How to start a clothing or tailoring business
From alterations and school uniforms to your own fashion label, clothing businesses can start with a sewing machine and grow into a brand. Here is how to set up, produce and sell, and the rules that apply as you grow.
Three ways to start
- Alterations and repairs: steady, fast cash from day one with a machine and skill.
- Custom work: traditional wear, wedding outfits, uniforms, corporate wear. Higher value, built on referrals.
- Your own brand: designs produced in batches, either yourself or through a CMT (cut, make and trim) factory.
Producing in batches
A CMT factory makes your garments from your patterns and fabric. Start with small runs, check samples before full production, and agree in writing on price per unit, quality, sizes and delivery dates. Pay deposits only to factories you have checked: see how to check a supplier.
Labels and your brand
Clothing sold to the public must carry proper labels showing fibre content and care instructions, so check the current labelling requirements before your first run. If you are building a brand, check the name is free and consider registering a trademark before you print thousands of labels.
If you employ machinists
The clothing manufacturing industry has a bargaining council whose agreements set minimum wages and conditions for many employers. Check whether it applies to you before you hire, and register for UIF and COIDA.
Selling
Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp catalogues sell clothing well. Markets and pop-ups test what sells, and school and corporate uniform contracts give steady volume. A free verified BizBoost listing helps customers and businesses find you.
Common questions
How do I start a clothing brand with little money?
Start with a small range, produce small batches yourself or through a CMT factory, sell through social media and markets, and reinvest profits into bigger runs.
What is a CMT factory?
A cut, make and trim factory that produces garments from your patterns and fabric, charging per unit. It lets you produce without owning machines.
Do clothing labels have legal requirements in South Africa?
Yes. Clothing sold to the public must carry labels with information such as fibre content and care instructions. Check the current labelling requirements before production.