Starting an Underwear Business

In starting an underwear business, just like in any business, it is vital to know who your clients are before specifying the products to sell. A good marketing plan could aid your way to success in the underwear business.

People, especially women, are investing a lot to wear a good pair of underwear every day. In an episode of Sex and the City, I remember Carrie, Sarah Jessica Parker's character, saying something about the idea of not wanting to be caught dead wearing ugly underwear.

underwear business

People, especially women, are investing a lot to wear a good pair of underwear every day. In an episode of Sex and the City, I remember Carrie, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, saying something about not wanting to be caught dead wearing ugly underwear. This shows how some women, even men, can be particular about the underwear they want.

Of course, any person would want to wear something comfortable and stylish even if not every person can see them wearing it. It is something you owe to yourself. Wear garments or perfectly fit lingerie would be heaven for your body. The best way to understand this underwear issue is by entering an underwear business.

For a perfect underwear business plan, certain things must be done first. As a start, educate yourself. Try to learn a few things from here and there. Go window shopping through lingerie shops to see different styles and possible business promos you might use later. You may also try observing shoppers in the underwear section. Discover what they are looking for in their underwear. Please do not overdo it because people might think you are stalking them. Read relevant articles on the latest trends in underwear. You may watch underwear fashion shows for more ideas.

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After investigating and observing things and people, ask for advice from people in the underwear business already. Those people can very well provide you with valuable tips and inspirational stories about how to get started with an underwear business.

Whether you go for a franchising business or start from scratch, you would still consider the following aspects of your business venture. Here are some details you might want to focus on.

Vision-Mission

How do you want your business to be known for? On what values will your business be working around? How do you see your business will be in the future? What kind of service or product do you want your business to provide for the people?

Target Clients

For whom will you be selling and designing underwear? Who are your possible buyers?

  • Girls – teens, young professionals, mothers, grandmothers
  • Boys – teens, young professionals, fathers, grandfathers
  • Homosexuals – gays and lesbians

Your client is everybody because everybody wears underwear.

A Variety of Products

What types of underwear will you be designing and selling for your clients?

  • Regular panties
  • Thongs, G-strings, T-backs
  • Lacy lingerie
  • Animal print lingerie
  • Silk and cotton lingerie
  • Hipsters
  • Bikinis
  • Brasseries (wired and non-wired)
  • Chest binders
  • Boy-legs
  • Briefs
  • Low rise briefs
  • Supporters
  • Boxers, Boxer-briefs
  • Kinky underwear
  • Edible Underwear
  • Drawer Underwear

There are still a lot of variances in the market. It depends on which products you want your business to showcase for your clients.

Marketing Plan

How will you advertise your shop to gather more customers?

  • Construct an original and catchy name that people will not easily forget.
  • Choose a location where many people can see your shop, like a mall.
  • Print flyers and give them to shoppers or anyone you might bump into.
  • You are creating your website with a gallery and online ordering provisions.

Starting up a business may be challenging at first. The key to its success is your patience and hard work. With proper advertising and quality products, soon you’ll be a name to look out for in the underwear business.

