Starting Your Brand the Smart Way: Why Wholesale Blanks Are the Best First Step

Written By Jenna Etch

So, you’re ready to start your own clothing brand—exciting! But if you’ve already started looking into production, you’ve probably realized that custom manufacturing comes with high costs, long timelines, and overwhelming MOQs (minimum order quantities).

This is exactly why so many successful brands (even the big ones) start with high-quality wholesale blanks before diving into full product development.

At ETCH STUDIO, I help brands create premium, custom-branded merchandise using designer-quality blanks—saving you time, money, and headaches. If you want to get your brand off the ground without the risk, here’s where to start.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Brand

Before worrying about what products to sell, focus on your brand identity. Ask yourself:

  • What’s my brand’s vibe, what do we stand for?

  • Who’s my ideal customer?

  • What kind of products make sense for my brand?

A clear direction will make every decision easier—especially when choosing the right blanks and customization options.

Step 2: Start with Premium Blanks

Forget spending thousands on fabric sourcing, pattern-making, and production—starting with wholesale blanks is the best way to launch quickly and affordably.

Why?

  • Cost-effective – No massive upfront investment.

  • Lower MOQs – No need to order 500+ units just to get started.

  • Fast turnaround – Get your first collection out ASAP.

  • High quality – Work with blanks that actually feel good and last.

I always recommend Blanx Apparel—a brand I’ve been working on, specializing in premium unisex athletic blanks made in Canada. These aren’t your average blanks—they’re designed for brands that want quality over quantity.

Step 3: Customize & Make It Your Own

Now for the fun part—branding your blanks. Some of the best ways to customize:

  • Screen Printing & DTG – Perfect for bold graphics and detailed designs.

  • Embroidery – Adds a premium, long-lasting look.

  • Relabeling & Custom Tags – Small details that make your brand feel complete.

I always tell my clients: your customization is what makes the product unique—so choose quality printers and finishings that align with your brand’s aesthetic.

Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store

Once your products are ready, it’s time to sell! A Shopify store is a great place to start—it’s simple to set up and easy to scale. Make sure your site has:

  • Professional product photos – Don’t skimp here!

  • A strong brand story – People buy into brands, not just products.

  • Clear product descriptions – Include fabric details, sizing, and care instructions.

  • Easy checkout & payment options – The smoother the process, the better.

Pro tip: Consider pre-orders or limited drops—this helps you gauge interest before investing in large inventory.

Step 5: Start Marketing & Selling

Now that your store is live, it’s all about getting your brand in front of the right people. Some strategies I’ve seen work:

  • Social Media & Influencer Marketing – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are game-changers for fashion brands.

  • Email Marketing – Build a list early with exclusive discounts or early access drops.

  • Pop-Ups & IRL Selling – If possible, sell in-person at markets or events to connect with customers directly.

The key? Stay consistent—growing a brand takes time, but if you keep showing up, your audience will build.

Let’s Get Your Brand Started

If you want to launch your brand the smart way—without spending a fortune on custom development—starting with premium blanks is the move.

At ETCH STUDIO, I help brands like yours find the best blanks, navigate customization, and create a strong foundation for success.

Need help sourcing, branding, or just figuring out your next step? Let’s chat! Book a call here.

Jenna Etch