How to Start a Clothing Line with No Money and Experience

Dreaming of starting your clothing line but worried about having no experience or budget? Good news!  With modern eCommerce models like dropshipping and print-on-demand (POD), starting your dream brand has never been easier. These business models eliminate the need for inventory, high upfront costs, and complicated logistics.

In this blog, we'll walk you through both models, share the best platforms and suppliers, and help you choose the strategy that fits your goals. By the end, you'll know how to start a clothing line that works for your brand — and your budget.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s get started!

The Best Business Models to Start a Clothing Line for Beginners

Starting a clothing line doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Choosing the right business model can help you launch quickly and affordably. Let’s find out the best business models to start a clothing line for starters. 

Starting a Clothing Line Online with Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a popular choice when starting a clothing line, as 16% of all products dropshipped on Shopify are clothes. 

Dropshipping is a simple and beginner-friendly sales technique to start your clothing line. In this model, you act as the retailer, while suppliers handle inventory and shipping. Each time a customer orders, the supplier fulfills it on your behalf, making it ideal for entrepreneurs with no upfront capital or storage space.

Image source: Dropshipping.com

Benefits of Dropshipping Clothing

• Low startup costs: If you start a clothing line with a dropshipping model, you won’t need to spend on inventory, warehouses, or fulfillment.
• Wide product variety: You can offer a range of clothing styles, sizes, and categories without worrying about storage.
• Flexibility and scalability: Easily grow your store by adding new suppliers or expanding product offerings.
• Reduced risk: No unsold inventory or overstocking. You only pay for products after customers place their orders.
• Ease of growth: You only need to focus on marketing and customer service instead of handling logistics.

📕 If you want to read more about dropshipping, these blogs are what you need: 

• Dropshipping Trends
  
• Top Dropshipping Suppliers in the US
  

Starting a Clothing Line with Print on Demand (POD)

If you’re looking for a way to stand out and build a strong brand identity, Print-on-Demand (POD) might be your perfect fit. While it shares similarities with dropshipping - like not needing upfront inventory - it offers one significant advantage: Personalization.

Unlike regular dropshipping, POD allows you to print custom designs, names, or images on clothing items only after a customer places an order. This added personalization taps into the fast-growing custom gift market, which is projected to see exponential growth in the coming years. 

Print-on-demand (POD) is another go-to choice for beginners to start a clothing line, as 41.7% of POD stores focus on selling clothes. 

Image source: ShopBase

Benefits of POD Clothing

Dropshipping vs. Print-on-Demand (POD): Which Is Better to Start a Clothing Line?

When it comes to starting your clothing line, both dropshipping and POD offer beginner-friendly, low-cost solutions. So, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Let’s take a closer look at the key differences so you can decide which strategy best fits your goals.

Build Your Dream Clothing Line with Dropshipping, POD, or Both!

• Starting a clothing line with no experience is no longer a daunting task. By leveraging beginner-friendly models like dropshipping and POD, you can build a thriving brand without breaking the bank. Choose dropshipping for a quick and diverse product launch or POD for a personalized and creative approach. Start today and turn your dream clothing line into reality!

Top 3 Cheapest Print-on-Demand Companies to Start a Clothing Line

Are you looking to start a clothing line without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered! With so many print-on-demand (POD) platforms available, finding an affordable yet reliable partner can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve handpicked the top 3 cheapest POD companies to help you turn your clothing brand dream into reality. These companies provide high-quality apparel, budget-friendly pricing, and essential customization features to help you stand out in a crowded market.

• Why trust our list? We’ve factored in key elements like cost, product variety, shipping fees, and branding features. Here’s a breakdown of the top 3 options to get your clothing brand up and running.

1. Apliiq

Image source: Apliiq

Apliiq print-on-demand focuses on high-quality, customizable streetwear. It's ideal for clothing brands that want to build a strong brand identity.

