from wholesale sellers. Putting private labels on wholesale clothing is safe and evades any legal risks.

      How do you know if a brand is private label? ›

      Private branded goods are usually made by third-party or contract manufacturer, often on the same production lines as other brands. They can differ only in labeling or be entirely unique.

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