This Video shows How to Grow and Deal Your Underwear Shop Customers

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520 Comments

  • temoo said on March 11, 2010
    i am interested to start an undergarment business in egypt, cairo arkadia mall(a small & poor mall). pls give me an aide
  • rohan said on March 25, 2010
    i want to start an undergarment business in INDIA, mumbai. plz give me some ideas and relative information of the machinaries to make the undergarments. thanks....
  • surendra rai said on March 30, 2010
    i want to start under garments business in gorakhpur ,up, india
  • faizin said on May 4, 2010
    i want to start an undergarments business in banglore give some ideas to start business. i have only working experience, only now i want to be partner
  • saravanan said on June 29, 2010
    # 144 1st cross 6th block rajajinagar bangalore. I am interested to start undergarments business with min capital at home itself(just beginning)later on by gods grace i can open a shop guide me the place to buy and particular items which sells more r in demand kindly feed back
  • ROHIT AGGARWAL said on July 5, 2010
    I want to start the lingerie business in chandigarh but to import from thailand as with some brand and latest designs.
  • july said on July 16, 2010
    i want to start women's underwear in north finchly, UK
  • brent said on July 17, 2010
    Richmond,Va,USA. i want to start an underwear business, i need to find a company that i could outsource the manufacturing, screen printing, and distribution of the underwear. if you could help i would greatly appreciate it.
  • kethobogile said on August 25, 2010
    i want to start an underwear business in Gaborone, Botswana. please help me find a company that i could outsource the manufacturing and screen printing
  • pankaj yadav said on September 2, 2010
    hi, i want to start a under garment business that's why i want to know that how much money i have to invest in this business and how can i start it. ple give me advice.. thanks
  • nazrul said on September 7, 2010
    I want to start business in lingerie & underwear shop. Can u provide some good idea. More over i am working in lingerie factory as AGM . Thanks Mallick nazrul Islam
  • anuj gupta said on September 27, 2010
    hi, i want to start a under garment business that's why i want to know that how much money i have to invest in this business and how can i start it. please give me advice. good company for start this business. thanks
  • vikash Bajpai said on December 13, 2010
    I want to start a factory of undergarments for ladies and gents both in Kanpur Uttar pradesh and also want to enter in retail marketing too on small scale. please suggest with full details like investments,machinery requirement,minimum required area for factory etc. awaiting for your reply.....
  • Jeffrey Ramirez said on January 10, 2011
    Tucson, Arizona,USA. i want to start an underwear business, i need to find a company that i could outsource the manufacturing and distribution of the underwear. I want to get as my main clientele gay men, but not leave out the straight men and their couples who want to enjoy nice and sexy garments. if you could help i would greatly appreciate it.
  • sheca james said on January 26, 2011
    I plan on starting an underwear business I already know my location what I want in it and the name needing to know how do I find places to buy product for my store
  • Nneka Okide said on January 27, 2011
    I want to start an underwear business in Nigeria and I want to reach out to middle and low classes. Kindly give me ideas and suggest to me possible suppliers in US, UK and China.
  • Prakash Das said on February 1, 2011
    Hello Sir, This is Prakash Das from Rourkela. I want to start UNDERGARMENT i.e. both for MALE & FEMALE. Will please give some ideas that how can I start it & what will be my minimum investment to start it. My e-mail id is - prakashdasfb@gmail.com Number is 09439057526 Waiting for your response sir. Prakash
  • chichi samuel said on February 3, 2011
    I reside in southern Nigeria and would like to start an undergarment business. How do i start and where can i get the garments from. How much do i need to start?
  • fatima sheidu said on February 15, 2011
    hello, please i reside in LAGOS NIGERIA i would like to start an undergarment for women.how do i get good quality fabrics and how much do i need to start.my number is 08065490090 and my e-mail is oyizasheidu@yahoo.co.uk.waiting for your response
  • ellah wangui said on February 16, 2011
    hi am from NAIROBI KENYA and i want to start undergarment business for both female and male. how do i start and where can get them from company that can outsource i need fashionable and sexy ones. what is the minimum capital cos at the moment i don't have a lot of savings 254727170890 email ellahqui@yahoo.com
  • Paul Rosen said on February 27, 2011
    We need to establish a Underwear factory in Accra-Ghana. We are looking for Biz Plan, machinery, row material etc.
  • ALEX said on April 1, 2011
    I want to start a undergarment business for both male and female. can somebody please suggest to me possible suppliers.
  • cynthia said on April 5, 2011
    I am a wholesaler of underwear and lingerie that is based in the philippines. I would like to offer my product for those who are interested to open or engage in underwear business. Pls contact me at cynthia_huang1@yahoo.com. Thank you
  • gurukrupa services said on April 30, 2011
    Hi, This is Sonia. I am planning to start undergarments business at Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Pls forward me all the details. Thanx Sonia
  • Adeoti said on May 11, 2011
    i want to start an underwear business in Abeokuta, Nigeria. please advice me
  • Debra said on May 16, 2011
    I want to start up a underwear business from the internet for both sex in Australia. I have the design but no supplies or machinery, so seeking a company that I can outsource the manufacturing and distribution of the underwear.
  • pradeep hegde said on May 23, 2011
    I am planning to start undergarment business at bengalore, karnataka, india. pls forward me all details ( project report, investment, market details & machinery )
  • bonnitar said on June 10, 2011
    material needed to start up a underwear business. how much capital should 1 have if designing her own underwear
  • nandini said on June 24, 2011
    i want start undergarments buss..in sambalpur ,orissa, india
  • atul gade said on July 6, 2011
