Choose one person to design for

Define a wearer, a setting and a reason to buy. A focused collection is easier to explain than a range that tries to appeal to everyone.

Build around a single hero piece

Start with one garment and two or three designs. Order samples before making promises about feel, fit or durability.

Work out the real margin

Include garment cost, printing, packaging, payment fees, shipping and the cost of returns. Gross margin is not take-home profit.

Test before you scale

Photograph a real sample, publish a size guide and collect feedback on fit. Use a small launch to learn what customers actually choose.