13 Clothing Business Ideas For Housewives: How To Start A Fashion-Focused Business As A SAHM

Clothing business ideas for housewives include:

• Starting a clothing brand
• Writing a fashion blog
• Leveraging influencer marketing
• Becoming a brand ambassador
• Owning an online store

Research confirms that "the clothing industry employs over 1.8 million Americans". For a female entrepreneur interested in fashion and beauty, starting a clothing-based business can make money without just selling clothing items. Yaguara reveals that "279.90 million people buy clothing online in the USA". Additional data shows that "81.3% of millennials shop on the Internet at least one time every month". However, in 2024, personal stylists, and private shoppers are other ways to earn money in the clothing and fashion industry.

Data says that "a clothing-related business's average profit margin is between 30%-60%". To make money with a clothing business, create a unique value proposition. Next, keep overhead expenses low and offer the best user experience possible. Then, boost brand awareness and get attention from the right people to make sales and earn a steady income. In this article, we list 13 clothing business ideas for housewives. We'll also share how to start a fashion-focused business as a SAHM in 3 steps.

1. Own An eCommerce Store

Ecommerce is a business idea that sells products or services on the Internet. Social Shepherd says that "by the end of 2024, 2.71 billion people will shop online". To start your own ecommerce store, decide what products you want to sell. What's trending? What niche do you want to focus on? Who is your ideal buyer? Next, create your shop on a platform like Shopify or Wix and list your products. Include high-level images and detailed product descriptions. Set your prices and payment gateway. Then, advertise your online business on social media, with paid ads on Google, etc. Consider offering an affiliate program to increase your reach and boost brand awareness. Forbes reports that "the average online store in the USA makes $48,901 per year".

2. Dropship Athleticwear

Dropshipping is a small business idea for a housewife that requires minimum investment. As a dropshipper, you don't buy or own inventory upfront. Instead, you take orders and rely on your supplier to package, ship, and deliver items to your customers. According to Printful, "fashion is one of the top markets for dropship items." In 2024, there is a high demand for athleticwear as more people focus on physical health and well-being. Popular products include shorts, t-shirts, tracksuits, and yoga pants. 

Source In The Box suggests that "consumers spend considerably more on sportswear and athleisurewear clothing and accessories." The key to owning a profitable dropshipping business is to provide stellar customer service and give people the best shopping experience possible. Have a clear call to action. Then, list several ways people can contact you regarding questions and concerns. Include an FAQ section on your website and offer an easy return policy. This PiPi Ads merchant reports that their "gym fashion Shopify store makes $200K monthly".

3. Design T-Shirts & Hoodies

Design t-shirts and hoodies using print-on-demand technology that allows people to print items after they place an order. POD is a great business for homemakers with the creative skill or proficiency in graphic design. Data shared from Blogging Wizard reveals that "thriving POD sellers get profit margins between 40%-45%". The new trend in fashion is personalized and custom items that include a handmade craft or designs such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and yoga mats. Research suggests that "people are willing to pay 20% more for customized items." You can start this home based business with a website and a POD platform like Gelato, Teelaunch, or JetPrint for under $100. This Forbes contributor states that, "over the past two years, I've made nearly $850.50 passively and $1,160 a month actively from my designs".

4. Start A Shoe Line

A shoe line is a collection of footwear that focuses on a specific niche. How To Start An LLC says that "every year, Americans spend just under $30 billion on footwear". Starting a shoe line on the Internet is a home business that won't require a business loan. Instead of needing a ton of start-up capital to open a brick-and-mortar store, an online store offers a chance to sell your shoe line with minimal investment.

The secret is to get hyper-focused on your niche and ideal buyer. Check out the competition and research to determine if there's a gap in the market or an underserved audience. Can you offer a unique angle on a trending product? You can leverage the dropshipping method or design white-label products to sell on Amazon. Data from Step By Step Business shows that "home-based solopreneurs who sell online sell around 125 pairs of shoes each month in their first year of business". As a result, you would "make $105,000 in annual revenue and about $52,000 in profit". Additional research from Start Eazy shows that "the average profit margin for an online shoe line is between 20%-40%."