    Hi,This is atul. I am planning to start womens undergarments business at pune,Maharashtra,India.Plz Forward all the details as well as how much the minimum investment is required.Thanks Atul.
  • Sapna said on July 23, 2011
    I want to start ladies undergarments business in ratlam city with min capital. Plz guide me & send some dealers name. who can help. i have no exp & i live in m.p. India
  • pramod patel said on July 30, 2011
    please give all details to start our own undergarment factory in kanpur
  • md. reaz uddin said on August 19, 2011
    wanna start an underwear (only branded & standard product) business with minimum capital at Dhaka, Bangladesh and later on countywide especially on district level. plz give me latest idea and if possible attach me all brand's name and web address. thanks.
  • zhao song wen said on August 20, 2011
    For those interested in learning starting own underwear business, you may feel free to contact me chinacalender@hotmail.com. We are a well established factory located in Guangdong,Zhongsan,China.Tel:(86)151-0202-8686.
  • vipul parmar said on September 4, 2011
    Dear madame or sir, i want to start my own under garment business in Vadodara, Gujarat pls guide us to how prepare for that where we will start my cell no 9924166130. Thnks
  • alkunte atul said on September 5, 2011
    i wanna start my own underwear business in osmanabad city maharashtra, please give me all the details i might need to make it possible.
  • rob said on September 12, 2011
    in London I would like to have a factory in London to produce Lingerie . which factories do this .
  • Teo wee kiang said on October 5, 2011
    Dear All, I am exporting Triumph( full range ) to many country. If any one of you wish to do Triumph range, do contact me. Only for market that do not have official distributor in the market. My email : teowk@stromm.biz Phone: +65 93827366
  • shafeek said on October 10, 2011
    I want to start own undergarment business in tamilnadu for both male and female. is possible to get low cost suppliers in tamilnadu? please help me sir.
  • bilal bhat said on October 11, 2011
    dear sir/ madam i want to start whole sale undergarment for both ladies/ gents business in jammu & kashmir on low investment . please help me & give details thanks.
  • NEUED GETACHEW said on October 22, 2011
    hi my name is neued and i want to start underwear garment business so could someone advice me what he / she knows or experiences . thank u
  • pravin kumar puri said on November 2, 2011
    dear sir/madam i want to start under garment production company with small investment. please help me and give details.my mobile number is 09454833339.
  • Wk said on November 14, 2011
    I would like to startup an undergarment shop at Malaysia but don't know want to get franchise or run new shop... If franchise Victoria secret it is hard to deal? Malaysia still not yet have this brand...how should I do?or how to start a new undergarment shop?is it hard to get stock from Thailand and Taiwan?do u know any link or contact from factory? i'm so blank? really appreciate if you could help me...thank you
  • barry said on November 23, 2011
    hi i want to start underwear business give me detail and how i can get supplier i live in nigeria benin city
  • CHANDRA PRAKASH said on November 26, 2011
    Looking a small shop in kankroli,Rajsamand please give me advice about supplier in India and basic idea idea for it
  • arsha said on December 6, 2011
    THANKS FOR THE DETAILS. I WISH TO START UNDERWEAR BUSINESS, I NEED A GUIDE GIVE ME INSTRUCTIONS. SINCERELY, ARSHA S HARSHAN
  • Mr. Sidhu from Punjab said on January 2, 2012
    I want to become manufacturer of under garments of male/female. Please tell me about machinery of undergarments.
  • dev mandal said on January 8, 2012
    want to start in pune maharashtra anb dhanbad in jharkhand. want to create a brand and spread in whole india. specially focused in rural marketing
  • Amit said on January 13, 2012
    I am running my work through internet and selling on small scale. I am In INDIA city Allahabad from where I use to operate. I use to sell undergarments from net and have few good purchaser . I don't have good linkup from the small manufacturer from whom I may give a small demand and design to manufacture the article I like to. Kindly help me . Looking forward Amit +919450628914
  • M M vora said on January 31, 2012
    I want to sale undergarments though retail shop in Kolkata India. Who would be the best person to contact in this field. what kind of investment we are looking for?? i already own a 100 sq ft shop.
  • peter said on January 31, 2012
    we need whole sale dealer for undergarments please call me 09994646940
  • Setttimba David kawesa said on February 8, 2012
    Please i would like to partner with a factory producing under wears so that we start a factory in Uganda. As i speak non exists in the country and its a potential market. please advise as i am interested in the business. thanks David.
  • Olga said on February 11, 2012
    I want to start my own business underwear in NY.and in Europe for the future.
  • Vjaykumar said on February 14, 2012
    I have my own shop and wish to start exclusive show room only for ladies undergarments,if any whole sale supplier interested in supplying the above garments kindly send me mail who is genuine and wish to take back the non moving materials with in three months time.(i expect supplier should be from tamilnadu tiruppur or erode)
  • Parveen Singla said on February 27, 2012
    i have my own shop and wish to start exclusive show room for ladies and gents undergarments.if any wholesale supplier interested in supplying the above garments kindly send me mail who is genuine.i am from distt. patiala pb.and my mobile no.9815190151
  • pinky said on March 15, 2012
    hello i would like to start up my ladies undergarments {indian as well import from thailand} business in mumbai with minimum capital if any wholesaler is there who can supply me all latest varieties of garments can contact me
  • Clemence said on March 20, 2012
    I want to start a ladies panties shop in zimbabwe ,bulawayo
  • fome said on March 24, 2012
    Hi barry, have you been able to get a supplier? I'm based in south Africa, currently one of Nigeria's top models planning to branch out of modeling. I'm working on a lingerie line, looking for major distributors in Nigeria. Kindly contact me on fomemede@gmail.com if interested. Cheers!
  • shazia kanwal said on March 25, 2012
    i want 2 start undergarments business will u suggest me how will i guide myself and where from can i get information
  • Raghunath expert adviser said on March 26, 2012