With unique branding features like woven labels, embroidered patches, and private labeling, Apliiq gives you tools to create premium, high-end products that stand out.

Pricing

Apliiq offers nearly a thousand affordable clothing options without compromising quality. Here’s an overview of their pricing:

Besides affordable prices, Apliiq also offers many deals and discounts for users. Here are their year-round deals to help you start a clothing line with the lowest budget:

• Bulk discounts: Apliiq provides bulk discounts for larger orders, which can reduce the per-unit cost. 
  
• Membership programs: if you join the VIP program, you’ll receive a 20% discount on all orders. The monthly membership fee is just $29.99.
  
• Freeship: Apliiq offers freeship for bulk orders above $500 in the US. Thus, you can take advantage of this offer to encourage higher-value orders in your store. 
  
• Brand Experience: You can provide custom packaging and supplies to create the perfect unboxing experience for customers.
  

Key Features of Apliiq for Clothing Lines

Apliiq stands out in the print-on-demand industry with its specialized features that are perfect for building a clothing brand. While many POD providers provide neck labels only, Apliiq offers unique customization options. These services not only help start a clothing line quickly but also create a branded, high-quality product.

• Private labeling: Apliiq offers labeling of your brand’s logo and tags on the clothing - a strong brand identity strategy for your brand 
  
• Embroidered patches: Apliiq allows you to add embroidered patches to your clothing, giving a high-quality look that’s popular in streetwear and fashion.
  
• Woven labels: Apliiq provides woven labels that can be sewn into products, adding a professional touch to clothing brands.
  

🎯 Best for: Apliiq is the best choice for streetwear, fashion, and premium clothing brands looking to offer branded, customized clothing. If you want your clothing brand to stand out with unique design elements, Apliiq is the way to go.

Image source: Apliiq

Pros and Cons of Apliiq

Apliiq offers some great features, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing it to start a clothing line.

Pros

• Extensive product catalog: Apliiq offers a wide range of clothing items, from basic T-shirts to premium streetwear, giving you plenty of options for your clothing line.
  
• Diverse printing methods: You can choose from various customization methods, including embroidery, digital printing, and screen printing. Thus, you can print unique designs that set your brand apart.
  

Image source: Apliiq

• No monthly fees: Apliiq doesn’t charge monthly subscription fees, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes.
  
• Value-added services: Apliiq provides additional services like custom labeling, warehousing, and fulfillment. With these services, you can create a fully branded experience for your customers.
  
• High-quality products: Apliiq is known for its high-quality apparel and printing techniques. Thus, your designs will stand out with durable and comfortable clothing.
  

Cons 

• Limited integrations: Apliiq only integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce, which might limit options if you want to use a different eCommerce platform.
  
• Higher costs for some services: While Apliiq offers excellent customization, services like custom labeling and warehousing come with additional fees. These fees can affect your overall profitability.

2. Yoycol 

Image source: Yoycol

Yoycol is a print-on-demand company that specializes in custom apparel and accessories. It allows you to start a clothing line with no upfront inventory costs. 

Yoycol stands out for its competitive pricing and a wide range of clothing options, including trendy apparel and accessories. It’s the cheapest option for you to start a clothing line with a POD model. 

Price

Yoycol offers some of the most competitive pricing in the POD industry. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing for some Yoycol products:

Yoycol’s product prices include the printing fee, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs for printing each item. However, the shipping fee is not flat and varies depending on the product type and destination. This means you’ll need to account for shipping costs when pricing your products. 

Key Features of Yoycol for Clothing Lines

Yoycol offers several features that make it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs starting a clothing line. Here are the key benefits that make Yoycol special: 

• Customizable clothing options: Yoycol offers nearly 1,000 clothing items across 20 categories, providing a variety of options to create the perfect custom tees.
  

Image source: Yoycol’s product list

• Branded label: Yoycol offers custom neck labels to help enhance your brand’s identity. You can add a branded design to build trust and brand awareness with customers.

