YOUR GUIDE TO CREATING

A SUCCESSFUL STREETWEAR BRAND

Build your
own Brand
Determination
& Success

Streetwear originated from the streets and

subcultures of cities, particularly in the United
States in the 1980s. It emerged as a response
to the influence of hip-hop music and the
skateboarding culture that were gaining popularity
at the time. Streetwear was initially a way for
individuals to express their personal style and
represent their affiliation with these subcultures.

Over the years, streetwear has evolved and

expanded its influence globally. It has become
a dominant force in the fashion industry, with
collaborations between streetwear brands and
high-end fashion houses and the establishment
of dedicated streetwear boutiques and influential
streetwear media outlets.

Fast forward to today and the advent of technology,

it’s now more attainable than ever to start your
very own brand. Quality blank wholesalers, print on
demand and platforms like Shopify and Instagram
allow you to showcase your ideas to the world.

While the dream of being a brand owner and

being your own boss is seemingly closer than ever,
creating a streetwear brand requires creativity,
dedication, and a strong understanding of your

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target audience. In this guide, we’ll provide some
essential steps to help you lay a solid foundation for
your brand’s success.

With the streetwear landscape continuously

evolves, with new brands arriving on the scene and
existing ones pushing boundaries. Stay true to your
vision, adapt to market trends, and connect with
your customers on a deeper level. And remember,
we’re here to help you begin your journey to
become the next big brand.

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Creating
an empire You’re here. Check out the
following pages of this guide to
learn more about the streetwear
industry’s best-kept secrets.
Start here Keep going. The hustle doesn't stop here.

1. 3. 4. 4. 5. 7. 8.
DEFINE YOUR BRAND PURPOSE DEVELOP A NAME & LOGO CHOOSE
CHOOSE THETHE RIGHT
RIGHT PRODUCTS
PRODUCTS BUILD AN ONLINE PRESENCE CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVE AND DON’T GO BROKE
INNOVATE
Determine the unique elements Choose a memorable name and TheThe most
most essential
essential step
step in starting
in starting Create a website and social Managing cash flow, budgets
that will set your brand apart. logo that reflects your brand’s a Streetwear brand is
a Streetwear brand is selectingselecting media accounts to showcase Stay on top of streetwear and setting sales goals can feel
Consider your audience, the personality. Consult with graphic andand offering
offering thethe right
right products
products your brand and products. Use trends and adapt your brand overwhelming. This guide gives
style and aesthetic you want designers or branding specialists to your
to your audience.
audience. Your
Your products
products visually appealing photography accordingly. Launch new you knowledge about product
to convey, and the values and if needed. Ensure the brand must meet the highest
must meet the highest standards standards and engage with your target collections regularly, collaborate creation and more innovative
messages you want your brand name you’ve chosen isn’t being of quality and craftsmanship. By By
of quality and craftsmanship. audience through captivating with artists or designers, and ways to start small (i.e. Inventory
to represent. used by anyone else, and begin working
working with
with reliable
reliable suppliers
suppliers content. Develop a content explore unique marketing level, product development &
the trademarking process. or manufacturers
or manufacturers whowho
cancan strategy to build brand awareness opportunities. Continual branding choices) to ensure
consistently deliver thethe
consistently deliver desired
desired and generate interest. innovation and creativity will help your cash position is as robust
level of quality, you will be
level of quality, you will be able able
to to your brand stay relevant in the as possible in the early days.
build strong trust and loyalty
build strong trust and loyalty from from ever-evolving streetwear industry. While your spending on product
your
your customers.
customers. creation to selling will be a
significant budget item, you will
2. 6.
also need to plan on other vital
CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN SET UP ECOMMERCE
expenditures such as marketing,
Develop a comprehensive CAPABILITIES
packaging, shipping, logistics,
business plan that outlines Integrate an online store into subscriptions, staffing, legal,
your brand’s vision, mission, your website or utilize third-party design & branding.
target market, product range, platforms to sell your streetwear
marketing strategies and financial products. Provide a user-friendly,
projections. This plan will serve secure platform and offer various
as the road map for your brand’s payment options.
growth and will be crucial to
keeping you on track.