5. Sell Fabric & Patterns On Facebook Marketplace

Fabric is material made by intertwining cotton, wool, silk, and other threads to produce clothes, bedding, etc. A pattern is a template used to create clothes or garments. The Hindu states that "by 2025, the textile industry could reach a valuation of $350 billion". Selling fabric and patterns on Facebook or a similar third-party platform like Etsy or IndiePatterns is a profitable but low investment business for a homemaker. You can design patterns and sell fabric on platforms like Spoonflower, Print All Over Me (PAOM), and GraphicRiver. Threads Monthly shares testimonials from six female entrepreneurs who "started their textile businesses from scratch and are now making between $40,000 to $1+ million in sales every year".

6. Sell Women's Fashion Apparel

Women's fashion apparel is clothing designed for a specific occasion. Gitnux advises that "the average American woman spends around $65 a month on clothing". To start a women's fashion apparel clothing business online, you need a website and an ecommerce platform like Shopify, BigCommerce, or Square. Next, hone in on a particular niche and target market. However, as a women entrepreneur, you have an advantage. You know what females want and the type of clothing that sells well.

Check out the competition and look at a social media platform like TikTok or Facebook to see what items are trending. Then, decide whether to use dropshipping or Amazon FBA or create your own brand. To make sales, you need to boost brand awareness. Post on social media, start a YouTube channel, or leverage paid ads to drive traffic to your site. RedPoints reveals that "the average clothing brand generates profits of $23,751-$140,935 annually based on expenses, marketing, product, and target buyers".

7. Write A Fashion Blog

A fashion blog is a business opportunity for housewives who enjoy writing and are passionate about clothing, beauty, accessories, and the fashion industry. According to Blogging Wizard, "70% of buyers like blog posts more than paid ads". Fashion blogs are a digital marketing method that shares information, tips, and trends in fashion and beauty. Some of the more popular fashion blogs focus on reviews of new and trending items.

To start a fashion blog, create a name, buy your domain on a site like WordPress, Blogger, or Ghost, and a website hosting through platforms like Hostinger or Bluehost. Next, design your website and install tracking software like BuzzSumo, SEMrush, or HubSpot. Then, create a schedule and share valuable and optimized content on your site at least 1-3 times a week. But building an online audience on the Internet takes time, consistency, and patience.

The key is to stay motivated. Give people the best answer to the questions they're asking online. Foster a loyal reader base. Then, you can monetize your blog with paid ads and sponsored content. You can make even more money online with your blog by leveraging affiliate marketing. Research shows that "fashion bloggers make 4%-40% commissions for promoting retailers on their site". Further data suggests that "the average fashion blog makes about $2,000-$5,000 monthly". This Bloggingerazzi author reports she "makes more than $17,000/month from my style blog".

8. Become A Brand Ambassador

Brand ambassadors are individuals who represent a specific company that receives monetary compensation to boost brand awareness and make more sales. A brand ambassador is one of the best business idea options for homemakers with an active online presence. Social Ladder advises that "76% of shoppers trust content posted by a 'regular' person more than the information shared by the brand". As a brand ambassador, you're the face of the company. Your job is to engage with people on social media and other online channels.

To become a brand ambassador, have a solid following and brand yourself with values similar to those of the business you wish to represent. You need to share valuable content and give people the best answers to their questions. Be transparent and genuine. Then, market yourself or find brands to work with. In 2024, popular clothing brands looking for ambassadors include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bombshell Curves, and Gemini by Guy. According to Glassdoor, "the average brand ambassador earns a salary of $42,000 per year. However, top ambassadors can make even more, and some have claimed an annual income of over $100,000".

9. Become An Influencer

An influencer is someone on social media who can convince others to purchase a product or service of the business owner they promote. HubSpot says that in 2024, "72% of Gen Z and Millennials on social media follow an influencer". An influencer is a profitable business idea for moms with an online reputation for being an authority in a particular niche or subject. To become an influencer:

1. Decide on a niche and devise a content strategy.
2. Be genuine and share valuable copy that gives readers information, reviews, and honest opinions.
3. Engage with your followers to forge a community.

Find brands looking for influencers on sites like Open Influence, GRIN, and Mavrck. Research suggests that "Instagram influencers with 10,000 followers can make $50-$250 for every sponsored post". Additional data shows "influencers with 10K-25K followers make $100-$250 per post".

