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Where To Buy Clothes To Start A Boutique? โ€“ Your A-Z Guide

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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
31 minutes

Are you ready to turn your passion for fashion into a thriving online boutique? Have you wondered where to buy clothes to start a boutique? Look no further!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll dive deep into the lucrative world of online apparel sales. Why is now the best time to start? How can you tap into a market that’s ripe with opportunity?

And most importantly, where do you find those chic, sellable clothes that will set your boutique apart? Keep reading to discover everything you need to start your successful online boutique journey today!

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Key Takeaways

  • The Apparel market in the United States is worth $358.70 billion, with a promising annual growth rate of 2.11% from 2024 to 2028.
  • Women’s Apparel dominates with a market size of $191.40 billion, signaling a lucrative niche for potential boutique owners.
  • If you wonder where to find clothes to start a boutique, you can explore diverse sourcing options such as dropshipping, wholesale suppliers, local manufacturers, and online marketplaces.
  • In this blog article, you can learn about the advantages of attending trade shows. Also, you will learn about partnering with local manufacturers, and the benefits of leveraging online platforms like Amazon FBA.
  • Also, working with reliable suppliers is crucial if you want to open a boutique. So, I got you a list of the best 13 clothing suppliers, including, AutoDS, BrandsGateway, FashioTIY, FashionGo, and many more.
  • Get equipped with data on consumer spending trends, including an average expenditure of $1,050 per person on apparel.
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Why Sell Clothes Online?

โœ… A Thriving Market with Huge Potential

Let’s talk numbers: The Apparel market in the United States is valued at a whopping $358.70 billion as of 2024. This isn’t just a large number.

In fact, it’s a beacon signaling a sea of potential customers waiting to click “add to cart.”

So, for anyone thinking of stepping into online sales, these figures point to a robust and vibrant market ripe for the picking.

โœ… Steady Growth on the Horizon

Growth is key in business, and the Apparel market isn’t lagging behind. With an expected annual growth rate of 2.11% from 2024 to 2028, the trajectory is clear.

This steady growth means not just surviving but thriving in the market is possible if you play your cards right.

โœ… Focus on Womenโ€™s Apparel

Here’s something interesting: Women’s Apparel is the star of the show, accounting for $191.40 billion of the market in 2024.

This segment is massive and continuously expanding. So, this means focusing your online store on womenโ€™s clothing could be a strategic and profitable move.

โœ… Leading the Global Stage

Did you know that the U.S. leads the world in apparel revenue in 2024? This global leadership is not just a point of pride but a substantial advantage.

It means the market is mature and consumers are engaged and ready to spend on fashion. This is setting the stage perfectly for your online venture.

โœ… People are Spending A Lot On Clothing

Americans are spending about US$1,050 per person on apparel in 2024. This high per capita spend is indicative of a consumer base that values clothing and is willing to invest in new outfits.

For you as an online retailer, this means a promising potential for high per-order values.

โœ… More Clothes, More Opportunities

By 2028, weโ€™re looking at a market volume of 32.2 billion pieces. Thatโ€™s a lot of fabric! And with forecasted volume growth of 1.5% in 2025, the demand for apparel is only going up.

This translates directly into more opportunities for sales as more people look to refresh their wardrobes.

Moreover, this might surprise you, but 94% of apparel sales in 2024 are expected to be non-luxury items. Thatโ€™s your everyday wear, which most people need and buy.

Where To Buy Clothes To Start A Boutique?

Dropshipping & Wholesale Suppliers

So, the first option about where to buy clothes to start a boutique is pivotal for boutique owners. So, if you are looking to stock a variety of styles while maintaining cost efficiency wholesale suppliers are the one.

But, if you want to sell clothes without holding inventory, dropshipping suppliers are no.1.

Anyway, these suppliers buy directly from manufacturers in large volumes, enabling them to offer lower prices to you as a retailer.

Therefore, choosing dropshipping suppliers is beneficial when you need to fill your store with a comprehensive inventory quickly. It’s also ideal when you want to keep prices competitive, as buying in bulk typically reduces the cost per unit.

For example, dropshipping suppliers like AutoDS offer general merchandise. Thus, here you can find everything from clothing to home dรฉcor products.

Also, FashionGo, for example, offers a wide array of clothing items and accessories.

Whatโ€™s more, if you want to design your own products, and not keep any inventory, print on demand suppliers can really help you out.

For example, I personally partner with Printful for my t-shirt POD business. Hence, with their mockup generator, I can make my own designs, add my own photos and logo, etc.

Trade Shows

Trade shows are not just about purchasing products. They are also networking hubs where boutique owners can meet with suppliers, see the latest trends, and order directly from manufacturers.

This option is particularly appealing if personal interaction and product quality assessment are important to you.

For instance, MAGIC Las Vegas is a massive trade show that covers a vast range of fashion items from luxury brands to everyday basics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o-KMFrtqcA

Similarly, Atlanta Apparel offers opportunities to explore a diverse collection of clothing that includes both casual and formal wear.

So, attending these events can be crucial when you’re looking to forge direct relationships with wholesalers and designers or when you’re scouting for unique products that aren’t widely available.

Local Manufacturers

Partnering with local manufacturers is an excellent choice if you prioritize unique merchandise and short supply chains. This approach supports local businesses and reduces shipping times and costs.

Itโ€™s particularly suitable if you aim to highlight local craftsmanship or if youโ€™re committed to sustainable business practices. Thus, thatโ€™s why is great when it comes to where to buy clothes to start a boutique.

Also, local manufacturers can often accommodate smaller, more customized orders. This allows you to offer exclusive items that stand out from the competition.

Moreover, if you are looking to collaborate with local talents, it’s beneficial to connect through local business networks, industry meetups, or by directly contacting local garment manufacturers.

Online Marketplaces

So, when it comes to where to buy clothes to start a boutique, this might be the first option on your mind.

Online marketplaces like Alibaba, eBay, or AliExpress are ideal if you are ready to handle the complexities of international sourcing.

These platforms offer access to a vast array of products from manufacturers worldwide. So, they often get it at lower prices than domestic sources can offer.

This is a good strategy when you are looking for variety. Also, it is good if you are comfortable navigating the logistics of international shipping, customs, and potential language barriers.

Online marketplaces provide the opportunity to source unique products. This may not be available in your local market. Thus, this gives your boutique a competitive edge.

For example, Amazon FBA offers a unique advantage by providing an existing customer base and a complete solution for fulfilling orders.

So, when using Amazon FBA, you can keep your stock in Amazonโ€™s warehouses. Amazon handles the storage, packaging, and delivery of your products for you. Additionally, you get the benefit of reaching Amazon’s large number of customers.

Second-hand or Vintage Suppliers

Next, if you are wondering where to buy clothes to start a boutique, or wish to tap into the growing trend of sustainability, second-hand or vintage suppliers offer an excellent pathway.

This option is not only appeals to eco-conscious consumers but also to those looking for unique, retro, and hard-to-find pieces that are not available in mainstream stores.

So, suppliers like local estate sales, specialized online marketplaces, or even larger vintage wholesalers provide a wealth of options.

For example, Etsy is a well-known online platform for selling vintage, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items. It hosts a big community of both buyers and sellers. It also provides several tools to assist you in selling your vintage goods.

Thus, choosing to stock second-hand or vintage items can significantly enhance your boutique’s brand identity as an eco-friendly or fashion-forward retailer.

Additionally, this approach can be more cost-effective than purchasing new goods, particularly if you have a flair for curating and restoring vintage items.

How To Start an Online Clothing Business?

Launching a wholesale clothing business in NY requires dedication and effort. But, with the right approach and tools, you can make the process smoother. Iโ€™m here to share how I got my wholesale clothing business off the ground. Letโ€™s dive in!

1. Choose Your Clothing Boutique Niche

First, you’ll need to decide what type of clothing you’re looking to sell. This could be anything from eco-friendly sports clothes to high-end luxury wear or children’s outfits.

It’s important to choose a niche that you are passionate about and that you believe has a good market potential.  Once you’ve decided on your niche, a good next step is to analyze market demand.

For instance, if you’re interested in vintage clothing, you could use Google Trends to see how often people are searching for this style, which gives you an idea of the public interest over time.

 Additionally, to spot the best-selling products, you can use a tool like Minea. It scans social media ads to reveal trending purchases, providing insights into what customers are keen on buying.

This combination of market analysis and product discovery will help you better understand the demand and refine your product offerings.

2. Source Your Wholesale Clothing Products

The next part of setting up your clothing business is very important: finding the right suppliers. Or this is the step about where to buy clothes to start a boutique.

This step should be handled carefully to avoid any scams or financial losses. I recommend reaching out to manufacturers or distributors who provide the type of clothing you want to sell, making sure they come from reputable sources. Once you find reliable suppliers, it’s crucial to build strong partnerships with them to make sure your supply chain remains steady and reliable.

For instance, I often use resources like Dropshipping.com to connect with suppliers. This platform offers a comprehensive list of over 2000 trusted suppliers. This makes it easier to find the right partners for your business.

This directory allows me to refine my search based on niche, supplier location, shipping costs, and more.

Plus, it offers detailed information about each supplier, including their pricing, order processing time, minimum order quantity, warehouse location, product range, and more.

3. Set Up Your Online Wholesale Clothing Store

Next, you’ll want to create your online store, making sure it’s visually appealing and user-friendly. There are several website builders available, but Shopify comes highly recommended, especially for anyone in the wholesale business.

It’s known for being easy to use and offers a variety of attractive themes that can help your store look unique. Shopify also provides many customizable features that let you adjust the site to fit your brand perfectly.

Using the drag-and-drop editor on Shopify, you can easily add products, create collections, and alter your siteโ€™s appearance without needing any coding knowledge.

But what truly simplified the process for me was using the AI-Generated Shopify Store service provided by Dropshipping.com.

For just $1, they use AI to perfectly set up your Shopify store. This includes populating it with top products in your niche and preparing pages optimized for dropshipping profits.

The process is incredibly straightforward. You pick a niche, their AI constructs your store with great products, and you’re all set to start selling.

4.  Market Your Online Clothing Boutique

Once your store is ready, the next crucial step is to draw in customers with effective marketing strategies.

Start by improving your site’s visibility with SEO and keep your audience engaged through social media ads. Launching email marketing campaigns and investing in paid advertising are also great ways to reach more people. To boost your sales, try cross-selling and up-selling, offer discounts, create referral programs and more.

I strongly advise incorporating video marketing into your strategy. Videos are a powerful tool to demonstrate your products in action. You can highlight your product’s advantages, and offer a more engaging shopping experience.

This combination of approaches will help you attract a wide range of customers and grow your business effectively.

5. Deliver Good Customer Support

Finally, as it is important to know where to buy clothes to start a boutique, providing excellent customer service is even more important. Customers expect quick and effective answers to their questions.

By offering various contact options like email, social media, phone calls, and chatbots, you can enhance customer satisfaction significantly.

I recommend setting up automated support systems, such as chatbots or pre-written email templates, to efficiently handle common inquiries. This method ensures that responses are timely and reduces the need for constant manual monitoring.

For instance, I use Tidio to communicate smoothly with visitors on my site, ensuring their questions are answered promptly.

Tidio also works well with platforms like Instagram and Facebook Messenger. This allows you to manage all your communication channels from a single location.

Thus, with this, you can make it easier to keep track of customer interactions and improve the overall service experience.

Top 14 Dropshipping & Wholesale Clothing Suppliers

If you are wondering where to buy clothes to start a boutique, choosing dropshipping suppliers is crucial.

So, here I will list the top 14 dropshipping clothing suppliers. Letโ€™s see!

1. AutoDS

AutoDS enhances your sourcing process by connecting you with a wide network of suppliers.

Here, you’ll find a vast selection of over 500 million trending products, featuring suppliers from various parts of the world including the US, China, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, and Australia. This ensures that they have global shipping capabilities.

Also when it comes to where to buy clothes to start a boutique, AutoDS provides a broad array of options in the โ€œClothing, Shoes, & Jewelryโ€ category.

So, here you can find apparel for men, women, kids, and babies. The prices of these products vary based on type, usually ranging from $5 to $150.

Moreover, AutoDS collaborates with major suppliers like Amazon, AliExpress, Wayfair, and CJDropshipping.

This partnership allows you the opportunity to work with private suppliers who offer excellent customer service and faster shipping options.

Also, shipping times can vary, especially with US suppliers, typically taking 2 to 21 business days.

However, AutoDS also offers a fast shipping option that promises to deliver your orders within just 1-3 business days, making it a highly efficient choice for managing your dropshipping needs.

2. BrandsGateway

BrandsGateway stands out as a top supplier of designer luxury clothing, connecting branded clothes manufacturers directly with retail buyers. This platform allows you to access the latest in wholesale shoes, handbags, boutique clothing, and accessories.

For a more in-depth look, you can read my complete BrandsGateway Review.

At BrandsGateway, you’ll discover clothing from some of the world’s most renowned brands and manufacturers. They offer original wholesale apparel from elite designers like

  • Dolce & Gabbana,
  • Armani,
  • Versace,
  • Michael Kors,
  • Cavalli,
  • Balmain,
  • Prada,
  • Gucci, and more.

One of the significant advantages of using BrandsGateway is the larger profit margins it offers compared to other dropshipping suppliers.

This means that dropshippers can earn substantially more by selling just a few high-quality products.

3.ย Nordstrom

Next on my list for where to find clothes to start a boutique is Nordstrom.

Nordstrom stands out as one of the largest clothing dropshipping suppliers in the U.S. It has over 115 department stores, 215 outlet stores, and several e-commerce platforms across the Americas and Canada.

It is a well-recognized brand among shoppers and off-price retailers and offers a dropshipping program known for its low prices, fast shipping, and efficient logistics.

Nordstrom’s product range includes casual clothing as well as designer apparel from high-end brands such as Givenchy, Balenciaga, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Gucci.

The store caters to women, men, and kids, providing a wide variety of options for each.

For dropshippers, Nordstrom is particularly attractive due to frequent clearances, where designer clothing can be purchased at discounts of up to 60%, making it a highly lucrative source for high-quality, fashionable products.

4. Patches Co.

If you’re wondering where to buy clothes to start a boutique and are particularly interested in adding a unique touch to your collection, consider exploring the world of custom patches.

Patches are becoming increasingly popular as distinctive accessories, and Patches Co. is a fantastic source for any budding boutique owner.

At Patches Co., they offer high-quality products that won’t break the bank, catering to dealers, franchisees, and customers all over the world.

They stand out for providing a diverse range of patch materials including Embroidery, PVC, Printed, Woven, Leather, Chenille, 3D Embroidery, and Flexstyle. Whatโ€™s great about Patches Co. is their ability to supply exactly what you need at reasonable prices.

Don’t worry if you’re not a design guru; Patches Co. makes it easy. Even with just a few ideas, they help you bring your vision to life with on-trend designs.

They provide intuitive tools and support that make it possible for anyone to create professional-looking items for their store. So, if you’re aiming to give your boutique a creative edge, Patches Co. could be your go-to supplier.

5. CCWholesaleClothing

If you’re just starting out and wondering where to buy clothes to start a boutique, CCWholesaleClothing in Los Angeles, California, might just be the place for you. They’re known as one of the best clothing dropshipping suppliers in the area, and their range is impressive.

CCWholesaleClothing offers a variety of clothing options including regular and plus-size clothing, jewelry and accessories, sleepwear, kidsโ€™ clothing, activewear, sets, and underwear. Recently, they’ve even added beauty products to their catalog, giving you more diversity in what you can offer your customers.

What’s great about them is their accessibility for small business owners. They have a minimum order requirement of $100, but if you’re looking to stock up, they offer free shipping on orders over $300.

The prices are quite reasonable, so buying in bulk makes a lot of sense and could be your best bet for getting a good start with your boutique.

6. CollectiveFab

When you’re thinking about where to buy clothes to start a boutique and you need a reliable partner to help you kickstart your business, this California-based clothing distributor is worth checking out.

Known for their blind dropshipping process, they ensure that your products are shipped without any third-party branding, maintaining your boutique’s unique feel.

They offer boutique-quality products and are committed to helping you launch your business quickly. Starting out is risk-free thanks to their free trial version, which lets you explore their extensive catalog of over 6500 clothing products and accessories. This setup is ideal for anyone looking to test the waters before fully committing, and it gives you a great opportunity to start reselling for a profit.

Once the trial period is up, you can continue with their service for a starting fee of $29 per month. This paid plan includes auto inventory updates and order tracking, along with custom inventory software to help you manage your products efficiently.

7.ย Buy2Bee

With bases in Santhiร , Italy, and L.A., California, they have two dropshipping warehouses perfectly positioned to distribute high-end clothing across both Europe and the Americas.

Signing up with Buy2Bee is completely free, and they offer a flat shipping rate of โ‚ฌ9.90 per order, making it straightforward to manage your costs.

Plus, with delivery times ranging from 3-6 business days and DHL as their main shipping provider in Europe, you can rely on efficient and reliable service.

Their product range is impressive, featuring formal wear, underwear, accessories, kid’s wear, shoes, and handbags. This, this is catering to both men and women. Among the top-notch brands they offer are Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Chloรฉ.

This makes Buy2Bee an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of luxury to their boutique with recognized, high-quality brands.

8. Tasha Apparel

If you’re exploring where to buy clothes to start a boutique and want a supplier that’s gained a solid reputation quickly, Tasha Apparel is definitely worth considering.

Located in L.A. since 2005, Tasha Apparel offers a wide array of trendy clothing items. Their prices are very competitive, which is great for keeping your costs down.

So, though it’s worth noting that the profit margins can vary since they don’t stock high-end clothing.

This makes them an ideal choice for boutique owners looking to cater to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on style.

They provide some fantastic perks for resellers, such as free shipping from the USA on orders over $300 and free high-quality images for sellers to use. This can be a huge advantage when you’re trying to establish your online presence.

Tasha Apparel offers up to 50-80% below regular wholesale prices. This allows you to maximize your profits while offering great deals to your customers.

9. Printful

If you’re thinking about where to buy clothes to start a boutique and are interested in selling custom-branded items online, Printful might just be the perfect supplier for you.

Their product range is vast, allowing you to offer everything from custom-designed leggings, hoodies, t-shirts, and hats to dresses, phone cases, and mugs.

At Printful, you have the freedom to create your own logos and designs, and they’ll handle the printing. And, this refers to whether you need just a few items or a large batch.

They offer white-label printing and branding, so you can truly make each product your own. If you’re not that confident in your design skills, don’t worry. They also offer graphic design services to help bring your ideas to life.

Furthermore, Printful integrates seamlessly with major online platforms like eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon Marketplace, making it easy to manage your sales across different channels.

10. Shewin

Shewin specializes in women’s southern wholesale clothing. It offers an extensive collection that includes

  • tops,
  • dresses,
  • bottoms,
  • sets,
  • occasion-specific attire,
  • footwear,
  • bags,
  • accessories
  • a range of plus-size clothing.

What’s great about Shewin is that all of this comes at remarkably affordable prices.

Their operation is backed by an impressive 5,000-square-meter factory and strong relationships with over 100 esteemed supply chain collaborators. Thus, this ensures quality and reliability in their offerings.

Shewin also makes it easy for new boutique owners to get started by allowing orders from just $39 and supporting open packs with no minimum order quantity (MOQ) for dropshipping.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out my Shewin Dropship Review: Leading Dropshipping Clothing Vendor.

11. FashionGo

FashionGo is a standout choice. This prominent online marketplace is a hub for wholesale shopping, connecting retailers and boutiques like yours with a wide network of reliable suppliers.

They offer a vast selection of products ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor, helping you find the perfect items to delight your customers.

What makes FashionGo particularly appealing are the special perks it offers. So, you get competitive prices, bulk discounts, and efficient shipping options.

These benefits are great for keeping your costs down while providing your customers with great deals.

Beyond their strong online platform, FashionGo provides dedicated support for your wholesale and dropshipping ventures, allowing you to easily connect with retailers and explore new opportunities.

Moreover, joining FashionGo also means becoming part of a growing community with thousands of wholesalers and over a million buyers, all enjoying the convenience and benefits of wholesale trading.

12. FashionTIY

FashionTIY is a terrific option, especially if you’re aiming to offer a broad range of sizes and styles. They provide quality fashion clothing for men, women, and kids, including plus size for women and big and tall sizes for men.

Their selection covers everything from jackets, jeans, and t-shirts to dresses, sportswear, swimwear, tops, and pants, all at prices up to 70% cheaper than retail and with low minimum order quantities (MOQ).

What sets FashionTIY apart is its model of buying directly from factories. This not only ensures better prices. Also, it allows for fast shipping worldwide.

They stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, making it easier for you to keep your boutique current.

Additionally, FashionTIY supports customization and dropshipping services, making them ideal for small to mid-sized apparel retailers.

You can start small here, as there’s no need to buy a lot of stock upfront. This can significantly reduce your initial investment and risk.

However, itโ€™s worth noting that while FashionTIY offers many advantages, it has its downsides too. There might be limited opportunities to brand the products as your own.

Also, delivery times can vary depending on what you order and where it needs to be shipped.

13. LA Showroom

If you’re on the lookout for where to buy clothes to start a boutique and want to stock up on high-quality, trendy, and unique items, LAShowroom could be just what you need. It is situated in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District.

So, this renowned B2B online wholesale fashion marketplace is perfect for connecting retailers with some of the most reputable brands and designers from around the world.

At LAShowroom, you’ll find an impressive array of fashion items that are perfect for your boutique. They make it easy for you to get started with various discounts and deals on their products.

For instance, there’s a 20% discount on all orders from Bella Victoria Boutique, which can significantly lower your initial costs. This can help you maximize profits.

Keep in mind, that the minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies. This depends on the vendor and the product, giving you some flexibility based on your needs and budget.

14. Cider Clothing

Cider Clothing is a fast fashion brand based in Hong Kong, aimed at delivering trendy, affordable styles to the global market. They offer a wide range of clothing, from casual tees and jeans to statement pieces like sequin dresses and faux fur coats.

Cider stands out for its affordability. With prices ranging from $1 to $100, the brand ensures that stylish attire is accessible to everyone.

They also emphasize promoting a lifestyle through their social media presence, inspiring confidence and self-expression among customers.

Top 5 Clothing Ideas To Sell In 2024

Sustainable Activewear

Selling sustainable activewear online taps into the growing demand for environmentally friendly products.

So, you can offer activewear made from recycled materials or natural fibers that promise durability, comfort, and less environmental impact.

Therefore, the cost to source sustainable activewear ranges from $20 to $50 per piece, depending on the materials and the scale of your operations.

On the other hand, retail prices typically range from $50 to $120, allowing for potential profit margins of approximately 40% to 60%. This high margin reflects the value consumers place on ethical production practices.

The Google Trends data shows a steady increase in interest in sustainability.

Also, I must point out that there are significant spikes during the months of January and September, likely due to New Yearโ€™s resolutions and the autumn fitness push.

Vintage Denim

Selling vintage denim online meets the consumer’s desire for unique, retro styles and the growing interest in sustainable fashion, as it promotes the reuse of garments.

๐Ÿ’ก READ: Vintage Finds 101: How to Sell Vintage Items Like a Pro.

You can offer a range of products from jeans and jackets to shorts and skirts. Moreover, each piece can be curated or customized to add additional value.

The cost of sourcing vintage denim can vary widely, typically between $10 and $30 per item, depending on their condition and rarity. The retail price can range from $40 to $100, with potential profit margins of 50% to 70%.

According to Google Trends, interest in vintage denim has been consistently high with periodic peaks, reflecting the ongoing consumer interest in both retro aesthetics and sustainable fashion practices.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out my complete overview of selling on Amazon Handmade vs Etsy marketplace.

