Starting a clothing line requires creativity, business acumen, and equipment. If you are interested in a detailed guide on how to start a clothing brand, you can read it here. This comprehensive review is dedicated to the best equipment needed to start a clothing line.

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Best clothing equipment list

1. Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine

The Cricut Explore 3 is a cutting machine that simplifies crafting clothing projects. This clothing equipment cuts over 100 materials, making it ideal for creating personalized clothing items.

Cricut Explore 3 Cutting Machine

4.6

This Cricut machine is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs starting a clothing line. Its cutting capabilities, speed, and precision, combined with the portability and efficiency of the Mini EasyPress, make it an invaluable addition to your production arsenal.

Props
  • Faster compared to alternatives – reduces production time
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Includes a beginner tool kit
Cons
  • Tutorials are available only in digital format
  • Its price requires financial investment

2. Heat Press Machine

The VEVOR 8-in-1 Heat Press Machine is designed to help you create professionally-looking clothing products. It is a must-have for everyone who wants to diversify their product offerings without investing in multiple machines.

8-in-1 Heat Press Machine

4.7

This heat press machine uses advanced double-tube heating technology, ensuring heat is distributed evenly and consistently across the platen.

Props
  • Easy to navigate
  • A wide range of applications, from apparel to accessories
  • Advanced safety
  • Simplified process of changing attachments
Cons
  • Relatively large and heavy, and requires some space and a sturdy surface
  • Beginners may need time to become familiar with the settings

3. Label Printer for Shipping Packages

The Rollo USB Thermal Label Printer is a powerful tool for printing shipping labels, warehouse labels, FBA labels, barcodes, and more. Compatible with both Windows (XP and newer) and Mac (10.9 and newer), it offers easy setup and high-speed printing. Additionally, it includes access to the Rollo Ship Manager app, which streamlines the shipping process and offers exclusive shipping rates.

USB Thermal Label Printer

4.7

Its high-speed printing, cost efficiency, versatile functionality, and wide compatibility make it an essential investment. With this clothing equipment, your products will be labeled and shipped efficiently.

Props
  • High-speed printing
  • Advanced direct thermal technology reduces ongoing costs
  • Multi-functional: barcodes, product labels, thank you stickers, QR code stickers, etc.
  • A long printing life
Cons
  • Beginners may need some time for driver installation
  • The maximum label width is 4.1 inches

4. Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine is a clothing equipment designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty sewing projects, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced sewers.

The Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

4.6

The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine is a powerful clothing machine designed for various sewing projects. It features 23 built-in stitches, including basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches, allowing you to sew fashions, home decor, crafts, and more.

Props
  • High sewing speed
  • The 60% stronger motor provides greater piercing power
  • Comes with a range of accessories
  • Long-lasting stability and durability
Cons
  • The powerful motor can be relatively noisy
  • Some settings could be challenging for novice users

5. Garment steamer

If you’re an entrepreneur starting a clothing line, ensuring your products are wrinkle-free and presentable is crucial. The HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes offers a portable, efficient solution for maintaining your garments in pristine condition.

HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes

4.7

The HiLIFE Steamer is a portable handheld garment steamer. It generates strong penetrating steam and features a 9-foot power cord for convenient operation.

Props
  • Low price for the start in the clothing business
  • Easy to use
  • Powerful steam suitable for most materials, including chiffon, silk, wool, cotton, linen, and nylon
  • Lightweight and portable
Cons
  • Designed for use in 110-120V countries and regions
  • 15 minutes of continuous steam may not be enough for larger batches of clothing

Other clothing store equipment supplies

6. Packaging bags

Effective packaging is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction and brand recognition. The Frosted T-Shirt Bags offer a practical and professional solution for packaging and shipping your products.

Frosted T-Shirt Bags

4.8

Measuring 10×13 inches, these bags are durable and feature a built-in handle for convenience. They come with a “Thank You” message printed on the front, adding a personal touch to your packaging.

Props
  • Available in multiple sizes and colors
  • “Thank You” message printed on the front of each mailer
  • It has a built-in handle
Cons
  • Plastic may not appeal to eco-conscious customers
  • Limited customization

7. Mannequin

The Female Mannequin Body with adjustable height and tripod stand is an excellent investment for entrepreneurs starting a clothing line. It is a practical solution for sewing, displaying, and photographing garments.

The Female Mannequin Body

4.5

The Female Mannequin Body is designed for displaying, fitting, and sewing garments. Made with high-quality materials, it is used in clothing stores, bridal stores, boutiques, and online businesses. It has an adjustable height range from 52 to 67 inches and a stable tripod stand.

Props
  • High-quality materials
  • Adjustable height
  • Can be assembled or dismantled in just 2 minutes without any tools
  • Multipurpose
Cons
  • It doesn’t allow for posing
  • Simple design

FAQs on the best equipment needed to start a clothing line

What equipment do I need to start a clothing line?

To start a clothing line, you will need design and prototyping tools, sewing equipment, fabric and material handling tools, pressing and finishing equipment, printing and embellishment tools, office and management equipment, and packaging and shipping supplies.

Do I need specialized software for designing clothes?

You may use specialized software like Adobe Illustrator for creating digital patterns and technical sketches. These tools help to produce precise designs and streamline the design process.

How can I manage my business finances effectively?

Accounting software like FreshBooks can help you manage invoices, track expenses, and handle financial records efficiently. It simplifies bookkeeping and ensures you stay on top of your financial obligations.

Conclusion

Starting a clothing line requires the right combination of creativity, strategic planning, and high-quality clothing equipment. Though it may require financial investments, each piece of equipment needed to start a clothing line will play a crucial role in your business’s success.

Good luck in building a sustainable clothing brand!

Tetiana

Tetiana is a business coach and owner of IStartHub, a business media for ambitious female entrepreneurs and small business owners.