How to successfully start a hoodie brand: A complete guide from 0 to 100,000 yuan a month

Abstract

The global hoodie market is expected to exceed 40 billion US dollars in 2025. Driven by street culture and athleisure,How to successfully start a hoodie brand  this category is continuing to expand at an annual growth rate of 6.8%. This article will reveal 10 key steps to start a hoodie brand, covering market positioning, product design, supply chain selection, cost control, marketing strategy and other core dimensions. Through 7 real cases and 12 sets of industry data, we will teach you step by step to avoid the pitfalls that 90% of novice entrepreneurs have stepped on and create a streetwear brand with sustainable profitability.

1. Accurate market positioning: Find your golden track

Argument: Market segmentation determines brand life and death

• Argument:
• Four high-growth segments:
• Street fashion (35% market share, represented by Supreme)
• Fitness function (quick-drying/antibacterial fabrics, Gymshark model)
• Campus culture (club/graduation commemorative models)
• Corporate customization (employee uniforms + brand peripherals)
• Data: Niche design hoodies have a gross profit margin of 65-80%, far exceeding basic models (40-50%)
• Case: Champion achieves an annual growth of 23% through retro campus style

2. Hot design methodology

Argument: Good design = 30% creativity + 70% market verification

• Argument:
• Design element popularity ranking:
• Oversize version (search volume increased by 120% year-on-year)
• Retro college style (Vintage elements are 30% premium)
• Functional details (hidden pocket design increases conversion rate by 25%)
• Tool recommendation: Use Clo3D for 3D sample simulation, reducing costs by 60%
• Case: Fear of God achieves $300+ pricing for single products through minimalist design + special tailoring

3. Supply chain selection: ODM vs. independent development

Argument: Light asset model is the best choice for entrepreneurship

• Argument:
• Comparison of three models: | Model | Startup cost | Minimum order quantity | Delivery cycle | |——|———-|————|———-| | ODM | ¥10,000-30,000 | 50-100 pieces | 2-3 weeks | | Independent development | ¥50,000+ | 300 pieces+ | 4-6 weeks | | Self-built factory | ¥500,000+ | Unlimited | Self-control |
• Case: Vlone initially adopted the ODM model, and built its own production line after the sales of a single model exceeded 10,000

4. Cost structure and pricing strategy

Argument: Scientific pricing is the key to profitability

• Argument:
• Cost breakdown (taking basic models as an example):
• Fabric: ¥25-45/piece (combed cotton vs. ordinary cotton)
• Processing: ¥15-30/piece (ordinary factory vs. boutique factory)
• Printing: ¥5-20/piece (silk screen printing vs. digital direct printing)
• Accessories: ¥8-15/piece (YKK zipper premium 30%)
• Pricing formula: cost price × (2.5-3.5) = retail price
• Data: The conversion rate of “¥399” pricing is 17% higher than that of “¥400”

5. Production quality control system

Argument: Quality is the basis of repurchase rate

• Argument:
• Five indicators that must be tested:
• Color fastness (grade 3 or above)
• Seam strength (≥100N)
• Shrinkage (≤3%)
• Print durability (50 wash tests)
• Zipper smoothness (500 open and close tests)
• Case: Represent 30% return rate due to quality control issues

6. Online channel layout strategy

Argument: DTC model is the core of profit

• Argument:
• Channel ROI comparison: | Platform | Average conversion rate | Average customer price | Commission |  | Independent station | 1.8-3.2% | ¥450 | None | | Douyin store | 2-4% | ¥320 | 5% | | Tmall | 0.8-1.5% | ¥380 | 8-15% |
• Tool recommendation: Shopify+Klarna Installment payment increases customer unit price by 35%

7. Social media hit formula

Argument: Content marketing is a low-cost customer acquisition tool

• Argument:
• The most effective content form:
• Dressing scene video (82% higher completion rate)
• Factory production documentary (60% higher trust)
• User UGC content (3 times higher conversion rate)
• Case: Essentials achieved zero advertising fee growth through amateur street photography

8. Inventory management wisdom

Argument: Scientific stocking to avoid capital chain break

• Argument:
• Stocking calculation formula: Safety stock = (average daily sales × procurement cycle) × 1.5
• Data: Healthy inventory turnover should be maintained at 5-7 times/year
• Tool recommendation: Cin7 Inventory Management System

9. Brand value construction

Argument: Cultural attributes determine premium ability

• Argument:
• Three value-added strategies:
• Limited sale (hunger marketing increases attention by 300%)
• Cross-border collaboration (sales increase 5-8 times)
• Community operation (repurchase rate increases by 40%)
• Case: Off-White forms brand identity through “anti-theft buckle” design

10. Legal risk prevention

Argument: Intellectual property is the core asset

• Argument:
• Three types of rights that must be registered:
• Trademark (text + graphics)
• Copyright (original pattern)
• Appearance patent (special version)
• Case: Supreme successfully defended its rights and won ¥2 million in compensation

FAQS

Summary: Entrepreneurship action list

1. Market verification: Test the popularity of design through Douyin
2. Small batch trial production: The first order is controlled within 100 pieces
3. Establish an official website: The basic version of Shopify can be started
4. Content reserve: Shoot 30 short video materials
5. Community building: Create a WeChat/Discord private domain group
6. Data monitoring: Track conversion rate and return rate

Cost control skills:

• The initial investment is controlled within ¥50,000
• The marketing budget does not exceed 25%
• Maintain gross profit margin above 55%

Avoid pit guide:

• Avoid complex processes (focus on 1-2 core processes in the first quarter)
• Carefully select fabric suppliers (require to provide test reports)
• Strictly control sample quality (no more than 2 modifications)

How to successfully start a hoodie brand Trend forecast: Sustainable materials (such as recycled cotton) and smart wearables (such as temperature-sensitive color change) will become growth points in the next three years. It is recommended that entrepreneurs maintain technical sensitivity.