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Selling Underwear Online Without Holding Inventory

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by
Aleksandra -
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Chief of Content Marketing
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.
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Chief of Content Marketing
15 minutes

Ever wondered if there’s a goldmine hidden in the world of selling underwear online? Brace yourself for a revelation! 

Brace yourself for a game-changing revelation! In this blog, I unveil the mysteries of selling underwear online without holding a single item in inventory. Curious? 

Prepare to discover the untapped potential, from lucrative market insights to the top suppliers and products making it happen. Ready to revolutionize your e-commerce game? Let’s dive in and explore the enticing universe of dropshipping intimate essentials!

Why Selling Underwear Online? 

Well, letโ€™s start with the good news! This dropshipping niche is profitable. In fact, the lingerie market is expected to reach $11.6 Billion in 2032. Plus, based on my calculations, with a 5.4% CAGR, the potential revenue for the underwear market in 2024 could be approximately $7.26 billion. So, that is your first green light to go for it. 

Also, most underwear niche products sell really well and have constant product demand. For example, letโ€™s say you want to sell bra sets. Based on Google Trends Results, this product demand is always high.

Moreover, online platforms provide the opportunity to reach a global audience. Therefore, you can connect with customers from various locations, increasing the potential customer base.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read about Dropshipping Profit Margin: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners.

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How Can You Sell Underwear Online Without Holding Inventory?

Selling underwear online without holding inventory is not just possible, but also very profitable. So, have you heard of dropshipping?

dropshipping business model

The dropshipping business model enables you to start an e-commerce business and sell physical goods to your customers completely online. 

And the best part โ€“ you can do that without even stocking the products yourself. Instead, when you sell a product, you purchase the item from a third party (usually a wholesaler or manufacturer) once the customer places an order, and the supplier has it shipped directly to the customer.

So, the key advantages of dropshipping include low upfront costs, reduced inventory risk, and the ability to offer a wide range of products without the need for warehousing. 

However, it’s important to carefully choose reliable suppliers, monitor product quality, and provide excellent customer service to build trust with your customers.

So, to clearly get my idea, check out the dropshipping canvas business model. ๐Ÿ‘‡

dropshipping canvas

Top 12 Suppliers For Selling Underwear Online Without Holding Inventory

Partnering with suppliers is the most important thing when it comes to selling underwear online without holding inventory. Therefore, here I will list the top 11 dropshipping suppliers for underwear. 

1. Temu

temu

If you want to start selling underwear online, this general dropshipping supplier is also great for this niche. 

The platform offers a wide range of women’s and men’s lingerie. Thus, in their catalog, you can find panties, bralettes, sleepwear, accessories, etc. Additionally, its costs are pretty budget-friendly, going from $1 to $58.

Moreover, Temu usually needs 1-3 days to handle your order. Just a heads up, some items you snagged might take a tad more time to process.

Now, how fast you receive your order comes down to whether you opt for regular or express shipping.

So, if you stick with regular shipping, it usually clocks in at about 7-15 business days. But if you decide on express shipping, you’ll find the estimated delivery time on your order confirmation.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read about Temu Dropshipping: Is This App The Future of Selling Online?

2. DHGate

DHgate is an online marketplace in China that focuses on connecting small and medium-sized businesses. It also serves as a wholesaler, making it a suitable choice for those who are new to dropshipping.

Yeah, I know what you will say. It is a general supplier. However, I must point out that it has a wide range of underwear to choose from, like panties, bras, sexy lingerie, socks, underpants, sleepwear, and much more. 

Furthermore, DHgate is that it doesn’t impose any minimum order quantity (MOQ) restrictions. However, it’s generally advisable to steer clear of suppliers with MOQ limitations, and DHgate understands that. Plus, there’s no dropshipping fee involved.

When it comes to delivery, you can expect your global orders to arrive within 3-15 working days. Also, DHgate has products available in US and EU warehouses, making it even more convenient.

