How to Start a $120K/Month Clothing Line (on a Shoestring Budget)

Starting a clothing line is a dream for many and in this episode you'll learn how, step-by-step. Portland Gear founder Marcus Harvey built his love of the Portland Trail Blazers into a clothing brand with a 7-figure annual revenue. We’ll find out how starting a clothing line allowed him to flourish as an entrepreneur in this video.
Marcus launched Portland Gear in 2014 as a way to show his hometown pride and to prove to himself that he could fulfill his dream and start a clothing brand. Starting from just 2 t-shirt designs in the clothing line, they’ve expanded to a full range of hats, hoodies, and other wearables (and, yes, more t-shirts).
Their steady growth has built them a big following in Portland, with more than 360K followers on Instagram and recognition from The Portland Business Journal, which named them one of the most admired local brands two years running. If you are interested in discovering more about how to start your own clothing line with $0 dollars then this is a must watch video.
In this video, Marcus will share his insights on how to start a clothing brand, from how much it costs to get started to how he came up with his first designs. Lots of high-profile people wear their gear, including most of the Trail Blazers, and that’s given their brand excellent name recognition. It truly is an amazing story on how to make your own clothing line a true success.
We’ll find out how Marcus got Portland Gear on the local radar and how his marketing approach has shifted as the company has grown. When it comes to learning how to make a clothing line grow and prosper there is plenty of wisdom to take away from this business interview video experience.
Portland Gear brings in big revenue but it’s a small business at heart, with just 10 employees which is a true testament on just how possible it is to find the information and resources needed on how to start a clothing line with no money.
Marcus describes his staff as a “well-oiled machine” where everyone knows their roles and is committed to building the brand. We’ll find out how he cultivated this culture and how he manages his team to maximize efficiency and reach their full potential.
If you’re thinking about starting a clothing brand or finding out more about how to start a clothing company, this video is a must-watch! You can find out more about Portland Gear online at portlandgear.com.
Check out our complete guide to starting a clothing line: www.upflip.com/blog/how-to-st...
If you’re interested in buying or selling a business, then visit: www.upflip.com.
Want more? Then check out these other videos we have done on clothing business:
How to Start a Clothing Business (See How He Did It) ►
• How to Start a Clothin...
How Afshan Makes $60K/Month From Her Shoes Business ►
• How Afshan Makes $60K/...
Resources:
www.upflip.com/academy - Launch and scale your business with our expert-led Academy
www.upflip.com/equipment-list... Premier Equipment List
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:35 Why Did You Start Portland Clothing
3:08 Starting Costs and Current Costs
4:23 Product Review and Merchandise Advice
6:03 How Much Money Do You Need To Start
7:13 Profit Margins
8:54 Business Property Layout
10:25 Growing Your Business With Instagram
12:04 Gross Sales and Current Sales Goals
13:15 Marketing Do’s and Don’ts
14:33 How To Make A Shirt and Product Pricing
17:08 Initial Business Focus and Community Events
18:43 Customer Feedback
19:40 Tips & Advice
21:51 Outro
#howtostartaclothingline #startingaclothingline #clothingline

[@UpFlip]

The UpFlip Academy is now live! Learn from the best in the industry, join here: www.upflip.com/academy

[@stuartmckown4620]

Why was this re uploaded? It seemed perfectly fine but now I see that the amount of money posted has changed substantially from 1mill to 100k.

[@UpFlip]

@@stuartmckown4620 We had to change few things!

[@Filiku]

info on the heat transfer chenille plz

[@Twentytwentytunnel]

Congratulations Thanks for sharing your Journey. Tgr

[@distanzbrand7006]

Hi, I'm from Malaysia, how do I buy this brand.

[@xxiiclothing1726]

started my business at 16 years old. this video has helped me build my business better, and be able to make over $12k for charities, and helped me see my vision within my brand more than we ever saw. thank you both a million times over🙏.

[@UpFlip]

This is the best news to hear XXII clothing. We love hearing how our videos have positively affected others, and we couldn't be more grateful to you for sharing. Keep up the great work. 😀Any advice for someone just starting out in the clothing business?