    @shazia kanwal, if you really want to take less chances and make sure you get success then work in the similar industry for practical knowledge. I am not sure about your business type but you need some experience whether you manufacture or become a retailer.

    Raghunath Natarajan
    Startup Biz Hub - Advisor (Staff)

  • kushal said on March 29, 2012
    Dear sir/Madam, I want to start an woman under garments business in mohali Punjab plz guide me send some indian dealers & Exporter name i am interested in woman under garments business pls send me new ideas & some brands and latest designs my Contact E-mail id & Mobile no. kushal.sulabh@rediffmail.com Mo.+918950088600
  • OldWine said on April 4, 2012
    I want to set up a business at Kolkata, West Bengal, India. I want to make perfect cloth according to the required GSM for quality vest, undergarments which I want to supply to different companies who uses this material to make a finished products. I want to buy machines which can be programmed to make cloth as per GSM set into if using the threads attached to the machine. Please give me details of the name of the machine, cost, setup cost, running cost etc.
  • Puneet Rawat said on April 17, 2012
    Hi, I want to start my own brand in undergarment specially for Ladies. Please suggest me how to start.
  • daniel joseph said on April 25, 2012
    hi i want to start my own brand in undergarment. please suggest me how to start
  • Justus kubai said on May 4, 2012
    I want to start a business undergarments for ladies, here in kenya-nairobi. please advice me where i can get the quality undergarments, i've already identified the place.
  • Madhurima Singh said on May 5, 2012
    Hi, Let me know how much capital investment is required to start the business of undergarments for male, female and kids. How to start. (Patna, Bihar)
  • navneet singh said on May 8, 2012
    I want to start an underwear business ..want to know what type of machines are required . and how much is the capital investment ...my location is sultanpur (u.p) ..I sure u'll help me out..
  • sukhdev manhas said on May 9, 2012
    i want to start an undergarments business in jammu (j&K) having my own space in prime location and also suggest how much capital money is required.
  • Ashraf said on May 17, 2012
    I need to Start Undergarment Business in tamil nadu Who can Help me.+966 509567266
  • Nitin Maheshwari said on May 22, 2012
    I want to start as Women's undergarments business in Indore (M.P.) or Bhilwara (Rajasthan). Please send me new ideas & some brands and latest designs my Contact E-mail id & Mobile no. nitinmaheshwari_bhl@ymail.com Mob.+919890910841
  • kiran bhimani said on May 23, 2012
    i want to start an undergarments business in Rajkot City (Gujarat) want to know what type of machines are required . and how much is the capital investment ...I sure u'll help me out..
  • Suchit jandial said on May 25, 2012
    Hey, Thanks a ton for such help. My name is Suchit jandial and i reside in J&K state of India. kindly suggest regarding the same. You can reach me @ jandial.suchit@gmail.com or +91 9086607691. Waiting for your kind response.
  • naran nathani said on May 30, 2012
    i want girls inner ware mfg detail of machine and how much capital investment in surat
  • Anthony Acosta said on May 30, 2012
    I am researching a start up for CD/TV's and sissie play. I want to make and sell panties lingerie and cross market accessories such as shoes in larger sizes make-up/cosmetics and sexual aids. It's a very interesting cross segment because they don't fall into either gay or hetero slots. They are often lonely single males with disposable income or married males hiding their attraction to women's clothing and female role playing from their spouse. I feel after also researching the psychological aspects of this adult play that younger generations are going to be increasingly gender blind,especially females, and more willing to accept this special group of people. I am researching how to market to the females just as much as the males because the females acceptance for this kind of role play is essential to growing the business after the initial start where I would imagine a majority if not all customers would be males seeking a one stop shop for all of their needs. If interested please contact me via email @ usecom@cox.net
  • Godfrey said on May 30, 2012
    Hi There, I have an idea of starting a business here in Tanzania, Underwear for both men and women. please advice me on how to get/connected to a business partner or a company where i can be able to buy my supplies. Regards
  • hitesh said on June 6, 2012
    Hi.. I want to create a brand in the market.. Wanna either import with my brand undergarments for men as well as women.. Can u suggest me .. how much investment is reqd to start as a big brand . both in manufacturing as well as imports from China.. or thailand..
  • vicky said on June 8, 2012
