The Ultimate Guide to Private Label Clothing

How to build your own apparel brand — without reinventing the wheel.

So you’ve got a brand idea brewing — maybe it’s a streetwear label, a fitness line, or just some seriously clean basics. But you’re not about to buy industrial sewing machines or spend months learning garment production.

That’s where private label clothing comes in.

This guide breaks down what private labeling actually means, why it’s such a solid path for new brands, and how to get started — even if you’re working from your kitchen table right now.

First Things First — What Is Private Label Clothing?

Private label means you’re selling clothing that’s made by a manufacturer, but branded entirely as your own.

You don’t make the actual hoodie or t-shirt from scratch — but you get to choose the style, the fabric, the fit, and then slap your logo on it like a boss. Add your own neck tags, packaging, even hang tags — and it becomes your product.

To the customer? It looks and feels like you created it from the ground up.

Why So Many Brands Go Private Label

1. It’s Way Easier to Start

You don’t need to design tech packs or fly overseas to visit factories. Your supplier already has solid products. You’re just giving them your personal touch.

2. You Own the Brand

It’s not like drop-shipping where someone else’s name is on everything. With private label, your brand is front and center — the customer never sees the middleman.

3. Better Profit Margins

Wholesale prices stay low, and since you control the final price, you can build in good margins — especially on things like hoodies or joggers.

4. People Buy Into Brands

Let’s be real — most folks don’t remember which hoodie was “Generic Fleece Style #2906.” But they remember a logo, a vibe, a name they trust.

So How Does It Work?

Let’s break the whole process down so it’s not a mystery:

Step 1: Choose Your Products

Start simple. What are the 2–4 things your brand will be known for?

• Tees? Go for soft cotton or tri-blends.
  

• Hoodies? Look at brushed fleece or loopback.
  

• Joggers? Stretchy, cozy, but fitted.
  

• Thermals? Waffle knit is a solid move.
  

Pick styles that are easy to size (like unisex S–XL) and make sense for your audience.

Step 2: Find a Supplier That Gets You

This one’s big. You want a supplier that:

• Offers low minimums (so you don’t need to buy 1,000 pieces up front)
  

• Has quality blanks in modern fits
  

• Can help with labels, tags, printing, etc.
  

• Actually responds to emails (seriously)
  

Cottmark Empire is a good example — they’ve got a solid rep for blanks and private-label services, especially in fleece.

Step 3: Make It Yours

Here’s where the fun starts. You can usually customize:

• Neck labels – printed or woven with your brand name
  

• Hang tags – little branded cards that hang off the sleeve
  

• Packaging – poly bags, sticker seals, custom mailers
  

• Prints/Logos – screen printing or embroidery on the actual product
  

Start small — you don’t need to go full Supreme out the gate. But these details matter.

Step 4: Always Sample First

This is your “try before you buy” moment. A good supplier will let you order a sample with your branding — maybe even with multiple sizes.

• Try it on.
  

• Wash it a few times.
  

• Make sure the tag’s not itchy or crooked.
  

• Check if your logo’s crisp, not blurry.
  

Catch any problems before you drop real cash on a full order.

Step 5: Go for Production

Once your sample feels right:

• Finalize your order (sizes, colors, etc.)
  

• Send in your logo files (usually PNG, AI, or SVG)
  

• Ask about turnaround time (usually 2–4 weeks)
  

Now’s the time to start teasing the launch. Build some hype. Film unboxing content. Post behind-the-scenes on IG or TikTok.

Step 6: Launch Your Brand

When your gear lands, it’s game time.

• Take clean photos (or hire a friend who’s handy with a camera)
  

• Add your products to Shopify, Etsy, wherever you sell
  

• Post on socials, hit your email list, maybe run a promo
  

And just like that — you’ve got a legit clothing brand in the wild.

What’s the Difference Between Private Label and White Label?

Watch Out for These Rookie Moves

Skipping Samples

Even if the mockup looks great, you won’t know how it feels or fits until it’s in your hands.

Ordering Too Much Too Soon

Start lean. Test it out. Sell a small batch before going all in.

Not Having Clear Sizing Info

If your joggers run small and nobody knows, expect returns. Ask your supplier for a sizing chart you can share.

Ignoring Lead Time

Ordering in October and expecting it by November 1st? That’s not how it works. Always ask about lead time up front — and build in a buffer.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a designer to launch a private label brand?
Nope! You just need a good eye, a clear idea, and a solid supplier.

Q: Can I start with just 100–200 pieces?
Yes — many suppliers (including Cottmark) offer low MOQs so small brands can get started.

Q: What kind of branding should I invest in?
At minimum: neck labels and a hang tag. Packaging’s a nice add-on, but start with what fits your budget.

Q: How long does it take?
Usually 2–4 weeks after your sample is approved. Holidays may take longer.

Q: Is private labeling worth it?
 If you want to build something long-term — a brand people trust and come back to — it’s 100% worth it.

Final Words

Private label isn’t just for big companies anymore. It’s for small brands, creatives, side hustlers — anyone who wants to put their name on quality apparel and build something real.

Start with a few products, brand them your way, and grow from there.
The key is simple: make it yours — and make it good.