Private Labeling 101: How to Launch Your Own Fashion Brand Without Designing from Scratch

Private labeling Let's you launch a fashion brand without designing garments from scratch. You select proven styles from a manufacturer's catalog, customize details (fabric, color, trims, labels), add your branding, and sell under your own name. it's how many successful brands—from Amazon Essentials to boutique loungewear lines—get started quickly and profitably. In this guide, we'll cover what private labeling is, how it differs from custom design, when to use it, and how to execute successfully.

What is private labeling?

Private labeling (also called white labeling) means purchasing pre-designed garments from a manufacturer and branding them as your own. The manufacturer already has patterns, samples, and production processes in place—you just choose styles, customize details, and apply your labels and packaging.

Private label vs custom design vs dropshipping

• Private label: Select from manufacturer's existing styles → customize (fabric, color, trim, labels) → order your MOQ → sell as your brand. Timeline: 6–8 weeks. MOQ: 100–300 unit's per style.
• Custom design: Create original patterns → develop samples → approve fit → produce. Timeline: 12–20 weeks. MOQ: 300–1,000 unit's per style. Higher cost.
• Dropshipping: List products on your site → supplier ships directly to customer after sale → no inventory. Timeline: Instant. MOQ: None. But: no control over quality, branding, or margins; high competition.

When to use private labeling

Private labeling is ideal for:

• Speed to market: You want to launch in 2–3 months, not 6+.
• Lower upfront cost: No pattern development, tech pack creation, or multi-round sampling fees.
• Testing demand: Validate product-market fit before investing in custom designs.
• Proven styles: you're selling basics (tees, leggings, hoodies) where fit and function are more important than unique design.
• First-time founders: You want to learn the production process without the complexity of custom development.

Step-by-step: How to launch with private labeling

Step 1: Choose your niche and product category

Private labeling works best for proven, high-demand categories where branding and marketing create differentiation.

• Basics: T-shirts, tanks, bodysuit's, leggings, joggers, hoodies
• Loungewear: Matching sets, oversized tees, lounge pants
• Activewear: Sports bras, yoga pants, athletic tops
• Intimates: Bralettes, boy shorts, sleep sets
• Outerwear: Puffer jackets, hoodies, zip-ups

Pro tip: Pick 3–5 hero SKUs to start (e.g., ribbed tank, high-waist leggings, oversized hoodie). don't launch with 30 styles—focus builds brand identity.

Step 2: Find a private label manufacturer

Look for manufacturers who offer catalog/stock styles and allow customization.

• Alibaba and Made-in-China: Search "private label clothing" or "OEM apparel." Filter for Gold Suppliers with Trade Assurance.
• Bangladesh factories: Email factories directly (many have stock style catalogs). Bangladesh offers better quality control and ethical compliance than generic Alibaba sellers.
• Domestic options (USA): LA Fashion District or domestic cut-and-sew shops; higher cost but faster shipping and easier communication.
• Full-service partners: Companies like Selvyna Atelier that combine private label catalog + customization + low MOQs.

Step 3: Review the manufacturer's catalog

Request the factory's lookbook or style catalog. Evaluate:

• Style variety: Do they have the garment types you want (tanks, leggings, dresses)?
• Fit and quality: Order 2–3 samples in your size to assess fabric, stitching, and fit.
• Customization options: Can you change fabric, color, trim, labels, and packaging?
• MOQ per style: 100–300 unit's is manageable; 1,000+ per style is too high for testing.
• Lead time: 6–8 weeks is standard for private label; 12+ weeks is too slow.

Step 4: Customize your selected styles

Private label doesn't mean "generic." Customize to reflect your brand identity.

a) Fabric and color

• Upgrade fabric: If the stock style uses 160 GSM cotton, request 180–200 GSM for a premium feel.
• Sustainable options: Swap conventional cotton for BCI or organic cotton; use recycled polyester instead of virgin.
• Custom colors: Most factories offer Pantone matching for 300+ unit's. For smaller runs, choose from stock colors (black, white, gray, navy, etc.).

b) Design details

Small changes make a big brand difference:

• Trims: Swap plastic zippers for metal, or change zipper color (rose gold, matte black).
• Elastic/waistbands: Use custom-printed elastic with your logo or brand name.
• Drawstrings and cords: Branded metal agLet's or custom cord colors.
• Pocket placement: Add hidden pockets to leggings or shorts.
• Hemlines and necklines: Adjust lengths by 1–2" (e.g., crop a standard tee for a cropped fit).

c) Labels and branding

• Woven labels: Neck labels and side seam labels with your brand name, logo, and care instructions. Cost: $0.10–0.30/label. MOQ: 200–500 labels.
• Hang tags: Custom printed tags with brand story, sizing, and barcode. Cost: $0.15–0.50/tag. MOQ: 500 tags.
• Polybags: Branded poly or compostable bags with logo and product info. Cost: $0.08–0.20/bag.
• Tissue paper and inserts: Premium unboxing experience with branded tissue, thank-you cards, or care instructions.

Step 5: Order samples with your customizations

Before placing a bulk order, request customized samples (pre-production samples or "counter samples").

• Sample cost: $20–50 per sample depending on complexity.
• Sample timeline: 1–2 weeks for private label (since pattern already exists).
• What to check: Fabric feel, color accuracy, label placement, stitching quality, fit (test on your target customer or fit model).
• Iterate if needed: Request revisions (e.g., "darken the navy," "move the label 1" down"). Most factories include 1–2 revision rounds.

Step 6: Place your first bulk order

Once samples are approved, place your production order.