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Designing a streetwear collection from

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scratch can be daunting, time-consuming
and costly, especially if you want to
customize every piece in your collection.

Pssst. Try blanks

One of the industry’s best-kept secrets is that many SCALABILITY: As your brand grows and demand
streetwear brands employ a little-known strategy: increases, using blanks allows for more effortless
utilizing blanks. So, what does this mean for you? scalability. Suppliers can provide larger quantities
of blanks as needed, helping you manage inventory
As a startup, it’s understandable to be looking to more efficiently. They also allow fast restocks,
keep costs in check. Quality product is one area that which can be particularly beneficial if you receive
will seem to be more expensive initially. However, rapid demand for your streetwear brand.
inferior raw materials often lead to increased
returns, refunds, and a detrimental effect on brand FOCUS ON BRANDING AND GRAPHICS: Using
perception. Consequently, this can result in lost blanks, you can prioritize branding and graphics
sales and revenue down the line. Reputation is key to establish a distinct visual identity for your
and can take you a long way in the fashion industry. streetwear brand. Instead of heavily investing in the
construction of garments, you can channel your
Fortunately, quality blanks provide a middle ground resources into your brand’s visual identity.
where the margin is still healthy and quality has
been thoroughly vetted. AS Colour offers premium blanks with no minimum
order quantities, making it easy for you to get “One of our go-to brands for
USING PREMIUM BLANKS FOR YOUR BRAND
premium quality blanks.”
started with a low initial investment. This also allows
OFFERS SEVERAL ADVANTAGES you to experiment with different decoration and
printing methods until you find what works.
COST EFFECTIVENESS: Using blanks can be
more cost-effective compared to cut-and-sew @SUPERIOR INK, USA
manufacturing. Blanks are pre-made garments you
can purchase with no minimums or in bulk from
suppliers, often at lower prices. Using blanks can
help lower your initial investment and production
costs, making it more accessible for a new brand
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with a limited budget.

VARIETY AND FLEXIBILITY: Blanks suppliers

offer a wide range of sizes, colors, styles and
fabric options, meaning you can cater to different
customer preferences and expand your product
offering relatively quickly. It also allows you to
experiment with designs and adjust based on
market feedback, all without committing to large
quantities upfront.

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 “Best in the game,
Best blanks in the game
right now.”
@RATTSKATECO, USA

HOW TO DISTINGUISH A QUALITY BLANK

Cotton is a popular material used in many blank
products due to its breathability, comfort, and
durability. When selecting cotton, it’s essential
to consider the fabric weight. The weight of the
fabric can affect the look and feel of the product.
For example, a lighter-weight fabric may be more
suitable for t-shirts, while a heavier-weight fabric
may work better for hoodies or jackets.

The quality of the raw materials used also

significantly affects the garment’s end quality.
AS Colour only uses premium cotton, so AS Colour
blanks have the industry’s best finish and hand feel.
Using only premium cotton gives a much smoother
printing surface, ensuring your selected decoration
technique will look better and last longer.

When selecting your garments, make sure you

purchase from reputable suppliers; look for
suppliers with a track record of providing premium
materials that are ethically sourced and sustainable.

Thankfully AS Colour has done the hard work

for you. All AS Colour blanks have been sustainably
sourced using the highest quality raw materials,
undergone rigorous development and testing,
and have been certified and are trusted by many
streetwear brands as their preferred premium blank.