10. Be A Personal Shopper

Personal shoppers receive compensation for helping others buy goods, either with them on shopping excursions or their behalf. A personal shopper is a great business idea for housewives who enjoy shopping or have children in school and some free time during the day. According to Zippia, "there are more than 66,549 employed personal shoppers in the USA". As a personal shopper, you purchase clothing or accessories for paying clients.

To be a successful personal shopper, know your customer's style, likes and dislikes, and budget restraints. Sterling Style Academy reports that "profitable personal shoppers know what brands are trending and where to find the best deals." Some have connections with retailers and can land new arrivals before they hit the shelves. You can find personal shopping jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed. Or check out postings on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Current data suggests that "the average personal shopper in the USA makes an annual of $50,000-$70,000".

11. Design Fashion Websites

Fashion websites are web pages that share content about the fashion industry, a particular brand, or an online store. Each website has one domain name and web server and is used to sell products, educate buyers, or provide a channel for social networking. Online Dasher suggests that "62% of people buy clothes and accessories online in 2024". Designing fashion websites is a lucrative idea for women who are computer savvy and understand the nuances of UX, logo and branding design, and intuitive navigation that is user-friendly.

Other than looks, fashion website design is about style. There are tons of styles in fashion, including Bohemian, Street, Chic, Ethnic, Artsy, and Sexy. Your website should reflect the principal style of the items you intend to sell and speak to your ideal buyer. Coursera reports that "the average website designer makes $64,193 per year" in the USA."

12. Become A Personal Stylist

Personal stylists suggest new fashion trends, colors, makeup accessories, and clothes to clientele on a 1:1 basis. A personal stylist doesn't work in a beauty parlor or beauty salon. Instead, they're independent contractors who help people revise their current wardrobes and find new pieces to complement what they have to enhance their unique style. The goal of a personal stylist is to make clients look and feel their best. Zippia states that in 2024, "there are more than 12,384 personal stylists in the USA".

A personal stylist clothing business is flexible, and there are options to work online as an image consultant. Then, you broaden your reach and can connect with potential customers worldwide. Sterling Style Academy says, "your education, experience, and clientele dictate how much you can make." However, data from Salary.com reports that "the average luxury personal stylist in the USA charges $100-$300 an hour". Additional research reveals that "the average personal shopper makes $49,500-%87,500 a year".

13. Resell Clothes On eBay

Reselling or retail arbitrage is buying items at a low cost from one wholesaler and reselling them on another platform for a higher price tag to earn a profit. Small Biz Trends states, "eBay has a user base of over 133 million buyers and hosts over 18 million sellers in a large range of products and categories". Reselling clothes on eBay is a low-cost clothing business for housewives that doesn't require a personal loan or a ton of upfront capital. Instead, check out garage and yard sales, thrift stores, clearance sales, and auctions.

The idea is to find things people want to buy for the lowest price you can and then resell them on eBay at a marked-up price. For example, finding out-of-season goods can be a very profitable small business idea. Then, keep your items until it's time to sell, like buying summer clothes during winter or Christmas gifts after the festive season. Business of Apps informs that "the average shopper on eBay spends $550 a year".

This Reddit user shares, "I sell a lot of clothes on eBay, mostly men's but some women's too. My return rate is under 2%." Another Reddit post commentator states," I have found that eBay has good seller protection, assuming you are indeed a good, reliable, trustworthy seller. No complaints. Doing about $10k a month gross".

How To Start A Fashion-Focused Business From Home In 3 Steps

The three steps to starting a clothing business include:

1. Pick your clothing niche and create a brand.
2. Choose what clothing items you want to sell and source reliable suppliers.
3. Create an online clothing store and market your business.

1. Pick Your Clothing Niche & Create Your Brand

Decide on your clothing niche. Who is your ideal buyer? What is your unique value proposition? Will you offer eco-friendly and sustainable products or cater to an underserved market? Research and access the competition. What's selling well? Can you suggest a better item than what's available or can you design something new?

Use tools like Google Trends, social media analytics, or third-party software like SpyFu or Social Blade. Next, develop a brand that is recognized and trusted by your target market. Have a clear value statement and message. Then, get uber-focused and refine your niche. See what works and where you need to make changes to get a steady flow of paying customers.