Moreover, the supplier has integration with popular platforms like Shopify and eBay.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Discover the 10 Best Dhgate Sellers In 2024 & How To Pick The Best One?

3. Banggood

banggood

Banggood provides a wide array of products, ensuring customers have plenty of options to choose from. So, when it comes to selling underwear online, you also have a wide choice of underwear for men and women, like bras, panties, pajamas, etc.

To make things even more user-friendly, the platform supports communication in over 20 languages. Customers also have the handy feature of easily creating customized shipping invoices.

Also, Banggood offers API integration with major e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix, making the connection and coordination of tasks a breeze.

As for shipping, Banggood gives customers diverse options and quick delivery timeframes. If you’re in the United States, you can opt for Standard Shipping (arriving in 7-20 business days) or go for Express Shipping (delivering in 3-7 business days with a tracking number) at an extra cost. 

4. Honey Place

selling underwear online

With a worldwide shipping option, Honey Place is a supplier renowned for its extensive variety of sexy lingerie and unique bra sets. 

In fact, the supplier stocks over 18,000 SKUs from over 170 manufacturers in their large warehouse facility in Southern California.  Furthermore, the price of their products ranges from $1 to $10.

The average order processing time of this supplier is between 1-3 business days.

5. Western Fashion

selling underwear online

Specializing in high-quality and unique women’s clothing, Western Fashion provides a diverse bra set catalog suitable for both beginners and experienced dropshippers. 

Their worldwide shipping option and price range of $10 to $50 make them an attractive option in the market.

Also, Western Fashion is situated in the US and ships its products worldwide. Also, the average order processing time is more than 7 days.

6. Simply Wholesale

selling underwear online

Based in Australia, Simply Wholesale offers an extensive catalog of over 500,000 products. And, when it comes to selling underwear online, the supplier has over 1000 products in this category.

However, keep in mind that Simply Wholesale offers more pricier products than other suppliers on my list, priced between $30 and $100. But, their products are of high quality. 

Also, the order processing time is around 2-3 days. Plus, for shipping, the company mainly uses Australia Post, Toll, and Fastway. However, for certain products, they may use companies like DHL, FedEx, EMS, TNT, and other couriers.

7. Petite Cherry

selling underwear online

Petite Cherry distinguishes itself by offering stylish and unique bra sets characterized by attractive designs. It is based in the US but ships its products worldwide.

Also, the platform offers wholesale discounts applied to orders of 30+ bra and panty sets.  So, you can mix all styles, sizes, and colors.  

Moreover, with a price range of $10 to $42, their products are not only eye-catching but also suitable for effective marketing to a higher-ticket market. 

Plus, the average order processing time is between 4-6 business days. Also, the shipping time can take up to 10-15 days.

8. Elegant Moments

underwear supplier

As a dropshipping supplier with a focus on sexy lingerie and fast worldwide shipping, Elegant Moments is a reliable option for sourcing romantic underwear products. 

Their price range falls between $20 and $100, providing a variety of options for different customer preferences, both men and women. Also, the supplier ships its orders within 24 hours in the US, with FedEx, UPS, USPS, or DHL. 

Moreover, thereโ€™s no MOQ, but thereโ€™s a $3.50 handling fee on all orders dropshipped.

9. Wella Intimate

supplier lingerie

Wella Intimate offers both wholesale and dropshipping programs, emphasizing care for its partners. 

With a worldwide shipping option and a price range of $50 to $100, Wella Intimate stands out as a supplier providing high-quality bra sets on a global scale.

Thus, if you want to start selling underwear online, here you can find everything from bra sets to sexy underwear, gloves, swimwear, costumes, dancewear, etc.

10. Bravo Underwear

bravo underwear

Bravo Underwear is a fully-stocked underwear supplier catering to various needs, including lingerie, shapewear, and bra sets. 

Also, with worldwide shipping and prices ranging from $20 to $100, they appeal to both beginners and experienced dropshippers with competitive pricing.