[@MrAlexCollin]

how's it going

[@Casper_Ferrari]

I really love it when you say, solve the problem within yourself and other people like yours can be your customers. I love it so much. I felt that 💛

[@RedCymbals]

This is brilliant! Shows me that we are doing a bunch of things right - and some improvements to make. Thank you!

[@kingchad5936]

His timing was everything. Especially with social media.

[@y.yasemin]

Exactly

[@fatmatt1285]

Yea the @portland is like cheating lol

[@thebadger7724]

I think it was more his determination, hard work and ability

[@kamronalexander8278]

Timing was KEY and this why he was successfulz

[@Amaymay1000]

@@kamronalexander8278 yes exactly 💯. This is how the Black sunflower candle made it big too

[@accordingtoabe2211]

amazing questions and amazing responses. so many videos are about "how to start a brand" but tell you nothing but useless convoluted info that doesnt help someone starting out. this was totally worth the watch. felt like i was there asking him myself.

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it According to Abe! Are you in the same type of industry?

[@accordingtoabe2211]

@@UpFlip not yet but i will be! this video is part of my research!

[@texasclothing7288]

What an awesome video! Thank you, I've learned tons of useful information! Keep going!

[@MzPrettyWingz973]

Good for him and I love the dry cleaner rack!

[@jillhughes3647]

What an incredible and inspirational young man! 🤩

[@doronuzan]

Amazing stories, good inspiration to learn from others

[@tangho]

kept the theatre up with the masks in this one lol but i appreciated this business backstory ! that last tidbit about creating something that resonates with you. solve a personal problem to you

[@goldteethgamer5692]

for some reason im on this channel everyday dude , ik its something out here for me 🚨🚨💯

[@UpFlip]

It really is Danny. What are some thing you like to do?

[@kevingass1271]

It’s so weird because I feel like this dude and I have the exact same mindset. He’s talking about legacy for his kids and that’s all I want. He was a trouble maker as a kid and he’s introverted. It just feels like we have the same mindset. Good video.

[@UpFlip]

That's a powerful connection to make with someone 🙏

[@Cjmak808]

Great video. Thank you!

[@MBHOMEIMPROVE]

Started a clothing brand last year, very encouraging to watch this video. Thanks for sharing

[@UpFlip]

Thats awesome Mike, hope your business is doing well!

[@larealproductions9595]

What’s your website

[@elisscaliving4776]

How much did you make

[@afnanapparelltd8001]

Can i talk to you about your business?

[@tahirrana7497]

Well done, It is appreciating for creation , keep it up

[@mehmetkzltoprak2639]

thank you for informing and encouraging people...

[@UpFlip]

It's our pleasure mekmet. 😀😀These are some of the primary reasons we make our videos. Have you checked out part 2 of the video?

[@sarentet.3836]

I could definitely relate to his passion. Great info

[@crash3104]

Bro you literally deserve the world with this channel bro keep it up you are going to the moon!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks a lot Josh, we really appreciate the love and support!

[@dmitch9362]

Best video I seen so far. Other channels make things so difficult.

[@UpFlip]

This is wonderful D Mitch thank you. We try to be as transparent as possible in our videos. Are you currently in the same type of business?

[@peggybachler5952]

thank you so much Marcus for sharing - love Portland, OR - great place - it gives me hope to start my own clothing brand - in the process now

[@UpFlip]

Awesome to hear that, Peggy! Wishing you success in your business. Where are you in the process?

[@jonathanedward5062]

Just discovered this channel. Very cool and exactly what I need! Hoping to start something on the side and get out of the 9-to-5 cycle.

[@UpFlip]

You can do it!

[@elevatedmind2296]

I felt that one

[@agnsprinting]

Get ready for a 9-1am cycle. Best of luck to you sir

[@manun1]

Good luck bruv!

[@Muhayyo666]

@@agnsprinting haha it is like that bro 😅

[@darrellwillie7123]

Great interview!!

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Darrell! How's your day going?

[@bjfisher4780]

Great video!

[@SUNDAYHRS]

Great tips! We can't wait to launch SUNDAYHRS

[@nicoletiana]

i just starting my online hoodie biz and there's still so much more to learn. everything is so exciting!!! i can't wait til my business gain success :)

[@UpFlip]

You're on the right track, @NICOLETIANA. Thanks for supporting our channel!