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When creating a successful streetwear
brand, some must-have products resonate
with the streetwear culture and attract
customers. Here are some essential items
that you should include in your range:

StreetwearStaples
T SHIRTS AND LONGSLEEVES HEADWEAR
Graphic tees are an essential of streetwear fashion. Caps and beanies have become deeply ingrained
They’re the most popular item of clothing and can in streetwear culture and are embraced by the
be customized with graphics, logos, and other community. They offer a prominent canvas for
designs to highlight your brand’s style. T-shirts can showcasing brand names, logos, and graphics. They
be cost-effective for both you and your customer. are often seen as a unisex accessory, appealing to
Designed to embody the latest streetwear trends, a wide range of individuals.
the AS Colour Heavy (5080) or Heavy Faded (5082)
tee incorporates drop shoulder construction, a The AS Colour Surf cap (1114) is an essential
wider, boxy, oversized fit, and a heavy-weight 100% addition - its unstructured design, mid-profile
combed cotton fabric. snapback cap, and flat peak encapsulate the
streetwear aesthetic. The tear-out label feature
For a more timeless cut and fit, try the (5026) Classic allows you to brand it as your own. Depending on
tee. A brand bestseller, this is a universal tee that will the desired fit, the AS Colour Cuff (1107) or Cable
fit and work well for most future customers. (1120) beanies will have you covered.

HOODIES & SWEATSHIRTS ACCESSORIES

Hoodies & Sweatshirts have been a staple in Streetwear accessories include backpacks, tote
streetwear since its inception. Brands like Supreme, bags, shoulder bags, wallets, and socks. These
Stussy, and Bathing Ape have popularized hooded can feature brand logos or unique designs that
garments, making them iconic to streetwear. complement the streetwear look. Tote Bags can tap
into the demand for functional accessories. Leverage
Hoodies and sweatshirts offer comfort, style & the branding opportunities they provide, and use
versatility. Consider the AS Colour Relax Hood their large canvas to make your mark on the street.
(5161) or Relax Crew (5160), designed with the The more people see your logo or design on the
streetwear consumer in mind. The Relax range of streets, the more awareness and recognition your
Hoodies and Sweatshirts has inset sleeves, a boxy brand can gain within the streetwear community.
cut, drop shoulders, no drawstring, and a premium
fabric making it the perfect branding surface. Start with the (1001) Carrie Tote as a great
accessory addition to your range.

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“...AS Colour continues to be
among the highest level of
quality blanks.”
@SILK SCREEN SHIRTS, USA
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DECORATION
& Printing
SCREEN PRINTING DTG PRINTING
Screen printing is a technique that involves creating DIrect-to-Garment, or DTG printing, is a digital
a stencil, or screen, and using it to apply ink onto printing technique that allows for high-quality, full-
the fabric you are printing and is the most popular colour prints to be directly applied to garments
decoration method for streetwear brands. such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other textiles.

Screen printing produces vibrant and long-lasting DTG printing is often used for small batches of
prints, especially on fabrics such as t-shirts, hoods custom-designed t-shirts, as it allows for the
and tote bags. It is often used for printing large creation of intricate designs using multiple colors,
quantities of items, as it can be more efficient and gradients, and shades. It’s popular choice for print-
cost-effective than other printing techniques. on-demand services, where customers can order
custom apparel printed and shipped directly to
EMBROIDERY them upon purchase. Note: Most printers require
Embroidery has emerged as a captivating element cotton rich(80% minimum) fabrics for best results.
in the world of streetwear, adding a touch of artistry
and individuality to garments. Embroidery involves PLACEMENT OF DECORATION
stitching thread directly into the fabric to create The positioning of decorations on streetwear
a unique textured finish. This traditional craft has clothing is a creative choice, and designers may
seamlessly integrated into the streetwear fashion experiment with unconventional placements to push
scene. Streetwear brands now embrace machine boundaries and create unique aesthetics. The key
made embroidery as a means of storytelling and is to balance visual impact and wearability, ensuring
self-expression, transforming plain apparel into that the decorations enhance the overall design
intricate, long-lasting, eye-catching pieces. Tip: Best without compromising comfort or functionality.
suited to heavier weight fabrics 180gsm and above.
The most common positions include the left front
pocket, chest, and back, but you can choose other
areas like sleeves or pockets. Getting the position
of the print can significantly affect the overall look
and feel of the apparel.

