Own-label lingerie workshop

Design and make your own lingerie line in small batches from a rented workshop, and sell direct online.

Startup cost$5k to $25k
Monthly revenue$1.5k to $7.5k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

337 US businesses with employees in this field, -15.3% in a year

NAICS 315280 “Other cut and sew apparel manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

You design a lingerie or underwear line and make it yourself in small runs in a small rented studio or workshop, with a few sewers as you grow. You sell through your own website, markets and boutiques.

Your first three steps

  1. Develop a small first collection of 3 to 5 styles and test the fit with a group of real wearers
  2. Find fabric and trim suppliers who sell small minimums, and price each piece including your time
  3. Launch a simple online store with a pre-order drop to test demand before cutting a full run
Who pays

Shoppers who want well-fitted, made-in-USA or limited-run pieces, plus boutiques that stock independent labels.

How it makes money

Direct sales online at retail prices, plus wholesale orders from boutiques at lower margins. Made-to-order and custom sizing can support higher prices.

Skills that help
  • Pattern making and fit
  • Industrial sewing
  • Brand building and online selling
  • Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking
Watch out for
  • Check whether your city or county zoning allows light manufacturing in the space you rent
  • Check your state's sales tax registration rules, and whether you need a reseller permit for materials
  • Product liability and general liability insurance are worth checking before you sell
  • Follow FTC labeling rules for fiber content, country of origin and care instructions, and check the details for your garments
  • Unsold stock can tie up cash, so start with small runs
  • Sizing and returns can be costly for fitted garments, so set a clear returns policy

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: own-label lingerie workshop

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start your own lingerie label?

Our estimates put startup costs at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your workshop space, machines, materials and first production runs. Starting with small runs helps avoid tying up cash in unsold stock.

How much can an own-label lingerie business earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your pricing, range, sales channels and how many pieces you make. Returns on fitted garments can add cost. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.

What should I check before selling my own lingerie line?

Check whether local zoning allows light manufacturing in your rented space. Follow FTC labeling rules for fiber content, country of origin and care instructions. Check state sales tax registration, any reseller permit for materials, and product and general liability insurance.

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