[@tahirrana7497]

Upflip is the best , keep it up and well done…

[@ismaelolvera6763]

Dude out here 🅿️USHING 🅿️

[@UpFlip]

Yes he is Ismael!💪💪Would you support this line?

[@generationdeath8593]

This is motivation just starting my line now

[@UpFlip]

💪💪💪💪amazing!!!What type of clothing will you offer?

[@generationdeath8593]

@@UpFlip starting with a shirt line but gradually i want to move on to sweatshirts hoodies and hats. Is it better to start that way or do you feel its possible to start with 2-3 shirts, one sweatshirt and one hoodie. Thanks

[@raymondwailes9472]

Nice very great pointers

[@AllanGildea]

Excellent, thank you.

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it, Allan Gildea! ☺️

[@kevingass1271]

My boy is a introvert and I love it.

[@UpFlip]

Let's keep supporting him! 🙏

[@innercityexstrav1545]

Excellent.... 💪💪💪💪

[@KingChris0123]

this is so cool. i remember walking into his store. big respect. also it is a VERY BUSY area he is at so that must be a good 50% at least why he's doing better than i've heard thus far, but it is possible.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Chris. That's cool. Do you live in the same area as his store?

[@thanhtrungduong370]

great channel

[@podmck]

One of the best ones yet.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks Liam!

[@mohamedbolbir1566]

Best channel in business go ahead ♥️♥️♥️

[@UpFlip]

Thanks a lot Mohamed!

[@petervu9773]

very cool company !!

[@ntwaliaimevivens8707]

I like your videos man wish someday I'll get invited, when I get bigger

[@akosua8779]

As someone who plans to become a seamstress and make and own my line this is a great video for the business aspect of clothing

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful! Were you inspired to start your own clothing business? ☺️

[@Cjmak808]

Great Info! At what point did he open a store front?

[@MisterPompey]

Shout out to my guy Marcus for sharing!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Pompey. Is this the first video you've seen on the channel?

[@locobear765]

This war a great show 👏 👌 🙌 👍 💯

[@UpFlip]

We really appreciate that Loco Bear. 😀👍⭐What type of business would you like to see on the channel next?

[@bostourn]

Do you print yourselves? Do you have an outsourced company printing your designs on the clothes? Do you use Shopify or someone else?

[@mrerics3806]

Thanks

[@Allprowebtools]

Great youtube content for business! You story is inspiring and creative. It's will guide a lot of new business owner.

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate that AllProWeb. We want our channel to be helpful to others. What industry are you currently in?

[@Allprowebtools]

@@UpFlip We are a software company that helps small business owners manage their marketing campaigns, employee, tasks, etc.

[@jamessmith5420]

This video was so helpful I had to subscribe

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for the sub! :)

[@blackhistoryonsteroids8196]

He got some real jewels to share.

[@nagapranitha2557]

Thank You for these amazing and productive videos.

[@UpFlip]

You're most welcome!

[@gamin4jesus]

Another great video as always!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks a lot Emilio!

[@heyhey9282]

Every time you bring us valueable content ❤, You can also start podcasting with entrepreneurs 😃

[@UpFlip]

Yes, its in our plans this year ;)

[@albertknight8861]

New sub dude...excellent video n content loved it.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks so much Albert!

[@richieswing.902]

I’m about to start my clothing line business this video help me a lot

[@UpFlip]

That's what we want to hear! We wish you the best in this wonderful journey of yours! ❤️

[@richieswing.902]

@@UpFlip thanks

[@kennethhariston6947]

thanks for this video

[@UpFlip]

Glad we could help Kenneth!

[@MUDANETV]

I am starting my brand tomorrow.

[@Tristan-fh5ui]

How's it going

[@rochiellebevans1783]

This is awesome. All the best.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@societyraized1837]

Great story

[@IkazMedia]

not sure if i missed it but where do you get the clothes at retail price?

[@taneralbayrak5442]

Great video and business! My company also has a very good ( and cheaply priced :) ) wholesaler for materials like cotton and elastics, but also for the shirts and shorts etc... Happy to help others getting into the business!

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Taner. Please share.😀 How long have you been in business?

[@x12624]

Hi @Tanner, how do you find the manufacturer for shorts? Where do you buy the cloth? And who manufactures it ?

[@iamchris8061]

Could you help me to get into the business?

[@cortcuz]

Pushing 🅿️

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Bangemcort. Did you enjoy the video?

[@leaumaalefosio4323]

What brand of heat pressure does he use?

[@luckylondon8291]

Where to buy the stuff or cloths from ?

[@TheABILITYEquation]

Portland, Oregon born and raised. I am struggling to learn the whole POD process. I do not have any funding right now. I am at zero and trying to improve with being in recovery from an ankle operation. I have a domain name already. I have been a part of Shopify but cannot keep it going. I have thought to work on Printful to get started, but even then I still need to have funds to go towards paying. Struggling. My business is Fibromyalgia Recovery.

[@obirijosephseedorf3568]

watching from Ghana....want to build my clothing brand like this.

[@UpFlip]

You can do it Obiri!

[@louismoffett3571]

Great videos! Exactly what I need to see. Thanks! New subscriber!

[@UpFlip]

Hey Louis! Thanks for watching and subscribing! We appreciate you!

[@sthembisomthembu395]

This is great business. Iam thinking of starting my own brand as well and I want to model my business on your idea. Would it be legal/ok? From South Africa

[@RICKYSSHOW]

Upfilp God bless you for replying your fans

[@UpFlip]

We love our fans Yezzy Chainz and we really appreciate you tuning in. 😀⭐👍What type of business would you like to see on the channel next?

[@mrtuli7173]

First comment if you see this hi and i like your vids a lot

[@UpFlip]

Awesome! Glad to hear!

[@sergbelo]

Another inspiring story! I hope it inspires thousands of people to turn off their tv's, roll up their sleeves and create their future. We live in the greatest country on earth, the possibilities are endless!

[@UpFlip]

Amen!

[@daddy617forlife8]

Incredible video! Thanks very helpful

[@UpFlip]

You're very welcome!

[@Johnny-hq3cd]

Awesome video! would be interesting to see what the ratio is between online sales and the sales in the stores :)

[@kjozone6740]

P Looks like the Pittsburgh Pirates logo 😂

[@tomlandry932]

Thanks 🙏🏿 much for the video it’s full of amazing and real life ideas and advice

[@UpFlip]

That is what we strive to produce! Thanks for your support!

[@albertknight8861]

Great brand n great products....

[@UpFlip]

Yes they are!

[@Schultz82]

Why is everything a secret??? What should your first t shirt design be? What blanks should u use? How should your logo should look like???

[@marcuschatman2209]

This was a cool video. Portland plays a monumental part in the foundation of swag. Plus my name is Marcus too and I’m launching a clothing line “Viably Stylish Productions “. Anybody whose name is Marcus is a good man.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! The name Marcus is pretty cool!😀Will you sell the same types of clothing with your line?

[@alsiciliano4146]

Congratulations !!

[@UpFlip]

Cheers!

[@kimfella4770]

I appreciate the information he shared, but for me it wasn't terribly helpful. What is the first thing you need to sell? A product. Where do you source your products? How does a beginner find the best places to purchase? Do you buy from China? Did you create your own clothing packs? That's the information I was hoping for. Screen printing vs heat press, which is better, more cost effective to start with, etc.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Kim. These are all great questions. Everyones journey is different depending on life experiences, location, passion, etc. A great place to start is creating a business plan, finding a local clothing designer to see if you can shadow them and doing research on different places to purchase in your area. 😀 We wish you the best of luck on your journey. Should we have another clothing line video on the channel?

[@Novometix]

This is a really good channel

[@UpFlip]

Thanks! We appreciate your support :)

[@Novometix]

@@UpFlip What would be really helpful for most ongoing entrepreneurs is if you talk a little bit more about financial issues with your guests. the profit margin section is great, but it could go a little deeper. but just my personal preference as i am also on the brink of entrepreneurship and deal with financial issues a lot.

[@rochiellebevans1783]

Incredible story indeed. All the best Marcus.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you!

[@ahthisisgood]

Great to watch. I'd be interested in knowing (but maybe I missed it) what's the percentage breakdown of in-store sales vs Shopify sales and what % Shopify takes.