11. New Temptations

new temptations

New Temptations Limited, an adult toy store, stands out as a reliable supplier offering a broad selection of lingerie. This supplier is based in the UK and ships its products worldwide.

In their lingerie sets category, there are nearly 200 products available for immediate dropshipping. 

While their price range falls between $3 and $40, they currently only provide shipping within the UK.

Moreover, this supplier’s average order processing time is 1-3 days.

12. SexyLiving

sexy living review

SexyLiving is an online shop that sells a variety of sex toys and adult wellness products. They offer a dropshipping program, so you can start your own online store without worrying about inventory or shipping.

Their catalog features brands like LELO, Fun Factory, and Aneros, with prices ranging from $6 to $50. Shipping is handled through Canada Post with a flat rate of $18.50 CAD for up to three items.

SexyLiving ensures safe transactions and great customer service, making them a dependable partner for your eCommerce business.

Best 5 Underwear Products For Selling Online

Sports Bras

Source: Amazon.com

Sports bras are an excellent choice for selling underwear online due to their widespread popularity and functional appeal. Characterized by comfort and support during physical activities, they cater to a broad audience engaged in fitness or casual workouts. 

Furthermore, the supplier price for these products ranges between $1.90 to $15, and the market prices range between $5 to $37. Also, potential profit margins for sports bras can range from 30% to 60%.

Moreover, based on Google Trends results, the demand for this product is constantly on the rise.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn about Bra Set Dropshipping: How To Dropship Underwear + Top Lingerie Wholesale.

Cotton Panties

Source: Amazon.com

Cotton panties are a staple in the lingerie market, known for their comfort and breathability. They appeal to a wide demographic, making them a versatile product for online sales. 

In addition, the supplier price for these products is around $4-15, and the market prices range between $12 to $38. So, the potential profit margins are around 40% and 70%. 

Also, when it comes to selling underwear online, you can consider offering bundles or emphasizing the comfort and quality of the fabric. This way, you can attract customers seeking everyday essentials.

Moreover, since these products are essential, the product demand is always high.

Knee Stockings

Source: Amazon.com

Knee stockings are a fashion accessory with both aesthetic and practical appeal. They can be marketed as trendy additions to various outfits, suitable for different seasons. 

Furthermore, the supplier prices range between $3.70 to $10.50, and the market prices are around $9.5 to $26. Also, knee stockings have the potential for profit margins ranging from 35% to 55%.

Also, based on Google Trends results, thereโ€™s a constant demand for these products and is predicted to grow in the period that comes.

So, if you want to start selling underwear online around these products, effective marketing of their versatility, and fashion appeal, and pairing them with different outfits can contribute to capturing a higher market share. 

Silk Robes

Source: Amazon.com

Silk robes exude luxury and comfort, making them a sought-after item in the sleepwear and loungewear market. Ideal for self-indulgence or as a thoughtful gift, they have a premium image.

Thus, the supplier prices for silk robes range between $1 to $23, and the market prices are around $4 to $59. Moreover, silk robes, being a premium item, often have higher profit margins, ranging from 50% to 80%.

And, you wonโ€™t regret selling underwear online when it comes to this piece of clothing. Based on Google Trends results, the products are always in demand.

Lace Bodysuits

Source: Amazon.com

Lace bodysuits are a blend of sensuality and style, making them a popular choice for selling underwear online. Also, they cater to a diverse audience, from those seeking special occasion wear to individuals embracing the โ€œlingerie-as-outerwearโ€ trend. 

Thus, these products supplier prices range between $5 to $25, and the market prices are around $14 to $63

Given their fashionable appeal and the potential to market them for various occasions, lace bodysuits offer favorable profit margins, especially when emphasizing their versatility and design. Thus, the profit margins range between 45% to 70%.

Also, based on Google Trends results, lace bodysuit demand is always high, and it is expected to grow even more.

How To Start Selling Underwear Online Without Holding Inventory? (My Process)

Want to start selling underwear online? Here I will show you my step-by-step process of starting. 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Also, learn How to Pick a Fitting Name for Your New Fashion Brand.