• MOQ: Start with 100–300 unit's per style/color. Split across 2–3 colors if possible (e.g., 100 black, 100 white, 100 gray).
• Size breakdown: For a 300-unit order in 5 sizes (XS–XL), typical split: XS 10%, S 25%, M 35%, L 20%, XL 10%.
• Payment terms: Expect 30–50% deposit upfront, balance before shipment. Use Alibaba Trade Assurance or PayPal Goods & Services for protection.
• Production timeline: 4–6 weeks for private label production; add 2–4 weeks for shipping (sea) or 5–10 days (air).

Step 7: Quality control before shipment

Always inspect goods before they leave the factory.

• Pre-shipment inspection (PSI): Hire a third-party inspector (Intertek, SGS, AsiaInspection) to check 10–15% of your order. Cost: $200–400.
• What they check: Fabric defects, stitching quality, measurements, label placement, color accuracy, packaging.
• Factory photos: Request photos of finished goods laid flat + close-ups of labels and stitching.
• Sample from batch: Ask factory to ship 2–3 random unit's via DHL (arrives in 3–5 days) for your own QC before approving full shipment.

Step 8: Launch and market your brand

With inventory in hand, focus on go-to-market:

• Shopify store: Professional product photos, detailed descriptions, size charts.
• Amazon FBA: Prep inventory (polybags, FNSKU labels) and ship to Amazon warehouses for Prime eligibility.
• Social proof: Send free samples to 10–20 micro-influencers (5K–50K followers) in exchange for reviews and posts.
• Paid ads: Run Facebook/Instagram ads targeting your niche (e.g., "eco-conscious women 25–40 interested in sustainable fashion").
• Email list: Build pre-launch list with lead magnet (10% off first order) and nurture with launch updates.

How to differentiate private label products

Private labeling isn't a commodity race—differentiation comes from branding, positioning, and customer experience.

1) Brand storytelling

• Founder story: Why did you start this brand? What problem are you solving?
• Values: Sustainability, inclusivity, quality, or affordability—lead with what matters to your customer.
• Mission: "We make work-from-home dressing effortless and polished."

2) Visual identity

• Photography: Lifestyle shots (not just white-background studio photos). Show your products in context (coffee shop, yoga studio, couch).
• Color palette: Consistent brand colors (e.g., earthy neutrals, bold brights, soft pastels).
• Models: Diverse body types, ages, and skin tones that reflect your customer.

3) Customer experience

• Packaging: Branded tissue paper, thank-you note, care instructions card, reusable tote or pouch.
• Fast shipping: 2–3 day fulfillment from order to ship.
• Easy returns: 30-day free returns = lower purchase anxiety = higher conversion.
• Personalization: Handwritten thank-you notes or birthday discounts for repeat customers.

4) Community building

• Instagram engagement: Repost customer photos, respond to comments, run polls and Q&As.
• Email nurture: Weekly style tips, behind-the-scenes content, founder updates.
• Loyalty program: Points for purchases, referrals, and social shares.

Private label pricing strategy

Private label typically offers better margins than dropshipping but requires upfront inventory investment.

Cost breakdown example (basic cotton tee)

• Unit cost (FOB): $4.50 (fabric, labor, trims)
• Labels and packaging: $0.40 (woven label, hang tag, polybag)
• Shipping (per unit): $1.10 (sea freight for 500 unit's)
• Total landed cost: $6.00

Retail pricing

• DTC (Shopify): $24.99 retail → $6 COGS → $18.99 gross profit (before ads, fulfillment, overhead). Aim for 3.5–4x markup.
• Amazon FBA: $24.99 retail → $6 COGS → $8 Amazon fees (referral + FBA) → $10.99 gross profit. Target 2.5–3x post-fee markup.
• Wholesale: Sell to boutiques at $12–15 (50% of retail) → still 2–2.5x your cost.

Common private label mistakes

• Skipping samples: Never order bulk without testing samples first. Fabric, fit, and color can differ from photos.
• No branding: Generic hang tags and no custom labels = looks like dropshipping. Invest in branding.
• Ordering too many styles: Start with 3–5 hero SKUs. Spreading inventory across 15 styles kills cash flow.
• Ignoring quality control: 5–10% defect rate is common without inspection. Hire a third-party inspector.
• Choosing lowest price: The cheapest quote often comes with poor quality, late delivery, or bad communication. Prioritize reliability.
• Weak differentiation: Private label + generic branding = commodity pricing. Build a story, aesthetic, and community.

When to transition from private label to custom design

Start with private label, then evolve to custom once you've validated demand and built cash flow.

• Private label first (months 1–6): Launch quickly, test demand, build brand awareness, generate revenue.
• Hybrid approach (months 6–12): Continue private label bestsellers; add 1–2 custom designs based on customer feedback.
• Full custom (year 2+): Once you have loyal customers and consistent revenue, invest in original designs that can't be replicated.

Private label vs custom: Quick comparison

How Selvyna Atelier supports private label brands

• Stock style catalog: 50+ proven styles (basics, activewear, loungewear) ready for customization.
• Low MOQs: Start with 100–200 unit's per style—no 1,000-unit minimums.
• Customization included: Change fabric, color, trims, labels, and packaging at no extra setup fee.
• Fast turnaround: 6–8 weeks from order to shipment.
• Quality assurance: Pre-shipment inspection and sample approval before bulk production.
• Branding support: We connect you with label and packaging suppliers in Bangladesh for cost-effective branding.

Bottom line

Private labeling is the fastest, lowest-risk way to launch a fashion brand. You skip months of design development, reduce upfront costs, and get to market in weeks instead of months. Focus on branding, storytelling, and customer experience to differentiate. Start with 3–5 hero styles, test demand, and reinvest profit's into custom designs once you've proven product-market fit. Private label isn't "generic"—it's a smart, scalable launch strategy for founders who want to build a brand, not just design clothes.