Have you ever thought about starting your own business in custom apparel and promotional products? Maybe you’ve dreamed of creating personalized T-shirts, embroidered hats, or branded items for businesses. The great news is that the apparel decoration industry is thriving, and starting a business in this space is easier than you might think—with the right tools, techniques, and plan in place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some popular decoration methods (like screen printing and embroidery), how to get started, and ways to fund your business. Whether you're diving in full-time or testing the waters as a side hustle, this guide will help you take that first step.
WHAT’S SO EXCITING ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY?
Let’s start with why the apparel decoration business is such a great opportunity. Everywhere you look, people are customizing things—companies want their logos on uniforms, schools and teams need spirit wear, and events like weddings and birthdays thrive on personalized items. This means there’s a huge market for creative, high-quality custom products.
The best part? You don’t have to cater to everyone. You can focus on a niche that excites you. Love working with businesses? Make corporate swag. Love sports? Focus on team uniforms. Love weddings? Create personalized gifts for bridal parties. You get to pick your lane.
LET’S TALK METHODS: HOW WILL YOU CREATE YOUR PRODUCTS?
There are a few tried-and-true ways to decorate apparel and other items. Each method has its strengths, so think about which one aligns with the types of products you want to create.
1. SCREEN PRINTING
Screen printing is one of the most popular techniques—and for good reason.
- How It Works: You use a mesh screen and layers of ink to create a design on fabric.
- Why It’s Great: It’s super cost-effective for larger orders, and the colors are bold and long-lasting.
- Keep in Mind: This method is best for bulk orders and simple designs with a few colors.
RELATED LINKS: Screen Printing Kits, Inks, Chemistry
2. EMBROIDERY
Want to create a polished, professional look? Embroidery is the way to go.
- How It Works: A machine stitches your design into the fabric.
- Why It’s Great: Embroidery is durable and perfect for higher-end items like polos, jackets, and hats.
- Keep in Mind: It’s not ideal for large or very detailed designs, and it can be pricier than other methods.
RELATED LINKS: EMBROIDERY MACHINES, THREADS, BOBBINS
3. HEAT TRANSFERS
Heat transfers are like magic—fast and flexible.
- How It Works: You print your design onto a special transfer paper, then use a heat press to apply it to the fabric.
- Why It’s Great: It’s perfect for small orders or one-off designs, like personalized T-shirts or sports jerseys with names and numbers.
- Keep in Mind: Heat transfers aren’t as durable as screen printing or embroidery, so they’re better for short-term or occasional use.
RELATED LINKS: DTF TRANSFER MACHINES, DTF TRANSFERS, HEAT TRANSFER PRESSES
4. LASER ENGRAVING
Laser engraving lets you think beyond fabric and into promotional products.
- How It Works: A laser engraves or etches your design onto materials like leather, wood, or metal.
- Why It’s Great: It’s perfect for items like tumblers, leather wallets, or wood plaques, offering a premium, unique look.
- Keep in Mind: This one requires a bigger upfront investment in equipment, but it’s worth it if you want to offer high-end products.
RELATED LINKS: LASER ENGRAVERS, ENGRAVING MATERIALS
HOW TO GET YOUR BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND
Ready to get started? Here are some steps to help you hit the ground running.
STEP 1: PICK YOUR NICHE
Think about who you want to sell to. Are you interested in creating team uniforms, corporate swag, or event merchandise? Defining your niche will help you choose the right tools, build a strong brand, and target your marketing effectively.
STEP 2: GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Depending on the methods you want to use, you’ll need some equipment. If you’re on a budget, consider starting with something simple like a heat press or a basic embroidery machine. As your business grows, you can invest in more advanced equipment like a screen printing setup or laser engraver.
STEP 3: BUILD AN ONLINE STORE
A professional online store is essential for reaching customers. Shopify makes it easy to create an e-commerce site, even if you’re not tech-savvy. You can add product customizers (like Customily or Zakeke) so customers can personalize items directly on your website. Bonus: Shopify also makes managing orders and inventory a breeze.
STEP 4: SHOW OFF YOUR WORK
Create some sample products to showcase your skills. Snap high-quality photos and post them on Instagram, TikTok, or your Shopify store. Customers want to *see* what you can do, so make your designs shine.
STEP 5: MARKET YOUR BUSINESS
Let people know you’re open for business! Social media is your best friend here—platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great for showing off your process and finished products. Reach out to local businesses, sports teams, and event organizers who might need custom items.
RELATED LINKS: PRINTER DIRECTORY, 6 EASY WAYS TO GET YOUR BUSINESS SEEN
HOW TO FUND YOUR BUSINESS
Starting a business comes with some upfront costs, but don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make it happen without breaking the bank.
1. EQUIPMENT FINANCING
If you don’t have the cash to buy machines outright, look into financing options. Many companies offer monthly payment plans for embroidery machines, screen printing presses, and other equipment.
2. SMALL BUSINESS LOANS
Your local bank or credit union might offer small business loans. There are also government programs that help entrepreneurs get started.
3. CROWDFUNDING
Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe are a great way to raise money. Show people your vision and offer cool rewards—like custom T-shirts or hats—for backers.
4. START SMALL
If you’re short on funds, start with a simpler setup, like a heat press or a single-head embroidery machine. Focus on smaller orders and reinvest your profits to grow your business over time.
RELATED LINKS: FINANCING OPTIONS
WHAT’S NEXT?
Starting a business in the apparel decoration industry is all about finding your passion, getting creative, and putting in the work. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one—start small, learn as you go, and grow from there.
This industry has so much potential, whether you’re creating custom merch for events, uniforms for businesses, or unique gifts for individuals. Plus, with platforms like Shopify, it’s easier than ever to set up an online store and start making sales.
So, what are you waiting for? Your dream business is calling, and it’s time to make it happen. Grab your ideas, choose your tools, and start turning blank apparel into something amazing—you’ve got this! If you have any questions along the way, call us at 1-800-314-6390, and we’ll be happy to help!