[@UpFlip]

Good question and details you would need to reach out to the business! We will also try to include information like this in upcoming business content. Thanks for sharing!

[@edwindigital4598]

Shopify Basic costs $29 per month, with 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction. The main Shopify plan costs $79 per month, with 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction. Advanced Shopify costs $299 per month, with 2.4% + 30¢ per transaction.

[@rhinotecbekasi5530]

Thanks for this inspiring Entrepreneurship video! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@UpFlip]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching. What was your favorite part of the interview?

[@24hrmood]

what is the correct NAICS CODE to use for the online clothing brand?

[@UpFlip]

Have you tried checking the NAICS website Mood? They'll ask you detail about the business and generate a code based on your response.

[@jeffdorris5321]

Lets go 💥👊💥

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for your support🙏🙏

[@samuelbustillos9844]

Que buena información saludos de México ...

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@c-note4146]

Good video. I was kinda hoping that he would offer a little more detail concerning categories such as material suppliers, production, copyrights, trademarks, financial startup assistance, etc. oh well

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for your feedback! We'll be sure to ask that next time we interview a similiar business.

[@Matt0914bball]

Trademarks are about 1k and take a white to obtain

[@c-note4146]

@@Matt0914bball that is definitely a good general tip. I found it helpful…🤔 but as I’m looking at the standard QWERTY keyboard, the letter L is nowhere near the letter T…I sure hope you meant to say “while”

[@Matt0914bball]

@@c-note4146 lol yeah I meant while! Auto correct lol there’s a couple o channels that show you how much the cost to start if I recall John Santos I think shows you how to start up with like $1500

[@c-note4146]

@@Matt0914bball With my limited knowledge of this subject, $1,500 doesn’t sound that bad. Thanks for the pointers

[@AfricanEmpress01]

Informative videos. I have subscribed. Brilliant, thank you, keep em coming! P.E.A.C.E

[@raisethestandardapparel]

Would love to chat with UpFlip about our community and brand and how we took on the whole new meaning to Raise The Standard in life!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Raise the Standard. Send us am email [e-mail]. Tell us about your business?

[@raisethestandardapparel]

@@UpFlip sent over!

[@InteractiveIdea]

They are kind of simple looking. Marketing team must be great

[@WhiteRabbitDreams]

It helped that he had customers beforehand with the printing business

[@myrandomlife5266]

This guy is very articulate and laser focused

[@UpFlip]

Yes he is and that is what it takes to be successful in business and owning a company.

[@mchi6621]

'[we want] people to be a part of the brand story with us' thats powerful wow.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@gabriellaali5263]

This my city this is so cool I wanted to start a clothing business

[@UpFlip]

Are you going to start one? :)

[@marquisjohnson9256]

Should be a copyright infringement for using the Pittsburgh pirates « P »

[@samuelbustillos9844]

Que belleza de ropa saludos de México

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@myrandomlife5266]

It’s low key the Pittsburg Pirates P.

[@UpFlip]

It does show similarities for sure.

[@sadville13]

Highkey... Guy just ripped it off.

[@BC-mm3ki]

Carl froch selling clothes

[@Beeyouarekayee8]

Damn he smart as hell the p shirts look like (primitive skate) shirts and the blue one with the flowers is dead on

[@UpFlip]

He is pretty amazing! Thanks for watching! We appreciate you.

[@Beeyouarekayee8]

@@UpFlip I’ve watched a lot of the videos I want to start a lawn care business of my own

[@djluki88]

Does he import shirts from China? And just do printing?

[@UpFlip]

Not sure where he sources his blank shirts from you may want to try reaching out.

[@TVSOUNDSYSTEM]

Away from the subject but when your doing photos for your clothing line website, do all the backgrounds need to be the same for each item of clothing or model?

[@UpFlip]

Great question! I think it depends on the type of business you have.

[@shinebrightbyul]

I believe a theme help things look cohesive, so not all photos need to look a same, but if you have a collection, it would help for it to have a theme, maybe a certain color palette or location, etc.

[@TVSOUNDSYSTEM]

@@shinebrightbyul thanks 🙏🏾

[@benfrombc]

what heat press does he use ?

[@UpFlip]

Great question. We will get back to you on that!