Small-Batch lingerie workshop
Run a small UK workshop making lingerie in short runs for independent brands and labels.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
370 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 14142 “Manufacture of women's underwear”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A rented unit or studio with a few machinists producing lingerie and underwear in small batches. You cut, sew, finish and pack for brands that want UK-made products in low quantities.
Your first three steps
- Visit local industrial units or studio spaces and cost rent, rates and equipment against likely orders
- Line up two or three labels willing to place trial production runs before committing to premises
- Find experienced machinists and a supplier for lace, elastics and trims
Who pays
Independent lingerie and underwear brands, online labels, designers moving from samples to production, and boutique retailers with their own range.
How it makes money
A price per garment or per production run, plus sampling and pattern grading fees. Steady repeat orders from a few labels help keep the machinists busy.
Skills that help
- Experienced lingerie or garment sewing
- Production planning and quality checks
- Managing and training machinists
- Costing and quoting jobs
Watch out for
- Employer's liability insurance once you take on staff, plus public and product liability cover
- Check fire safety, business rates and the permitted use of any unit with the landlord and council
- Check employment, minimum wage and right-to-work rules before hiring machinists
- Check product safety and labelling rules for the garments you make
- Cash flow: fabric is bought before clients pay, so agree deposits and payment terms
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a lingerie workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, machines, fabric stock and any staff. Treat this as an estimate and check your own costs, including deposits on premises.
How much can a small lingerie workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on batch sizes, how many machinists you employ and your prices. Fabric is bought before clients pay, so agree deposits. Treat these as estimates.
What rules should I check before opening a lingerie workshop?
Check employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus public and product liability cover. Also check fire safety, business rates and permitted use of a unit, employment, minimum wage and right-to-work rules, and product safety and labelling rules.
Other ways to run this business
Similar making and manufacturing ideas
Jobbing machine shop in a small unit
Make and repair one-off and short-run metal parts for local firms, farms and workshops from a rented unit.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Barrel reconditioning workshop
Rent a small unit to refurbish used barrels and sell new and reconditioned casks to drinks producers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bespoke staircase maker with a workshop
Design, build and install made-to-measure timber staircases from a small rented workshop.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local aluminium frames stockist with a small unit
Hold popular frame sizes and profiles in a small unit and supply local trades quickly, with your own delivery.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small-unit digital print shop
Run a small unit with a production digital press, offering fast short-run printing for businesses, events and walk-in customers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local natural stone yard
Stock paving, slabs and tiles in a small yard or unit and sell to trades and homeowners nearby.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises