Clothing dropshipping is an eCommerce business model that allows you to sell clothing without the need to handle inventory or shipping. You simply set up an online store, and when a customer makes a purchase, the order is sent to your supplier. From there, your supplier ships the product directly to the customer. This model is especially useful for newer entrepreneurs because it requires less capital than traditional retail models.
Why consider clothing dropshipping?
Is dropshipping worth it in the clothing industry? We've listed some of the benefits below:
Low startup costs: You don't need to invest in inventory or warehousing, which significantly reduces your initial expenses. You just need to focus on making a website, finding suppliers and start selling.
Flexibility: You can start your dropshipping business from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer.
Wide range of products: The clothing industry offers a diverse array of dropshipping products, allowing you to cater your dropshipping business ideas to various customer preferences.
Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily expand your product range and scale up your operations without worrying about storage space.
8 clothing dropshipping categories (+30 actual products)
When you're diving into the world of clothing dropshipping, choosing the right products can make all the difference. The products you choose should not only be in demand but also offer good profit margins. Here's a list of 30 products that are not only trendy but also have the potential to be profitable.
01. Trendy tops and blouses
Graphic tees: Always popular, these often come with catchy phrases or iconic images. (Learn more: How to start a t-shirt business).
Eco-friendly organic cotton tops: Appeal to environmentally conscious consumers with an eco-friendly inventory.
Boho-chic blouses: Perfect for those with a free-spirited style.
Oversized sweaters: A cozy trend that continues to be a hit, especially during winter months.
Athleisure tank tops: For customers who want comfort and style in their workout gear.
02. Trousers, skirts and more
High-waisted jeans: A timeless piece of clothing that flatters various body types.
Leggings with pockets: Combine functionality with comfort.
Palazzo pants: Offer a breezy and fashionable option for warmer days.
Pencil skirts: Versatile clothing, ideal for professional settings or formal events.
Cargo pants: Making a comeback with more refined, slim-fit designs.
03. Dresses and jumpsuits
Maxi dresses: A staple item for casual wear or special occasions.
Wrap dresses: Versatile and flattering for different body shapes.
Jumpsuits: A one-piece wonder that's both chic and comfortable.
Bodycon dresses: Popular for their figure-hugging silhouette.
Vintage-inspired midi dresses: For those who love a retro look.
04. Outerwear Essentials
Denim jackets: A classic layering piece that never goes out of style.
Leather moto jackets: Add an edge to any outfit.
Trench coats: Timeless and sophisticated, perfect for transitional weather.
Puffer jackets: Functional and trendy as urban outerwear.
Cardigans: Easy to pair with various outfits and always in demand
05. Accessories
Beanies and caps: A great add-ons for any season, effortlessly enhancing casual looks.
Scarves: From lightweight silks to heavy knits, they offer both style and warmth.
Belts: Can transform an outfit by cinching in waists or adding a pop of color or texture.
06. Specialty clothing
Maternity wear: Comfortable yet stylish options for expectant mothers.
Plus-size fashion: Cater to a market that’s often overlooked in the world of fashion.
Petite clothing: Specially designed for shorter individuals who often struggle with fit.
07. Seasonal picks
Swimwear: Bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups for the summer season or vacationers.
Halloween costumes: Tap into the festive market with creative costume options.
08. Activewear
Yoga pants: With the rise of wellness culture, these are more popular than ever before.
Running shorts with liners: Functional activewear that supports an active lifestyle.
4 dropshipping suppliers for clothing dropshipping
Choosing the right supplier is a critical step in setting up a successful clothing business. Here's an overview of four reputable dropshipping suppliers (including print on demand companies) that can help you stock your online store with quality products and clothing business ideas.
01. Modalyst
Wide selection: Modalyst specializes in connecting online stores with suppliers of premium products, including a vast array of clothing items.
Easy integration: Their platform integrates seamlessly with popular eCommerce platforms like Wix. Learn more here.
Curated suppliers: They offer a handpicked selection of independent brands and trendy items, ideal for stores looking to offer unique products.
02. Printify
Customization options: Printify allows you to create custom apparel with their print-on-demand services.
Global network: They have a wide network of printing partners, which helps reduce shipping times and costs.
User-friendly platform: The interface is designed for easy navigation, making it simple to design and add products to your store, they also integrate with other platforms such as Wix.
03. Printful
High-quality printing: Known for their excellent print quality and product range, including eco-friendly options. Get started dropshipping with Printful on Wix.
Branding services: Printful offers branding options like custom labels and pack-ins to enhance customer experience.
Warehousing & fulfillment: They provide additional services such as storage and fulfillment, which can be beneficial as your business grows.
04. AliExpress
Massive range: AliExpress is one of the largest online marketplaces with a vast selection of clothing items at competitive prices. Get started with Aliexpress on Wix.
No upfront fees: There are no initial costs to start dropshipping from AliExpress, making it accessible for new entrepreneurs.
Supplier ratings: The platform features a rating system that helps you choose reliable suppliers based on customer feedback.
What to consider when choosing a dropshipping supplier
Product quality: Ensure the supplier consistently provides high-quality products that will satisfy your customers.
Shipping times: Look for suppliers who can offer fast shipping options to keep your customers happy.
Integration ease: Choose a supplier that integrates well with your eCommerce platform, like Wix, to streamline operations.
Costs & margins: Analyze the cost structure to ensure you can maintain healthy profit margins.
Every dropshipping supplier has its own strengths and caters to different business needs. Take the time to research each option thoroughly and consider starting with a small selection of products to test their service quality and reliability. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific business model, target audience and long-term goals.
How to start dropshipping clothes
Starting a clothing dropshipping business can be an exciting venture. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you start your business and begin selling clothing to customers around the world.
01. Identify your niche
Research trends: Look for current trends in the fashion industry that resonate with your interests and values.
Understand your audience: Define who your target customers are and what they are looking for in clothing items.
Select a niche: Choose a niche that is both in demand and aligns with your brand vision, such as eco-friendly apparel or plus-size fashion. We love eco-friendly fashion brand Freya Simone for their unique approach to upcycling fashion. Choose a niche and do it well - Lee Cooper focuses on denim and has done so since 1908.
02. Set up your online store
Choose an eCommerce platform: Use Wix to create your online store.
Design your store: Create a clean, attractive design that provides an excellent user experience and showcases your products effectively.
03. Source products
Find suppliers: Connect with suppliers like Modalyst, Printify, Printful or AliExpress who offer products within your niche.
Sample products: Order samples to check the quality of the products before listing them on your store.
Set pricing: Determine pricing that covers costs and leaves room for profit while remaining competitive.
04. Create a marketing plan
Develop your branding: Establish a strong brand identity with a memorable logo, consistent color scheme and clear messaging.
Leverage social media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach potential customers and build brand awareness with your marketing strategies.
Implement advertising strategies: Consider paid advertising options such as Google Ads or social media ads to drive traffic to your store.
Dropshipping clothing products and suppliers FAQ
What makes clothing dropshipping profitable?
Clothing is a fundamental need in our society, ensuring a consistent and ongoing demand. This demand is further fueled by the ever-evolving trends in fashion, which continually attract buyers. Moreover, the diverse array of styles, niches and price points within the clothing market allows for targeting specific customer segments, enhancing the potential for sales and customer engagement.