FINDING A PRINTWEAR SPECIALIST

When looking for a good decorator, it’s essential to
select a company with a good reputation for quality
Your designs and logos need to and service. Look for a decorator specializing in
be applied to your products in a streetwear brands with experience working with
the products and designs you want to create.
way that will set your brand out Check out their portfolio and customer reviews to
from the rest of the crowd. TRANSFERS
understand their work quality and reliability.

Different decoration and printing methods are Transfers are a cost-effective decoration method AS Colour work with an established network of
available to choose from, depending on your that works well for small orders or designs with experienced decorators who are committed to
design, product type, and budget. Here are some a lot of colors. They are created by printing the delivering high-quality prints and embroidery. Visit
commonly used methods design onto transfer paper and then applying it to the Printers and Embroiderers page on our website
the product using heat. This method works well to learn more about the decoration and printing
for t-shirts, jerseys, caps and other items made of services and find the right decorator for your
cotton or polyester. streetwear brand.

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 1107 — CUFF BEANIE
Don’t go
Broke
Starting a streetwear brand from the ground up can your order based on the bell curve will help ensure
require a significant amount of investment upfront. you have the right inventory levels for each size,
You have to take into consideration purchasing including those highest in demand (Medium and
product, decorating and selling to your customer Large for Men and Small and Medium for Women).
via multiple channels. Typically higher volume Use this as a baseline for your initial orders, track
orders deliver greater profit margin, but with over your sales, and then refine future ones based on
82% of businesses failing because of cash flow historical sales data. This ensures you have the right
problems it’s important to stay lean while you’re inventory levels, reducing your risk of stockouts
generating a following. or overstocks, which can lead to lost sales or
unnecessary costs.
Working with a quality blank manufacturer with
Mens
strong inventory, offering no minimums when
Womens
purchasing is a great way to get started. You’ll
be able to sample and test new product styles
overnight. Doing this will give you a great read on
the right inventory levels, size curves, and color
makeup.

Pre-ordering and drop shipping can be an enticing

strategy for the lean fashion startup. Brands looking
to test new products or gauge customer demand
before investing in inventory, can do so without
significant upfront costs. It is however crucial to
manage customer expectations when drop shipping
to ensure a positive customer experience. Clearly Starting a brand requires dedication, creativity,
communicate the expected shipping timelines and and a deep understanding of your target audience.
any potential delays to maintain trust, and avoid A successful streetwear brand is not only about
disappointing customers. the products but also about the brand identity,
storytelling, and creating a sense of exclusivity and
Print-on-demand and made-to-order are alternative community.
strategies that also solve this cash flow problem.
By ordering garments on demand, and decorating Pay attention to the quality of your products,
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them as needed, you can keep your cash marketing strategies, and building a strong online
investment low. With higher unit prices, fewer presence to engage with your target audience
available decoration methods, and reduced profit effectively.
margins, you’ll want to transition from this strategy
to a bulk order strategy as soon as your sales have We hope this guide has inspired and equipped you
matured. with the knowledge and confidence to embark on
your own creative venture. Remember, starting a
Bulk orders are the traditional approach to apparel streetwear brand is no small feat, but with passion,
that offer the highest margins, and largest capital dedication and a solid understanding of the
outlay. To reduce your risk when ordering and industry, you can make your mark.
holding large amounts of stock it’s important to
consider the demand for each size. Breaking down

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 Enjoy SOME WORDS OF WISDOM
TO SET YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY

30% TO KICK START YOUR

Off
Blanks 5
5
Keep hustling
Manage self doubt
5 Take calculated risks
STREETWEAR BRAND
5 Keep improving & push forward
5 Embrace technology
Sign-up and qualify for a wholesale account and
receive your unique 30% discount code to use on 5 Reduce waste
your first order of blanks.
5 Keep it simple
5 Learn from your fails
C REAT E AC C O UNT
5 Good things take time
5 Don’t go broke

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