    I want to start my own. underwear manufacturing plant in jammu and kashmir plz tell me about how much I have to invest + machinery cost and land requirement. workers etc. from . Srinagar. j&k. india
  • jerry said on June 9, 2012
    I would like to start underwear production in UK, i wonder what is the cost of knitting machine and elastic tapes machine? i would like to make my own brand and target men's underwear with standard and kinky line. is it cheaper invert in machines and start production in uk or better is make a contract in asia and import ready product? regards jerry
  • Grace Adejo said on June 10, 2012
    Hi, my name is Grace, I want to start Underwear business in my country Nigeria. I want to know how much it will cost me, and how to get the products. Thanks in anticipation.
  • abubakar diallo said on June 11, 2012
    i would like to start underwear business in my country liberia, to sell to middle and low income earners, therefore, i would appreciate if you could forward me names of companies in the u.s/canada that distribute underwears.my #s are +231-886-402-244/+231-777-741-506,my email address is abacodiallo@yahoo.com
  • renu said on June 17, 2012
    i wants to starts dinnerware industry in mathura (uttar pradesh) INDIA HOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE
  • mohammad said on June 24, 2012
    i'm in iran and i wanna be come to india after 3 week and bought wholesale underwear for women and men for reasonable price if u can help me please send me email. thanks
  • aysha said on June 29, 2012
    Hi this is aysha here i want to start a undergarment bus with a small scale at my residence pls help me with the details
  • nitesh singh said on July 4, 2012
    I want to start undergarments business in basti, uttar pradesh. so from where i can order to manufacture the quality which i want for our people. this is my contact no-09005051201, i will be very thankful to you!!!
  • naeem zaidi said on July 5, 2012
    dear, i want to stat inner garments business in pakistan. i have two queries one which place has best quality in simple/conventional bra-pantee set on economical price. 2nd launch the same brand that u are importing or make/develop ur own brand.like packaging.labeling etc. regards.
  • balai said on July 5, 2012
    well , i am interested to start a business in undergarments in India kolkata, could you please tell what sort of machenaries i required to produce an excellent quality of material . thanks
  • manmohan singh said on July 7, 2012
    Interested in ladies inner wear garment ,jewellery and children garment In Delhi India
  • paresh chimanlal patel said on July 7, 2012
    dear sir i am interested in setting up of this undergarment business. i am new starter please advice and guide me properly. i am interested in mnfg of unisex under garments. give me project detail. i have small capital. unit will be in karnataka, india, hubli looking forward for your response.
  • mrs blessing okoro said on July 9, 2012
    i want to start a cosmetics business in lagos nigeria, please how much do i need to start it with and how do i get my goods.
  • Biplab dey said on July 14, 2012
    i have business of underwear but i want to transport my underwear in other country or other state .....all kinds of underwear is available here with low price.....if anyone want to business with me please contact with my ....917278671766
  • Akashdeep said on July 14, 2012
    I want to start women undergarment business in ahmedabad kindly help me.
  • Precious thiambi said on July 15, 2012
    Louistrichrdt,south africa,i want to start undergarment/underwear business for men and women.need help how?
  • sunil sharma said on July 17, 2012
    I want to start up an undergarments business at rourkela ,orrisa. please suggest me some ideas to take this venture. I also require the details of cost incurred in this project.(contact no)9437573661
  • ram said on July 18, 2012
    i want to start underwear business please tell how much money should need to start on a small scale.
  • Betsy said on July 19, 2012
    Well, I sell lingerie in bulk. So whoever is interested in buying in Nigeria can contact me through my e-mail or phone number so we can discuss. betsy.charles.@yahoo.co.uk 08056321929. Cheers, Betsy
  • pramod kumar said on July 28, 2012
    I want to start a women undergarment business in ajmer, rajasthan, india kindly help me.
  • vijay said on July 28, 2012
    i want to start under garment manufacturing business. please advise about machinery and budget etc.
  • itunu said on July 31, 2012
    I want to start underwear business. In lagos Nigeria for middle and low level please help to get information on wholesaler
  • ifelayo said on August 1, 2012
    Hello all, I really want suppliers for my underwear business in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I need all sizes and for both sexes. Kind Rgds.
  • Saket said on August 5, 2012
    I have samples ready and market set I want to find ways to find people interested to invest for orders

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