🎯 Best for: Yoycol is perfect for brands on a budget that want to access low-cost products without sacrificing quality. If you’re focused on saving costs and scaling fast, Yoycol is your best bet.

Pros and Cons of Yoycol

Yoycol is an affordable print-on-demand platform, but like any service, it has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know before choosing Yoycol to start a clothing line.

Pros

• Affordable pricing: Yoycol offers low-cost products with the printing fee included, making it an excellent option for businesses on a budget.
  
• Preview the real-life products: You can upload your design design and preview your products with their built-in tool. This mock-up will help you adjust your design easily to make it look perfect in real life. 

Image source: Yoycol’s classic design tool

• AI design tool: It also integrates with an AI tool to help you create your own design. You can make your unique design without additional cost for designers or AI apps outside.
• Personalized products: If you sell on Shopify, you can add customized fields to your product page and allow your customers to upload their images for printing. 

Cons

• Complicated costs: Since there is no flat-rate shipping, the cost of shipping depends on the product and delivery location. Thus, your shipping cost may stack and hurt your profit margin.
  
• Limited branding options: As Yoycol only offers neck labels, it’s hard for you to create your brand awareness and scale your brand.
  
• No option for printing areas and printing techniques: Each product has a fixed area for printing and uses a fixed printing technique. You can’t choose where and how to print your design, which limits your creativity. 
  

3. Printify

Image source: Printify

Printify is a leading print-on-demand platform with a wide range of customizable products, from apparel to accessories. It’s not just a provider like Apliiq and Yoycol; it’s a platform that connects you with print providers worldwide. It’s the perfect option for those who want to start a clothing line to sell globally. 

Price

Printify offers a free plan with no monthly fees. You pay per product. The Premium plan costs $29/month and gives a 20% discount on products. Here is the breakdown of some notable clothing categories on Printify.

Key Features of Printify for Clothing Lines

Printify offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for starting a clothing line.

• The global network of print providers: Printify works with print providers around the world. Thus, you can choose the most suitable providers based on your location and printing requirements to ensure fast fulfillment and cheaper shipping fees.
  
• Branding options: You can customize the neck label to print your logo on your products. You can also insert your business card with your logo and font to deliver your brand identity and leave a message to your customers. 
  

🎯 Best for: Printify’s features make it a strong choice for anyone looking to start and scale a print-on-demand clothing line. Whether you're targeting local markets or a global audience, it provides the tools and flexibility you need to succeed.

Pros and Cons of Printify

Printify offers great features to start a clothing line, but like any platform, it comes with both benefits and challenges. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your business.

Pros

• Wide product range: Printify offers a large selection of clothing and accessories to suit your brand’s style.
  
• Multiple printing methods: Printify offers various printing techniques like DTG, screen printing, and embroidery, giving you flexibility in production.
  
• Built-in design tool: Printify provides an easy-to-use design tool that allows you to add your graphics and texts right on your chosen products. You can also preview the mock-up to see your product in real life. 

Image source: Printify’s design tool

• Easy integration: Printify seamlessly integrates with 10 popular platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it easy to set up your store.
  

Cons

• Hidden product costs: The product price includes the production cost for one print area only. Additional print areas or features may incur extra charges. 
  
• Limited control over quality: Since Printify works with many print providers, the printing quality may vary. Thus, you have less control over your product quality. 
  

Best Platforms to Start a Clothing Line 

Now that you have chosen the right POD partner, where should you start a clothing line online? Here is a close review of the best POD platforms for beginners who want to start a clothing line. 

Shopify 

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, especially for those who want to start a clothing line with print-on-demand. About 11,4% of all the stores using Shopify are doing print-on-demand; Shopify is a proven choice for POD businesses. 

Let’s look at why it’s an excellent choice for POD.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Shopify makes it easy to set up your store, even if you’re not tech-savvy. 
  
• Extensive app integration: Shopify supports many POD apps like Printify, Apliiq, and Printful, which make product creation and order fulfillment seamless.

Image source: Print-on-demand apps on Shopify App Store

• Customizable storefront: Shopify offers various themes and apps to help you build and customize your online store with ease. 
  

For example, with a powerful page builder app like Foxify, you can make a stunning POD store with full eCommerce functions within a day. Foxify provides an easy drag-and-drop visual editor and 35+ ready-to-use templates for fashion stores. Simply choose your suitable templates, move and design elements as you want, and your store will be read

• Secure and reliable: Shopify ensures your store is safe with built-in security features and reliable hosting.
  
• Comprehensive support: Shopify provides 24/7 customer support, along with tutorials, guides, and community forums to help you at every step.
  

Cons

• Monthly fees: Shopify’s plans start at $39/month. Thus, to start a clothing line on Shopify, you’ll need a small investment.
  
• Transaction fees: Shopify charges transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) unless you use Shopify Payments as your payment gateway.
  

Shopify is a top choice for beginners who want to start a clothing line with a POD model. It’s easy to use, reliable, and packed with features to help your business grow. Though there are some fees, the platform’s flexibility, integrations, and strong support make it worth the investment.

If you want to start a clothing line on Shopify with the lowest budget, we have a big deal for you. Get a 3-day free trial and $1/month for your first 3 months ⇒

While Shopify offers an all-in-one solution for eCommerce beginners, WooCommerce is a strong contender for those who already have a WordPress website.

WooCommerce

Image source: WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free, open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress that allows you to turn your website into a fully functional online store. It’s a popular choice for those who already use WordPress and want to start a clothing line on a budget.

Pros

• Free and open source: WooCommerce is free to use, making it a cost-effective option to start a clothing line. You’ll only pay for hosting and any additional extensions you may need.
  
• Highly customizable: WooCommerce offers extensive customization with themes and plugins, giving you complete control over your store’s look and features.
  
• Wide range of POD integrations: WooCommerce supports POD services like Printify and Apliiq through easy-to-install plugins.
  

Cons

• Self-hosting required: You’re responsible for hosting your WooCommerce store and managing any technical issues that arise. This can be more time-consuming to start a clothing line than it is for platforms like Shopify.
  

If managing your own store feels overwhelming, Etsy’s built-in audience might be a simpler option to get started. 

Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace known for unique, handmade, and vintage items. Etsy boasts over 90 million active buyers, offering an unmatched audience for custom products.

It’s an excellent platform for print-on-demand sellers who want to tap into an existing audience looking for one-of-a-kind products.

Pros

• Built-in audience: Etsy attracts millions of shoppers who are specifically searching for creative and custom items, reducing the need for heavy marketing. Thus, you can start a clothing line with less money and effort. 
  
• Ease of use: Setting up your store on Etsy is quick and easy, and you do not need to have technical skills to start selling.
  
• Low initial costs: Etsy charges a nominal listing fee of $0.20 per item and a small transaction fee, making it affordable for beginners.
  

Cons

• High competition: With so many sellers on Etsy, standing out can be challenging without strong branding and marketing strategies.
  
• Limited customization: Etsy has fewer options for customizing your store’s branding compared to having a standalone website.
  

Learn more on how to sell ​​POD on Etsy ⇒ 

Build Your Dream Clothing Line Today

Starting a clothing line with no experience or upfront budget is possible with the right tools and strategies. Dropshipping and print-on-demand (POD) stand out as the easiest way to bring your designs to life without worrying about inventory or high costs. Platforms like Apliiq, Yoycol, and Printify provide all you need to create high-quality, unique apparel.

Pair these services with beginner-friendly eCommerce platforms like Shopify to launch and scale your brand effortlessly. Shopify’s robust tools and seamless integrations make it the top choice for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to build a thriving clothing line.

Want to learn more about Shopify and the best tips to boost sales for your online store? Visit FoxEcom's blog and start thriving today!