Startup Stages Fashion Startup Costs: What to Budget Before You Launch

“How much does it really cost to start a clothing line?”

Google gives you a wide range: $500 to $500,000.

Helpful, right? 😅

But if you do it the right way you can start small, strategically, and without wasting money, if you plan your budget wisely.

In this post, I’ll break down:

• Typical costs for launching a fashion brand
• What’s essential vs. what’s optional
• Where most people overspend
• How to budget smarter with confidence

What to Budget For When Starting a Clothing Brand

This breakdown assumes you’re launching a ready-to-wear line with 1–3 styles and small-batch production (50–100 units per style).

1. Product Development & Design

Pro tip: Spending more here saves money later. Good tech packs = fewer sample rounds.

2. Fabric & Trims

Order a little extra, most factories ask for 5–10% overage to cover cutting loss.

3. Production Costs

4. Branding & Website

Note: These can vary depending on location and country

5. Marketing & Launch

Total Budget

This includes small-batch production of 1–3 SKUs, plus development, marketing, and website.

Where Founders Overspend (or Underspend)

Overspend: Samples, packaging, or influencer gifting too early

Underspend: Tech packs, planning, margin strategy, the foundation stuff