Plus-Size Fashion

When it comes to where to buy clothes to start a boutique, the plus-size fashion market is expanding rapidly. In fact, more brands embrace inclusivity.

Also, selling plus-size clothing online allows you to reach a wider audience seeking trendy, well-fitting, and diverse clothing options.

Thus, offering a variety of styles from casual wear to formal attire can cater to a broad range of needs within the plus-size community.

The product costs for plus-size garments generally range from $15 to $40, and retail prices can be set between $40 to $100, with potential profit margins around 50% to 60%.

Google Trends data indicates a consistent increase in interest in plus-size fashion over the last few years, underscoring its growing importance and potential profitability in the fashion industry.

Athleisure

Athleisure wear is perfect for the modern lifestyle, blending comfort with style, suitable for both exercise and everyday wear.

By offering a mix of products such as yoga pants, joggers, hoodies, and tank tops, you can attract a broad audience.

The sourcing costs of athleisure wear generally range from $15 to $40 per item. Also, retail prices usually fall between $40 and $120, offering profit margins of 50% to 70%.

Interest in athleisure has shown remarkable resilience and growth on Google Trends, especially during and post-pandemic, as people have sought more comfortable, multifunctional clothing options.

Eco-Friendly Swimwear

Eco-friendly swimwear is a niche market with significant growth potential, especially as consumers become more environmentally conscious. So, selling this online can differentiate your brand on the basis of sustainability.

Offer eco-friendly materials that are durable, chlorine-resistant, and provide UV protection.

The cost range for producing eco-friendly swimwear is typically $20 to $50 per piece, with retail prices ranging from $50 to $120. This offers healthy profit margins of 50% to 60%.

Google Trends reveals a growing interest in eco-friendly swimwear, particularly during the spring and summer months, indicating a seasonal but strong market opportunity.

Top 5 Shopify Clothing Boutiques Examples

GymShark

GymShark, a well-known fitness apparel manufacturer and online retailer from the UK, is a major user of the Shopify platform and has become one of its largest operators.

They’ve gained a massive audience with followers on social media and customers in over 130 countries, positioning themselves as a global powerhouse.

For their online store, GymShark has chosen Shopify’s popular โ€œBrooklynโ€ theme to customize their dropshipping setup.

This theme enhances the shopping experience with features like a visually appealing slideshow banner, filtered navigation for easy browsing, and a product search function. Additionally, they use a Full-Screen Image layout on their homepage to prominently showcase their brand and include videos featuring their products.

The website’s design is neat and organized, using a grid layout to keep content accessible but tidy, primarily from the homepage. Their product pages are user-friendly, containing all essential information and navigational elements like high-quality photos, call-to-action buttons, product descriptions, and a โ€œyou may also likeโ€ section.

Marketing Strategies

GymShark employs several effective marketing strategies. They engage in email marketing and social media advertising across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok.

They also maintain a blog to connect with their audience. Promotions are prominently displayed on their homepage, including offers like โ€œFree Shipping over $75โ€ and a โ€œ10% Student discountโ€, ensuring visitors are immediately aware of the benefits of shopping with them.

Fashion Nova

Fashion Nova is highly recognized as one of Google’s most popular fashion brands, celebrated globally for providing the latest and most desirable styles.

In fact, this is thanks to the influencer collaborations with famous celebrities like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner, helping the brand achieve a sales milestone of 2.4 million.

The website entices visitors with high-quality photos and a variety of product collections that make browsing an engaging experience.

The site’s user-friendly layout is enhanced by numerous call-to-action buttons and well-organized navigation elements, with the logo serving as a clickable link that directs customers back to the homepage.

A particularly interesting feature is the ability to search for items using photos, adding an innovative twist to the shopping experience.

Marketing Strategies

Known as the โ€œInstagram Brand,โ€ Fashion Nova has effectively used Instagram to engage with customers.

They utilize eye-catching feeds, collaborate with influencers, and implement a strong content marketing strategy to captivate and retain their audience’s attention.