Step 1 – Select Your Underwear Niche

To kick things off, it’s important to narrow your focus by choosing a specific area of interest. Consider your target audience and what they find appealing. 

Also, I advise you to take some time to explore online stores related to your chosen focus for inspiration, helping you come up with ideas for your products.

๐Ÿ‘‰  Check out the Shopify Clothing Stores: Top 10 Examples For Dropshippers [2024].

For instance, I use Google Trends to check the popularity and demand for products based on keywords. So, letโ€™s try this for “boxer shorts.” As I can see, this product is in demand. 

Thus, if I consistently see demand for these products, it’s a green light to proceed with my research. 

Additionally, I rely on product research tools like Adserea, Minea, PipiAds, etc., to determine a product’s profitability, demand, and selling performance.

Step 2 – Choose Your Underwear Supplier

Let’s talk about the importance of selecting a supplier for dropshipping underwear. The supplier plays a crucial role in your online business’s success. So, it’s vital to find a trusted and reliable supplier offering high-quality, affordable products with quick shipping to your customers.

When evaluating potential suppliers, consider their customer service. A responsive and helpful supplier ensures a smooth partnership. Also, check the supplier’s return policy to guarantee a hassle-free process, enhancing customer satisfaction and building trust in your brand.

For example, Dropshipping.com’s supplier directory is a valuable resource. They provide a free compilation of over 2,000 trustworthy suppliers, allowing me to customize my search based on my specific dropshipping niche, supplier location, shipping costs, and more. ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out the 15 Best Clothing Dropshipping Suppliers In the USA & Europe.

Step 3 – Build Your Online Store

Moving on to step three, it’s time to launch your online store, marking the beginning of your online presence. 

Thus, creating a strong first impression is crucial to attract and retain customers.  Therefore, I suggest you design a website that is easy to navigate and visually appealing, with clear menus and categories.

When designing your website, showcase your products effectively by including detailed information like size and material. So, high-quality product photos and videos enhance customer understanding and desire for your offerings. 

I prefer using Shopify for its user-friendly interface and a variety of visually appealing themes for dropshipping stores. ๐Ÿ‘‡

shopify themes

However, you have plenty of options to choose from for building your store, like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, etc.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn How To Open and Manage Multiple Shopify Stores (Tips + Apps).

Step 4 – Promote Your Online Underwear Business

Now that your website is up and running, it’s time to focus on promoting your dropshipping business. This step is crucial for attracting customers and driving sales. Thus, you can consider using social media marketing on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to create engaging content, run targeted ad campaigns, and interact with potential customers.

Another effective strategy is affiliate marketing. Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in the underwear industry, providing them with a unique affiliate code or link to promote your products to their followers. 

You can also leverage the power of video content to showcase your products visually, explaining their features, benefits, and more.

Also, if you want to increase your chances for SERPs, you can start a blog writing about underwear, different styles, fashion combinations, etc. Hence, this can help you boost your SEO.

Conclusion

Wrapping it all up, in this insightful journey into the world of selling underwear online without managing inventory, you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the dropshipping model’s potential. 

From exploring the profitability of the lingerie market to discovering reliable suppliers, I’ve equipped you with the essential tools to kickstart your venture.

And, what are the most important takeaways? Dropshipping empowers you to delve into the lucrative underwear market with minimal upfront costs and reduced inventory risks. Also, by choosing reputable suppliers and focusing on customer service, you can create a successful online business.

Is it legit? Absolutely. Countless entrepreneurs have flourished in the realm of dropshipping, capitalizing on the constant demand for intimate wear. 

And, if you are in doubt about trying it out, the decision is yours. However, with careful supplier selection, market research, and dedication, selling underwear online could be your ticket to a thriving e-commerce business. Ready to take the plunge? The opportunity awaits!

About the Author

Profile picture of Aleksandra
Aleksandra Miteva
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.
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