2. Choose What Clothing You Want To Sell & Find Suppliers

Choose your clothing products and the items you want to sell. In 2024, the most in-demand clothing business ideas for housewives include costume clothing and accessories, sunglasses and eyewear, trending and high-end fashion, purses, and handbags. Next, find suppliers. You want to have more than one supplier and source wholesalers in your area so you and your customers don't have to wait 6 weeks or more to ship from China.

A few popular options for clothing suppliers in the USA include Bellewholesale, LAShowroom, and Brands Gateway. The secret is to order test pieces to assess the quality of the items you sell. But make sure your suppliers offer an easy return or exchange policy. Then, you eliminate any issues with customer complaints or negative reviews.

3. Create Your Online Store & Market Your Clothing Business

Build your online clothing store using an ecommerce platform like BigCommerce, Shopify, or WooCommerce. Next, find your products and design your store. What is the look you're going for? What color scheme do you want to use? Keep your design simple and harmonious. Make your site easy to navigate. Include any features you want to offer your shoppers, like an immersive AI platform like Wanna that lets people try on clothes virtually before buying.

Then, list your items with compelling product descriptions and images from various angles and add specific categories. Establish your payment gateway and options. Will you charge for delivery or offer free shipping? What carrier will you use? Will you offer a pickup option? Once you've created your site, promote your clothing brand on social channels like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Leverage paid ads and creatives that get people to stop their mindless scrolling and take action. 

What Is The Best Business In Clothing?

The best businesses in clothing in 2024 include:

• Print-on-demand and personalized graphic design
• Inclusive clothing lines
• An online fashion store
• Clothing rentals

The type of clothing that sells the most is casual and everyday wear like jeans, leggings, t-shirts, and tops. Athleticwear is also a top seller with the primary focus on sports bras and yoga pants. Retail Drive suggests that in 2024, "96% of buyers shop online for casual clothing".

What Are The Challenges Of Starting A Clothing Business For Housewives?

Challenges of starting a clothing business include:

• Issues with the supply chain
• Sustainability and textile waste
• The increased costs of production
• High levels of competition and inflation

The biggest challenge of starting a clothing business for homemakers is getting customers. Creating an online presence takes time and money. You're competing against global giants like Amazon, with a trusted consumer base. Digitalcommerce360 reveals that "there are over 14 million e-commerce sites in the USA". Other challenges for moms starting a clothing business from home include not knowing how or where to market their brand, negative reviews, refunds, and returns, and not researching your ideal buyer well enough. 

How Does The Local Lead Generation Business Model Compare To A Clothing Business?

A clothing business is a way for housewives to make money. However, fashion is a competitive industry. Apparel Entrepreneurship states that, "the fashion market is highly competitive and oversaturated with new brands trying to get buyers' attention." Developing a brand name that gets your clothing-related business noticed takes time. In addition, fashion trends are constantly changing. You need to stay ahead of the curve. Know what items are selling well and when to pivot.

With the local lead generation business model, you develop a specific skill set in a market with unlimited potential. The USA has 41,690 unique zip codes. Each one represents a local market. You build and rank websites in one location that offer one service. The focus with lead gen is on the local market. So, you're not competing at a national level like you would with a fashion blog or e-commerce store. As a result, your lead gen sites get to the top of the Google search engines in under six months. 

At the top, they're in front of a ton of people who are searching for the service you provide. Those sites start producing leads you sell to a small business owner for profit margins as high as 85%-90%. Each site takes 10-15 hours to build and rank and costs around $100 per site. I built this site above in about 12 hours and it's been ranking on Google since 2015. Ongoing expenses are under $100 a year to cover the costs of your web hosting, domain name, and tracking number. But the sites and the leads belong to you. You own valuable digital real estate that produces some of the best leads on the Internet.

HubSpot reports "that SEO (organic) leads have a close rate of 14.6%". Once you understand the process, it's easy to scale your lead generation business in as little as 10 hours a week. You can build and rank websites anywhere; there's no ceiling to how many sites you can own. But each site can make $500-$3,000 a month of passive income. Check out this local lead generation program if you want more information on how you can start your lead generation business today.