Learn how to start your own clothing brand with these online classes
Ever dreamed of being on Project Runway, but never actually touched a sewing machine or needle in your life? Ever dreamed of showing at New York Fashion Week, but have no idea where to even begin?
It's a common refrain: In the world of fashion, one day you're in and the next day you're out. But there are quite a few steps you have to take before you can even enjoy the luxury of being in.
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You have to actually design clothes – sketching, rendering, etc. You have to actually make the clothes – perfecting fit, sizing, fabric selection, etc. And then, you have to figure out the best ways to market and promote your brand because, like, what good are your ingenious designs if no one ever sees them?
You could always apply to one of those super-expensive fashion schools like FIT and Parsons to get a tailored pant leg up on the competition, but those schools are just as competitive as they are pricey.
Another option that's not-so-expensive, perhaps even down-right cheap, is to hop online for everything you need to know. And we aren't talking about Youtube tutorial videos on how to thread a needle or shorten a hem, we're talking A1 fashion classes to help you launch a career in the fashion industry.
Need help with learning how to sketch? There's an online class for that. What about pattern cutting? There's a class for that too. There are courses that can teach you how to communicate with contractors, how to promote your brand, and even how to sell your creations.
We won't even make you Google to find the best options: We've rounded up five from Udemy you'll be obsessed with.
1. How to Start a Clothing Line: The Basics to Get Started
Image: Pexels
This is a great course for people who are curious about the fashion biz and people who always had a passion for starting their own clothing line but didn't know where to begin. By the time you complete the class, you'll know the basics. You'll have the foundational elements of fashion and business. This lecture-based course will help you understand how to identify your customer base, walk you through the design process, assist you with business planning, and help you get started with manufacturing.
The class is broken up into the following sections:
Creating a clear business plan
Looking at your company's projected financials
Performing research on the rest of the market that you are in
Creating your line and building your brand
Finding vendors and manufactures
What you'll need:
You'll need to have Adobe Illustrator already installed for sections that teach you how to draw fashion flats.
Cons:
This course does not teach fashion drawing or sewing, which many fashion enthusiasts see as key elements of design. But it can help you understand how to start your business using the right tools.
How to start a clothing line - $11.99
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2. Intro to Fashion Illustration
Image: Udemy
Even though it seems every industry is going digital, there's nothing like having the ability to actually sketch your garments by hand. The instructor of this fashion illustration course will show you step-by-step how to draw a fashion figure in unique and interesting poses. You'll go over fashion portraits and how to use watercolors along the way.
What you'll need:
The professor says you can use whatever illustration tools you prefer, but suggests the following:
Fabriano Watercolor Paper (Hot Press)
Mijello Mission Gold Watercolors
Bonus:
The student feedback for this course is awesome. The class has an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. The professor herself has been rated 4.4 out of 5 as well, so I'd say the class is a pretty safe bet.
Intro to Fashion Illustration Course - $29.99 usually, but on sale for $10.99
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3. Fashion Cutting And Making for Absolute Beginners
Image: udemy
Pattern cutting is an essential part of the design process and the instructor of this class says she's been a pattern maker for over a decade, working with high-end fashion designers in London. This video lecture course will teach you how to take a 2D illustration and turn it into a 3D wearable garment. This course is ideal for fashion students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, as well as industry professionals who are seeking to advance their sewing skills.
What you'll learn:
Pattern cutting basics
Equipment required
Basic garment construction
Necklines and Seems
How to sew a basic shift dress
How to sew simple pencil dress
What you'll need:
You'll need a basic bodice block and pattern making materials. You'll also need equipment to help you with fabric cutting.
Critique:
Some 56 percent of students give the class 5 stars but of the ones who didn't enjoy it, a few cited that some of the lectures are a bit repetitive. However, no matter when you want to be in fashion, it never hurts to know something about garment construction.
Fashion Cutting and Making Course - $11.99
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4. How to Start a T-shirt Business / How to start a clothing line
Image: udemy
It seems like everybody has a t-shirt business these days. But don't let the Instagram likes fool you, it takes time and skill to produce a line of tees that is actually profitable. Designers need to use high quality fabrics because people can buy t-shirts anywhere for relatively low prices. The instructor of this course wants to help teach you how to start and what things to keep in mind. If you're a newbie who wants to start an online business *or* if you already make your own tees but want to learn how to market them, this course is probably for you.
What you'll learn:
How to make a plan and do research
How to choose printing method for your business
Production
Sales and Marketing
What you'll need:
For this course, all you need is an internet connection and a willingness to learn something new.
Critique:
What's great about this class is it teaches you the good stuff. It discusses issues with running a design business as well as how to assess your competition. The instructor has a 3.2 rating which isn't all that great, but odds are, you'll leave the class learning something you didn't know before.
T-shirt Design Business Course - $11.99
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5. How to Promote Your Clothing Brand
Image: Pexels
So, you have a cool collection that you want the world to see, now what? Start here. This course was designed to teach you how to set up a photo shoot as well as ways to connect with your customers using social media. You'll learn how to create and utilize your brand identity to effectively market and sell your designs.
What you'll need:
Things you probably already have: a computer, tablet, or smartphone to watch the one-hour on-demand instructional video.
What you'll learn:
Branding
Setting-up photoshoots
Social media tools
Creating your slogan
Keywords
Hashtags
Online community
Reviews:
The instructor has taught almost 3,000 students and has an average rating of 4.1, which is pretty good. Students call her class "excellent" and "straight forward," however some expressed difficulty understanding the instructor's French accent.
How to Promote Your Clothing Brand Course - $11.99
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