The streetwear scene has grown from a niche culture to a dominant force in the fashion industry, influencing both high-end designers and everyday consumers. If you’re passionate about launching your own streetwear brand, it’s crucial to understand the key elements that define this market and how to navigate the challenges of starting a brand from scratch. Here’s a detailed guide on how to start your own streetwear brand, covering everything from understanding the trend to choosing the right manufacturer.
1. Understanding the Trend of Streetwear
Streetwear originated from the skate and hip-hop cultures of the 1980s and has since evolved into a global phenomenon. It’s a style that resonates with youth culture, often characterized by bold graphics, casual silhouettes, and a rebellious attitude. The trend of streetwear is deeply rooted in authenticity, exclusivity, and the ability to connect with a specific subculture.
Understanding the trend involves more than just following what’s popular—it’s about grasping the cultural significance behind the style. Streetwear brands often collaborate with artists, musicians, and influencers to create a sense of community. To succeed, you’ll need to stay ahead of trends, understand the cultural context, and be ready to innovate while maintaining authenticity.
2. Categories of Apparel That Come Under Streetwear
Streetwear encompasses a wide range of apparel categories, each with its unique appeal and market demand. The most common categories include:
- T-Shirts: Often featuring bold graphics, logos, and slogans, T-shirts are a staple in streetwear.
- Hoodies and Sweatshirts: These pieces are essential for layering and are popular for their comfort and style.
- Joggers and Cargo Pants: Streetwear often blurs the lines between casual and functional, making joggers and cargo pants a key part of any collection.
- Sneakers: Footwear, especially sneakers, plays a significant role in streetwear culture. Collaborations with sneaker brands can elevate your brand’s status.
- Accessories: Caps, backpacks, and other accessories help complete the streetwear look and provide additional branding opportunities.
When starting your brand, decide which categories align with your vision and audience. A well-curated collection that offers variety while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic can help establish your brand identity.
3. Fabric Selection in Streetwear and Understanding GSM
The choice of fabric is crucial in streetwear, as it affects both the comfort and durability of the garments. Understanding GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is essential when selecting fabrics, as it indicates the weight and thickness of the material.
- Lightweight Fabrics (100-150 GSM): Suitable for T-shirts and summer wear, these fabrics are breathable and comfortable but may not be as durable.
- Medium Weight Fabrics (150-250 GSM): Ideal for hoodies, sweatshirts, and joggers, these fabrics provide a balance between comfort and durability.
- Heavyweight Fabrics (250+ GSM): Used for outerwear like jackets and heavy-duty sweatshirts, these fabrics offer maximum durability and warmth.
When selecting fabrics, consider the end-use of the garment, the seasonality of your collection, and the preferences of your target audience. Sustainable fabrics are also gaining popularity in streetwear, so exploring options like organic cotton or recycled materials could set your brand apart.
4. Choosing Your Designs and Fabrics
Design is the heart of any streetwear brand. Your designs should resonate with your target audience and reflect the cultural influences that inspire your brand. Here are some tips for choosing your designs and fabrics:
- Research Trends: Stay updated with current streetwear trends, but don’t be afraid to create something unique. Your designs should stand out while being relevant.
- Collaborate with Artists: Collaborations can add a unique flair to your designs and help you tap into different creative perspectives.
- Consider Printing Techniques: The method you choose for applying your designs—such as screen printing, embroidery, or digital printing—will affect the final look and feel of your products.
- Match Fabrics to Designs: Ensure that the fabrics you choose complement your designs. For example, intricate embroidery works well on heavier fabrics, while bold prints may be better suited for lighter materials.
5. Finding the Right Type of Manufacturer (Made to Order vs Inventory-Based Manufacturing)
Selecting the right manufacturer is a critical decision that can influence your brand’s success. There are two primary manufacturing models to consider:
- Made to Order: In this model, products are only made after an order is placed. This approach reduces waste and inventory costs but may lead to longer lead times. It’s ideal for limited-edition drops or custom pieces.
- Inventory-Based Manufacturing: Here, products are manufactured in bulk and stored in inventory until sold. This model allows for quicker order fulfillment but requires significant upfront investment in production and storage.
Each model has its advantages and challenges, so consider your budget, brand strategy, and customer expectations when making your choice.
6. Quality Testing of Your Apparel
Quality is non-negotiable in streetwear, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Before launching your collection, ensure that every piece undergoes rigorous quality testing. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Fabric Durability: Test the fabric for shrinkage, colorfastness, and overall durability through washing and wearing.
- Print and Embroidery Quality: Ensure that prints and embroidery withstand wear and washing without fading or unraveling.
- Fit and Comfort: Conduct fit tests across different body types to ensure your garments are comfortable and true to size.
Investing in quality testing will save you from potential returns and customer dissatisfaction in the long run.
7. Why Sampling is Necessary
Sampling is an essential step in the apparel production process. It allows you to create prototypes of your designs, test the quality, and make necessary adjustments before mass production. Here’s why sampling is crucial:
- Visualizing the Final Product: Sampling helps you see how your designs will look and feel in real life, allowing you to make tweaks before full production.
- Testing Fabrics and Fits: You can assess how your chosen fabrics behave during construction and ensure the fit meets your expectations.
- Minimizing Risk: By identifying and correcting potential issues during the sampling phase, you reduce the risk of costly mistakes in mass production.
Sampling may add time and cost to your production process, but it’s an investment in the quality and success of your brand.
8. How The Odd Factory Helps You Navigate Through the Complexity of Developing a Streetwear Brand
Starting a streetwear brand can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Odd Factory is here to guide you through every step of the process, from conceptualization to production. Our team of experts understands the nuances of streetwear and is dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Trend Analysis: We stay on top of the latest streetwear trends and provide insights to help you create a collection that resonates with your target audience.
- Fabric Sourcing: With access to a wide range of fabrics, we help you choose the best materials for your designs, considering factors like GSM, sustainability, and cost.
- Design Consultation: Our in-house designers can collaborate with you to refine your concepts and ensure your designs are production-ready.
- Manufacturing Options: Whether you prefer made-to-order or inventory-based manufacturing, we offer flexible production options tailored to your needs.
- Quality Assurance: We conduct thorough quality testing to ensure your products meet the highest standards before they reach your customers.
- Sampling Services: We provide comprehensive sampling services to help you perfect your designs and reduce the risk of errors in mass production.
At The Odd Factory, we understand that every brand is unique, and we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of starting a streetwear brand. Book a consultation today to learn how we can support your journey from idea to market-ready product. Let us help you create a streetwear brand that stands out in a crowded market.