 Additionally, Fashion Nova runs exciting contests that not only draw more visitors to their website but also offer participants a chance to be featured on the homepage and receive special gifts, adding a layer of excitement and exclusivity.

Posh Peanut

Posh Peanut is a standout Shopify store specializing in baby and children’s clothing, known for its blend of practicality and fashion. The brand appeals to modern parents looking for both style and functionality.

They focus on providing adorable, high-quality products with a strong emphasis on an excellent customer experience.

The store draws in visitors with its simple yet elegant and modern design. Utilizing cute real-life images, Posh Peanut helps parents visualize how the clothes will look on their children, adding a personal touch to the shopping experience.

Marketing Strategies

Posh Peanut employs a variety of marketing strategies to promote its products, including email marketing and social media advertising.

They also feature a special “SALE” category, offering discounts on their items, which helps attract bargain-seeking shoppers.

Additionally, their website includes a FAQ section to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions, enhancing the overall user experience and helping parents feel confident about their choices.

Zanerobe

Zanerobe stands out as one of the best Shopify clothing stores, winning over customers with its iconic joggers and flintlock tees. The store features a wide range of products including pants, shirts, tees, jackets, accessories, and hoodies, paying close attention to the details of each item.

With locations in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Europe, Zanerobe makes shopping convenient for a global audience by offering a variety of payment options like PayPal, Visa, GPay, and MasterCard, ensuring a smooth checkout experience.

What really distinguishes Zanerobe is its dedication to an exceptional customer experience. The store enhances shopping with high-quality photos, making a great first impression crucial for attracting customers.

An interesting and unique feature of Zanerobe is its encouragement for customers to download their mobile app for an easier shopping experience. This is facilitated by a simple pop-up window that customers can activate by scanning with their camera.

Marketing Strategies

Zanerobe employs a range of marketing strategies including email marketing, social media advertising, discounts, and promotions. The store also enhances customer trust by displaying site reviews and product reviews.

Additionally, a Help & FAQ section provides valuable information, assisting customers with any questions they might have about the storeโ€™s services, further building trust, and facilitating informed purchasing decisions.

Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch is a brand committed to producing high-quality menswear designed to handle anything from surfing and wood chopping to a day in the office.

They prioritize the use of natural materials to avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides, benefiting not only the workers but also helping to protect the environment.

Visiting their homepage, you’re immediately struck by the feel of a premium retail store, radiating sophistication and luxury.

They also feature a โ€œLast Callโ€ category, offering discounts on products that are about to go out of stock, which is a smart marketing strategy to boost sales.

By embracing a philosophy similar to Taylor Stitch, your Shopify clothing store could also attract customers with its captivating visuals and elegant design, setting it apart from competitors.

Marketing Strategies

Taylor Stitch ensures customer satisfaction by offering product replacements and repairs, along with free domestic shipping and returns.

Additionally, their Common Club rewards customers with 5% in-store credit for each purchase, enhancing customer loyalty and serving as an effective marketing tactic.

Conclusion

The apparel market offers a vibrant and lucrative opportunity for aspiring boutique owners. With the U.S. leading global apparel revenue in 2024 and an expected steady market growth, the potential for online clothing businesses is substantial.

Particularly, womenโ€™s apparel presents a profitable niche, showcasing both the volume and the growth needed for a successful online venture.

However, let me give you some friendly advice: before diving into this exciting industry, it’s crucial to consider where to source your inventory. So, options like dropshipping, wholesale suppliers, local manufacturers, and online marketplaces provide varied benefits, catering to different business needs and strategies.

Additionally, understanding market demands, focusing on non-luxury everyday wear, and leveraging platforms like trade shows can significantly enhance your sourcing strategy.

Starting an online boutique not only taps into a thriving market but also allows for creative expression and a direct connection with customers.

However, itโ€™s important to thoroughly research and plan your approach, focusing on consumer trends and cost-effective sourcing. If you’re passionate about fashion and ready to embark on a retail adventure, thereโ€™s no better time than now to launch your boutique.

Embrace the challenges, and let your boutique be a reflection of your unique style and business.

About the Author

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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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