How Do Clothing Brands Start? A Step-by-Step Guide

How Do Clothing Brands Start? A Step-by-Step Guide

Launching a clothing brand can be an intimidating process, it’s about creating a vision, building systems, and finding the right partners. At Mint Prints, we’ve helped countless startups bring their first collections to life — and we’ve seen what works. Our Print Shop was created because there were no screen print shops at the time (2013), that could create the clothes that I envisioned... so I decided to make my own. 

Whether you're starting from your bedroom or planning to scale into retail, here’s what it takes to start your clothing brand. 

1. Start With a Clear Brand Identity

Your brand is more than just a logo — it’s your voice, your audience, and your mission.

Ask yourself:

  • What does my brand stand for?

  • Who is my ideal customer?

  • What style or vibe do I want my garments to reflect?

Define these early, because every design, post, and product will flow from this foundation.

2. Design Your First Collection

Start small — you don’t need 20 designs to make an impact. Choose 3–5 strong, cohesive pieces that showcase your brand. At Mint Prints, we help clients fine-tune artwork, pick the right garments, and make sure everything’s production-ready.

3. Choose the Right Print Method

Not all print methods are created equal. Depending on your design, quantity, and budget, you might use:

  • Screen Printing – Best for bulk orders and vibrant, long-lasting designs

  • DTF (Direct to Film) – Great for detailed or full-color prints in smaller runs

  • Embroidery – Ideal for hats, sweatshirts, or premium placement logos

We walk our clients through the best options at every stage. 

4. Find a Print Partner You Can Trust

Working with a reliable, experienced print shop like Mint Prints means:

  • No surprises during production

  • Transparent pricing

  • Help with file setup, garment sourcing, and fulfillment

We’re not just printers — we’re collaborators. 

5. Build a Website & Start Selling

Use platforms like Shopify or BigCartel to get your store online fast. Be sure to have:

  • Great product photos

  • Clear pricing and sizing

  • A compelling “About” page that shares your story

6. Promote Your Brand

Start with Instagram, TikTok, and email marketing. Show behind-the-scenes content, tell your brand story, and let people connect with your mission — not just your clothes.

Need help launching your first drop?
We’ve printed for artists, creators, and brands since 2013.
Start your journey with Mint Prints today.

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