What is Private Label Clothing?

When it comes to starting a clothing brand, step one is usually deciding on a method of production. Maybe you’ve heard of a few well-known options such as drop-shipping and printing-on-demand. However, a lot of aspiring brand owners brush past a category called “private label,” considering it too expensive or large-scale to be a viable option. However, private label can be a great option for small companies to expand their outreach and get up and running.

“Private label” refers to a sector of clothing production in which apparel is designed with your company’s own branding, rather than that of a distributor or supplier. Private label brands don’t completely design their clothes from scratch, though. They connect with a manufacturer who can make certain products and then customize those products according to their specific brand’s taste and style. Details that are often customizable include color, pattern, fabric, logo or design, tagging, and packaging. This can be especially helpful for brands striving to be more sustainable, because you have the opportunity to choose eco-friendly fabrics and plastic-free packaging. It also provides a huge advantage to e-commerce brands looking to create a unique brand identity that can be less easily mimicked by competitors.

However, private label has some risks that drive smaller brands away. For example, when ordering clothing from a manufacturer, you must order an inventory that will be shipped to you, and then sell and ship it to customers from there. This differs from methods such as drop-shipping in which a distributor receives a clothing order and sends the item directly to the customer.

Every business has different needs, but private labeling can be a great way to rapidly grow your brand, improve outreach, and take control of your market. If you are considering switching to private label, check out these 5 reasons it might be time to make the switch.

Our company, Dhakai, is also a great resource for brands looking to expand. We help small to midsize clothing brands find their place in the fashion industry and take their businesses to the next level. Visit our website at dhakai.com for more information, or email machaela@dhakai.com.