So, you’re thinking of starting a clothing brand in Nigeria. It’s no child’s play, but wait, you can do it. Think of the many successful clothing brands in Nigeria like Lisa Folawiyo, Veekee James, and Orange Culture. That could be you, too.
But not without these tips on how to start a clothing brand in Nigeria. We’ve sifted through the noise of advice out there and brought out the 14 most important tips for launching your clothing business, just for you.
14 Game-changing Tips On How To Start A Clothing Brand In Nigeria
Too Long, Didn’t Read? Here’s the short version:
- First, Know Your Onions
- Define Your Brand And Target Audience
- Create A Business Plan
- Register Your Business
- Design Your First Collection
- Find Good Tailors And Manufacturers
- Brand Up Your Brand
- Organize Inventory And Pricing
- Do Online Marketing
- Create An Online Store
- Track Your Finances
- Work With Influencers And Retailers
- Follow Trends, But Not Blindly
- Keep Learning And Improving
Now, let’s explain each step.
First, Know Your Onions
Before you sew one thread or sketch one logo, sit down and do your homework. Do you know the difference between ready-to-wear and made-to-measure? Can you identify fabrics like crepe, scuba, ankara, or silk by touch? Do you understand what Nigerians like to wear for weddings vs. a hangout?
Even if you’re not the one sewing or designing yourself, you need to understand the business you’re entering. Remember, customers can tell when you’re clueless. Watching Nigerian fashion content on YouTube or TikTok, following designers and tailors on IG, and even visiting fabric markets can help you know your onions.
Once you have step 1 covered, you can move to step 2.
Define Your Brand And Target Audience
You can’t be for everybody, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s perfect. Define who you want to serve: Gen Z students, rich aunties, bridesmaids, or streetwear vibes. It’s best to pick a lane when starting, then you can expand later.
Also, have a brand personality. If your brand confuses people, they’ll just scroll past. You can use Pinterest or Canva to create a simple moodboard containing colors, fonts, sample styles, and who you’re designing for. Let this guide your decisions.
Create A Business Plan
You don’t need a 50-page document. Just a clear plan that shows how much you need to start, whether you will design, sew, or outsource, and how you will reach your customers. Winging a business is why many fashion brands fade out in 6 months. Dont be them.
Write out your plan in Google Docs or Notion. Even a simple note on your phone is better than keeping it all in your head.
Register Your Business
You need to make it official. Register your brand name with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission). It protects your name and makes people take you seriously. You should do this fast because, imagine someone else registering your brand name just when you’re about to blow. Would be too sad.
Also, you’ll need CAC registration to open a business bank account, work with influencers, or even join online platforms like Jumia or Instagram Shops. You can register yourself online via the CAC portal or use legit agents on social media. Just make sure they’re verified.
Design Your First Collection
Time to bring your vision to life. 5 to 10 strong clothing pieces are enough to start. Focus on quality, fit, and how each piece tells your brand story, not quantity.
Remember, this first drop is your brand’s first impression. No pressure… but it better slap.
You can sketch your designs or work with a fashion illustrator. And if you can’t draw, use apps like Canva or even Pinterest to organize your design ideas.
Find Good Tailors Or Manufacturers
This is where many new brands crash before takeoff. Even with fire designs, a bad tailor will finish your brand before Instagram does. So be intentional.
Do test runs with different tailors. Don’t assume the guy your aunty used for aso-ebi will understand your fashion vision. If you’re sewing in-house, hire people who get fashion, not just “can sew.”
This should go without saying, but, always sample first. Never produce in bulk until you’ve seen at least one finished piece and you’re happy with the fit, stitching, and finishing.
Brand Up Your Brand
If your designs are giving but your branding is not, you may still make it nowhere. Invest in a logo (you can use Canva or hire a graphic designer), pick your brand colors, and create simple labels for your clothes.
Don’t stop there, think of packaging too. Branded nylon bags, thank-you cards, size tags, and even a small sticker can make you feel like a premium brand in your customers’ eyes.
Organize Inventory And Pricing
Pricing can make or break your business. Price too high, and people will run. Price too low and you’ll suffer silently. You need to consider fabric cost, sewing, branding, delivery, your profit margin, and your target audience.
Plan your inventory too. Where are you going to store ready clothes that have not been bought? How will you make sure you don’t forget some pieces? Have a plan for that, too.
Do Online Marketing
You can’t sell clothes in silence. Word of mouth is cool, but online marketing is where the real magic happens, especially in Nigeria, where everyone is scrolling IG/Tiktok during traffic or boredom. So put yourself out there, online.
Use Instagram and TikTok ads, run giveaways, and hype up your new drops like it’s Detty December.
Create An Online Store
Selling from WhatsApp DMs can only go so far. To look professional (and save your sanity), set up a simple online store. The upcoming services on MBZ Technology can help you pull this off easily. It’s an all-in-one business management tool where you can create a store and manage your entire business in one place.
Track Your Finances
Accounting may not be your best subject, but we’re sure you don’t want to wake up one day and realize you’re working hard but not making money. So you need to record what you’re spending (fabric, sewing, transport, packaging), what you’re making (sales, delivery fees), and your profit after everything is removed. Again, the upcoming services on MBZ Technology can help you here.
You’ll also need these 10 important financial tips for every business owner.
Work With Influencers And Retailers
A well-picked influencer can do wonders for your brand. Look for micro-influencers with great engagement (not just big followers). Reach out politely and offer a free outfit in exchange for content or mention.
Also, consider placing your designs in fashion stores or online retail platforms that feature Nigerian brands. This helps you reach new customers you wouldn’t have found on your own.
Follow Trends, But Not Blindly
Fashion trends can change quickly in Nigeria. You don’t have to jump on every single one. Instead, observe what’s hot, see if it fits your brand, and then add your own twist. That’s how to stay relevant and original.
Keep Learning And Improving
Fashion is always evolving, and so should you. Take online courses (there are free ones on YouTube), attend local fashion events, and read up on customer service, branding, and new sewing techniques.
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, even if it hurts a little. You can only grow if you know where to improve. You can also get new ideas from following both Nigerian and international fashion pages online.
Conclusion
Starting a clothing brand in Nigeria isn’t easy, but if fashion is in your heart, don’t let the hustle scare you off. Start small. Start messy if you have to. Just start.
With the tips above, who knows how high you’ll soar?